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I haven't been here officially on a truly hot summer beach day in WA. Growing up in southern CA, the beach vibes were different than here in WA. But today was perfect! It was hot. It was sunny. And there was beach volleyball happening. Vendors setting up to sell fruit cups and horchatas and other crunchy treats. Alki Beach Park is a true beach destination! Public bathrooms, public showers to rinse off sand, and plenty of room to camp out if you want. I came to see the lowest tides on this day. In fact, Alki Beach Park was the first beach I frequented when I first moved to WA. Today's visit was truly magical though. The low tide revealed smaller pools and seaweed. Clambs squirted water out of their exposed holes. I saw a crow get squirted in the face! I am not a sunbather but if you are, this is your spot. I recommend NOT sunbathing, but you do you boo. I do recommend coming here. Great views of downtown Seattle too. Parking goes far along the waterfront. Loads of police were patrolling too. Be careful and enjoy nature! SYOY!
According to history, "Alki Beach is the site of the landing of the first white settlers in Seattle on a cold, stormy day in November of 1851. Chief Seattle and his tribe greeted them and helped them build their cabin to stave off the cold, wet winter." Little did that settlers know that a little over 100 years following this the beach would be a party beach with teens driving up and down the street with their loud motors, bonfires and Bluetooth speakers and other activity clearly trying to draw attention. The beach itself is nice but it's way crowded. I came here and it was only like mid-April, and it happened to be a decent day with some sun but boy was it crowded and noisy. Like a lot of beaches parking is a bit touch and go as well with mostly street parking that you have to luck out with. I'm told you can walk and bike your way downtown from here which must be interesting. While Alki is nice, the vibe seems totally for the young blood out here trying to impress one another. Lincoln Park beach is a bit more my scene.
I've been visiting Alki Beach Park since I was a little kid, and it is still a true marvel of the big city. Occupying a long stretch of beach in West Seattle, it's the place to see and be seen whether on a warm summer day stretched out on a beach blanket or on a cool evening enjoying a firepit rented from a nearby vendor. It's the best spot in town to photograph downtown Seattle at any time of the day (or night), and a great place to watch ferries, freighters, and boats go by. Parking can be a huge issue, so plan accordingly and get there early. There aren't even many (if any?) pay lots here, so you have to find street parking. Warm summer weekend day? Save yourself the hassle and take the bus!
9/5/2025 - This is Alki Point where you can view the Seattle Downtown Skyline and Cruise Terminal 91. You can park your car at a street parking space for free.
The tide was really low on our visit and there was only one brave lone swimmer in the water. But it was a nice beach and there were lots of people walking along the boardwalk to enjoy the view of downtown Seattle across the way. It looks like a nice area with a small Statue of Liberty. Not many of those still exist to this day. There are nice restaurants, arcades, and shops along the busy road too. Quite a lively area.
Alki Beach Park is magical to me! It has everything! First of all you have a magnificent view, which is absolutely breathtaking! You can see the beautiful SPACE NEEDLE! There is also the fabulous restaurants located right across the street! You can enjoy your meal and see the spectacular view. You can walk along the beach or you can take a scooter, bicycle, or any other modes of transportation. There are many options right there on the beach! I highly recommend Alki Beach Park! It's a great place to explore! It's excellent for families! Enjoy!
I forgot how beautiful it was here over in Alki beach. No matter the season, you can enjoy the scenery that Alki has to offer. With the breath taking views of the Olympic Mountains, the Puget Sound, Elliot bay, Seattle Center, etc. There's plenty of things you can do with your family, friends, fur babies and maybe that special person! So many different restaurants along the Alki strip, too.
Beautiful day at the beach! Love the veiws, you can even see the space needle on a clear day like today. Fantastic food options nearby as well!
i loved the beach sm, we had paid parking for 2hr. it's a lil hard to find. came on july 4th, 12pm. busier but still found a spot to sit and not overly packed like some california beaches. not cold, light breeze warm. bottom of water is all rocks, cloudy water with seaweeds. COLD WATERS. the kind of beach to soak ur feet in, not rly swim. lots of kayakers, boaters. there's a ben and jerry's and mini alki cafe's, driftwood restaurant nearby!!
