Cal Anderson Park

Capitol Hill: Seattle’s Hipster Haven

"Capitol Hill's Cal Anderson Park Cal Anderson Park (named after Washington's first openly gay legislator) is located at the Pike/Pine nexus of gay-friendly, hipster-filled Capitol Hill. With plenty of grassy lawns for picnics, reading, or playing bocce ball, it's no surprise that crowds flock here whenever there's a sunny day anytime of year. It's also conveniently located near some great shops and restaurants: Molly Moon Ice Cream, Rock Box karaoke, Cure, Cupcake Royale, Unicorn, Elliott Bay Book Company, Everyday Music, and all the cheap eats on Broadway. Grab some takeout or a coffee to go and head to the park to admire the fountain or enjoy some people-watching. On Sundays, the Broadway Farmers Market is just a block away on Broadway."

If You Only Have Three Days in Seattle

Eating Inside Seattle’s Protest Space Known as CHOP (Also Called the CHAZ) - Eater Seattle

"One at Cal Anderson Park called Riot Kitchen has been feeding the population experiencing housing insecurity, as well as protesters." - Gabe Guarente

Seattle Bars and Restaurants Selling Cocktail Kits Right Now - Eater Seattle

"The Capitol Hill spot near Cal Anderson Park is selling ingredients to make old fashioneds, including a bottle of whiskey, and two free glasses. There’s also a martini kit, with a choice of vodka or gin, ice, vermouth, olives, bitters, and martini glasses." - Megan Hill

Sarang Rakhecha

Google

Not bad I would say. Many, many dogs. Most of them unleashed. It seemed more like a dog park than a walk park. Park also has a small skateboard arena. Some play soccer, other part is mostly human and dogs. Has a small fountain which makes it a bit lively. Good for a quick walk since it has a loop around, but again, not a big park so don't have high expectations

Anna van Wesep

Google

We really enjoyed our afternoon at this park. There is a farmers market on Sunday, so we got to enjoy that and then took our babe to the playground, which was basically empty. There were lots of dogs playing off leash, and the playground with slides, swings, and a see saw was super clean.

Hail Satan

Google

Nice park. The fountain is pretty dope. There was a guy brushing his teeth and yelling at me from the restroom. Kept calling me "Bill". Update: in the years since I first posted this review a lot of things have happened here. It's still the best park in the city to catch up with old friends. R.I.P. CHOP R.I.P. Traveltron

Wolf

Google

My walk home tonight. WoW. It's almost Halloween 👻 The colours

David Schexnayder

Google

Beautiful tranquil little park just west of the downtown area of Seattle, in an eclectic neighborhood of diverse people. Really enjoyable for dogs and soccer players. Or just laying out.

Laura Grommon

Google

Great place to play chase/fetch with dogs! It was nice to see many people just laying about enjoying the day on the grass. Minding their own business. Nice sunny (mildly chilly) day today. Perfect for the Park.

Eduardo Ramirez

Google

I love this community park and used to come here frequently. There is almost always something happening, from summer movies at night, all sorts of sports/activities or just people watching. Although there were plenty of awkward people hiding in the bushes or creeping, they were part of the overall experience.

Mark Paradis

Google

Beautiful park in a fun part of Seattle. I walked through for the first time and there was a half pipe setup and there was a skate competition going on. Everyone was enjoying a beautiful day and the park was a great way to experience it. The waterfall sculpture was a mice touch at the top end of the park and plenty of space to spread out and relax

Bobbie C.

Yelp

I love call Anderson, I can't stay down if I go for a stroll. The diversity is so uplifting!!

Emily T.

Yelp

A nice park to walk through and enjoy the scenery in the midst of the Cap Hill fun. Lots of park benches to relax. This park is surrounded by great eats and fun shops. Lots of people bring their pups and play volleyball games and other activities. There's also a farmers market right next to this park!

Analisa R.

