In the early 1900’s, Real Estate entrepreneur Harry Treat would transport prospective home buyers via trolley from the Ballard business district, past the home developments along 32nd Ave to the park originally named Loyal Beach. In 1922 the park was sold to the city of Seattle for $37,000 and opened as a municipal park in 1927.

Today, Golden Gardens has a large assortment of attractions. These attractions include volleyball posts, a half court basketball area, a large grassy field and picnic areas, two of which are covered. A children’s play area is located next to the picnic areas. The park also has the smoothest sand of all the beaches in the Seattle area with around 10 - 15 fire pits making it a relaxing place to sit and watch the sailboats sail in and out of the Shilshole Bay Marina.

Near the entrance of the park is a small restaurant called Little Coney. They serve a wide selection of food such as hamburgers, hot dogs, sandwiches, espressos and ice cream. The restaurant is small and it can be hard to find a place to sit on a busy day. If seating is full the fishing dock outside the restaurant is a fun spot to eat and enjoy the view.