This is us watching the pirate landing at Alki beach last July. Pirates are bad guys, but the kids were very excited to see it lol
Alki Beach is such a fun place to head to, especially in the summer. Known for having 'real sand' in middle of pnw beaches that can be pretty rocky, you can find Alki to be a central spot for those running or biking along the trails, playing in the sand, see wildlife as well as the ferries and Seattle city life across the way. Definitely recommend trying one of the many coffee places or restaurants/bars, come evening, this place can be a vibe! Parking can be a little tricky; during a general weekday you should be fine finding parking on the street or park's designated lots but most other times may require some creativity and a little walk to park and get over time the main strip of the park.
Perfect place if you are looking for some ocean feel but don't want to drive for hours to get to Westport and similar. Yes, it can get pretty busy but today it was just the right amount of lively, quirky, very Seattle-like, and offered some gorgeous views and a summer beach town vibe. Tip: if you are looking for something quieter and more serene, my favorite part of the area is actually beyond the Alki Point Lighthouse - around Constellation Park. There you won't be met with crowds and can just enjoy the sprawling views of the water.
My only issue was bathrooms being closed otherwise it's a beautiful view out across the water with the mountains in the background. I know during the summer parking here is difficult which is another reason it got downgraded from five stars.
It can get pretty crowded, although it's to be expected to a place this gorgeous. Who doesn't like the beach? When I visited, there were cyclists, roller skaters, people flying kites, numerous dog-walkers and even a pair out walking their pet goats!? Totally amazing atmosphere. On clear days, there are great views of Seattle and surrounding mountains. On lucky days, you can spot orca whales! Keep an eye out especially during the fall and winter, or if you're particularly committed, there are several social media groups dedicated to posting about whale sightings. You might just want to bring along a pair of binoculars whenever you visit...just in case. There's street parking that's a close stroll to the beach, and one public washroom that I could find. read more
3 months ago
I haven't been here officially on a truly hot summer beach day in WA. Growing up in southern CA, the beach vibes were different than here in WA. But today was perfect! It was hot. It was sunny. And there was beach volleyball happening. Vendors setting up to sell fruit cups and horchatas and other crunchy treats. Alki Beach Park is a true beach destination! Public bathrooms, public showers to rinse off sand, and plenty of room to camp out if you want. I came to see the lowest tides on this day. In fact, Alki Beach Park was the first beach I frequented when I first moved to WA. Today's visit was truly magical though. The low tide revealed smaller pools and seaweed. Clambs squirted water out of their exposed holes. I saw a crow get squirted in the face! I am not a sunbather but if you are, this is your spot. I recommend NOT sunbathing, but you do you boo. I do recommend coming here. Great views of downtown Seattle too. Parking goes far along the waterfront. Loads of police were patrolling too. Be careful and enjoy nature! SYOY! read more
3 months ago
According to history, "Alki Beach is the site of the landing of the first white settlers in Seattle on a cold, stormy day in November of 1851. Chief Seattle and his tribe greeted them and helped them build their cabin to stave off the cold, wet winter." Little did that settlers know that a little over 100 years following this the beach would be a party beach with teens driving up and down the street with their loud motors, bonfires and Bluetooth speakers and other activity clearly trying to draw attention. The beach itself is nice but it's way crowded. I came here and it was only like mid-April, and it happened to be a decent day with some sun but boy was it crowded and noisy. Like a lot of beaches parking is a bit touch and go as well with mostly street parking that you have to luck out with. I'm told you can walk and bike your way downtown from here which must be interesting. While Alki is nice, the vibe seems totally for the young blood out here trying to impress one another. Lincoln Park beach is a bit more my scene. read more
1 year ago
I've been visiting Alki Beach Park since I was a little kid, and it is still a true marvel of the big city. Occupying a long stretch of beach in West Seattle, it's the place to see and be seen whether on a warm summer day stretched out on a beach blanket or on a cool evening enjoying a firepit rented from a nearby vendor. It's the best spot in town to photograph downtown Seattle at any time of the day (or night), and a great place to watch ferries, freighters, and boats go by. Parking can be a huge issue, so plan accordingly and get there early. There aren't even many (if any?) pay lots here, so you have to find street parking. Warm summer weekend day? Save yourself the hassle and take the bus! read more