Yelp

Playground fenced off and not allowed to be used. Was excited to come here with my 2.5 year old. Beautiful green space got to the park and it's fenced off so we could look at the seemingly nice new playground but not use it. Not from around here so I don't know why it was like that. Bummer.

Eva M.

Yelp

Cal Anderson is virtually world famous for reasons that aren't exactly desirable by normal standards. The site of 2020 CHOP/CHAZ, the world watched as protestors delivered a much needed message about the suffering of Black American lives. Yes, they matter. Today Cal Anderson is back to being a "normal" park. The sports courts are used by sports players, the dog walkers are walking dogs, the kids are playing in the playground, and the ducks are swimming in the fountain. The homeless are gone. If you're concerned about your safety based on news from a year ago (seriously, does anyone do this?), it's a perfectly safe park. While here, see two protected relics from the BLM movement. 1. The garden that was planted in 2020 while the area is CHOP/CHAZ 2. BLM was painted on the street in in 2020. Cones surround it to protect it. There's a certain melancholy seeing the normalcy of the park. I'm happy for the neighbors though.

Dena W.

Yelp

Don't wear flip-flops, sandals, or any shoes that are not steel-toed, tactical, full-cover. Walking on the sidewalk and not yet in the park area, I had the not-so-lovely experience of inadvertently kicking something, and looking down to see that a dirty hypodermic needle was stuck sticking out on the toe of my open-toe sandal. Yep. That could have had a very bad ending for me, and anyone else who would have happened along that needle or the others we saw littered about. Not something we thought we'd have to look out for in a big public park in a heavily-taxed city that's expected to be used by adults, kids, and dogs. Unfortunately, the needle experience wasn't the only negative. There were human feces and the areas along the edge of the park smelled like a sewer. Too many aggressive beggars, snarky and smelly "residents", and lost drugged-out nut jobs make it feel like a zombie apocalypse encampment. We didn't even stay 10 minutes because we love our family, dog, and our collective safety, health, and well-being. Positives: It was a beautiful sunny day in Seattle! Oh, wait, that no credit to the park. Zero gold star kudos to the city government for allowing these serious public safety issues to continue. I grew up in Seattle, moved to the Eastside years ago, and it is sad to come back to the city that I love. It has gone seriously downhill since Ed Murray infected our once-beautiful city by welcoming crime, and then Jenny Durkan put the nasty icing on that festering cupcake with her disastrous "Summer of Love" that cost some people their lives near/at this very park. Who knows what the newest mayor will do with this epic mess, but we hope it will be positive. Maybe we'll try to come back to this once-loved park again in a few years. For now, my advice is too stay clear for very-real healthy and safety issues.

Bruce K.

Yelp

Enjoyed this park as I was exploring this neighborhood of Seattle. I loved seeing the people walking dogs, pushing babies in strollers and generally just walking. The Cal Anderson reflecting pool is very impressive too. Green grass, shady trees, a big fountain. What more would you like?

Nick G.

Yelp

Fuck this group. We were playing doubles on this court and a woman claiming to be with Seattle dodgeball walked right onto the court with a giant Bluetooth speaker and just dumped a bag of balls without saying a word, then proceeded to claim she was a victim when we threw the balls off the court. Tried to reason with them that the basketball court no one was using was OK to throw balls around on but the lead woman just kept screaming to leave her alone and she didn't even know why we were being like this. Either totally oblivious to reality or seriously needs help. Not even worth playing, 45 minutes after they were supposed to start there were only 3 people and 2 were either blacked out or on some serious drugs (I hope).

Reuben L.

Yelp

When we arrived at the park, there were lots of pay parking everywhere. Lots of people walking their dogs, children playing, and others just sitting on benches absorbing the view. There was a coned shaped water fall that flowed through levels of pools. Such a beautiful scene to take pictures. So much things go on that brings this place to life. Everyone seems to be relaxed and just passing on time. A great place to visit and with many eateries within walking distance. Stop by next time your in Capitol Hill.

