Seattle is a hilly waterfront city of about 737,000 people between Puget Sound and Lake Washington, known for Pike Place Market, the Space Needle, its coffee and tech culture, ferries and views of Mount Rainier and the Olympic Mountains.
Top beaches
A ranked editor’s shortlist of the coastline worth planning a day around in Seattle.
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- lively promenade with families, cyclists, and sunset crowds
- Paved 2.5-mile beachfront promenade
- Restrooms
- Volleyball courts
- Beach fire rings (check Seattle Parks rules)
- Restaurants and ice cream shops across the street
- Views of the downtown skyline and Elliott Bay
Alki Beach
Editor’s tip. Arrive before 10 a.m. on sunny weekends to find street parking on Alki Avenue SW
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- sunset bonfires, dogs, and a lively summer-evening crowd
- Sandy beach on Puget Sound
- Fire pits (first come, first served)
- Restrooms
- Picnic areas
- Off-leash dog area
- Boat launch nearby
Golden Gardens Park
Editor’s tip. Arrive early on sunny weekends because the lots fill and overflow parking is limited
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- calm neighborhood lake beach with local families and cyclists
- Swimming beach on Lake Washington
- Summer lifeguards (seasonal)
- Restrooms
- Picnic tables
- Burke-Gilman Trail access
Matthews Beach Park
Editor’s tip. Confirm lifeguard dates and hours with Seattle Parks before swimming
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- family-friendly lakeside park with cafes close by
- Swimming beach on Lake Washington
- Summer lifeguards (seasonal)
- Restrooms
- Playground
- Cafes and shops on E Madison St
Madison Park Beach
Editor’s tip. Ride Metro route 11 because street parking is limited on warm weekends
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- busy, sociable lakeside loop of walkers, runners, and families
- Two swim beaches (East and West)
- Summer lifeguards (seasonal)
- 2.8-mile loop path
- Boat rentals (seasonal)
- Wading pool and playground
Green Lake Park
Editor’s tip. Take Link light rail to Roosevelt Station to avoid scarce parking
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- quiet, forested peninsula with a nature-lover crowd
- Swimming beach on Lake Washington
- Summer lifeguards (seasonal)
- 2.4-mile loop trail around the peninsula
- Old-growth forest
- Restrooms and picnic areas
Seward Park
Editor’s tip. Take Link light rail to Columbia City Station, then a bus or rideshare for the last stretch
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- quiet, natural, and local, with forest trails behind the shore
- Pebbly Puget Sound beach
- Pedestrian bridge to the shore
- Forest trails
- Restrooms
- Picnic shelters and playground
Carkeek Park
Editor’s tip. Use the pedestrian bridge only; never walk on the railroad tracks
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- quiet neighborhood lake beach with a swim dock
- Swimming beach on Lake Washington
- Summer lifeguards (seasonal)
- Swim dock
- Restrooms
- Picnic areas
Madrona Beach
Editor’s tip. Check Seattle Parks for lifeguard dates and hours before swimming
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- family-friendly shoreline walks with forest behind
- Pebble and sand Puget Sound beach
- Mile-long Beach Trail and seawall
- Heated saltwater Colman Pool (seasonal, separate fee)
- Playground
- Restrooms and picnic shelters
Lincoln Park
Editor’s tip. Check Colman Pool hours and fees with Seattle Parks before visiting
Things to do at the beach
Beyond swimming and sunbathing — the activities that make a coastal day in Seattle memorable.
What to bring
A short packing list for a comfortable beach day — adjust for season and the specific spot.
- Sun protectionHigh-SPF sunscreen, hat, polarised sunglasses, light long-sleeve cover-up.
- HydrationReusable bottle, salty snacks for longer days, electrolyte sachets if it’s hot.
- FootwearWater shoes for pebble or rocky entry, flip-flops for sand, dry pair for the trip home.
- Swim & coverQuick-dry towel or sand-resistant mat, change of swimwear, light cover-up for restaurants.
- Cash & valuablesSmall notes for beach clubs and rentals; waterproof pouch for phone, keys, cards.
- ExtrasReef-safe sunscreen near protected coastline, a book, a small first-aid kit for jellyfish or scrapes.
Beach safety
Hard-earned guidance — read this before you swim, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the coast.
Critical
Swim where lifeguards are posted and follow flag warnings — green is safe, yellow is caution, red means no swimming. Rip currents are the leading beach hazard worldwide.
Caution
Watch for tide changes and marine life — jellyfish blooms, sea urchins on rocky entries, occasional shark or stingray advisories. Don’t swim alone, especially at dawn or dusk.
Tip
Reapply sunscreen every 90 minutes and after every swim. Take shade between 11 am and 3 pm — the sun is harsher than people expect, even when the air is cool.
Practical
Keep valuables out of sight or back at the accommodation. Beach theft is a small-but-real risk at busy beaches; never leave bags unattended while you’re in the water.
Common questions
Quick answers to the questions we get asked most about Seattle’s coast.
Is Alki Beach good for swimming?
Swimming is possible in summer, but the water of Puget Sound stays cold and there is no guarantee of lifeguards. Most visitors wade or take brief dips.
From the Alki Beach editorial.
How do visitors get to Alki Beach without a car?
The King County Water Taxi runs from Pier 50 to Seacrest Dock, with a connecting shuttle bus. Metro buses also serve Alki Avenue SW.
From the Alki Beach editorial.
Does Golden Gardens Park have fire pits?
Yes. Fire pits are available on a first come, first served basis, subject to Seattle Parks and Recreation rules.
From the Golden Gardens Park editorial.
Is there a dog area at Golden Gardens?
Yes. An off-leash dog area is located in the park, and dogs elsewhere should be leashed.
From the Golden Gardens Park editorial.
Does Matthews Beach have lifeguards?
Lifeguards are provided seasonally, mainly in July and August. Check Seattle Parks and Recreation for current dates and hours.
From the Matthews Beach Park editorial.
Is Matthews Beach on the ocean?
No. It is on freshwater Lake Washington, so the water is calmer and usually warmer in summer than Puget Sound.
From the Matthews Beach Park editorial.
Does Madison Park Beach have lifeguards?
Seasonal lifeguards are provided in the peak summer weeks. Check Seattle Parks and Recreation for current dates and hours.
From the Madison Park Beach editorial.
How do visitors get to Madison Park Beach by bus?
Metro route 11 serves Madison Park from downtown Seattle and Capitol Hill.
From the Madison Park Beach editorial.