Renton, WA: Gene Coulon Park on Lake Washington, and Where to Stay

Renton sits at the southern tip of Lake Washington, and its best-known attraction takes full advantage of that — 57 acres of lakefront park a short drive from anywhere in town.

Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park 5,400 feet of Lake Washington shoreline, with a swimming beach, a fishing pier, and rentals for kayaking and paddleboarding. Beyond the water there are tennis and sand volleyball courts, horseshoe pits, miles of trails with lake views, and a large, recently rebuilt playground with inclusive play elements. Ivar's and Kidd Valley both have stands right on the pier if you want fish and chips or a milkshake without leaving the park.

Events The park runs a regular calendar of things worth timing a visit around — a summer concert series, kids' fishing derbies, a 4th of July festival, and Clam Lights in the winter.