If you've ever been to Opening Day on Lake Washington in early May, you know that the start of boating season inspires almost a religious fervor among Seattle residents. There's no better place to catch the excitement than in Kirkland, where life revolves around the lake.
Join in the fun by taking a boat tour led by Lake Cruise-Kirkland (1:30 daily; $24, $8.25 ages 5-12, reservations recommended; Kirkland City Dock, Kirkland Ave. at Lake Washington Blvd.; www.argosycruises.com, 800/642-7816, or 206/623-1445).
As you circle the lake's perimeter, you'll see the necklace of parks that ring the Kirkland waterfront before you pass under the Evergreen Point Floating Bridge, the world's longest floating bridge. Other sights include Seattle's Madison Park, the University of Washington campus, and the snow-capped Olympic and Cascade mountain ranges, not to mention crowd-pleasers like Bill Gates's sprawling home.
