Lake Washington's eastern shore through Kirkland offers some of the best public access to the lake anywhere on the Eastside. Several public beaches — Houghton Beach Park, David Brink Park, and the beach at Marina Park — are open for swimming in summer, with lifeguards at some locations. The water is surprisingly clear by urban lake standards, fed largely by streams from the Cascade foothills.
The Burke-Gilman Trail, a popular multi-use path running from Seattle to Bothell, passes through Kirkland and gives cyclists and walkers a continuous route along the lake. The stretch through Houghton to the north of downtown is particularly pleasant, running close to the water through older residential neighborhoods.
Kayak and paddleboard rentals are available from operators near Marina Park in summer. The lake is calm enough for beginners and wide enough for a proper paddle — crossing to the Medina or Bellevue shore and back makes for a good half-day outing.