Alki Trail: Seattle's Seaside Promenade
Discover Seattle's birthplace on this scenic waterfront trail with stunning city views, sandy beaches, and a vibrant, historic atmosphere.
The Alki Trail is a scenic 5.5-mile paved path tracing the shores of West Seattle, offering stunning views of the Seattle skyline, Puget Sound, and the Olympic Mountains. It's a popular spot for walking, biking, and enjoying the vibrant beach atmosphere, steeped in local history as the site where Seattle's first settlers landed in 1851.
A brief summary to Alki Trail
- Seattle, West Seattle, Washington, US
Local tips
- Parking can be challenging, especially on sunny weekends. Consider arriving early or using public transportation.
- Bring layers, as the weather along the water can be unpredictable. Even on a sunny day, it can get chilly.
- Take advantage of the many restaurants and cafes along Alki Avenue for a bite to eat or a refreshing drink.
- Check the tide charts before you go to explore the tide pools at low tide.
- Rent a bike or kayak to explore the trail and the surrounding waters at your own pace.
Getting There
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Walking
From the Alki Beach Water Taxi landing, the Alki Trail is easily accessible by walking west along Alki Avenue SW. The trail runs parallel to the beach, offering stunning views of the Seattle skyline. The distance to the heart of Alki Beach Park is approximately 1 mile. No costs are associated with walking the trail.
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Public Transport
King County Metro bus routes 128 and 773 serve the Alki area. From downtown Seattle, take the Water Taxi to the Alki Beach landing at Seacrest Park. From there, the Alki Trail is a short walk west along Alki Avenue SW. A one-way Water Taxi fare is typically around $5.75 for adults, with reduced fares for seniors and youth. Bus fares vary depending on the distance traveled, but a typical adult fare is $2.75.
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Driving
From I-5 in Seattle, take the West Seattle/Spokane St. Viaduct exit. Continue west and take the Harbor Ave/Avalon Way exit off the West Seattle Freeway after crossing the West Seattle Bridge. Turn right onto Harbor Ave SW and continue north, where it becomes Alki Ave SW. Plentiful street parking is available along Alki Ave SW, though it can be challenging to find a spot during peak season. Parking is typically free, but be sure to check posted signs for any restrictions. Recent updates plan to add 150 parallel parking spaces to the water side of the street adjacent to the Alki Trail. Be aware that parked car doors may open onto the Alki Trail.
Discover more about Alki Trail
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Water Tower
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Statue of Liberty Plaza - Seattle
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Southwest Seattle Historical Society
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Birthplace of Seattle Monument
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S & E Shipyard Historic Site
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Ballast Island Historic Site
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Pier 55
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Pier 62
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City Map Hatchcover
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Memorial To Fallen Firefighters
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National Building
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Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park
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Pioneer Square
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Pioneer Square Pergola
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Pioneer Square Totem Pole
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Unmissable attractions to see
Hamilton Viewpoint Park
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Seattle Skyline
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Schmitz Preserve Park
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Alki Beach
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The Escape Artist
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Alaska Junction
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Alki Beach Park
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Cascadia Marine Trail
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Log House Museum
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Coast Guard Museum Northwest
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Duwamish Longhouse and Cultural Center
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T-Mobile Park
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Charles Richey Sr Viewpoint
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Lumen Field
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Spooked In Seattle Ghost Tours
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Essential places to dine
Marination Ma Kai
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Il Terrazzo Carmine
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Field to Table
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Premier Meat Pies
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Elliott's Oyster House
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84 Yesler
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Damn the Weather
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13 Coins Seattle
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Six Seven Restaurant
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Anthony's Pier 66 & Bell Street Diner
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Mason's Famous Lobster Rolls
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Maximilien Restaurant
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Aerlume Seattle
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The Athenian Seafood Restaurant And Bar
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Lowell's Restaurant
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
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1.4 km
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WORK SHOP
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Wild Hare Practical Goods
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Simply Seattle
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The Seattle Shop at 56
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Bon Voyage Vintage
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Seattle Antiques Market
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Diva Dollz
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Ugly Baby
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Pike Place Gifts
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Earth Wind & Fire Boutique
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
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Good Bar
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The Pike Brewing Company
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The Rabbit Box
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The Taproom at Pike Place
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White Horse Tavern
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Kells Irish Restaurant & Pub
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Black Cat Bar
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