Blake Walsh

15 Best Things to Do in Sammamish, WA

  • Published 2023/03/12

Located 20 miles from the Emerald City, Sammamish is a rich city and suburb of Seattle in King County, Washington.

It is known for its well-maintained neighborhoods, lush greenery, and extensive outdoor recreational activities.

Many people from neighboring cities come to experience the city’s charm and hospitality.

Sammamish has plenty of attractions to keep you busy, which are mainly focused on outdoor activities, culture, and recreation.

From hiking and biking to lakeside walks and wildlife watching, plenty of nature-filled adventures await.

Here are 15 of the best things to do in Sammamish, Washington:

Enjoy Nature Views at Pine Lake Park

Gorgeous sunset at Pine Lake Park

Dan Lewis / Shutterstock.com

While not as extensive as the great Sammamish Lake, the smaller Pine Lake within Sammamish is still a sight to behold.

Pine Lake Park offers beautiful views and many recreational opportunities for every visitor.

Located on 228th Avenue SE, Pine Lake Park is the prime destination for people looking to make the most of their Pine Lake experience.

This 19-acre lake is located along the shores of Pine Lake, boasting breathtaking views of the lake, surrounding wetlands, and lush green spaces.

It’s a great spot to go sightseeing and discover all of the natural wonders the lake has to offer, as well as the unique beauty of its surroundings.

Aerial view of Pine Lake Park

Cascade Creatives / Shutterstock.com

The park offers various amenities for visitors, such as picnic areas, playgrounds, barbecue stations, and trails.

There are also numerous facilities for sports like basketball, baseball, soccer, lacrosse, and football.

There’s also a boat launch to rent boats and kayaks to explore the lake.

With all of its natural beauty and facilities, Pine Lake Park is a popular place in Sammamish that you should consider checking out.

Get Acquainted with the Locals at East Sammamish Park

East Sammamish Park is a bustling 19-acre park in the middle of the city.

Located right next to Margaret Mead Elementary School, this park is a popular spot for kids and families enjoying picnic lunches, flying kites, or just lounging in the grass.

Its playground is one of its most well-known features; it’s an attractive and colorful area often filled with kids and is the perfect spot for family fun.

The park also boasts plenty of other amenities, including barbecue grills, picnic shelters, well-maintained public restrooms, and walking trails.

The walking trails, in particular, let you explore different native plants and trees of the park.

East Sammamish Park also has several sports fields for basketball, lacrosse, soccer, softball, and tennis.

With plenty of people at the park, it’s a great way to get acquainted with the locals and experience Sammamish’s friendly atmosphere.

Be One with Nature at Hazel Wolf Wetlands

Hazel Wolf Wetlands is a great place to take in the beauty of nature and explore the diverse outdoors that Sammamish has to offer.

Located 2.4 miles from downtown Sammamish, Hazel Wolf Wetlands is a 116-acre nature preserve and forest habitat featuring wetlands, meadows, and woodlands.

It’s a great destination to see the local fauna and flora, with its wetlands serving as a habitat for different wildlife species such as herons, ducks, and other waterfowl.

Several trails take on a scenic journey through the wetlands and forested areas, with plenty of picturesque spots along the way.

You can also discover the scenic beauty of the main trail, which is open exclusively to pedestrians and horseback riders.

You can take your dog as long as you keep it on a leash at all times; unfortunately, biking isn’t allowed.

The varied landscape at Hazel Wolf Wetlands helps support many of Sammamish’s plant life and wildlife.

With various landscapes and plenty of recreation opportunities, Hazel Wolf Wetlands is the perfect destination to get lost in nature and experience the area’s rich outdoor scene.

Enjoy a Pint at Big Block Brewing

After a long day exploring the secrets of Sammamish, there’s nothing like enjoying the company of friends over a pint of cold beer.

Fortunately, Big Block Brewing isn’t too far away; located at E Sammamish Lakeside Plaza, it’s the perfect spot to experience local flavors and ales while conversing with the locals.

