If you are lucky enough to time your visit to Seattle during one of its amazing summers, be sure to set aside a day at the beach. Golden Gardens, Seattle residents sunbathing spot of choice, lies just past Old Ballard. This large park with its sandy beaches looks right out into the gorgeous Shilshole Bay of Puget Sound. Spend the day on your beach towel, absorbing the temperate Seattle summer sun. Or, if you’re not in the mood to laze around, try one of the countless other activities that Golden Gardens park has to offer: walk to the nearby marina, and chat with some of the friendly sailors that are always out painting and repairing their crafts. Fishing is allowed right off the docks. Take the short boardwalk trail through the newly restored wetlands, where water birds and fish are just beginning to flourish. Have a barbecue in one of the beach front fire pits, or play volleyball, while the kids play on the playground. The brick house teen center, located right on the beach, always has great activities for kids. This newly remodeled building can also be rented out for parties or weddings, if you want to hold your special event somewhere with a breathtaking backdrop. If you’re not in the mood to be around masses of people, take a walk a little further down the Golden Gardens Beach. The ground gets rockier, but you’ll probably see a few blue herons, and it‘s a great place to daydream. Sorry, environmentally conscious Seattle does not allow dogs at beach areas. But walk just up the hill, along a pleasant wooded trail, and you’ll find one of the best off leash dog runs in Seattle. And on your way out of Golden Gardens Park, make sure to stop by the family run drive in and get one of the Seattle's best (and cheapest) milkshakes. They are a widely coveted Seattle institution.