Alki Beach Park
4.7(9.5K)google
NatureOutdoorPhoto SpotSunset
Overview
Stretching gracefully for several miles along the rugged northwest tip of West Seattle, Alki Beach Park is a beautiful coastal public greenway that serves as a historic marine sanctuary for outdoor recreation. Lined with a wide, paved pedestrian trail dedicated to joggers and cyclists, the park offers pristine beaches that perfectly showcase the shifting tides of the Pacific Northwest. Complete with historic monument markers honoring early pioneers, rustic fire pits, and convenient kayak launches, it provides an exceptional, high-energy environment for family picnics and sunset relaxation.
Practical Info
Suggested Duration2-3 hours
Best TimeLate afternoons in summer are highly recommended. The warm weather is perfect for walking along the sandy beach to enjoy the downtown Seattle skyline silhouette against the sunset, followed by lighting a beach bonfire after dark.
Getting ThereTake the Seattle Water Taxi from Pier 55 downtown to West Seattle, then transfer to the free Route 773 shuttle bus to reach the beach. Drivers can cruise along Alki Ave SW, which features free street parking.
Travel Tips
- Beach bonfires are permitted in designated fire pits during summer. If avoiding traffic, catch the Water Taxi from downtown Pier 50 straight to Alki.
- To completely bypass heavy city traffic and the absolute parking nightmare near the shore, take the King County Water Taxi from downtown Pier 50 straight to Seacrest Dock.
- Public beach fire pits are strictly first-come, first-served and disappear fast on summer nights. Burning construction pallets or wood with nails is illegal; buy standard bundles at a grocery store.
- Exposed to the open waters of Puget Sound, marine winds get very chilly here after dark. Bring a thick hoodie, fleece, or windbreaker even for a mid-summer night visit.
Photo Tips
Photo Spots
- Located in West Seattle, Alki Beach offers one of the absolute best panoramic vantage points of the downtown skyline and Space Needle across the water.
Reviews
Positive
- It provides the ultimate viewpoint of the Seattle downtown skyline across the water; the city night lights are postcard-perfect.
- The long, flat paved boardwalk is perfect for biking, rollerblading, or walking dogs, exuding a relaxed, authentic West Coast beach vibe.
- Great amenities with clean restrooms, outdoor showers, and benches, complemented by a row of excellent seafood eateries and cafes right across the street.
- It's completely free and features public fire pits on the sand, making summer night beach bonfires and barbecues incredibly romantic.
Heads up
- The Puget Sound water remains numbingly cold even in July and August, making swimming impossible; it's strictly for sunbathing or wading.
- Finding parking on summer weekends is an absolute nightmare, with free street spots filled early and nearby paid lots doubling their rates.
- The sand is quite coarse and rocky, littered with dried seaweed and large pieces of driftwood, making it uncomfortable to walk barefoot.
- On warm evenings, loud modified cars and cruisers frequently drag race down the strip, ruining the peaceful beach ambiance with engine roars.