Alki Beach (Seattle) - swimming & restaurants

Alki Beach is Seattle's most popular sandy beach, 25 minutes from downtown.

Alki Beach is a great escape from Seattle's bustling city life, and has an authentic beach town vibe that feels miles away from city life. It's located in West Seattle, a 25 minute drive from downtown.

It's best to visit during warmer months when Alki Beach is full of activity. Watch volleyball games on the sand, people frolicking in the waves, and others zipping past on their rental bikes.

The beachside path along Alki Avenue SW is perfect for strolling, biking and people-watching.

Leave Alki feeling relaxed and rejuvenated.

10 best things to do at Alki Beach

Take a fun water taxi to Alki: Take a 15 minute water taxi from Pier 50 on the Seattle Waterfront, to the West Seattle Water Taxi Pier (check schedules). The taxi docks near the Marination Mai Kai restaurant, where you can enjoy views of the Seattle Skyline across Puget Sound, while indulging in Hawaiian-Korean food. From here it's a 20 minute walk up to the Alki Beach Pier, then another 20 minutes to the bustling restaurant strip along Alki Avenue SW on Alki Beach.
Walk the Alki Avenue beachfront path: Walk 2.1 miles along Alki Avenue SW to enjoy beachfront views, from Alki Beach Pier to Alki Lighthouse. Start at the Alki Beach Pier at Duwamish Head, at the site of a vintage amusement park known as Luna Park. Continue southwest along Alki Avenue SW past the historic Alki Beach Bathhouse, Statue of Liberty monument, and Birthplace of Seattle obelisk, before ending at Alki Lighthouse.
Rent a bike at Alki Beach: Bike rentals are available along Alki Avenue SW at Wheel Fun Rentals.
Have a beach day: Grab some sand toys for the kids and an umbrella and spend the day at Alki Beach. There are no lifeguards on duty. The water temperature ranges from 46 degrees in winter to 56 degrees in summer. There are aslo volleyball courts, and designated summertime fire-pits, on a first come, first served basis.
Celebrate a special occasion at Salty's Restaurant: Salty's Restaurant is fabulous dining option for special occasions. Its views are unparalleled, especially with Seattle's twinkling city lights across the water at night.
Tour the Alki Point Lighthouse: Alki Point Lighthouse is open for tours on Sunday afternoons during summer. The Alki Lighthouse was built in 1913, and is located at Alki Point at the entrance to Elliot Bay. Drive to the end of Alki Avenue SW to the Coast Guard Station. Call 206 841 3519 for more information.
Eat at Alki Beach cafes: Stop at casual beach cafes and restaurants along Alki Avenue at Alki Beach, with a range of outdoor dining options. Some favorites include Dukes Chowder House, the fun Cactus Alki Beach (mexican), and gourmet farm to table food at trendy Harry's Beach House.
Get a coffee: Get your caffeine fix at Ampersand Cafe, with lovely views of Alki Beach and an outdoor patio.
Enjoy an icecream: Stop at Alki Ice Cream and Bubble Tea for a sweet treat.
Visit Lincoln Park & Colman Pool: Visit Lincoln Park, just 10 minutes south of Alki Beach. This is a truly beautiful area with some forested trails, beaches and water views. There's also a splashpad and playground for kids. Colman Pool is open during summer months. It has an incredible location on the waterfront overlooking the beach.