Chism Beach Park
Wooded Lake Washington beach with lifeguards in summer.
Quick facts
At a glance
- Neighborhood
- Old Bellevue
- Phone
- +1-425-452-6885
- Hours
- 6am-11pm
Why you'll love it
An editor's take
It is the closest Bellevue gets to a state-park swim day without leaving the city. Wooded picnic areas, a small but genuine swim beach, and a quiet fishing dock — all within a ten-minute drive of Downtown but shaded by second-growth forest that muffles the traffic.
Highlights
What makes it special
- 19 wooded acres on Lake Washington with a lifeguarded swim beach
- Lifeguards on duty noon–7pm daily through Labor Day
- Fishing dock, picnic shelter, volleyball court, and a small playground
- Wooded upper trail loop connecting the parking area to the beach
- Free admission, free parking (single lot off 96th Ave SE, arrive early on hot weekends)
- One of two full-service lifeguarded Bellevue swim beaches — the other is Meydenbauer
What you'll experience
The visit, in detail
From the parking lot, a paved switchback drops through the forest to the beach. The lawn between the parking overlook and the sand is the busy zone on hot weekends — families with coolers, canopy tents, and radios. The sand strip itself is narrow and grades quickly into deep water; strong swimmers and lap swimmers stay close to the dock. The lifeguarded swim area is roped off at a shallow depth suitable for children. The picnic shelter above the beach has grills; the upper wooded loop offers a cool, quieter alternative when the beach lawn is full.
Best time
When to visit
Weekday afternoons in July and AugustAny morning before 11:00 in summer
11:00-15:00 for swim; 17:00-19:00 for the picnic shelter
Lifeguards Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. Off-season the beach is open but unguarded. October through March the park is a quiet forest walk with lake views.
Accessibility
Getting around
- Restrooms
- Accessible restrooms near the picnic shelter
- Parking
- Free lot with two ADA stalls off 96th Ave SE
Nearby
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Bridle Trails
Come prepared
Visitor checklist
- Swim gear and a towel
- Water and snacks (no concessions on site)
- A shade layer — the beach faces west with limited natural shade
- Cash for the fishing dock (no fee, but useful if you drive on for takeout)
Practical
Know before you go
The parking lot is the constraint, not the beach. On hot July and August weekends the lot fills between 11am and noon and the park closes to inbound traffic until spaces open. Plan to arrive before 11am on weekends or use late afternoon. There is no concession stand — bring water and snacks. Alcohol is not permitted on the beach.
Details
Hours & contact
Hours
- Daily
- 6am-11pm
Contact
- Address
- 1175 96th Ave SE, Bellevue, WA 98004
- Phone
- +1-425-452-6885
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