Denny Blaine Park

Denny Blaine draws a diverse crowd of all ages, with a mix of large groups, solo visitors, and couples. There are three distinct areas: a top grass level, a middle grass/sand level, and a sandy beach right by the water. The grassy area next to the road was brimming with nude beach-goers. With such a casual attitude from everyone, the sight of naked people strolling around from the road seemed perfectly normal. It’s a case of strength in numbers, we suppose, since the majority here embrace nudity without hesitation.

Water flotation devices are a big hit at Denny Blaine. Given the calm lake water, it’s no wonder we saw lots of people on standup paddleboards or lounging in the sun on huge inflatable islands in groups. Seattle sure knows how to enjoy its summer! Despite the ‘no dogs’ sign, there were plenty of well-behaved, leashed dogs. No one seemed bothered that we brought our furry friend along, and she had a great time swimming with the other dogs.

The beach has no vendors or nearby food options, so many visitors bring a picnic lunch. We even witnessed an Uber driver delivering pizza right to the water’s edge. He looked a bit taken aback to find himself on a nude beach — poor guy! Apparently, such deliveries are quite common here. While the small beach area can get a bit cozy, everyone is respectful and welcoming. The beach seems to get more crowded the closer you get to the water.

We spent several delightful hours here, and we were so charmed by the experience that we returned the following day at 11am for more sun-soaked relaxation. In a triumph of its own, we even managed to snag a parking spot right in front of the beach. Given the scarcity of parking spaces, this felt like a notable achievement. Be aware though, the nearby residents in this upscale neighborhood won’t hesitate to point out if you’ve parked inappropriately. Parking enforcement officers were visible on multiple occasions, ticketing wrongly parked cars.

Seattle is indeed fortunate to have a gem like Denny Blaine Beach. A visit here offers a genuinely authentic Pacific Northwest nude beach experience. And, as a bonus, you can also take a glimpse at Kurt Cobain’s house. The bench where the Nirvana front man used to sit is just across the street from the beach and serves as an informal shrine to his memory. We’d be tempted to say ‘Come As You Are’ to Denny Blaine Beach, emphasizing that everyone is welcome… but that might be a touch cheesy!

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