Where To Find Privately Owned Public Spaces

Beaches, rooftops, parks, plazas. These spaces are free to the public and the perfect way to soak up the rest of summer!

Ashley Smith

Aug 14, 2026 · 2:21 p.m. ET

Where To Find Privately Owned Public Spaces — This spot in Eastlake is definitely on the map of POPS to check out! (Ashley Smith / City Cast Seattle)

Summer in Seattle will be over before we know it. I'm sorry to point that out in the middle of August, but it's true! So we want to help you make the most of your time by encouraging you to check out POPS or POPOS around the city.

POPS are Privately Owned Public Spaces like parks and beaches (these are also called "street ends") and POPOS are Privately-Owned, Public Open Spaces like rooftops and plazas. These spaces are free to the public and the perfect way to soak up the rest of summer. Hang out, bring a picnic, take a dip, launch your paddle board, or just enjoy the views!

But how do you find these spots?

An example of what the maps look like. The green spots are open! (Seattle.gov)

Here are some maps we recommend:

Friends of Street Ends

Seattle.gov (POPOS)

Seattle.gov (POPS)

Do you frequent any of these spaces and want to tell us about it? Did we miss anything important? Let us know by sending an email to [email protected]