The tide was really low on our visit and there was only one brave lone swimmer in the water. But it was a nice beach and there were lots of people walking along the boardwalk to enjoy the view of downtown Seattle across the way. It looks like a nice area with a small Statue of Liberty. Not many of those still exist to this day. There are nice restaurants, arcades, and shops along the busy road too. Quite a lively area. read more
Alki Beach Park is magical to me! It has everything! First of all you have a magnificent view, which is absolutely breathtaking! You can see the beautiful SPACE NEEDLE! There is also the fabulous restaurants located right across the street! You can enjoy your meal and see the spectacular view. You can walk along the beach or you can take a scooter, bicycle, or any other modes of transportation. There are many options right there on the beach! I highly recommend Alki Beach Park! It's a great place to explore! It's excellent for families! Enjoy! read more
I forgot how beautiful it was here over in Alki beach. No matter the season, you can enjoy the scenery that Alki has to offer. With the breath taking views of the Olympic Mountains, the Puget Sound, Elliot bay, Seattle Center, etc. There's plenty of things you can do with your family, friends, fur babies and maybe that special person! So many different restaurants along the Alki strip, too. read more
i loved the beach sm, we had paid parking for 2hr. it's a lil hard to find. came on july 4th, 12pm. busier but still found a spot to sit and not overly packed like some california beaches. not cold, light breeze warm. bottom of water is all rocks, cloudy water with seaweeds. COLD WATERS. the kind of beach to soak ur feet in, not rly swim. lots of kayakers, boaters. there's a ben and jerry's and mini alki cafe's, driftwood restaurant nearby!! read more
1 year ago
1 year ago
This is us watching the pirate landing at Alki beach last July. Pirates are bad guys, but the kids were very excited to see it lol read more
2 years ago
Alki Beach is such a fun place to head to, especially in the summer. Known for having 'real sand' in middle of pnw beaches that can be pretty rocky, you can find Alki to be a central spot for those running or biking along the trails, playing in the sand, see wildlife as well as the ferries and Seattle city life across the way. Definitely recommend trying one of the many coffee places or restaurants/bars, come evening, this place can be a vibe! Parking can be a little tricky; during a general weekday you should be fine finding parking on the street or park's designated lots but most other times may require some creativity and a little walk to park and get over time the main strip of the park. read more
Perfect place if you are looking for some ocean feel but don't want to drive for hours to get to Westport and similar. Yes, it can get pretty busy but today it was just the right amount of lively, quirky, very Seattle-like, and offered some gorgeous views and a summer beach town vibe. Tip: if you are looking for something quieter and more serene, my favorite part of the area is actually beyond the Alki Point Lighthouse - around Constellation Park. There you won't be met with crowds and can just enjoy the sprawling views of the water. read more
3 years ago
My only issue was bathrooms being closed otherwise it's a beautiful view out across the water with the mountains in the background. I know during the summer parking here is difficult which is another reason it got downgraded from five stars. read more
1 year ago
Just a fun walk on the beach, enjoying the views of Seattle, Sound, and Olympic mountains and peninsula. Happened to come on a day they had the polar plunge event. Quite a bunch of people plunging into the cold water of the Sound. All good fun! Cool vibe throughout, lots of tempting restaurants for return visits. Enjoying a sunny day, opportunities to collect polished rocks and glass for the aquarium. Beautiful neighborhood to stroll through as well. Park where you find a spot, expect to walk a little to get to the beach. Happy Yelping and Cheers! read more
5 years ago
Alki Beach is one of the more popular beaches in the area, and rarely have I had an opportunity to capture the serenity it offers because it's usually always crowded. My son enjoys the landmarks, while we enjoy the the views, and salty fresh air. If you're seeking a less crowded Alki Beach experience I highly recommend visiting throughout the weekday. read more
2 years ago
Love alki you can't go wrong at the park! The weather is great in the summer and you can get some fresh air with the kids read more