John T.

Yelp

My wife and I have been here several times in the past couple months. This is a nice enough park in Capitol Hill and we've enjoyed just sitting on a bench eating some Dick's Drive Inn or people watching. Although I appreciate the ample benches and cool water feature, this park seems a bit shady. Each time we've gone, there's been many homeless people strolling the park. That's fine enough but the ones yelling at imaginary people give me pause for concern--- it seems there is some type of homeless shelter or food kitchen on one side of the park so there is a lot of homeless around. Other signs of the shadiness are the trash on the ground and graffiti. Still a decent park but could be a lot better.

Laura M.

Yelp

The park is back! Pickup basketball, kick boxing, soccer, baseball, kites, picnics, reading, walking and more abound. Saw no evidence of homeless or protests (other than some protest art). Enjoy!

Gerrit K.

Yelp

Good sized park with plenty of open space, lots of great areas to hang out in, a nice fountain, good little duck pond, small playground, basketball court, tennis court, baseball diamond, skate park, and a curious but functional mix of real and artificial grass.

Alea F.

Yelp

Fear of death kicks in around 3 block radius. Convinced there is a shooting here everyday. Also needles. Don't recommend!

Sherill Y.

Yelp

Cal Anderson Park is one of the most popular parks on Capitol Hill. It is quite a large park as it covers about two city blocks. There is plenty to do here as there are tennis courts, a soccer and baseball field. There is also a children's playground and some nice water fountains displays. It is great to visit during the daytime on a sunny day. Though being in the core of the city, it can get sketchy here at times. Even criminal. Try to avoid the park at night, or at least keep in well lit areas. Despite the bad elements, Cal Anderson Park is a nice spot. Plenty to do here. Or not, if you just want to enjoy doing nothing and take in the beauty of the park.

Teresa M.

Yelp

This park is pretty awesome, great place to hang out during the summer! Cal Anderson is the everyone park: a fountain, basketball, ping pong, playground, open fields...there's a little something for everyone offered here.

Sheri H.

Yelp

This is a great park! It's huge so there is tons of rooms for a lot of people. It's very popular on Cap Hill and there are always people here. The tennis courts are always full of action - if not tennis, then a dude doing tricks in a huge hoop. There's also baseball fields, soccer fields, people practicing whatever sport. Musicians line up around/near it to play. The city takes care of it. It's clean, the grass is always green, and the garbage is picked up. The playground for the kids is really big with lots of activities and room to run around. The ground has the soft padding when they fall down. Parking can be a pain in the butt but that's Cap Hill for you. There is a paid parking garage on Nagle near Rock Box.

Ming Z.

Yelp

Awesome turf field, grass, courts, fountain, and location. In the middle of Capitol Hill area, this is a great place to be! I come here often to play pick-up sports. Soccer during the weekday nights. Ultimate Frisbee on Saturday mornings. Spike ball on Sunday afternoons. Well there is a tennis court, basketball court, and a court for Bike Polo. And Friday night - late night dodge ball, which is crazy! They did installed a brand new Ping Pong table. It's a big park, and it is pretty clean. Well the bathrooms are similar to any other Seattle rec bathrooms, stinky. Police station is near by, so is the fire station, so you know you are safe. I always drive and park for free on 12th ave & Pine. There are lots of paid parking spaces around the park. A lot of activities goes on here during the sunny months. Kids running around near the play ground and the water fountain. It's great for all ages. Woohoo!

Elvi T.

Yelp

Beautiful park with a lot to offer such as a baseball field, basketball court, playground, and fountain you could play in. However, there are a TON of homeless people hanging around here, sleeping under trees, sitting my the fountain, and smoking in groups. Groups and groups of them, with shopping carts, luggages, and all.

Willy M.

