Alki Beach Tours

Alki Beach showing landscape views, general coastal views and a bay or harbor

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Escape the city bustle and relax at this sandy beach and park in mellow West Seattle.

Alki Beach offers miles of sand and shells and great views looking out across the peaceful waters of the Puget Sound to downtown Seattle as well as Bainbridge Island and Vashon Island. The area is a great spot to relax on the grass on a fine day or grab some fresh seafood at a local café. Take a walk along the water’s edge and admire the views of the snowcapped peaks of the Olympic Mountains in the distance.

The Birthplace of Seattle Monument marks the spot where the first European settlers camped in 1851 before moving permanently to the more sheltered area around Pioneer Square. 

Lined with cafés, Alki’s main street on a sunny summer’s day is more like southern California than the Pacific Northwest. Alki Beach Park extends for 2.5 miles (four kilometers) from Duwamish Head to Alki Point. There’s a clean beachfront as well as a paved trail running along the water’s edge beside a grassy strip scattered with picnic tables and benches. Stop and take in the tranquil views of Elliott Bay scattered with pleasure boats, ferries, and the occasional yacht. Public restrooms, fire circles and volleyball courts are also dotted through the park. 

There are plenty of opportunities to dine, from beach-themed snack bars to fine-dining restaurants. Salty’s is an old Seattle favorite with great seafood as well as stunning views of the Seattle skyline — and the weekend brunch is legendary.

Walk as far as 60th Ave SW, and you’ll see the replica Statue of Liberty that gave the area the moniker “New York Alki.” A short stroll farther west brings you to the Alki Point Lighthouse, which offers tours on summer weekends. Sailing enthusiasts will appreciate the display of nautical instruments, charts and photographs that record the history of Alki Beach and Puget Sound.  

Alki Beach is located in West Seattle, about a 15-minute drive from downtown Seattle and along several bus lines. There’s plenty of street parking, but it can get crowded on sunny summer weekends. A fun way to travel is the Metro water taxi, departing between piers 55 and 56 near Pioneer Square. It provides a scenic 12-minute boat ride across Elliot Bay to Sea Crest Park. The Metro’s free DART shuttle bus takes you to Alki Beach.

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Reviews of Alki Beach

4.6
Top Destination
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5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Feb 27, 2020

Actual sandy beach, unlike most Washington State beaches. If you like fish and chips, Spuds is right across from the beach...be prepared for lines. also parking anywhere near the beach is a matter of timing and luck....as long as you're at Alkai, head to the southern end of West Seattle (maybe 15 minutes) and visit Lincoln Park (upper is forested and lower is waterfront walkway)

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler
Aug 21, 2019

The view from Alki to see Seattle skyline was amazing. Lots and lots of people were there so it's a very busy spot. We had heard about a public salt water pool and went there to swim. The pool was fantastic. Warning, you have to walk down through a forest for about 1/3 mile, then up again. But it was totally worth it.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler
Apr 1, 2019

Small beach, beautiful views of Seattle, and cute little shops. We caught a volleyball match UW vs UArizona, pretty cool.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler
Feb 14, 2019

Great restaurants. Needs a good breakfast place.

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Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.