Broadway is the pulse of Capitol Hill â a dynamic stretch known for its food, nightlife, history, and culture. But even in this energetic corridor, you'll find plenty of places to pause, reflect, and reconnect with nature. From iconic city parks to hidden green retreats, Broadway offers a surprising number of outdoor escapes just steps away from the action.
Parks
đł 1. Cal Anderson Park: Broadwayâs Central Green
Located directly east of Broadway between Pine and Denny, Cal Anderson Park is the neighborhoodâs front yard. With open lawns, a fountain-lined reflecting pool, a skate park, and athletic fields, itâs as versatile as it is iconic. Locals come here to picnic, protest, play dodgeball, and people-watch. This is the park that defines Broadwayâs energy.
History of Cal Anderson Park
Construction of Lincoln Reservoir began in this space in 1889 and the space to the south was named Lincoln Park in 1901 when the reservoir was completed. Soon, there were complaints of men and boys who gathered to play sports while using profanity and loafing. The Olmstead Brothers drew up plans for a gatehouse, rows of trees and no baseball. However, a middle path was chosen to allow both ballplayers and less active park-goers to enjoy the space. In 1922, the Parks Department renamed it Broadway Playfield, eliminating confusion with the newly acquired Lincoln Park in West Seattle.
In 2003, the park was renamed Cal Anderson Park in memory of Washington's first openly gay state legislator. Cal Anderson had passed away in 1995.
đČ 2. Volunteer Park: A Historic Urban Sanctuary
Just a short walk northeast of Broadway, Volunteer Park blends old-world charm with open space. Itâs home to the Seattle Asian Art Museum, a dramatic water tower with views of Mount Rainier, and a lush conservatory. Families love the playground and trails; joggers loop the perimeter; dog owners gather in the off-leash area. Volunteer Park is more than a park â itâs a destination.
đȘ» 3. Streissguth Gardens
Nestled on the western slope of Capitol Hill just below Blaine Street, these terraced gardens are open to the public and maintained by the Streissguth family and volunteers. A walk through here feels almost magical â winding trails, native plants, and views of Lake Union all create a sense of escape. A favorite detour for those heading from Broadway to the lookout nearby.
đ 4. Louisa Boren Lookout: Big Views in a Quiet Spot
A few blocks southeast of Broadway, Louisa Boren Lookout offers one of the best panoramic viewpoints in the city â looking out over the Central District and toward Mount Rainier. Shaded paths, quiet benches, and sweeping views make this a local favorite for contemplative moments.
đż 5. St. Markâs Greenbelt: The Urban Forest
Behind St. Markâs Cathedral lies an unexpected surprise â a deep, wooded greenbelt with rustic trails that feel far removed from city life. It connects to Interlaken Park and offers a quiet, almost spiritual escape. You can access it from 10th Ave E or via trails just north of Volunteer Park.
đž 6. Tashkent Park: Small, Shady, and Peaceful
Tucked between apartment buildings just off Summit and Republican, Tashkent Park is a shady, serene pocket park with international roots. Opened in 1974, it commemorates Seattleâs sister city relationship with Tashkent, Uzbekistan â a cultural bridge built during the Cold War as part of a people-to-people diplomacy effort. Fourteen years later, in 1988, Tashkent returned the gesture by opening the Seattle Peace Park, further strengthening this rare US-Soviet partnership. Beyond its calm ambiance and leafy benches, Tashkent Park stands as a quiet monument to peace, international friendship, and a unique chapter in Seattleâs history.
Learn more about the Tashkent-Seattle sister city relationship on the STSCA website. Also, check out the park on Google Maps, right next to the butterfly-shaped Peace Lake.
đ 7. Summit Slope Park: Small Park, Big Views
At the corner of Summit and John, this compact park features benches, a small lawn, and sweeping views to the west. Itâs a favorite spot for dog-walkers and remote workers who just need a bit of greenery without leaving the city grid.
đŒ 8. Thomas Street Mini Park: A Sliver of Serenity
Located just east of Broadway on E Thomas St, this park is easy to miss â but worth seeking out. With a small play structure and landscaping that invites a quick pause, itâs a hidden resource for young families and locals.
BroadwayâGreenspace Is Just around the Corner
From grand civic spaces to tiny neighborhood gems, Broadwayâs parks offer more than just a break from the city â they reflect the diversity and character of Capitol Hill itself. If you're considering a move to this part of Seattle, parks like these are part of what makes Broadway such a vibrant, livable neighborhood.
đ Explore our full Broadway neighborhood guide to learn more about homes, amenities, and what itâs like to live here.
đ Sources and Further Reading
- "Volunteer Lake" by Phantomkid at Chinese Wikipedia
- Seattle - Lincoln Playfield circa 1919. Photographer unknown.
