Bellevue's Lake Washington shoreline is mostly residential, but several public access points offer fine views across the water to Seattle's skyline and the Olympic Mountains beyond. Newcastle Beach Park on the south end is the most popular swimming spot — a gently sloping sandy beach with a roped swimming area and good views of the Lake Washington Ship Canal traffic. Chism Beach Park further north has a playground and picnic facilities.
From the northern end of Bellevue, the SR 520 bridge trail connects pedestrians and cyclists to Seattle's Montlake neighbourhood — a rare chance to cross Lake Washington without a car. The views from the floating bridge, particularly at dusk with the Cascade and Olympic ranges silhouetted behind the city, are worth the trip across and back.