Yelp

Located centrally at the Pike /Pine corridor of Capitol Hill, Cal Anderson park is great for playing sports, have a picnic since there is so much good eats around there, just chillin in the sun, take a nap, and my favorite is people watching. You can play tennis, basketball, softball field used as multi-purpose for soccer, ultimate frisbee, team building games, and spikeball.....I dont get that game. Artificial turf on the main field, but there are some grassy spots around it and some trees if you need shade. Dog and kid friendly park. Its nice to sit out in the sun here, hang out with a friend, and just relax with a delicious Molly Moon's ice cream from across the street. If you keep walking to the other side, there are some sculptures/fountains to check out. There are some downsides to this place such as the huge amount of vagrants, hobos and just strange individuals. No one has ever bothered me but its sometimes annoying when they are openly peeing when clearly there is a restroom 100ft away. During the day its fine, but at night its not the greatest spot to be in. Overall, I enjoy coming here and a cool spot to chill!

Libby J.

Yelp

What a vibrant park - sunbathing, children playing, boot camps, and frisbee and soccer games. The park is always a flurry of activity (another perk is that it is a perfect place for people watching). For those who prefer an actual grassy knoll, those do exist. The field is, however, astroturf! Interesting. There is also a cute little playground (that I obviously don't play on). I haven't walked around every inch of the park, but it seems pretty large. Cal Anderson makes for a perfect afternoon or evening relaxation spot!

Marc M.

Yelp

This seems to be one of those spots that's not really well known outside of the Capitol Hill area which is a good thing because that keeps it from becoming overcrowded and less enjoyable. You will always fond a good amount of people here at pretty much any time of day, but it never feels like it's overly full. There are fields for soccer, baseball, and all kinds of other activities as well as a wading pool and several walking paths. You will find any number of activities going on in the park throughout the week like outdoor movie events and theater groups performing their shows for whoever happens to stop by. Lately there seems to have been an increase in undesirable activity but the local authorities have promised to increase their presence. Hopefully this will put a stop to this type of stuff and Cal Anderson Park will be able to remain a great place for anyone to hang out.

Michelle B.

Yelp

I think it's a beautiful park with a lot to offer. They have softball and soccer fields that have been re-done with new turf within the past year, basketball courts, walking trails, fountains (water features) and has a lot of surrounding beauty. However, there is a high populaion of homeless people hanging around, either sleeping on the fields or scattered around in the park. I've been there several times when I've needed some alone space to think and unwind but each time I've been approached by someone asking for money or food. I've also seen the occasional drug deal go down. So I would say go and enjoy the beautiful park but do so with your eyes wide open. Don't be naive and clueless. Look around and know your surroundings.

Jon L.

Yelp

Cal Anderson Park is one of the most popular parks on Capitol Hill. If Volunteer Park is where residents go to escape, Cal Anderson Park is where they come together. The park serves as the venue for numerous community events throughout the year. It is quite a large park as it covers about two city blocks. There is plenty to here as there are tennis courts, a soccer and baseball field. There is also a children's playground and some nice water fountains displays here. It is great to visit during the daytime on a sunny day to do some sunbathing or simply read a book in the sun. Though being in the core of the city, it can get sketchy here at times. Even criminal. Try to avoid the park at night, or at least keep in well lit areas. Despite the bad elements, Cal Anderson Park is a nice spot to go for Capitol Hill residents to stay active rather than be stuck in their apartments all day . Plenty to do here. Or not, if you just want to enjoy doing nothing and take in the beauty of the park.

Jessica S.

Yelp

This is a great city park with lots to do. The location is awesome with all he restaurants and bars in the area. It's fun to stop here before or after you eat. They have a walking loop that's great for a light jog or walk with the pup. Lots of Pokémon stops here if you're into that.

Daniel F.

Yelp

Another Seattle landmark in the heart of Capitol Hill. It is conveniently located next to multiple options for mass transit, and it is busy enough to not be dangerous unless in the really dark areas, late at night. It is a frequent spot for both hipster parents, homeless, students, and relaxing professionals from around the neighborhood. It is a great meet up point before heading to the bars just a block away. The playing fields located at the southern end are almost always immaculately groomed, and there are regular events that occur on the park grounds. The fountain is off during the winter months, and the grass is almost always wet so bring a blanket or something unless you're lucky enough to find a bench.

