Seattleites are no stranger to blistering summer heat, but 80-degree weather catches us unprepared. Where do we go when the heat strikes just so? Why, on the water of course! Surrounded by Lake Washington and Puget Sound, and dotted with Green Lake and Lake Union, Seattle has water access no matter what neighborhood you call home. We proudly partner with concessionaires at 5 locations where you can go out on the water for an afternoon, enjoy the sun, and not have to haul around or store your own kayak, sailboat, rowboat, or Stand Up Paddleboard (SUP)!
While Seattle Parks & Recreation does operate two facilities for small watercraft (Green Lake Small Craft Center and Mt. Baker Rowing & Sailing Center), neither location offers drop-in rentals. These facilities specialize in lessons, camps, and competitive teams.
If you’re looking for a way to cool off and explore our aquatic environment, but maybe don’t own a boat of your own, keep reading. Some locations offer free or low-cost options, see notes.
Seacrest Park (West Seattle)
Seattle Dive Tours and Alki Kayak Tours offer guided tours in saltwater around Alki Point, as well as kayak rentals by the hour or the day.
Adams Street Boat Ramp, 4200 Lake Washington Boulevard South
Seattle Paddle offers SUP rentals daily from 12-8 pm. Online reservations are recommended, but walk-ups are accepted too.
Green Lake, east shore
Green Lake Boathouse and Coffee Shop offers kayaks, paddle boats, row boats, and SUP’s for $25-$32 per hour. All reservations are first-come, first served and include paddles and life jackets.
Green Lake is unique in that there are no motorized boat launches. Paddlers at this park can enjoy the peace and quiet in a truly special way!
Magnuson Park, north shore
Sail Sand Point offers kayaks, SUPs, and small sailboats for hourly rentals. Skills tests may be required for some boats. Classes for youth, parent/child, and adults are available as well.
FREE / SCHOLARSHIP OPTION:
Sail Sand Point offers full and partial scholarships for sailing instruction. All scholarships have been awarded for 2025, but check back for 2026. See Sail Sand Point Scholarships
Lake Union Park (Downtown)
Center for Wooden Boats is a museum of historic boats on the south end of Lake Union, near MOHAI.
FREE OPTION:
Sign up for one hour of livery using your Seattle Public Library card! Read about SPL’s Museum Program.
