Alki Point Lighthouse: Seattle's Guiding Light
Discover Seattle's maritime history at the Alki Point Lighthouse, offering stunning views and a glimpse into the city's origins.
Alki Point Lighthouse stands as a sentinel at the southern entrance to Elliott Bay, a guiding light for vessels navigating Puget Sound [9]. More than just a navigational aid, it represents the historical roots of Seattle, marking the spot where the Denny Party first landed in 1851 [5, 13]. The Chinook word 'Alki,' meaning 'by and by,' reflects the early settlers' hopes for the future of their New York-Alki settlement [3, 5]. The original light was a humble kerosene lantern hung by farmer Hans Martin Hanson in the 1870s [4, 9, 13]. In 1887, the U.S. Lighthouse Service formalized the light with a lens-lantern on a wooden post, with Hanson as the keeper [3, 4, 9]. The current concrete lighthouse was constructed in 1913, and it is a twin of the Point Robinson Lighthouse on Maury Island [4, 9]. The Alki Point Light Station is on the National Register of Historic Places [4]. Today, the Alki Point Lighthouse remains an active aid to navigation, operated by the U.S. Coast Guard [2, 9]. Though the grounds are normally closed to the public, the US Coast Guard Auxiliary offers free tours on Sunday afternoons from Memorial Day through Labor Day [2, 3, 6, 7, 8]. During these tours, visitors can explore the lighthouse, learn about its history, and enjoy panoramic views of Puget Sound, the Olympic Mountains, and the Seattle skyline [2, 8]. The original fourth order Fresnel lens is on display at the Coast Guard Museum in Seattle [8, 20].
Local tips
- Tours are free and available on Sunday afternoons from Memorial Day to Labor Day, but check for closures [2, 6, 7, 8].
- Arrive early for tours, as space is limited and no reservations are taken [6, 8].
- There are no restrooms on site, but public restrooms are available at nearby Alki Beach [2].
- The final climb to the top of the lighthouse involves a steep ladder, and children under 6 are not allowed to the top [2].
A brief summary to Alki Point Lighthouse
- 3201 Alki Ave SW, Seattle, Alki, Washington, 98116, US
- Visit website
- Sunday 1 pm-4 pm
Getting There
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Walking
From Alki Beach, walk southwest along Alki Avenue SW [10]. The lighthouse is located at the end of Alki Point, approximately a 15-20 minute walk from the main beach area. There are sidewalks along the route. Be aware of limited shade [15].
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Public Transport
From downtown Seattle, take the King County Water Taxi from Pier 50 to Seacrest Park in West Seattle [27, 29]. From Seacrest Park, connect to the free Metro Route 775 shuttle which runs along Alki Avenue [29]. Alternatively, from the Alki Ave SW & SW Spokane St stop, it's a short walk to the lighthouse [10]. A one-way adult fare on the Water Taxi is $5.75 ($5 with an ORCA card) [28, 29]. Metro fares apply for the connecting bus route; check the King County Metro website for current fares [24].
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Taxi/Ride-Share
From downtown Seattle, a taxi or ride-share to Alki Point Lighthouse (3201 Alki Ave SW, Seattle, WA 98116) typically costs $30-$40, depending on traffic and demand [10]. The journey takes approximately 20-30 minutes. Note that parking near the lighthouse is limited, especially during peak season [2, 10].
