Lake Minnetonka is the closest thing to an ocean you can find near the Twin Cities, and Excelsior Commons is an amazing place to visit it. Metered parking can be found along the length of the commons from the Port of Excelsior to the Playground Beach, and open spots can often be found in the lot near the playground (residential street parking is much harder to come by, so check the metered spots for an opening first). We like to start with swimming or playing at the beach and then walk southeast through the park. A building near the baseball field offers several large family-friendly bathrooms. Picnic tables atop hills in the park afford a fantastic lunchtime view of the lake. A walk further south will bring you past the varied docks of the port to the restaurants and shops of Water Street. A two-block walk up Water Street will also take you to the Excelsior Library (open weekday afternoons plus some mornings and evenings).
Nature In Your Nurture 