Alki Beach

Alki Beach is a long urban beach on the northwest tip of West Seattle, along Alki Avenue Southwest in Seattle, Washington, facing Elliott Bay and Puget Sound. It is the place where the first settlers of the Denny Party landed in 1851, an event commemorated by a monument on the shore, and a replica of the Statue of Liberty stands nearby. The beach extends for about two and a half miles and is backed by a paved promenade used by walkers, cyclists and skaters. Along the strip are cafes, fish-and-chips shops and ice cream stands, and volleyball courts, fire pits and picnic areas fill the sand in warm weather. Views look across the water to the downtown skyline, the ferries and, on clear days, the Olympic Mountains. The shoreline provides a place to watch sunsets, and the evening light on the skyline attracts photographers. At low tide, the beach reveals tide pools, and visitors can look for marine life, though they should leave creatures undisturbed. Swimming is possible in summer, but the water is cold and there are no lifeguards on most of the beach. A typical visit lasts one to two hours, longer on a sunny day. Crowds peak on sunny summer afternoons and evenings, with parking filling quickly. Entry is free. The most scenic way to arrive is the King County Metro Water Taxi from Pier 50 to Seacrest Dock, followed by the Route 773 shuttle, while Route 50 buses also reach the area. Services may run seasonally, so check schedules in advance. The Alki Point Lighthouse sits at the western end and offers occasional tours.