Alki Beach
Alki Beach: Seattle's Coastal Gem
Alki Beach: Seattle's Birthplace
Discover Seattle's birthplace at Alki Beach: stunning views, sandy shores, and a vibrant beach scene in West Seattle.
Alki Beach, a sandy stretch in West Seattle, offers stunning city views and a vibrant beach vibe. Known as the landing site of Seattle's first settlers, it's a place to relax, play, and soak in the Northwest scenery [6, 15].
Plan your visit
A brief summary to Alki Beach
Opening times, essentials, and a few local tips gathered into one calmer, easier-to-scan planning section.
Plan your visit
Seattle, West Seattle, Washington, US
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Getting There
Public Transport
From downtown Seattle, the easiest way to reach Alki Beach is by bus or the West Seattle Water Taxi [3, 11, 12]. * **Bus:** Several bus routes connect downtown Seattle to Alki Beach. The RapidRide C Line and routes 50 and 56 are common options [3, 11]. A one-way fare is typically $3 [11, 18]. * **Water Taxi:** Take the West Seattle Water Taxi from Pier 50 in downtown Seattle to Seacrest Park in West Seattle [22]. From there, transfer to the free Route 775 bus to reach Alki Beach [26]. The water taxi fare is $5.75 one way ($5 with an ORCA card) [26]. The Route 775 bus is free [26].
Walking
From the Seacrest Park Water Taxi dock, you can walk to Alki Beach, though it's a considerable distance (approximately 2 miles) [23]. Follow the Alki Trail along the waterfront [25]. This scenic walk offers views of the Seattle skyline and Puget Sound. Be aware that the walk takes around 40 minutes [3].
Taxi/Ride-share
Taxis and ride-sharing services (Uber/Lyft) are readily available in Seattle and offer a direct route to Alki Beach. A ride from downtown Seattle typically costs between $21-$26 and takes approximately 13 minutes, depending on traffic [11].
Local tips
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Enjoy the views of the Seattle skyline, Olympic Mountains, and Puget Sound [6].
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Visit the Alki Point Lighthouse for free tours on weekends during the summer [6].
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Take the West Seattle Water Taxi from downtown for a scenic ride [6, 12].
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Bring a picnic and enjoy the fire pits (first-come, first-served) for a beach bonfire [6].
Discover more about Alki Beach
Alki Beach Park, located in West Seattle, is more than just a beach; it's a historical landmark and recreational hub [5]. This 135.9-acre park boasts 0.5 miles of beachfront, making it the first public saltwater bathing beach on the West Coast [5]. Originally a campsite for the Duwamish tribe, Alki became the birthplace of Seattle when the Denny Party landed here in 1851, naming it "New York Alki" [2, 15].
Today, Alki Beach offers a vibrant mix of relaxation and activity. Visitors can enjoy sandy shores, volleyball courts, and a paved trail perfect for walking, running, or rollerblading [6, 9]. The beach provides stunning views of the Seattle skyline, the Olympic Mountains, and Puget Sound [6]. A replica of the Statue of Liberty stands as a reminder of Seattle's commitment to freedom [5, 12].
Alki Beach Park also features fire pits for bonfires, picnic tables, and a bathhouse with an art studio [6, 9]. The Alki Point Lighthouse, built in 1913, offers free tours on weekends during the summer [6]. The park is open daily from 4:00 AM to 11:30 PM [5]. Alki Beach has a long history as a recreation site. In 1902, a new electric trolley line was built to bring visitors across the bay from Seattle [4]. In 1907 an elaborate amusement park called Luna Park was built on the Duwamish tide flats just across Elliott Bay from booming Seattle [4]. It included heated swimming pools, a huge German carousel, a Ferris wheel, a rollercoaster, a restaurant, and a boat chute [4].
A brief summary to Alki Beach
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