Katya L.

Yelp

I love having Cal Anderson in the middle of Capitol Hill. Green space in a very urban area is a sight for sore eyes and at the same time, hard to come by so I always appreciate some grass. For those of us living off the Pike/Pine corridor, Volunteer Park is a bit of a hike and not an everyday destination, so having Cal Anderson nearby to pop into on sunny days is a blessing. There's a fountain, a wading pool, a playground, a basketball court, a couple of tennis courts, a baseball field and plenty of green, green grass to lounge on. There are always families with kids, hipsters with pugs, bike polo players, gymnasts and tightrope walkers, all representing the diversity of the 'hood. Cal Anderson is my go-to destination on warm, sunny days for loafing on the grass with a magazine and a burrito from Rancho Bravo or ice cream from Molly Moon's.

Santiago M.

Yelp

I'm not sure how to review a park, but I feel like I have to say something. I've been here many times, starting with the grand opening playing bocci ball, watching the kids play chess, and send their boats down the waterway. Since then, it has been a good thing to know it's there. I took yoga classes in the hut, and slid around in the snow. I try to walk through it as much as possible, drunk or sober. It is relaxing. The people are really cool and respectful. It is Capitol Hill's backyard. Atop the Tele-Tubby Hill as the sun goes down, you can see the people turn into shadows. The lamplights brighten as the conversations quiet down and the running turns to strolls. The city rushes around you, and says, "It's your turn to watch. We will work tonight. It's your turn." You smile and slump a little from relaxation and scotch. Tomorrow you will work as someone else will perch. And watch. And enjoy.

Chad P.

Yelp

Clean bathrooms! Good crowd of people on a weekday afternoon. Park had many things to it and it was a great place to hang out in an urban neighborhood on a nice day.

Jeff G.

Yelp

I'm not sure if there's some sort of secret Cirque Du Soleil training facility near here but I can't think of a time that I've been here when I didn't see someone either juggling, walking on stilts or hula hooping. This is a big change from 3 or 4 years ago when this reservoir park was a pretty scary place with a jogging track and lots of very intense shady activity going on. I once saw a group of men chase down another guy and swing tire chains at him to get some money they said he owed them; scary stuff Now it's a lovely place with Teletbubby Hill providing a cute wading fountain and lots of nice laying on the lawn sun soaking opportunities for those rare, but perfect warmy summer Sundays. Plus the free shows from the jugglers in training is always fun.

Robert S.

Yelp

Cal Anderson Park is a park done right !!! this used to be a big open reservoir just like at volunteer park but they decided it was better to bury the reservoir and we got this beautiful park out of it what a deal for the people living and playing on Capitol Hill this is the perfect place to go lay out with a book or to take pictures with friends or to have a snow ball fight or to play catch with a Frisbee the choices are infinite just open your mind and enjoy what the park has to offer

Scarlett T.

Yelp

Its not very big but it's a good place to sunbathe and take your dog. Plenty of benches, not a lot of shade.

Arthur A.

Yelp

The Grand mediator of Capitol Hill's playgrounds. Surrounding attractions include education, housing, sports activities, public transportation and it's cutting edge culture. Mr Anderson surrounds himself avenues of walking trailers to every venue, hotspots for contemplation, and a pyramid fountain for waterfall simulations whose often encroached by crows awaiting for fish to come out of the hydro pumps. In short, it is the main stage to stage all daily activities.

Monica B.

