5 Great Waterfront Parks in Olympia

Waterfront parks are essential to a community because they are a place where people can come to enjoy the natural scenery and take in the fresh air. Olympia is filled with fantastic waterfront parks that showcase the natural brilliance of our area. Here are a few that will be fun for the whole family. 

Squaxin Park

Formerly known as Priest Point Park, the park is a stone's throw away from the downtown area and houses a lavish rose garden and an elaborate play area for kids. From there, it’s a short hike to a picturesque waterfront that looks out onto the marina.

Squaxin Park encapsulates all of the things that make Olympia a beautiful place to visit. The park is surrounded by evergreen trees, giving it a secluded feel, and the paths are easy to hike, making it a park that is accessible to anyone. 

Tolmie State Park

Set on a spit in a cove, Tolmie State Park is remarkably close to Olympia, Tacoma, and the communities in between. The area is filled with families on summer weekends, but it can be quiet during the week, and its shaded trails provide more than three miles of hiking. A beautiful dock juts out of the woods and onto a beach teeming with sea life. 

“There are endless amounts of creatures down at the beach, trails of live sand dollars, moon snails, and shellfish for harvesting, to name a few!” agent Andi Springer says. “It’s a great day for picnicking and discovering what’s alive in our Sound."

A Discover Pass is required for vehicle access to state parks for day use. Please visit the Discover Pass webpage for more information about the Discover Pass and exemptions. 

Boston Harbor Marina

Nestled in a beautiful waterfront beyond the downtown area of Olympia, Boston Harbor provides impressive views of the waterfront and boat launches for those looking to hit the water. During the summer, the Boston Harbor Marina is the perfect place to spend lunchtime serving fish, chips, and ice cream from their small waterfront restaurant and general store.

Boston Harbor is also a perfect place to take in the Fourth of July, with food vendors serving delicious treats, local families hosting parties on their front lawns, and fireworks bursting over the water.

Westbay Park

Just over the 4th Avenue Bridge lies Westbay Park, an outside gem that has become a staple of Olympia’s developing waterfront. The small park is perfect for dog walking and taking in the bay's natural beauty.

The waterfront showcases stunning views of downtown Olympia, the capital building, and the marina. Much like Boston Harbor, Westbay Parks offers the perfect spot to watch fireworks during the summer Lakefair celebration on the grounds of the capital lake.

Burfoot Park

Just down the road from Boston Harbor Marina lies another beautiful waterfront park that highlights the wild beauty of the Olympia area. Burfoot Park covers 50 acres of property on Budd Inlet.

Guests of the park can bring their children to the giant playground and picnic area or enjoy nature trails and beach access that feature beautiful views of the State Capitol and the Olympic Mountains.