The best parks & outdoor spots in Shelton

“Between winding paths, 11 ponds, and those iconic red bridges, Kubota Garden is a 20-acre Japanese-style dream where 140 maple varieties and hydrangeas do their thing year-round. Swing by for the Stone Sculpture Exhibit on August 23 or catch thunderous taiko on August 30, then just let your shoulders drop.”

From the Seattle newsletter, September 18, 2026

“Need a low-key reset this week? Harstine Island State Park delivers easygoing woodland trails, quiet shoreline, and those hush-hush vibes that make your shoulders drop two inches. Bring your unhurried self, wander a bit, beachcomb a little, and call it a win close to home.”

From the Lacey newsletter, August 4, 2026

“Featuring 3,000 feet of beachfront, this park offers camping, fishing, boating & picnicking.”

“Zittel's Marina Inc keeps Olympia boaters rolling with easy boat rentals for spontaneous Sound escapes, plus covered and open moorage if you're docking for the season. They also handle haul-outs and bottom painting, stock a handy marina store, fuel you up, and offer a launch and dry storage...”

From the Olympia newsletter, August 12, 2026

“Perkins Family Farms is turning Henderson Inlet’s tides into deep-cupped Cliff Point oysters that are tide tumbled, beach hardened, and decidedly grit-free, so you get more meat and plenty of liquor. Easy to shuck, bright and briny... the kind of local dozen you end up ordering two of.”

From the Olympia newsletter, September 18, 2026