How lucky Seattle residents are to have this boardwalk beach park so close by! I'd never been to Alki Beach before this past weekend, but I am sure glad I did, because I think we happened by on the first perfect day of the year! 75° and not a cloud in the sky! The approach we took to the beach was snarled by traffic, which bottlenecked at a few intersections and exchanges where the only route slims down to a single lane, which is nowhere near enough to accommodate all the beach-hungry tourists and residents intent on capitalizing on the perfect weather. I imagine this congestion occurs on any decent-weather weekend, so it would be nice if Seattle could expand these roads or add new routes. Once we arrived though, it was easy to see why it's so popular! The area I think of as "the boardwalk" stretches about two miles from the lighthouse down south, to the northern tip of the promontory. Along this stretch are several restaurants, pubs and shops, as well as some gorgeous houses and apartments/condos for people rich enough to afford seaside property in Seattle. The whole area gives off a vibe that is half La Jolla (San Diego), half New England: seafood and sangria, chowder and chimichanga! Further inland, the neighborhoods are filled with tightly-packed colonial-style cottages, private and community gardens, and claustrophobic streets filled with parked tourist vehicles. Don't expect to find a parking spot along the boardwalk, unless you're planning on being towed or being issued a ticket (but really, could the ticket be all that much more expensive than parking elsewhere in Seattle)?! My wife and I met up with some friends, snagged a patio table upstairs at a local seafood restaurant, had some drinks, soaked in the sun, and later took a stroll down the beach and dipped our toes in the water. A temperate breeze from the Sound was enough to dissipate the heat of direct exposure. The beach itself isn't as idyllic as others on the Pacific coast, as it is rather narrow, and there are are bands of gravel and slimy kelp and seaweed, but the water was surprisingly warm for a mid-April day, and the length of it leaves plenty of room for privacy and social distancing. It may be a tad difficult to access despite its proximity to the city, crowded, difficult to find parking, and subject to the PNW's fickle weather, but when you're here, and everything falls into place, Alki Beach is utterly fantastic! The next time I'm in Seattle on a warm spring or summer day, I know that call of the sea will be luring me back here like a siren...and not the one on the Starbucks logo (it's not a mermaid, FYI)! read more
4 years ago
Alki Beach Park is an amazing place to visit in Seattle. It's a great beach area with walking and bike riding paths. They have places to play volleyball places to just sightsee and sea seals, awesome it has an amazing view of Seattle. There are countless restaurants and bars in the area. You can spend an entire day at Alki Beach Park and have numerous things to do. read more
4 years ago
By far, my favorite beach in Seattle. I remember having awesome family photos taken here seven years ago during the day, so when my uncle proposed coming here again recently around sunset hour-nighttime, I was over the moon about it. It was so nice to see the Seattle skyline change from day to night, and to see the sun set over Lake Washington. Summer was in full swing when I went, so there were groups of people hanging out and having bonfires on the sand. Individuals, couples, and small groups were riding on electric scooters and rollerblades along the road hugging Alki's coast. My cousin and I wanted to join in on the fun, so we grabbed a couple of electric scooters and coasted on. Such a vibe, esp during the summer. Thanks Alki for a great time! read more
2 years ago
5 years ago
Mood - My home This beach is home and comfort to so many that know the PNW. Everyone has their stories of cruising the drag real slow, watching the boats, and just chilling under the stars. With the plethora of restaurants, small boutiques, and installations it has become like no other. Alkai Beach park spans 135.9 acres and is located in West Seattle. This beach is made up of Elliot Bay, Alkai Point, and Duwamish Head. The beach which many people dont know was the first resting site of new settlers met by Chief Seattle in 1851. In 1907 Looff built a amusement park at Duwamish Head on the pilings. When the tides are out you can still see some of the pilings. It was named Luna Park after Coney Island. It had a ferris wheel, a german carusel, roller coaster, heated salt water pools, and a chute into a tub of water. This was the first municipal salt water beach on the west coast in 1910. In 1931 a fire destroyed the park. The city acquired the park a few years later and covered it in 1954. Reginald Parsons and the Seattle Chapter of the Boy Scouts gifted the small replica Statue of Liberty in 1952. This statue has become a beacon in the community to remember those that have been taken due to the terrorist attacks in 2001. There are many benches and seating areas to just enjoy the views. Lots of trees for shade to enjoy a great picnic or whatever you choose. Would most def recommend - this place is somewhere that I hold dear to my heart. I have enjoyed many a night and day here. The people have always been friendly. Dogs are welcome to walk the park just not on the beach. Location is West Seattle - ample parking - it is streets, so please pay attention to the No Parking Signs. read more
