Kirkland, WA

Travel Guide

Kirkland featuring street scenes
Marina Park which includes a park, a lake or waterhole and kayaking or canoeing
Marina Park showing boating, a marina and a lake or waterhole
Kirkland featuring a park and a lake or waterhole
Marina Park showing general coastal views and sailing

The lively culture of city life meets the quietness of lakeside parks in this scenic and green community.

Kirkland is a city that makes the most of its lakeside setting by offering several attractive harbors, parks and walking trails along the waterfront. Not only that, but you’ll find all the art, shopping and dining you’d expect from city life. Enjoy an array of outdoor attractions based around scenic Lake Washington.

A British entrepreneur named Peter Kirk founded the city in the 1880s. Kirk was hoping to capitalize on the national need for steel by building a factory, but a stock market crash thwarted his dreams. In the early 20th century, Kirkland became one of the primary boatbuilding and fixing towns in the northwest.

Spend your days here outdoors. Marina ParkOpens in a new window, a quayside lined with public art, picnic spots and biking routes, is one of the city’s lakefront highlights. Bring fishing rods for a day of angling out on the tranquil water.

Hop on a bike and ride the Lake Washington Loop or plummet down the slopes of Big Finn Hill Park. For something at a slower pace, join one of the walking routes that wind around the beaches and marinas.

Bring your binoculars to Juanita Bay Park. This network of wetlands near the city center brims with wildlife.

Experience the cultural side of Kirkland on one of its art walks, which take place on the second Friday of each month. Join locals touring the public art sculptures of Downtown Kirkland. Alternatively, head to one of the many galleries in the city. Try the Howard/Mandville Gallery, Parklane Gallery or the Kirkland Arts Center for a varied selection of national and local works.

Kirkland is located to the northeast of SeattleOpens in a new window, about 30 minutes away by car from both King County International Airport and Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. Visit in July and August for the hottest days and the lowest chance of rain.

One of the best ways to see Kirkland is by boat, so head out onto Lake Washington to drift along the city’s scenic coastline.

Where to stay in Kirkland

The future is NOW. You order online and they bring it to your table! Bring your phone there are no menues! High end food great service.

Bridle Trails

4.5/5(28 area reviews)

Adjacent to Bridle Trails State Park, this neighborhood boasts equestrian facilities like barns and pastures, perfect for horse enthusiasts and nature lovers.

Bridle Trails
Dinner!
#lifeatexpedia

Totem Lake

4/5(223 area reviews)

Surrounded by a 17.2-acre park, this Kirkland neighborhood features a two-acre lake and is adjacent to the Cross Kirkland Corridor linear park and trail, perfect for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.

Totem Lake
 Autumn Colors

Inglewood-Finn Hill

If you're spending some time in Inglewood-Finn Hill, Juanita Beach Park and Saint Edward State Park are top sights worth seeing.

Inglewood-Finn Hill
Kirkland featuring a park and a lake or waterhole

Norkirk

While there might not be top attractions in Norkirk, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Kirkland Performance Center and Juanita Beach Park.

Norkirk
Marina Park showing boating and a marina

Moss Bay

5/5(50 area reviews)

If you're spending some time in Moss Bay, Kirkland Performance Center and Lake Washington are top sights worth seeing.

Moss Bay
A 5.75-mile corridor through the heart of Kirkland and the first improved section of the Eastside Rail Corridor. #bikeexpedia

Central Houghton

While there might not be top attractions in Central Houghton, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Yarrow Bay Marina and Bridle Trails State Park.

Central Houghton
Motel 6 Kirkland, WA - North Kirkland
Motel 6 Kirkland, WA - North Kirkland
2 out of 5
12010 120th Place NE, Kirkland, WA
$93 nightly
The price is $105 total per night from Jul 21 to Jul 22
$105 total
Jul 21 - Jul 22
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this motel in Kirkland. Enjoy free parking, an outdoor pool, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our ...
7.2/10 Good! (1,015 reviews)
"It’s great for what it is. The walls are paper thin and there’s no wifi. The staff were awesome though. Very kind and helpful and the property was well kept."

