Bordered by the towns of Kirkland and Bellevue, Lake Washington is home to Mercer Island. The Lake Washington Ship Canal connects the lake to the Puget Sound. Plenty of shoreline lets visitors take in the lake’s inherent natural beauty through activities such as swimming, picnicking, and hunting for clams and crawfish. Other attractions include the Kurt Cobain bench, a cultural memorial that pays homage both to the Nirvana legend and to downtown Seattle’s vibrant music scene.
Sightseeing tours here often include a Lake Washington cruise (many with live narration from a captain or naturalist guide), views of some of the lake’s opulent waterfront homes, and a visit to the floating bridge. Some tours combine stops at Seattle’s other major water features—Lake Union and the Puget Sound—via boat, ground transportation, or even seaplane. Another option is a dinner harbor cruise, which allows you to enjoy the sunset over the water after spending the day enjoying other activities. The University of Washington operates a boat rental facility in Union Bay, where you can rent a boat and explore under your own steam in a rowboat or canoe.