Welcome to Kirkland
A hip, modern, walkable Pacific Northwest paradise
Located on the eastern shore of Lake Washington, the community of Kirkland is a vibrant, hip, walkable paradise offering scenic waterfront views around every corner. Just a ten-mile drive from downtown Seattle, Kirkland is a quiet refuge away from the city’s buzzing center with a wide variety of leisurely activities to choose from. The pedestrian-friendly downtown is plentiful with locally-owned restaurants, wine bars, and some of the best coffee in the nation. A number of lush, green parks are scattered throughout the neighborhood, many of which enjoy lakefront locations.
The land around Lake Washington was first inhabited by Native Americans, with English settlers arriving in the mid-1800s. Peter Kirk, whom Kirkland is named for, arrived in 1886 after hearing of the region’s iron deposits. After purchasing several thousand acres of land (which is now downtown Kirkland), the community began to flourish with the building of a steel mill, the establishment of ferry businesses, and the development of residential subdivisions. Today, Kirkland is a hip, bustling, modern neighborhood set among the natural, untouched beauty of the Pacific Northwest.
What to Love
- Kirkland is home to a high number of parks and trails, providing residents with an endless amount of outdoor activities
- Downtown is very pedestrian-friendly, featuring a walk score of 90/100
- The community holds several events throughout the year, like winetastings and seasonal festivals
- Kirkland is only a ten-mile drive from downtown Seattle, making commutes into the city easy and convenient
Local Lifestyle
Kirkland offers its residents a quiet retreat from the hustle and bustle of inner-city life. Many mornings begin with a hot cup of coffee from one of the several nearby coffee houses. A walk along the shores of Lake Washington is sure to follow shortly after, along with brunch and shopping downtown. If the occasional day out of town is in order, several popular wine towns, like Woodinville, are a very short ten-mile drive away. The Pacific Northwest is also home to many large mountain ranges and national parks, making weekend getaways perfectly simple.
Dining, Entertainment, & Shopping
Downtown Kirkland is a lively, walkable hotspot on the weekends. Close proximity to the Lake Washington waterfront allows for breathtaking views in this region best-known for its coffee, seafood, and unbeaten scenic beauty.
One of Kirkland’s most upscale, chic eateries can be found at Volterra. Specializing in Tuscan-centric Italian fare, Volterra is well-known for its crab ravioli, lamb meatballs, decadent tiramisu, and extensive wine selection. Another equally luxurious hotspot can be found just outside of downtown on Lake Washington at Le Grand Bistro Américain. This bistro serves French fare with an American vibe, accompanied by outdoor seating on the lake. Some of their top dishes include steak fries topped with compote butter, duck confit, and fresh Washington state seafood straight from the ocean.
A nearby, more casual option can be found at BeachHouse Bar + Grill. This relaxed, waterfront spot serves comforting northwestern cuisine like fish and chips, crabcakes, wild Alaskan salmon burgers, and Dungeness crab mac and cheese. Their weekend brunch is not to be missed, featuring seafood additions to well-loved midday classics.
A fine way to walk off brunch is to head back downtown to one of the many locally-owned boutiques and museums, like the Parklane Gallery. Since 1991, Parklane Gallery has been treating spectators to seasonal viewings in a variety of mediums. Artistic works are available in a number of sizes to take home and decorate or give away as special gifts.
Things To Do
There is no shortage of outdoor activities in Kirkland. Juanita Bay, on the northern end of town, is home to a popular park and beach. Juanita Bay Park spans across 110 acres and is the perfect place for nature watching and hiking. Juanita Beach Park features a playground, sporting fields, fishing, and sand volleyball areas right on the beach. Kirkland also hosts several events throughout the year, ensuring there is always something on the calendar to look forward to. A few of these include the Winter Market, the Sip Kirkland wine tasting festival, or fireworks viewed from Marina Park.
Schools
The children of Kirkland residents are afforded access to wonderful schools. One prominent option is:
- Lake Washington High School, grades 9-12; LWHS offers over 40 different clubs and interest groups for students, several electives, a high number of advanced placement courses, and dual-credit opportunities. LWHS students tend to score very high on the SAT and ACT each year.
