With stunning views across Elliott Bay and Puget Sound to Bainbridge Island and Vashon Island, Alki Beach is a great place to while away the hours. There is plenty of space to relax, fresh seafood on offer at the local cafes, as well as wonderful vantage points along the water from which you can admire the snowy tops of the Olympic Mountains.
Stretching four kilometres from Duwamish Head to Alki Point, Alki Beach Park is a perfect place to stroll along the water, which is dotted with pleasure boats, ferries and even the occasional yacht. Take a break on the grass, where there are plenty of picnic tables and benches. All around the park you’ll find sports courts and fire circles to help you make the most of your visit, as well as public conveniences.
With cafés dotted along Alki’s main street, the area offers many great spots to eat out, whether you’re looking for fun snack bars or haute cuisine. One popular haunt is the seafood restaurant Salty’s.
Head for the Birthplace of Seattle Monument, where you’ll get to see the site where the first European settlers arrived in the 1850s before they moved to Pioneer Square further into the heart of town.
At 60th Ave SW, check out the replica Statue of Liberty to see why this spot is known as ‘New York Alki’. Walk further west and you’ll reach Alki Point Lighthouse, which you can even tour on weekends in summer. Admire the nautical instruments, charts and photographs on show, and learn more about Alki Beach and Puget Sound.
Situated in West Seattle about 15 minutes from downtown Seattle, Alki Beach is easily reached by car or on the Metro’s free DART shuttle bus. If you’re driving, street parking is available, but bear in mind that it gets crowded on summer weekends when many visitors flock here. Alternatively, take the 12-minute boat ride cross Elliott Bay to Seacrest Park on the Metro water taxi which leaves from piers 55 and 56 near Pioneer Square.