Yelp

My favorite day at Cal Anderson is spent sitting on the side of the fountain, running my fingers through the cold water. Then I snap a few pictures to catch the motion of the fountain and go about enjoying the rest of the park. If you have little ones, there's a wading pool nearby that's partially covered by the shade of a few trees. There's a field with turf for those who like that sort of thing. I'm more of a lazy park kinda gal. There's a play area for kids with a few cool places for grown up types to sit and wait. If you're into lying on the grass and reading a book, there's plenty of spots for that as well. Overall, the park is accessible to a lot of businesses so if you get hungry or thirsty, you'll no doubt find what you need.

Greg K.

Yelp

Pretty impressively massive park centrally located in the heart of Capitol Hill. Feature plethora of options for activities out on the field. There are tennis, baseball, soccer courts and open greens for playing other types of sports. Very well maintained by staff and employees of the city. Large children's playground. If parking can become challenging as attested by locals and tourists, take public commute which are within walking distance to the park. Other suggestions include Uber or Lyft to avoid overcrowding or struggle with finding parking space as it can get real busy and overcrowded. Bring a blanket because the grass areas retain their moisture all throughout the day unless it's very warm and sunny.

Jenny D.

Yelp

During the school year, it's a great place to get some air, study on the grass or by the fountain, and people watch. I also eat lunch here sometimes when it's sunny outside. Homeless people come here every now and then and use the bathrooms. They are so friendly and nice. One of my college classes decided to have a potluck and my classmates and I decided to share the excess food with the homeless people and they were no less than friendly and thankful. It's a great environment in the morning when there are dog walkers, joggers, kids playing and running, and sometimes sport games going on. I wouldn't hang out here if it was really late. At night, anytime I pass by after getting off work, I get stares or catcalls and I guess that's where a lot of men "people harass" and it's really annoying and uncomfortable.

Angela P.

Yelp

Cal Anderson Park is like a mini amusement park. EVERYTHING is here: +Playground +Basketball +Soccer +Benches - lots and lots of benches +Bathrooms Aside from the mosquitoes, I can't say anything bad about this park. We watched several people playing "bike polo," which I did not even know was a thing until now. A crowd gathered around the court, someone had a boombox playing (what year is this?!), so it was quite a show. Others played kickball in the field, walked dogs, or relaxed on benches near the fountains. As the night gets later, the park doesn't appear to be dangerous, but there are crowds that gather outside the bars across the street.

Doris L.

Yelp

For the past month or so, I've been making a habit of hitting Vivace and then Cal Anderson on the way home. The evenings are just so fucking beautiful lately, and well, you know - the kid likes his coffee. And I love my monkey bars. So there you have it. Sure, I could take him to the park by our house; there will undoubtedly be a ton of kids there, a soccer game for him to watch and wholesome fun for all. Chances that he'll bring my a dirty syringe ("Here Mommy! I got you a color!!! ORANGE ONE!!!") are slim, no half-dressed, but totally drunk street punk will play keep away with his ball ("I know you don't want to FUCK WITH MOMMY ASSHOLE!!") and all the toys will be in tact ("Mommy, what happened to the teeter-totter?", "Some very naughty kids in their mid-twenties obviously thought it would be a good idea to play on it last night baby....sorry."). But Cal Anderson is special; the fountain is amazing, all the light poles are dreamy and soothing as twilight falls on the park and, honestly, I kinda want my kid to understand that there are nice, clean people in the world - and then there are dirty junkies and the like. No need to be scared of them - but there they are. We kick back with a kid's cone from Dick's and watch a soccer game, or a basketball game, or introduce ourselves to a plethora of puppies and play with kids who's parents have a little ink on them and don't scare easy. Here's to the wonders of childhood and city livin'.

Emily T.

