Just 20 minutes east of Seattle, Kirkland is a welcoming lakefront destination that offers something for everyone. Featuring charming boutique hotels and an eclectic mix of restaurants serving food from around the world, this suburb is an easy day trip and I’ve put together an itinerary for spending a day in this beautiful community on the eastern shore of Lake Washington.

Carillon Kitchen

Start your day with lunch at Carillon Kitchen, which offers both indoor and outdoor seating. Sit outside if it’s a nice day because the views of Lake Washington and Seattle are stunning! Carillon Kitchen is located at Carillon Point, which was once a hub for shipbuilding and is now a charming marina. Carillon Kitchen is a chef-driven, community oriented restaurant that only uses locally sourced products, while also supporting neighboring farmers and purveyors. All of their ingredients come from within 200 miles.

For lunch, Carillon Kitchen offers soups, salads, signature sandwiches, grain bowls, and pizza. We loved their sandwiches, especially the Olympia Grinder and the BLTA. You can also order cocktails, wine, beer, kombucha, and coffee drinks. Their mochas are delicious! After lunch, walk around Carillon Point and check out all of the gorgeous views of the boats and the lake. Other notable spots in this area are the Woodmark Hotel & Still Spa, COMO, and Le Grand Bistro Américain.

Duffy Electric Boats

After exploring Carillon Point, head to Marina Park Pavilion, a 30 minute walk, or a five minute drive, for a fun boat ride with Duffy Electric Boats! These boats are perfect for an afternoon out on the water while enjoying the beauty of the Pacific Northwest. Prices start at $135 an hour with a two hour minimum and four hour maximum rental. Each boat holds 10 people comfortably, and up to 12. Boaters’ permits are not required.

You can bring your own food and drinks onto the boats—we enjoyed a charcuterie board and bottle of wine from The Blend, a wine tasting room located in downtown Kirkland. The boats are heated, which make them a great option no matter the weather, and we all know it can change in a minute here, especially lately! While aboard, you’ll sail through Lake Washington, past the University of Washington’s football stadium, several bridges, and you can even catch a glimpse of Bill Gates’ house!

After your boat ride, check out the views from Juanita Beach Park, and then head to downtown Kirkland for a little pre-dinner shopping. Stop in to The Blend for a tasting or a glass of wine if you have time—they often have live music!

Puffy Jacket Pop-Up at Hearth

End your day with a delicious dinner at Hearth, which is located in the Heathman Hotel. We attended their Puffy Jacket Pop-Up Dining Series, which celebrates the PNW in all its glory through rustic food, cozy cocktails, stunning outdoor settings and a truly unique experience. Their heated outdoor patio is a cozy set up for a culinary exploration. Embark on a journey of sensational dishes that pay homage to the freshest local ingredients of the region like Oysters Rockefeller, Pacific Northwest Seafood Stew, Red Wine Braised Short Rib and a handful of specialty cocktail pairings. 

You can find more info about Kirkland here and visit them on Instagram at @kirklandgov. Happy wandering!