If you're visiting, check out these spots:

• Kubota Garden is a little-known treasure, with 20 acres of lushly planted gardens, streams and waterfalls representing decades of work by Fujitaro Kubota and his family. The city bought the property in 1987. The garden is free and open daily. At the intersection of Renton Avenue South and 55th Avenue South.

• Creston-Nelson Substation serves about 45,000 homes and businesses in southeast Seattle. The station has some neat artwork, including a fun sculpture depicting a very overloaded electrical outlet. Walk up the hill behind the station for a sweeping view of power lines and the greenbelt that extends into the city. 5300 S. Bangor St.

• Mayas Restaurant, 9447 Rainier Ave. S., is one of the best Mexican restaurants in Seattle, say loyal local diners.

• Seward Park was owned by a succession of wealthy businessmen before it was saved as a public park. It arguably is the city's finest, with 278 acres of woods and trails surrounded on three sides by Lake Washington. The trail in the center of the park passes through one of the last stands of old-growth timber in Seattle. At the south terminus of Lake Washington Boulevard South.

• Atlantic City Boat Ramp is not much to look at, but it is one of the few public boat launches in south Lake Washington. Good for launching small power boats, kayaks and canoes. Parking can be a problem, especially during peak fishing days. At the edge of Beer Sheva Park near Rainier Yacht Club at South Henderson Street and Seward Park Avenue South.

• Dead Horse Canyon is a 25-acre greenbelt with a gurgling stream and old-growth cedars. It is possible to scramble back into the half-mile canyon, but it's rough going. A new trail is planned. The canyon is named for logged trees that inadvertently fell into the steep ravine. The loggers wouldn't bother to fish them out and took to calling the wasted logs "dead horses." A small turnout on 68th Avenue South provides a few parking spots.