Yelp

I walk through this park at least once almost every single day of my life. It's probably the loveliest part of my commute. Last Sunday I was up early, there was a light flurry of snow blustering around, and the water in one part of the reservoir pool was lightly frozen over... and I felt like I was wandering through an urban Christmas card. Aww. Okay, so the crackheads and public bathrooms and drunk teenagers aren't quite as precious buuuuut I appreciate them too. It's Capitol Hill, what do you expect?! Even at its most ghetto, I never feel unsafe passing through. Sometimes I get off work (or, more likely, barhopping) past midnight and I can still cut right through Cal Anderson without worrying about getting accosted or anything. It's well-lit and I feel like... someone would hear me if I screamed? Comforting. Cal Anderson has everything: you can walk your dog, play sports, read a book, go jogging, and score drugs (not that I really do any of these things, but in theory, I could! It's nice to know you have the option). I would remove one star just for the people who wade in the water, or even worse, let their little children play in it unsupervised... that just CAN'T be sanitary. Come on. Gross. But that's not the park's fault, therefore I give it maximum props for convenience, usefulness, prettiness... it's the Central Park of my neighborhood. (Uh.. kind of.)

Katy H.

Yelp

Love this park. The playground is great for kids and gets renovated every so often. I noticed that just this past summer they replaced lots of the rubber padding that protects kids if they fall off the swings or jungle gym. The grass is always green, there are often movies and performances, baseball games and soccer games, people practicing gymnastics and dance, people walking dogs, people wading (with their dogs) in the water fountain... and more! This park has everything. My brother is an especially big fan of the high end fake grass that always looks crisp and green. I'm also a fan as I try to get out once in a while to play catch with some friends. It's also lit up pretty late at night so if there isn't a game going on, you and your friends can try to catch the last rays of light before they shut off. Recently there has been a large art exhibit installed and that's fun to walk around and look at as well. Just like the rest of Capitol Hill, Cal Anderson changes but it's always a little better each time.

Justin C.

Yelp

Awesome lit park parallel to Broadway. Bring everybody! And a picnic basket. Watch people. Baseball. Basketball. Tennis. Bike polo. Frisbee dogs. So many tasty eats within a two block radius.

Sam H.

Yelp

I was driving around capital hill and... BOOM I SAW IT!!! random people playing soccer... in an un organized manner..., mutli ethnic, with cones... COULD IT BE??? YES!!!! It's PICK UP SOCCER every day from 5-9 during the summer... So what Will I do everyday during the summer while i can when there isn't anything better to do? I shall be here playing pick up soccer... although it seems pretty crowded area for like 25+ people so... can't really stretch out your legs... but.. hey it's still people playing. ;) So became of fan of cal anderson. :)

Joshua B.

Yelp

Since the remodel this has been my go to park when I want to meet up with other families for some play time. There's a reflecting pool, a cool fountain, a kid's wading pool (open in the summer), lots of green space, a park for kids, a massive playfield, basketball and tennis courts. You'll see everything from the homeless to the slack-liners, to joggers, families with little kids, sports teams, etc. And there's tons of food options nearby (Po Dog, Molly Moons, Oddfellows, etc) for when you need a break. Once they put in the light rail next door this place will be at 6 stars.

Jen B.

Yelp

I actually really like this park. It's full of druggies, homeless, baseball, soccer, softball, frisbee players, basketball players, runners, students and sunbathers. It is part "trail" running, part artificial turf, part whatever. It's across from a community college, karaoke bar, running store and ice cream shop. I mean, what more could you want? This place is perfectly Capitol Hill. Oh, and I have my running group at least once a week here so it's my chance to people watch without being rude. Yes, I'm watching YOU.

Olivere C.

Yelp

This park is located just off Broadway. Great park to meet up with friends, play football, kickball, baseball/softball, soccer, tennis, skate, relax with the family or walk around with your dog. I usually come here to practice football with my team, which is usually in the afternoon. There's street parking just east of the park. Since its just off Broadway, it's a great place to enjoy a meal from Dick's or ice cream from Molly moon. At night, it can get pretty live! Just keep in mind it is in the city so you will encounter some of those who will ask for some spare change.

Kate S.

