Lincoln Park

Lincoln Park is a large waterfront park of roughly 135 acres in the Fauntleroy area of West Seattle, Washington, on Puget Sound at 8011 Fauntleroy Way SW. Its shoreline combines pebble and sand beach with driftwood, and the water is cold, greenish-gray, and typical of Puget Sound, so most visitors wade, walk, or beachcomb rather than swim for long. The beach is open to the Sound, with views west to the Olympic Mountains and across to Vashon Island, and passing ferries from the nearby Fauntleroy terminal add to the scenery. A paved Beach Trail and seawall run for about a mile along the water, making it one of the city's best shoreline walks, with a flat and wide surface suited to strollers and joggers. Behind the beach, forested trails climb through tall Douglas firs and bigleaf maples, and open lawns provide space for picnics. The vibe is family-friendly and quiet compared with Alki, with locals, dog walkers, and families rather than party crowds. Amenities include restrooms, picnic shelters, a playground, and Colman Pool, a heated saltwater swimming pool open seasonally for a separate fee, with its own schedule that visitors should verify with Seattle Parks and Recreation. Lifeguards are not generally provided at the Sound beach itself. Low tide exposes tidal flats with marine life, and visitors are asked to leave animals and shells in place. Metro buses run along Fauntleroy Way SW, and the Fauntleroy ferry terminal is nearby, which allows for a walk before or after a ferry trip to Vashon Island or Southworth. Parking lots are large but fill on sunny weekends, and food is limited inside the park, so visitors typically bring a picnic or find cafes in the Fauntleroy neighborhood. The park is managed by Seattle Parks and Recreation, and its mix of beach, forest, and pool makes it a good half-day destination for families.