Alki Beach

#16 in Best Things To Do in Seattle

All Things To Do

alki-beach

Key Info

1702 Alki Ave SW

Price & Hours

Free
4 a.m.-10:30 or 11:30 p.m. daily

Details

Beaches, Free
Time to Spend: 1 to 2 hours

Alki Beach

Attraction Introduction:
Nestled in West Seattle, Alki Beach is a popular waterfront destination offering stunning views of Puget Sound and the Seattle skyline. This historic beach boasts a 2.5-mile-long stretch of sandy shores that are perfect for sunbathing, beachcombing, and picnicking. Alki Beach is also a significant site for Seattle's history, as it marks the landing point of the city's first European settlers in 1851. Today, visitors can find an array of charming cafés and restaurants along Alki Avenue, as well as plaques and monuments commemorating the area's rich heritage.

Visiting Tips:
For a pleasant experience at Alki Beach, consider arriving early, especially on sunny weekends when it can get crowded. Parking is available but can fill up quickly, so consider taking public transportation or biking if possible. The beach is ideal for a variety of activities, including volleyball, rollerblading, and kayaking, so bring along any gear you might need. Don't miss the iconic Alki Point Lighthouse to the west of the beach, which offers tours during the summer months. Be sure to stay until sunset to catch magnificent views of the sun setting over the water.

Precautions:
While Alki Beach is a family-friendly spot, always supervise children closely, especially near the water. The beach is great for swimming, but the water can be cold, and currents can be strong, so exercise caution. Be mindful of the no-fire policy outside designated fire pits, and clean up after yourself to maintain the beach's beauty and cleanliness. Respect local wildlife by observing from a distance and never feeding animals. Lastly, wear sunscreen and stay hydrated to protect against sunburn and dehydration.

Next Attraction

Explore More of Seattle

seattle-art-museum

Seattle Art Museum

seattle-aquarium

Seattle Aquarium

kerry-park

Kerry Park

space-needle

Space Needle

museum-of-pop-culture

Museum of Pop Culture

bainbridge-island

Bainbridge Island

mount-si

Mount Si

museum-of-flight

Museum of Flight

You might also like

Maui
29
Sonoma
14
Reno
15
Galveston
21
Yosemite National Park
21
Shenandoah National Park
15
Chattanooga
14
Houston
32
The Poconos
21
Washington, D.C.
41