Background

Bellevue Downtown Park: An Urban Oasis

Escape to Bellevue's Downtown Park: a 21-acre oasis with a stunning waterfall, open green spaces, and vibrant community events.

4.8

Bellevue Downtown Park is a 21-acre green space in the heart of Bellevue, Washington, offering a tranquil escape with a circular promenade, a dramatic 240-foot waterfall, and stunning views of the city skyline and Mount Rainier [6, 16, 21]. It's a popular spot for picnics, community events, and enjoying nature within the urban core [6, 16].

A brief summary to Bellevue Downtown Park

Local tips

  • Check the City of Bellevue's website for upcoming events, including free concerts, movie nights, and festivals [6].
  • Pack a picnic and enjoy the views of the Bellevue skyline and Mount Rainier from the ten-acre lawn [6, 16].
  • Visit the Inspiration Playground for an inclusive play experience for children of all abilities [6, 11].
  • Take a stroll along the half-mile promenade and enjoy the calming sounds of the waterfall [6, 16, 21].
widget icon

Getting There

  • Walking

    From the Bellevue Transit Center, walk north on 108th Avenue NE, then turn left onto NE 4th Street. Continue west for two blocks. The park will be on your left. The walk is approximately 10 minutes [13].

  • Public Transport

    Several bus routes serve the Bellevue Downtown Park area [13, 19]. Check King County Metro or Sound Transit schedules for the most up-to-date information. The 2 Line light rail has a station in downtown Bellevue [3, 5]. From any of the downtown stations, the park is a short walk away. A single adult fare on public transport ranges from $2.25 to $3.00 [3, 5].

  • Driving

    From I-405, take the NE 4th Street exit (Exit 13A) [5]. Head east on NE 4th Street. The park will be on your right. There are two parking lots for the Downtown Park [2, 6]. The main lot is on 100th Avenue NE, and the secondary lot is on NE 1st Street near the intersection of NE 1st and 100th Avenue NE [2, 6]. Parking is free with a 3 hour maximum stay [17, 21]. Paid street parking may be implemented in late 2025 or early 2026 [20].

Unlock the Best of Bellevue Downtown Park

Buy tickets

    No tickets available

Book tours with entry

    No tours available

Book tours without entry

    No tours available

Discover more about Bellevue Downtown Park

Bellevue Downtown Park, a 21-acre oasis, provides a vibrant and serene escape in the heart of Bellevue [6, 16, 21]. Conceived in the early 1980s as Bellevue rapidly developed, the park was designed to offer a respite from the bustling city life [10, 14]. The park's design, selected through an international competition, emphasizes open space and passive recreation [10, 12]. The park features a half-mile circular promenade, bordered by shade trees and a stepped canal, leading to a 240-foot wide waterfall that dramatically cascades into a reflecting pond [6, 16, 21]. This central water feature creates a calming ambiance, inviting visitors to relax and enjoy the scenery [6, 9]. The expansive ten-acre lawn provides ample space for picnics, games, and community gatherings, all set against the backdrop of Bellevue's skyline and, on clear days, the majestic Mount Rainier [6, 16]. Bellevue Downtown Park also includes a delightful play area and formal gardens, enhancing its appeal for families and serving as a picturesque setting for various community events [6, 16]. The Inspiration Playground offers interactive and inclusive play for children of all abilities [6, 11]. The trees in the center of the park form a memorial to Eastside veterans of World War I, adding a layer of historical significance to the space [10, 14]. The park hosts numerous events throughout the year, including the Bellevue Family 4th celebration, summer movies in the park, and various concerts and arts markets [4, 6, 7].

Popular Experiences near Bellevue Downtown Park

Popular Hotels near Bellevue Downtown Park

Select Currency