At Big Block Brewing, you can enjoy a wide selection of craft beers brewed in-house that cater to any beer aficionado’s tastes.

Big Block Brewing has received numerous awards at the Washington State Brewers Festival in the past years.

Some of their award-winning brews include “The Boss” Honey Pale, Raspberry Blonde, “Berry Cuda” Blackberry Wheat, Brown Ale, Flathead Irish Red, Cherry Sour, Pineapple Habanero Pale, and more.

With its excellence in beer brewing, it’s unsurprising that Big Block Brewing attracts a wide range of visitors who are looking to indulge in some delicious craft beer.

If you appreciate a good beer, head to Big Block Brewing—it’s the perfect spot to relax and drink.

Spend a Day at Ebright Creek Park

Sammamish has plenty of amazing parks and outdoor recreational areas, and one of these is Ebright Creek Park, a great place to relax and picnic with family and friends.

Located at 212th Avenue SE in downtown Sammamish, Ebright Creek Park is a 12-acre neighborhood park that offers a variety of areas for different kinds of outdoor activities.

This park mainly features three sections: the front, middle, and back.

The front section features a parking lot and facilities for various sports like basketball, soccer, and tennis.

The front and middle sections are connected via a long wooden boardwalk with beautiful scenery.

The middle section features playgrounds and picnic shelters—an open grass area where you can play frisbee, volleyball, or other related sporting activities.

The back section lets you experience the great outdoors on a different level.

A meadow, benches, and a small loop trail go through the park.

The trail also offers beautiful views of Ebright Creek and its surrounding wetlands, making it an excellent destination for nature lovers.

Play Baseball at Beaver Lake Park

The waters of Beaver Lake Park

Dan Lewis / Shutterstock.com

With three full-sized baseball fields, there’s no reason why you should not take a day off and head to Beaver Lake Park for some recreation.

Located at 244th Ave SE, this 83-acre park is the perfect spot to play a game or two of America’s favorite pastime.

You can rent a field or play with friends or invite locals to play ball with you—either way, you’ll have a lot of fun.

Trail lined with trees at Beaver Lake Park

Steven Pavlov, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Apart from the baseball fields, Beaver Lake Park also features an off-leash dog park for pooches to have fun, picnic areas, and trails that are perfect for running and biking.

Wooded areas also lead to the nearby Beaver Lake, which is an ideal spot to cool down after a game.

Picnic shelter at Beaver Lake Park

Steven Pavlov, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Enjoy a Game of Golf at the Sahalee Country Club

Golf is one of the greatest outdoor sports of all time; however, a huge part of enjoying the game is the venue and its atmosphere.

Luckily, Sammamish has an excellent golf club perfect for any golfer—the Sahalee Country Club.

Founded in 1965, the Sahalee Country Club is located at NE Sahalee Country Club Drive, 3.8 miles north of downtown Sammamish.

Sahalee Country Club is not only recognized across the globe for its sweeping 27-hole championship course, but it’s also famous for its team of friendly and hospitable staff that’s ready to provide you with the best experience possible.

This golf club is proud to host first-class golf events suitable for people of various backgrounds.

Whether you’re a seasoned pro or an absolute novice, this course provides the ideal experience that you are looking for in a golf course.

The rich outdoor environment, quality facilities, services, stunning views, and the well-structured golf course all work perfectly together to create the ultimate golfing experience.

Entering the clubhouse is a different experience—it features a warm, inviting atmosphere that makes you feel at home.

There’s also a restaurant, lounge, bar, and an outdoor patio where you can grab a bite or have a few drinks with your friends and family.

The rich scenery, challenging greens, and outstanding service make Sahalee Country Club one of the best golf courses in Washington.

Learn How to Ride Horses at Rockmeadow Equestrian Center

Riding a horse may look intimidating and dangerous, but it’s actually a great way to relax and get out in the open air.

If you’re looking for a place that will teach you how to ride horses, there’s no better place than Rockmeadow Equestrian Center.