Reviewed on Jul 11, 2025

Motel 6 Kirkland, WA - North Kirkland
Executive Hotel Pacific
Executive Hotel Pacific
3 out of 5
400 Spring St, Seattle, WA
$159 nightly
The price is $188 total per night from Jul 13 to Jul 14
$188 total
Jul 13 - Jul 14
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this hotel in Seattle. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
7.8/10 Good! (3,430 reviews)
"The whole staff is very friendly and accommodating. We were able to check in early with ease and it's walking distance to everything, like pike market, the pier, etc"

Reviewed on Jul 10, 2025

Executive Hotel Pacific
citizenM Seattle Pioneer Square
citizenM Seattle Pioneer Square
4 out of 5
60 Yesler Way, Seattle, WA
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
$189 nightly
The price is $223 total per night from Jul 13 to Jul 14
$223 total
Jul 13 - Jul 14
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Seattle. Enjoy breakfast (surcharge), a 24-hour front desk, and satellite TV channels. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (3,447 reviews)
"Found Parking. Thank goodness. Didnt want to pay $30 a night. They did close the food down early due to short staff so I had to go find a place that was open after 9pm. But they made a great recommendation. Besides that, everything was phenomenal, the room, staff, cleaning, view of the water. I go ..."

Reviewed on Jul 11, 2025

citizenM Seattle Pioneer Square
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Lakeview Hotel
Lakeview Hotel
4.5 out of 5
10830 NE 68th St, Kirkland, WA
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in Kirkland. Enjoy free WiFi, valet parking (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
9/10 Wonderful! (158 reviews)
"I wouldn't call this a "boutique" hotel but it was fine. Tough to get in/out of parking garage because of busy street/traffic. Floor in my room was wonky and uneven/coming up but they put a rug over it to hide that? Overall clean and quiet until my upstairs neighbor came home at 2 AM. Also strange ..."

Reviewed on Jun 30, 2025

Lakeview Hotel
Suite with Hot Tub -AC  - Huge Fenced Yard - Mt. Rainier View - Private Entrance
Suite with Hot Tub -AC - Huge Fenced Yard - Mt. Rainier View - Private Entrance
Kirkland
Stay at this apartment in Kirkland. Enjoy a fitness center, laundry facilities, and air conditioning. Popular attractions Chateau Ste. Michelle and 60 Acres ...
9/10 Wonderful! (42 reviews)
Super cute
"Lovely small place. Easy to get to from SeaTac. Comfortable bed. The hot tub was a nice bonus."

Reviewed on Jun 29, 2025

Suite with Hot Tub -AC - Huge Fenced Yard - Mt. Rainier View - Private Entrance
Nantucket Style Guest Cottage perfectly located near Juanita Beach in Kirkland!
Nantucket Style Guest Cottage perfectly located near Juanita Beach in Kirkland!
Kirkland
Stay at this cottage in Kirkland. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and tennis courts. Our guests praise the property condition in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (193 reviews)
Family Visit
"We returned to Marcy and Norm’s to visit our grandchildren in the area. The location of this property is handy to them, shopping, and great walking opportunities around Juanita Beach. Their property is well maintained and perfect in size."

Reviewed on Jul 5, 2025

Nantucket Style Guest Cottage perfectly located near Juanita Beach in Kirkland!
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Kirkland

4.3
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
144
5 - Excellent 44%
4 - Good
140
4 - Good 43%
3 - Okay
37
3 - Okay 11%
2 - Disappointing
1
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
3
1 - Terrible 1%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Everything is walking distance. Even the waterfront

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Beautiful community- if only the sun was out!

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler

Im more of country, quiet type of person. Kirkland was a little citish, busy for me. But had to go to a vet specialist that is in Kirkland.

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler

Little bit hard to get to the area, major traffic, The area is old and too many people

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

I have enjoy the dining and shopping options.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

Small downtown but lake front. Good restaurants.

Cities near Kirkland