🌊 Meydenbauer Bay Park

📍 Location: Downtown Bellevue, Washington
⏳ Recommended time: 45–90 minutes
🗓️ Best time to visit: Late spring through early fall for waterfront walks, picnics, and lake views
🌐 Official information: City of Bellevue — Meydenbauer Bay Park

🌿 About the Park

Meydenbauer Bay Park is a waterfront park on Lake Washington, a short walk from Old Bellevue and Downtown Park.

The park includes a curved pedestrian pier, beach area, viewing terrace, landscaped paths, picnic spaces, a playground, shoreline restoration areas, and seasonal kayak and canoe access.

This is an easy sightseeing walk rather than a hike. The park is compact, but the sloped paths between the upper entrance and waterfront can add some elevation.

✨ Why Visit

• 🌊 Lake Washington and Meydenbauer Bay views
• 🌉 Curved pedestrian pier
• 🌿 Landscaped waterfront paths
• 🧺 Picnic and lawn areas
• 🛝 Children’s play area
• 🛶 Seasonal kayak and canoe rentals
• 📸 Sunset and waterfront photography
• 🚶 Easy connection to Old Bellevue and Downtown Park

🚶 Suggested Walk

A simple first-time route is:

1. Enter from Lake Washington Boulevard NE
2. Follow the landscaped path downhill
3. Stop at the viewing terrace
4. Walk onto the curved pedestrian pier
5. Continue past the beach and shoreline areas
6. Explore the playground and picnic spaces
7. Return uphill toward Old Bellevue

Allow extra time for photos, a picnic, or a walk into nearby Main Street.

🏊 Swimming and Water Access

The park normally includes a designated swimming beach, but water quality conditions can change quickly.

As of the latest City of Bellevue notice, the swim area is closed because of elevated bacteria levels. Check the official park page or King County swim-beach status before entering the water.

Kayak and canoe rentals may operate seasonally. Personal hand-carried watercraft must use designated launch areas and follow posted rules.

🚗 Parking and Access

The park is located at:

9899 Lake Washington Boulevard NE, Bellevue, WA 98004

Limited onsite parking is available, but spaces can fill quickly during sunny weekends and summer afternoons.

Additional options include:

• Street parking in Old Bellevue
• Downtown Bellevue parking garages
• Walking from Bellevue Downtown Park
• Rideshare or public transit

The main waterfront route is accessible, though the park sits on a slope and includes sustained inclines between the upper entrance and shoreline.

🕐 Hours and Safety

The park is open daily from 6:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.

• Check current water-quality advisories before swimming
• Supervise children near the beach, pier, and shoreline
• Stay behind railings and away from restoration areas
• Expect wet or slippery paths after rain
• Follow posted launch and boating rules
• Do not leave valuables visible inside parked vehicles

📍 Nearby Stops

Meydenbauer Bay Park pairs well with:

• 🌳 Bellevue Downtown Park
• 🍽️ Old Bellevue and Main Street restaurants
• 🛍️ Bellevue Square
• 🎨 Bellevue Arts Museum
• 🌿 Bellevue Botanical Garden
• ☕ Downtown Bellevue cafés and bakeries

✅ Useful Links

• 🌊 City of Bellevue — Meydenbauer Bay Park
• 🏊 Bellevue beach parks and lifeguard information
• 🚤 Bellevue Marina and visitor moorage
• 🌦️ King County swim-beach conditions
• 🚌 King County Metro trip planner

Swimming access, water quality, rentals, parking, and event access can change. Check current city notices before visiting.