West Seattle's long, sandy beach with a beach-town boardwalk and a killer view of the downtown skyline across the water. Free, laid-back, and great for a sunset stroll, bike ride, or summer bonfire. Best reached by water taxi in summer, since driving and parking on sunny weekends is a headache.
Key facts
| Hours | Daily 04:00–23:30 |
|---|---|
| Price | — |
| Phone | — |
| Website | — |
| Nearest transit | King County Water Taxi to Seacrest, then free shuttle/bike; or Metro buses to West Seattle |
| Time needed | 1-3 hours |
| Best time to go | Summer evenings for sunset; weekdays to avoid parking chaos |
| Last verified | July 12, 2026 |
Friend Score
7.6/10- Value8.0
- iconic7.0
- Freshness9.2
- Crowd level6.0
- Authenticity8.0
- Accessibility6.0
Frequently asked questions
- Is Alki Beach good for families?
- Very. The flat paved path is great for strollers, scooters, and bikes, there's sand to play in, and casual restaurants and ice cream line the street across from the water.
- What's the best time to visit Alki Beach?
- Summer evenings for the sunset and the skyline view, or a quiet weekday if you want the boardwalk to yourself. Winter is atmospheric but chilly and windy.
- What are the hours?
- The park is open daily from 4 a.m. to 11:30 p.m., like most Seattle parks. Beach fires, of course, are only during fire season and daylight-to-evening hours.
- Can you swim at Alki Beach?
- You can wade and some people swim, but Puget Sound is cold year-round, so it's more of a toe-dip and sunbathe beach than a swimming one. Most people come for the walk, the view, and the vibe.
- Is parking hard at Alki Beach?
- On sunny summer weekends, yes. There's free parking along Alki Avenue and on side streets, but it fills fast midday. Weekdays and off-season are much easier, and the water taxi skips the problem entirely.
- Can you have a bonfire at Alki Beach?
- Yes, during the official beach-fire season, roughly late May through early September, using the designated fire pits. They're first-come, first-served, so claim one early on a nice evening.
- How do I get to Alki Beach from downtown Seattle?
- In the warmer months the King County Water Taxi from Pier 50 to Seacrest is the easiest way, about 10 minutes on the water. Otherwise Metro buses serve West Seattle, or you can drive, though parking is the catch.
- Is Alki Beach free?
- Yes, the beach and boardwalk are free and open to everyone. You'll only spend money if you park in a paid spot or grab food along Alki Avenue.
Nearby in Ask Seattle
- West SeattleNeighborhood0.56 km · 7 min walk
- Lincoln ParkPark5.2 km · 65 min walk
- Lincoln Park BeachBeach5.2 km · 65 min walk
- Myrtle Edwards ParkPark6.07 km · 76 min walk
- Seattle Great WheelAttraction6.14 km · 77 min walk
Where to stay near Alki Beach
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