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The first thing you notice about Kirkland is the water. It’s a city defined by its stunning access to Lake Washington.

That’s because more than a quarter of the city’s shorefront is park land, accessible to anyone. The gazebo in Marina Park is host to summer concerts and events, including the popular Kirkland Uncorked wine and food festival. It’s also a great spot for a selfie.

A little way up the road, Juanita Bay Park is always bustling with activity, rain or shine, thanks to a popular off-leash dog area, beach volleyball courts, covered picnic areas and a boat launch. It’s also a great spot to catch a glimpse of wildlife, either from the shore, a sailboat or just rent a kayak or paddle board from the on-site facility.

This vibrant neighborhood is popular with young families and many of the 50 or so city parks include playgrounds often teeming with laughing children. In 2022, Money magazine ranked Kirkland the third-best place to live in the United States. In 2023, Smart Asset rated it the No. 7 most livable small city in the country.

It’s also a neighborhood defined by the growth of the tech sector. In addition to being the home of many commuters who head to Redmond, Bellevue, and Seattle each day, Google has set up shop with a sizable campus near the Kirkland waterfront, and Meta, Apple and more than 100 other tech companies have offices in the city itself.

That mix of business and residential life results in a thriving downtown core, with new restaurants and shops opening all the time. There are also some longtime favorites like George’s, a brunch and burger spot that’s been a staple for more than 40 years.

The city is also a great place to find sophisticated cuisine and new flavors. Kathakali in the Juanita area features a modern take on traditional South Indian dishes that will challenge and thrill your taste buds. It’s a popular spot with vegetarians thanks to a wide array of offerings, but there’s something for everyone on this exciting menu.

Café Juanita is a perfect spot for date nights, featuring a menu packed with Northwest Italian favorites and a tasting menu that is among the best in town.

If you find yourself in need of some retail therapy, The Village at Totem Lake features more than 50 stores, restaurants, and spas. The 400,000-square-foot redevelopment once known as Totem Lake Mall is now considered a “lifestyle center” complete with three high-end apartment complexes. It is home to many dining options, including Serious Pie, Hanoon, Umigawa Sushi, Kati Vegan, and more.

Also, don’t miss Aria Food and Bakery, a hidden gem in the Totem Lake neighborhood that features Persian breads, sweets, sandwiches, and salads, as well as Halal pizzas with toppings you won’t see anywhere else. Try the Ghormesabzi and prepare to be blown away by the flavors.

The centrally located Kirkland Performance Center hosts acts ranging from Broadway favorites to comedians to Grammy Award-winning. The intimate theater seats less than 400 and there really isn’t a bad seat in the house.

Check out the Kirkland Corridor Trail, a nearly six-mile path that bisects the city from north to south.

After the show, amble back to the marina and enjoy a night cap at The Bottle & Bull or a quick game of putt-putt and a drink at Flatstick Pub. If golf clubs and cocktails are your can’t-miss combo, there are plenty of options, including the Lounge at Topgolf, with a variety of virtual games and plenty of real drinks.

For the outdoorsy types, be sure to check out the Cross Kirkland Corridor Trail, a nearly six-mile path that bisects the city from north to south. Bridle Trails State Park, with more than 28 miles of trails, is one of the top equestrian parks west of the Mississippi. If you’re not on horseback, though, watch where you step.

Walking is a core concept here. Kirkland is comprised of 12 neighborhoods, each with its own distinct characteristics, and while its overall walk score isn’t high, several individual neighborhoods boast scores in the 80s and 90s. The City Council has a goal to create “10-minute neighborhoods” — where work, play, shopping, and school are within a 10-minute walk from your front door.

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Known for: Waterfront/downtown
Best place to escape the work from home blues: The Urban
Walkability: 51
Median home price: $1.1 million
Surprising fact: Though founder Peter Kirk envisioned Kirkland as the “Pittsburgh of the West,” the city never had a steel mill.