Located at SE 34th Street—four miles south of downtown Sammamish—Rockmeadow Equestrian Center is the perfect place for riders of all ages and skill levels.

As long as you have a passion for riding horses, you are welcome to join and participate in a horseback riding lesson.

The center has an indoor and outdoor arena and a cross-country course where riders can practice their skills and techniques.

The friendly staff will show you the ropes and ensure you’re comfortable while they take you through the basics of horse riding.

Their approach ensures you improve at riding horses at the end of every session.

Once you’re done riding horses, you can also explore the center’s facilities.

Rockmeadow Equestrian Center features turnouts, arenas, and boarding stables.

If you’re looking for a fun and exciting activity, riding horses at Rockmeadow Equestrian Center is a perfect choice.

Embrace the Great Outdoors at Soaring Eagle Regional Park

The Soaring Eagle Regional Park is an expansive oasis of nature located at East Main Drive.

Soaring Eagle Regional Park is the largest park in Sammamish, offering visitors the chance to explore its lush natural spaces in various ways.

It is perched upon Patterson Creek along the western side of the Snoqualmie River Valley, offering stunning views from the edge of the Sammamish Plateau.

The park also serves as a home to over 40 species of birds that flock to the area throughout the year, making it an excellent destination for bird watching.

It also features 12 miles of multipurpose trails perfect for hiking, walking, jogging, and cycling.

This park is well-maintained by numerous local organizations, namely the King County Parks Association, Washington Trails Association, the Boy Scouts, and the Friends of Soaring Eagle.

Together, they have helped ensure the park is well-maintained and its environment protected from any potential harm.

Cool Down at Heritage Hills Cabana

Sammamish summers are pretty short, but it gets warm quickly.

If you visit the city during this season, it’s best to head to Heritage Hills Cabana to cool down and have some fun.

Located at NE 25th Way, Heritage Hills Cabana is an outdoor swimming pool facility in a secluded environment in Heritage Hills.

The facility features two pools—a large one for the adults and a small kiddie pool—and is surrounded by lush greenery and thick trees.

Heritage Hills Cabana is available for rent, so you can host private pool parties, BBQs, and other fun activities with your family and friends.

Other Things to Do Nearby

Sammamish is surrounded by other places offering more activities and adventures that you might want to check out.

With that said, here are some of the things that you can do nearby:

See the Majestic Lake Sammamish

Sunset over the Majestic Lake Sammamish

Michael J Magee / Shutterstock.com

Lake Sammamish is a large freshwater lake located right beside the city.

This lake is a source of recreation and relaxation all year round, with visitors flocking to the site to enjoy numerous activities like swimming, boating, kayaking, sailing, and paddleboarding.

There are plenty of parks and beaches that you can visit to take in the beauty of the lake, which is also home to plenty of native wildlife like black bears, beavers, and bald eagles.

With a maximum depth of 105 feet, the lake is also teeming with freshwater fish like bass, trout, and salmon.

Great heron flying over the Majestic Lake Sammamish

Conor P. Fitzgerald / Shutterstock.com

It’s an angler’s ideal destination, offering a perfect spot for fishing enthusiasts and beginners.

You can also go on a hiking or biking trip at one of the numerous trails located on the lake’s edges, all while taking in the fresh air and peaceful scenery.

With its prominence and abundant beauty, Lake Sammamish is one of the top attractions in the city and one that you wouldn’t want to miss.

Boat docks at the Majestic Lake Sammamish

Roman Khomlyak / Shutterstock.com

Get the Full Lake Sammamish Experience at the Lake Sammamish State Park

The waters of Lake Sammamish State Park

Bill Perry / Shutterstock.com

As mentioned earlier, Lake Sammamish has plenty of activities and outdoor opportunities to enjoy.

However, no place offers a more complete experience than Lake Sammamish State Park.

Located at 2182 NW Sammamish Road in nearby Issaquah, Washington—4.7 miles away from downtown Sammamish—this park offers many outdoor activities that take full advantage of the lake’s natural environment.

