Welcome to Houghton, Kirkland, WA!

Waterfront views. Exceptional Restaurants. Adorable shops. Kirkland is the perfect getaway! Attend the festival, stay overnight, dine at one of Kirkland’s signature restaurants, and enjoy activities throughout Kirkland!

10 things to do in Kirkland!

Kirkland started as a dream of a British businessman who fell in love with the area and wanted to build a steel town. The dream did not work out, but the town survived by milling wool and building ships instead. Lake Washington Shipyard on Carillon Point built 25 warships during World War II for the U.S. Navy. Kirkland has so much to offer to visitors: excellent outdoor concerts, a popular wine festival, great hotels, high quality art galleries, whale-watching tours, and a number of superb cafes and restaurants on the romantic waterfront with views of the Seattle skyline across the Pudget Sound. Certain attractions may be temporarily closed or require advance reservations. Some restaurants are currently offering pickup only. Hours/availability may have changed.


Cross Kirkland Corridor Trail, Kirkland, Washington

We are located 2 minutes walk to the Cross Kirkland Corridor. The Cross Kirkland Corridor is part of Kirkland’s revitalization and a reflection of the city’s commitment to establishing a healthy and eco-friendly community. A 5.75-mile section of the Eastside Rail Corridor will soon connect neighborhoods, schools, and businesses. Residents and visitors can now enjoy the 16-foot wide gravel interim trail that runs from 108th Ave NE to Slater Ave. Future plans are for the corridor to provide multi-modal transportation opportunities so that residents can lead a healthier lifestyle. Today it offers a playground and children’s zip line, a total-body resistance training area, a sand volleyball court, and a basketball court.

123 Fifth Avenue Kirkland, WA 98033, 425-587-3011


Doris Cooper Houghton Beach Park

Located between Carillon Point and downtown Kirkland, Doris Cooper Houghton Beach Park is the ideal place to take in some sunshine while enjoying scenic views of Lake Washington and Seattle. Easily accessible from downtown Kirkland, the park offers a swimming beach, volleyball courts, a kayak launching area, and a playground. The park is open year-round with restrooms available April – October, and a lifeguard is on duty in the summer season. The shallow swimming area for children along with the sunbathing and diving docks make the park a popular attraction on warm, sunny days. Large groups are encouraged to contact staff before visiting.

5811 Lake Washington Boulevard, Kirkland, WA, 425-587-3360


Cactus Restaurant, Kirkland, Washington

Re-opening in May after a remodeling, Cactus Restaurant is a cheerful, colorful Mexican and Southwestern outpost in downtown Kirkland with hand-painted walls and pleasant lighting. Leather banquettes invite groups to linger over premier tequilas and superb house cocktails while nibbling on delicious tapas, bocaditos, or antojitos. Sharing with friends means you can taste more of the delights the chef has to offer, but pay attention to the menu insert. It features a menu that the chef uses to experiment with dishes and treat his guests to some real treasures. If you are lucky and it is available (because the menu is constantly changing), try Braised Lamb Tacos with Tomatillo-mint salsa and Cotija cheese served on house-made corn tortillas with cumin black beans and Spanish rice.

Park Ln, Kirkland, WA 98033, 425-893-9799


Wilde Rover, Kirkland, Washington

Going to an Irish put always means good fun. At Wilde Rover, they not only offer great dinks and lots of them, but they also have excellent music by popular local bands, and the food that is far from your traditional pub grub. They take their food seriously here. You will be treated to delights such as Smithwicked Clams and Grilled Wild sockeye salmon soaked in apple-curry puree sauce. Wilde Rover is spacious and cozy, and it’s a great place to come with a bunch of friends, but on Saturday and Sunday when they serve their legendary brunches, you should bring the whole family. There is a lot of choose from, but when in an Irish pub, go for the traditional Irish fare with two eggs, black and white pudding, Irish sausage, house-cured bacon rashers, baked beans, grilled tomato, home-fried potatoes, and Irish soda bread.

111 Central Way, Kirkland, WA 98033, 425-822-8940


The Grape Choice, Kirkland, Washington

The Grape Choice is a wine bar and shop that features impressive international vintages as well as local selections at any price, and the owners can help you find the perfect pairing or suggest a personal favorite for sipping. They host Wednesday night tastings and a variety of other special events on their calendar. A monthly selection is available for tasting by the glass or bottle, and if beer is your preference, you’ll find an international selection of that as well. Penny’s Wine Cave is a special tasting room available for groups with up to 30 people.

9 Lakeshore Plaza, Kirkland, WA 98033, 425-827-7551


132nd Square Park, Kirkland, Washington

132nd Square Park, located between 1-405 and Kirkland, is a great place between to stretch your legs and enjoy the outdoors. With its unique address at 132nd Avenue and 132nd Street, the park has manicured baseball and soccer fields, along with a playground, plenty of park benches, and a paved walking path. The 9.75-acre park offers lots of green space to play and picnic, and ample parking and restrooms are available. A popular attraction in the park is the reflexology walking path. Roll your feet along the uneven stones to experience this ancient healing art designed to improve circulation and relieve stress.


Argosy Cruises - Lake Washington Cruise

Argosy Cruises is the must-do attraction in the Puget Sound area. Their public and private cruises provide a rare opportunity to experience breath-taking scenery and Northwest tribal culture in one of the country’s most beautiful settings. One-hour sightseeing tours of Seattle Harbor are available Jan-March, and 2 1/2 -hour cruises in Ballard Locks are operated Jan-May. Scenic cruises on Lake Union celebrating Seattle’s history and industry open in March. Lake Washington cruises featuring homes of the rich and famous are available in May. Beginning April 16th, take the popular Tillicum Village Excursion complete with a fish bake and tribal show.


Marina Park, Kirkland, Washington

Come enjoy 700 feet of Lake Washington’s shoreline in the middle of beautiful downtown. Marina Park’s 3.5 acres provide the perfect spot to spend the afternoon experiencing the sites and culture of Kirkland. Visitors can fish, bike, or take a stroll and browse the sculptures and interpretive markers that make up the various points of interest. Gas grills are allowed and a gazebo can be rented for special gatherings. The park hosts a variety of special events throughout the year and offers easy access to waterfront dining. Seventy-seven boat slips are available on a first-come first-served basis, and boat launch passes can be purchased.

25 Lakeshore Plaza Dr, Kirkland, WA 98033, 425-587-3300


Juanita Beach Park, Kirkland, WA

Juanita Beach Park is where families can have the best beach experience in the Kirkland area. The park offers fun outdoor amenities and activities for visitors of all ages. Renovated in 2011, its enhanced beaches and walking paths can now be enjoyed with better parking, restrooms, and picnic areas. Horseshoe pits, volleyball areas, tennis courts, ball fields, play grounds, an open-air amphitheater, and public docks all make for a fun day at the beach. Restrooms with changing areas and concession stands along with barbeque grills and group rental facilities are available in open season. The park is closed in the winter.

9703 NE Juanita Dr, Kirkland, WA 98034, 425-587-3300


Juanita Bay Park, Kirkland, Washington

Juanita Bay Park is a beautiful 110-acre nature preserve in the middle of Kirkland’s urban area. Steal away from the bustle of the city for a peaceful walk or jog along the park’s 3,000 feet of trails and boardwalks. Relax on the lawn with a picnic lunch and take in the views of the scenic wetlands and marshes, which abound with birds, turtles, beavers, and other wildlife and fauna. Guided tours are offered the first Sunday of every month at 1 PM. Park services are closed in winter, but visitors can enjoy the benches, green spaces, and views year-round.

2201 Market St, Kirkland, WA 98033, 425-576-8805