10 Things to Do in Kirkland, WA for First Time Visitors

Kirkland, Washington is a city that was founded on a dream. A businessman from Britain was enamored of the area and he decided that it was the ideal place to build a steel town. If you're planning to visit the area there are a lot of amazing things to see and do while you're there. To help give you a few ideas, we've put together a list of the top ten things you won't want to miss out on when you're visiting Kirkland, WA.

1. Visit the Kirkland Corridor

The Kirkland Corridor is one of the most amazing tourist attractions in the area. It's just under six miles of corridor that takes you through the heart of the city. We recommend taking the Interim Trail which is ten feet in width and the path is covered in crushed gravel. The trail will take you from the Park & Ride area in South Kirkland to the Totem Lake Business District. While on the trail you'll discover some of the amazing amenities that Kirkland is so famous for with a bird's eye view.

2. Take a scenic seaplane tour

When you're in Kirkland, one of the most exciting adventures offered in the area is the seaplane tours. They offer a variety of different tours. You can fly over Kirkland as well as select areas throughout the Puget Sound. While on the tour you'll learn about the history of the area that you're touring with knowledgeable guides and experienced pilots.

3. Take a Snoqualmie Falls Wine Tour

Snoqualmie Falls is located just outside of Kirkland and it is home to some of the areas best wineries. The winery tours are spectacular and while you're learning about each winery and tasting their wares, you can also get a view of the falls which are a great tourist attraction in themselves. The waterfall is massive. Booking a tour includes a trip to the falls, touring tour popular wineries and a tour of the world-famous chocolate factory. As a part of the tour, you're provided with round trip transport.

4. Visit University Village

University Village is just a short hop from Kirkland and it's a trip that's well worth making while you're in the area. It's an outdoor shopping center that consists of a variety of boutiques owned by local business people. In addition, there are several national retailers there as well as a diverse collection of restaurants and places to grab a quick bite to eat.

5. Cruise Lake Washington

Another fun and interesting thing to do when in Kirkland is to book a cruise of Lake Washington. Argosy Cruises offers multiple tours to a variety of destinations on the lake. You can either call ahead to reserve your spot or show up because they offer so many excursions that it's not usually difficult to find a few spare seats just prior to departure. The longer tours that involve dinner or show packages do require advance booking.

6. Visit the Bellevue Botanical Garden

The Bellevue Botanical Garden offers a beautiful refuge and escape from the noise and busyness of the city. The Gardens offer 53 acres of gardens which have been cultivated and cared for along with natural wetlands and restored woodlands. There is always something fun and exciting going on the gardens including summer concerts, holiday light festivals and frequent art exhibits. On occasion, they even sponsor plant sales.

7. Go Shopping at Bellevue Square

Bellevue Square offers some of the most amazing shopping in the area. It's not that far from Kirkland. They offer upscale shops as well as a variety of restaurants close to the shopping area. Here you can find one of a kind gift items or souvenirs of your trip. The venue is tastefully decorated and there are oversized kids games available including connect 5 and chess, which will make it an unforgettable trip for the entire family.

8. Spend the afternoon at the Techcity Bowl & Fun Center

The Techcity Bowl & Fun Center is a fun activity center for people who enjoy bowling. The scoring system is state of the art and out of this world. They offer special bowling evens such as Cosmic Bowl or All you can Bowl, along with themed play and other games. If a member of your group isn't that into bowling they also offer billiards and a variety of arcade games. You can grab a bite to eat at their on-site cafe as well.

9. Go to Cafe Juanita

Cafe Juanita is one of the most highly recommended places to visit if you want to sample a bit of the culture of Kirkland from the perspective of food. They offer North Italian cuisine with a small menu. They offer a wine list and modern yet healthy dishes and a Zen-like atmosphere. It's not just eating, it's a total gourmet dining experience.

10. Tour the Chainline Brewing Company

Another fun and exciting thing to do when you're in Kirkland is to tour the Chainline Brewing Company. They're the newest brewery in Kirkland and they're already famous for their Northwest Ales and Lagers. They offer special family tours where children and dogs are also welcome at outdoor events. Learn how the process works and enjoy a fascinating tour of the plant.