West Seattle

West Seattle is the peninsula across the bay — Alki Beach with its sand, skyline views, and beachfront stroll, plus the walkable Junction district of shops and restaurants. The seasonal water taxi from downtown is the fun way over. Worth a sunny-day trip; just note the water taxi runs April to October only.

Key facts

Frequently asked questions

When does the West Seattle Water Taxi run?

Seasonally, roughly mid-April through early October. Weekdays it runs about 6am to 7pm; Fridays and Saturdays it adds late-night sailings through about 11pm for sunset trips. Check King County Metro's current schedule before you go, since dates shift each year.

Is the West Seattle Bridge open?

Yes — it reopened in September 2022 after a long closure and has been fully operational since. So driving over is straightforward again, though the water taxi is still the more scenic option when it's running seasonally.

How do I get from the water taxi to Alki?

The water taxi lands at Seacrest Park, and free Metro shuttles connect the dock to both Alki Beach and the West Seattle Junction. So you can cross by boat and still reach the beach or the shops without a car — a genuinely smooth combo.

How do I get to West Seattle from downtown?

The most fun way is the King County Water Taxi from Pier 50 — about 10-15 minutes across Elliott Bay with a great skyline view — but it's seasonal, running roughly April 11 to October 9. Off-season, take the RapidRide C Line bus or drive over the West Seattle Bridge.

How much time do I need in West Seattle?

A half-day is the sweet spot: cross on the water taxi, do Alki Beach and a meal, and maybe the Junction. If you're chasing a sunset, stretch it into the evening and take a late-night boat back on a Friday or Saturday.

Is Alki Beach worth visiting?

On a sunny day, absolutely — it's a real sandy beach with a paved path, skyline and Olympic Mountain views, and a beach-town strip of casual eats and ice cream. It's where Seattle goes to feel like it's at the coast. Less compelling in gray weather.

What is the West Seattle Junction?

It's the neighborhood's walkable commercial heart — locally owned shops, restaurants, bars, and a farmers market, with a more grounded, residential feel than the beach. Pair it with Alki for the full West Seattle day: beach plus village.

Is West Seattle good for sunset?

Very — Alki faces the water and the Olympics, and the Friday/Saturday late-night water taxi is built around sunset sailings. A clear summer evening on the beach or the boat is one of the nicer low-key things to do in the city.

Nearby in Ask Seattle

• Alki BeachBeach0.56 km · 7 min walk
• Myrtle Edwards ParkPark5.55 km · 69 min walk
• Olympic Sculpture ParkPark5.65 km · 71 min walk
• Lincoln ParkPark5.69 km · 71 min walk
• Lincoln Park BeachBeach5.69 km · 71 min walk