Laurelhurst
45.5264° N, 122.6235° W
Welcome to Laurelhurst
Living in Laurelhurst offers the perfect mix of tranquility, natural beauty, and community charm. Nestled along the shores of Lake Washington and Union Bay, this historic Seattle neighborhood, largely developed in the 1920s, is known for its elegant homes, winding streets, and stunning waterfront views of the lake, the Cascades, and Mount Rainier.
Residents enjoy access to both the private Laurelhurst Beach Club and public spots like Waterway No. 1 for boating, swimming, or simply taking in nature. The Laurelhurst Community Center, perched atop a hill within Laurelhurst Park, provides a hub for recreation with tennis courts, athletic fields, playgrounds, and walking paths.
Families appreciate the quiet, residential feel, excellent schools, and proximity to the University of Washington, Children’s Hospital, University Village, and Magnuson Park. Whether you’re strolling along tree-lined streets, watching sunsets over the water, or enjoying a community event, Laurelhurst blends scenic beauty, suburban comfort, and a welcoming, close-knit neighborhood spirit.
Walk Score: 79
Things to Do: Laurelhurst
Waterfront
The Laurelhurst Waterfront, is a beloved community gem—one of the few public waterfront access points in the neighborhood. Locals come here to enjoy nature, launch kayaks and paddleboards, walk their dogs, or shoot hoops at the small basketball court, all while taking in serene views of Lake Washington. The At the Laurelhurst Beach Club, you can sail, take lessons, rent paddleboards and kayaks, swim, or enjoy swim lessons. The club also hosts live music, ice cream socials, and seasonal events, making it a vibrant community hub for all ages.
Park Life
Warren G. Magnuson Park, Seattle’s second-largest at 350 acres, stretches along a mile of Lake Washington shoreline and offers over four miles of walking trails, sports fields, a swimming beach, boat launch, community garden, and wetlands. The park also features captivating public art, historic Art Deco buildings from its days as a Naval airfield, and plenty of open space for picnics, recreation, and exploring nature.
Shop It Up
Shopping near Laurelhurst centers around the open-air University Village, a beautifully designed retail destination that blends local charm with upscale convenience. Here, you’ll find Backcountry, offering a curated selection of high-quality outdoor gear perfect for Pacific Northwest adventures. Reformation brings eco-conscious fashion to the forefront with chic, responsibly made clothing. From boutique finds to big-name favorites, shopping in Laurelhurst is an experience that’s both effortless and inspiring.
Wildlife
The Union Bay Natural Area is a 74-acre public wildlife haven and restoration site along Lake Washington, featuring four miles of shoreline. It’s a top spot for birdwatching, with over 200 species recorded, and is affectionately known by some locals as the Montlake Fill. Managed by the UW Botanic Gardens, the area preserves and enhances its plants, wildlife, and landscapes while serving as a living laboratory for research, education, and public enjoyment.
Trail Access
Starting your adventure on the Burke–Gilman Trail from Laurelhurst’s easy access point offers a perfect blend of nature, exercise, and scenic beauty. This beloved multi-use trail winds along Lake Washington and through tree-lined neighborhoods, making it ideal for walking, jogging, or cycling. Whether you’re out for a morning run, a leisurely weekend stroll, or a sunset ride, the Burke–Gilman is one of the best ways to experience the natural rhythm of life in Laurelhurst.
Start the Day
Start your morning by grabbing a flavorful cuppa at Gretchen’s Place and pair it with their delicious breakfast burrito for a hearty start. For a handcrafted espresso and fresh-baked treats, Seattle Sunshine Company offers a perfect pick-me-up, featuring pastries from the beloved Macrina Bakery. Whether you’re fueling up before a stroll along the water or meeting friends, these spots make coffee time in Laurelhurst a true neighborhood delight.
Ready to Start Your Next Adventure?
Living Here: A Neighborhood Snapshot
Seattle’s neighborhoods are unusually distinct and character rich because Seattle isn’t one city — it’s like a constellation of small towns that just happen to be next to each other… each with its own micro culture, its own tempo, its own aesthetic language. Coffee, pubs, bakeries, boutiques, bookstores are very neighborhood specific and beloved here. People belong to their café. Their bakery. And the architecture makes it even better — old craftsman, mid-century, modern, industrial conversions, Victorian leftovers, Scandinavian touches. Porches, gardens, hidden alleys, random staircases… it all creates this lived-in story everywhere you walk.