Yelp

I can't think of a better place to burn through an afternoon sunbathing... while playing dominos, cooing at puppies, watching folks play soccer, and laughing at folks trying to play quidditch (yes, quiditch!). A great bit of green in the middle of the hill. Fountains, fake and real grass, bathrooms (which can be frightening, admittedly), bike polo, rappers in fedoras, dogs a plenty...it's a great place for friends and families a like to get some quality outdoor times. And it is close to about anywhere else you would want to go for food, fun, drinks...any sort of action! That is if you actually want to stop laying in the grass watching the clouds go by on one of our glorious sunny Seattle days.

Lauren J.

Yelp

I F-ING LOVE CAL ANDERSON! I'm so scared for the winter to come because WHAT WILL I DO? Right now it's get off work, go to the park, day off, go to the park, meeting someone, meet at the park, wanna get schwastey, drink at the park. Wait, I mean, I don't do that. This is the best people-watching spot EVER. From the gnome people in the tree to the old crazy man who dances with ribbons, there's always something crazy going on. Cal Anderson Park, will you marry me?

Cathy G.

Yelp

I appreciate coming to this park. My friends love to come here. My yoga friends do yoga here and offer events here. An excellent trainer, Eric, has a boot camp here.. The space is huge and airy and atop a hill. Lots of great places to eat nearby.Much diversity. parking is a normal Seattle twist and turn challenge. You can do it! You can take a bus!

Kyle K.

Yelp

As far as parks go Cal Anderson is a-ok. On a sunny day lounging on the turf field is "the tits" or so I'm told by urban youth. Nobody really bothers each other and if you're lucky you'll get to see some of my favorite eclectic Seattle groups, including: -5 people who play Quidditch and hope nobody starts laughing -slow motion fighting men -basketball violence! -crack bathroom denizens -shitty white rapper wearing fedora Ultimately, it's a rad space to chillax and is central to pretty much everything good on the Hill.

Sarah C.

Yelp

Another dedication to Seattle summers.... Im obsessed with capitol hill life. I just love the people, the neighborhood shops & eats. It's not prim and proper. It's laid back and its kept real. Condos are starting to invade, but DO NOT try to make cap hill a fake "urban oasis" like South Lake Union, LET IT BE. Gettin side tracked, but the park is totally apart of what makes Capitol Hill what it is! Residents, SU and SCC students, visitors flock to the park to lay out on the grass and eat. Play frisbee. Tennis. Soccer. Baseball. And other activities like croquet. outdoor yoga sessions. juggling? I've seen alll walks of hobbies. ;) It's just a fun vibe. inviting. and a definite highlight of the neighborhood. Pluses: -My favorite coffee shop Espresso Vivace is a few steps away. -Or cool out with some frozen yogurt at Crazyberry from Broadway. -Beautiful foundation to day dream while sitting on one of the benches.

Katrina D.

Yelp

This park is really great and is centrally located in Capitol Hill... It has a few fountains which my dog loves to get his feet wet in, some great trails amongst which folks can sometimes be running uber fast around, a playground, and some tennis courts. Also, there is grub so closeby it is practically on the park- most notably the restaurant Cure. There are benches from which to people watch or just chill, and you can always encounter something interesting going on- primarily on the tennis courts. Folks are using it to skateboard on, play dodgeball on, bike, etc... Pretty much anything but to play tennis on. On that note, if you are a tennis player, I would opt for other courts if you want a decent net and courts without cracks in them. Lastly, Cal Anderson has a huge soccer field from which people play a variety of games on- soccer, frisbee, etc. Bottom line, check out this park! It is great and you may just see me walking around there as I frequent it quite a bit!

Capitol Hill: Seattle’s Hipster Haven

If You Only Have Three Days in Seattle

Eating Inside Seattle’s Protest Space Known as CHOP (Also Called the CHAZ) - Eater Seattle

"One at Cal Anderson Park called Riot Kitchen has been feeding the population experiencing housing insecurity, as well as protesters." - Gabe Guarente

Seattle Bars and Restaurants Selling Cocktail Kits Right Now - Eater Seattle