Meydenbauer Beach Park - Bellevue, Washington - Small Wooded Park in a Ravine like Setting with a Popular Swimming Hole

The Meydenbauer Beach Park is located near the heart of downtown Bellevue along the shores of Meydenbauer Bay. This busy urban area and beach offers a wide variety of outdoor activities. The park is a small couple of acres situated in a ravine like setting off the roadway bridge that leads to Lake Washington. A moderately sloped paved path leads to the beach and has off-shooting barked trails.

The park also features such amenities as covered picnic shelters and uncovered picnic areas. Water is available, but power and electricity is not. Park rental options are available to the public. The entire park may be rented as well as other rental options for wedding events, receptions, family reunions, and other events include gazebo corners or covered shelters at a rate of $75 per day. A damage deposit is required and must be paid with the rental balance on the first day of the month preceding the event. This deposit is refundable within 30 days of the end of the event, less any incurred repair costs caused by damage during the event. If the event draws more than 500 people a special event permit may be required by the city.

There is no boat launch but swimming is allowed in designated and roped off areas of the lake next to the sandy beach. The sand and gravel swimming beach is a great place to burn off some energy or kick back and soak your feet in the cool water. A fishing dock is located on -site. Seasonal lifeguards are on duty at the lake but adult supervision of children is still strongly urged. Seasonal 50 meter swim lanes are also available. Along the outskirts of the lake lies the sandy beach which provides the perfect environment for beach volleyball on the already existing sand volleyball courts. Children's play equipment is also located within the park. Open play fields are also available for soccer or Frisbee. Public restrooms are located at the park. Water is available at the restrooms.

The park boasts a woodland experience and from the parking lot, visitors hike through tall trees. The path will lead visitors directly to the bay where swimming and wave jumping may take place. The views are spectacular and inspired by the forethought of Bellevue's city planners. Grassy lawns and plants native to the area provide much of the area's landscape.

Directions to the park are relatively convenient. From Interstate 405 both northbound and southbound, taking the northeast eighth street exit and heading west leads to the park. After passing the Bellevue Square shopping center, turning left on 98th Avenue Northeast will lead guests to the park entrance, which is on the right approximately four blocks after turning.

Bringing your dog to the park is possible but restrictions do apply. Leash and scoop laws are in effect and dogs are not allowed in the park from June 1 through September 15.