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Wondering what happens to all of Lincoln High School’s students once school gets out? As a high schooler going into her senior year at Lincoln, here are some of my favorite places and things to do in Wallingford to spend time in the sun this summer.

1. Coffee and a chat at Diva Espresso

Diva is the go-to coffee spot for Lincoln students during the school year (a teacher once even organized a highly popular field trip there), and it remains a fan favorite during the summer! They recently relocated across Stone Way to a more spacious location, filled with comfy couches and tables that are perfect to catch up with friends and have a good chat. Menu faves among my friends and me are their Red Bull Italian sodas (which you can customize with an array of syrup options) and their Slice of Heaven drink: a honey, lemon vanilla latte.

2. Late-night Dick’s run

Any summer night, chances are high that if you go to Dicks Drive-In on 45th, you’ll run into someone you know. A bag of piping hot fries and a cone filled with dripping ice cream that you can get in five minutes for just $5 makes for a perfect nighttime treat—especially for teens on a budget.

3. Tanning and paddleboarding at Green Lake

With various docks and beaches scattered around the lake, Green Lake is my favorite spot to put out a towel and tan! The Green Lake Boathouse has kayak, paddleboard, and pedalboat rental options, so you can go for an even better tan by being on the lake, plus the chance to swim. And if you’re lucky, you might catch a glimpse of some baby ducks or geese.

4. Seattle Pops

Just on the corner of N 45th Street and Interlake Avenue N, Seattle Pops is the best spot for a cold treat on a hot day. They have an array of popsicles with creamy and fruity flavor options, which range from classics, like chocolate and strawberry, to unique, like lychee ginger and mangonada. My go-to flavors? The lilikoi (passionfruit) cream popsicle, or one of their bakery pops, where they collaborate with a local bakery to make popsicles with brownie or cookies in them.

5. Gas Works Park

Whether it’s during the day or night, Gas Works always has something to do. All the open areas make it easy to play spikeball or toss a football with friends, and also create great spots for a picnic. The view of Lake Union is gorgeous, and at night you also get a fantastic view of the lights of Seattle’s skyline. 

To me, summer is a time to try new things, deepen friendships, and have adventures. And whether it’s at Gas Works, Green Lake, or somewhere in between, Wallingford always has the perfect spots to do just that!