My second time to this beautiful beach/ park and still loving it! Blocks and blocks of walk ways and views to the beautiful beach, it is a great way to walk off your dinner or just spend an afternoon admiring the beauty. I also found that people could fish out on the docks and was excited to come back when it is warmer and do the same! Some good things to know are that there are a lot of eats in the area, doughnuts, Mexican food, coffee shops, and a great place to bring your pooch. There are public restroom closer to the actual beach area, and don't expect to come here with swimming suits as this doesn't seem to be that kind of beach -- a wet suit seems more like it! read more
Beautifully designed for pedestrians, the several-mile long, nearly straight, paved path along the waterfront gives beautiful views as you walk, bicycle, roller skate or scooter your way through. Restaurants and cafes adorn the opposite side of the street, for occasional breaks during your walk/jog or venture up and down the boulevard. If driving, don't be caught cruising! Parking during the week on beautiful days isn't so bad, but be wary of jaunts down to Alki on gorgeous summer weekends! read more
2 years ago
Hubby and I really enjoyed just hanging out at Alki Beach park. There is a nice walk all down the beachfront and you can see into downtown and to the island a ways out. The beach was super clean and the atmosphere was nice. There is a strong breeze, so I do suggest a jacket that can handle the wind. We saw quite a few families using the picnic tables and sand volleyball courts. The overall vibe was very relaxed. We saw some Uber bikes to rent and took a spin biking all the way up and down the boardwalk. That was super fun! There were a few people biking and skating and it was a nice way to get some exercise in! read more
2 years ago
8 years ago
This has to be my favorite beach park in Seattle. It has a California vibe while walking down the paved path and being on the sandy beach. Along the paved path, the street across has nice quick food bites, such as, tacos, burgers, fish and chips, etc. Sometimes in the warmer seasons there are pop up stands that sells cool drinks. There are shared bikes, such as, JUMP bikes and Lime bikes to ride along the path. There is also a bike rental shop where you can rent the four person bike. The beach itself is super nice. I love sandy beaches and this one is perfect. There are sandy areas, and there is an area near the bathrooms where it is grassy and shady. If you go north of the paved path, the beach turns more into area where you can just only walk/bike down a road. There are great areas to view the Seattle city and there is a dock for the water taxi. read more
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More info about Alki Beach Park
2665 Alki Ave SW
Seattle, WA 98116
Alki
Directions
(206) 684-4075
Call Now
Visit Website
http://www.cityofseattle.net
Hours
Indoor Amenities
Outdoor Amenities
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Ask the Community - Alki Beach Park
Are there public indoor showers on Alki Beach?
Thanks for your question. There are no indoor showers at Alki Beach. It is not designated as an official swimming beach since it's not lifeguarded. In the summer (ending around Labor Day), the City of Seattle has other public beaches with lifeguards…
Can you snorkel here?
Thanks for your question. Seattle Parks and Recreation strongly suggests that you swim only where lifeguards are present. There are no lifeguarded beaches at Alki.
Can I drink alcohol in the beach?
Thank you for asking. Use of alcohol, cannabis, and illegal drugs is prohibited in our parks. See Seattle Municipal Code 18.12.255 and 18.12.257 for more details on our alcohol policy and the Revised Code of Washington on for information on cannabis…
Can you rent fishing rods anywhere near here?
We're not aware of any nearby retail rental fishing places, but a search online does show one or two possibilities on top of the West Seattle hill. Good luck!
Is this beach 4/20 friendly?
As per city regulations, there is no smoking of any type in any park or on any public beach. Thanks for asking.
When is the best time to be there for seeing a wonderful sunset?
15 min before the official sunset time which changes every day. You can find sunset time on any weather app
Can dogs go to alki beach?
On the sand? No. It's technically "illegal" for dogs to go onto undesignated saltwater beaches in Seattle, leashed or unleashed. That doesn't always mean it's enforced, but I know that people have been given citations for bringing dogs onto the…
Is this a good/fun park for kids?
Yes definitely but depending on the day could be pretty crowded
Is it dog friendly? Off-Leash?
Not dog friendly if you want to go on the beach. Dogs are OK on the sidewalk and walking path. Dog owners are frequently ticketed for bringing their dogs down to the beach. Good luck!
Do we need to buy our own firewood, or is there driftwood we could use?
Definitely bring a bundle of Drywood
How difficult is it to get a fire pit? If I went late in the evening on a Friday or Saturday night in Winter (February), would I probably be able to find one?
Pretty easy.. look for posted signs for the hours. I think you're good until 10:00pm. There are several pits in the big sandy beach area.
Review Highlights - Alki Beach Park
Why does Yelp recommend reviews?
26 reviews that are not currently recommended
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