These activities include swimming, kayaking, fishing, picnicking, and mountain biking.

At 531 acres, the park offers exciting outdoor recreation activities.

Picnic table at Lake Sammamish State Park

Nadia Yong / Shutterstock.com

You can go boating, explore the wetlands, or just sit back and enjoy the beautiful views of the lake.

Sunset Beach, located on the shores of Lake Sammamish, is also a great spot to relax and admire the gorgeous views of the lake.

There’s also a nearby playground where the kids can play and have fun.

To top it off, Lake Sammamish State Park offers camping opportunities, making it a great spot to spend an overnight or two.

The grounds of Lake Sammamish State Park

Mggkitsap, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

See the Animals at Cougar Mountain Zoo

Exterior of Cougar Mountain Zoo

LifeisticAC / Shutterstock.com

Cougar Mountain Zoo is another popular attraction in nearby Issaquah, Washington.

It’s located at SE 54th Street in Issaquah—8.6 miles away from downtown Sammamish—and offers a unique experience for animal lovers of all ages.

The zoo features various animals, including lions, polar bears, wolves, and even white tigers.

A young puma at Cougar Mountain Zoo

Danita Delimont / Shutterstock.com

Despite this, the zoo’s name comes from the nearby Cougar Mountain, an excellent spot for hiking if you want to explore more of the area’s local wildlife.

Aside from the animals, the zoo also features a petting zoo and animal shows, allowing you to get up close and personal with some of the zoo’s inhabitants.

A short trip to Cougar Mountain Zoo is an excellent option if you’re looking for a fun and educational outing.

A siberian tiger at Cougar Mountain Zoo

Michael J Magee / Shutterstock.com

Visit the Historic Marymoor Park

A bridge at Marymoor Park

Mariusz S. Jurgielewicz / Shutterstock.com

Marymoor Park in nearby Redmond, Washington—6.4 miles away from downtown Sammamish—is known as the oldest and most popular park in King County.

Located at the opposite end of Lake Sammamish, this 640-acre park still thrives, offering numerous outdoor activities, such as hiking and biking, various sports fields, an off-leash dog park, and an outdoor amphitheater.

A trademark feature of this park is its rock climbing wall and beautiful riverside trails, offering an excellent opportunity to take in some of the area’s natural beauty.

A french bulldog at Marymoor Park

Michael J Magee / Shutterstock.com

The Marymoor Park amphitheater is also a common venue for numerous concerts and events during the summer season.

If you’re looking for a great outdoor experience that won’t break the bank, Marymoor Park in Redmond is worth checking out.

Trail with foliage at Marymoor Park

Michael J Magee / Shutterstock.com

Have Fun at Remlinger Farms

Halloween at Remlinger Farms

Danita Delimont / Shutterstock.com

Remlinger Farms is a famous working farm and amusement park in Carnation, Washington.

Located 9.7 miles from downtown Sammamish, this 350-acre farm offers a great way to spend the day, with plenty of activities and attractions for visitors of all ages.

The amusement center is open to the public for six months throughout the year and offers a variety of attractions.

There are plenty of amusement rides, u-pick fields, corn mazes, and other entertainment options, including a petting zoo and a live steam train ride.

Tracks through Remlinger Farms

ragesoss, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The farm is also well-known for its fresh produce, such as berries, corn, and pumpkins.

You can also tour the farm and discover the secrets of farm life and how the farm functions.

If you’re looking for a fun and educational way to spend the day, Remlinger Farms is an excellent choice.

Final Thoughts

With a plethora of outdoor attractions to choose from, Sammamish is a great place to visit for tourists and locals alike.

It’s a refreshing escape from the hustle and bustle of city life, offering a great mix of outdoor activities, nature-filled attractions, and plenty of family-friendly entertainment.

If you’re excited to visit this charming city in the Pacific Northwest, start planning your trip starting with this list of the best things to do in Sammamish, Washington.

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