Alki Beach Tours and Activities

Alki Beach
Alki Beach showing sailing, a bay or harbour and a city
Alki Beach showing a coastal town, mountains and general coastal views
Alki Beach
Alki Beach which includes boating, landscape views and mist or fog


Escape the city bustle and relax at this sandy beach and park in mellow West Seattle.

Alki Beach offers miles of sand and shells and great views looking out across the peaceful waters of the Puget Sound to downtown Seattle as well as Bainbridge Island and Vashon Island. The area is a great spot to relax on the grass on a fine day or grab some fresh seafood at a local café. Take a walk along the water’s edge and admire the views of the snowcapped peaks of the Olympic Mountains in the distance.

The Birthplace of Seattle Monument marks the spot where the first European settlers camped in 1851 before moving permanently to the more sheltered area around Pioneer Square. 

Lined with cafés, Alki’s main street on a sunny summer’s day is more like southern California than the Pacific Northwest. Alki Beach Park extends for 2.5 miles (four kilometers) from Duwamish Head to Alki Point. There’s a clean beachfront as well as a paved trail running along the water’s edge beside a grassy strip scattered with picnic tables and benches. Stop and take in the tranquil views of Elliott Bay scattered with pleasure boats, ferries, and the occasional yacht. Public restrooms, fire circles and volleyball courts are also dotted through the park. 

There are plenty of opportunities to dine, from beach-themed snack bars to fine-dining restaurants. Salty’s is an old Seattle favorite with great seafood as well as stunning views of the Seattle skyline — and the weekend brunch is legendary.

Walk as far as 60th Ave SW, and you’ll see the replica Statue of Liberty that gave the area the moniker “New York Alki.” A short stroll farther west brings you to the Alki Point Lighthouse, which offers tours on summer weekends. Sailing enthusiasts will appreciate the display of nautical instruments, charts and photographs that record the history of Alki Beach and Puget Sound.  

Alki Beach is located in West Seattle, about a 15-minute drive from downtown Seattle and along several bus lines. There’s plenty of street parking, but it can get crowded on sunny summer weekends. A fun way to travel is the Metro water taxi, departing between piers 55 and 56 near Pioneer Square. It provides a scenic 12-minute boat ride across Elliot Bay to Sea Crest Park. The Metro’s free DART shuttle bus takes you to Alki Beach.

Plan a trip to see Alki Beach

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Sleep Inn - SeaTac Airport
1 Hotel Seattle
Kimpton Hotel Vintage Seattle by IHG

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Best Lodging Options Near Alki Beach

Executive Hotel Pacific

Executive Hotel Pacific

3 out of 5
400 Spring St, Seattle, WA
Executive Hotel Pacific
Hyatt Regency Seattle

Hyatt Regency Seattle

4 out of 5
808 Howell St, Seattle, WA
Hyatt Regency Seattle
Secluded Tree-Top Cabin on West Seattle Waterfront

Secluded Tree-Top Cabin on West Seattle Waterfront

Seattle
Secluded Tree-Top Cabin on West Seattle Waterfront
The Paramount Hotel

The Paramount Hotel

3.5 out of 5
724 Pine St, Seattle, WA
The Paramount Hotel
The Belltown Inn

The Belltown Inn

2.5 out of 5
2301 Third Avenue, Seattle, WA
The Belltown Inn
Mediterranean Inn

Mediterranean Inn

3 out of 5
425 Queen Anne Ave N, Seattle, WA
Mediterranean Inn
citizenM Seattle Pioneer Square

citizenM Seattle Pioneer Square

4 out of 5
60 Yesler Way, Seattle, WA
citizenM Seattle Pioneer Square
The Grove West Seattle Inn

The Grove West Seattle Inn

2 out of 5
3512 SW Alaska Street, Seattle, WA
The Grove West Seattle Inn
Coast Seattle Downtown Hotel by APA

Coast Seattle Downtown Hotel by APA

4 out of 5
1301 6th Avenue, Seattle, WA
Coast Seattle Downtown Hotel by APA
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Alki Beach

Alki Beach offers a variety of activities for visitors, including shopping and enjoying stunning sunsets. You can embark on Alki Adventures, explore scenic bike paths, and visit Whale Tail Park. For those seeking unique experiences, consider nighttime skiing or a memorable trip to Alki. Whether you're looking for outdoor fun or relaxation, Alki Beach has something for everyone.

Shopping

For a delightful shopping experience in Alki Beach, visit Pike Place Market, just 4.8km away, offering a vibrant atmosphere with unique local products. Westlake Center and Nordstrom are both 6.4km from Alki Beach, featuring family-friendly shopping and entertainment options. If you're up for a drive, explore other nearby malls.

Recreation

T-Mobile Park offers an exhilarating atmosphere for sports enthusiasts, while Showbox SoDo provides a vibrant setting for live music lovers. For a relaxing outdoor experience, the West Seattle Golf Course invites you to enjoy a round of golf amidst stunning views and fresh air, just a short distance from Alki Beach.

Adventure

Camp Long, located 3.2km from Alki Beach, offers a fantastic outdoor experience with its lush greenery and trails. For water sports enthusiasts, the UW Waterfront Activities Center, situated 11.3km away, provides thrilling activities. Explore the scenic Shinglemill Creek Trail, 12.9km from Alki, for an adventurous hike.

Nightlife

Experience the Seattle Great Wheel for stunning views and family fun, or enjoy a romantic evening at Moore Theatre with captivating performances. For a lively night, head to The Crocodile, where you can dance and soak up the city's vibrant entertainment scene.

Find the best attractions near Alki Beach

Alki Beach in Seattle offers a delightful mix of urban parks, art museums, and cultural attractions perfect for families and travellers seeking enriching experiences. While exploring the area, don't miss the iconic Alki Lighthouse and the picturesque Alki Beach itself, where you can soak in stunning views and enjoy local activities. This vibrant beachside locale is sure to create lasting memories during your visit.

  • Space Needle: Standing at 605 feet, the Space Needle offers stunning panoramic views of Seattle and its surroundings. A ride to the observation deck provides a unique perspective of the city’s skyline and the picturesque Puget Sound, making it a must-visit for breathtaking photo opportunities.
  • Seattle Waterfront: The Seattle Waterfront is a vibrant harbour featuring stunning views of the water, shops, and eateries. Stroll along the boardwalk, enjoy fresh seafood, and take in the lively atmosphere while watching ferries and sailboats glide by.
  • Seattle Center: This urban park is a hub of activity, with beautiful gardens, public art, and family-friendly attractions. Enjoy outdoor concerts or visit the iconic Museum of Pop Culture, making it perfect for a relaxing day with loved ones.

Best time to go to Alki Beach

Visitor numbers around Alki Beach is generally unchanged in popularity throughout the year. The best time to visit Alki Beach is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. August is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is sunny with no rain. December is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January40.3°F (4.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
February40.5°F (4.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
March43.9°F (6.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
April48.6°F (9.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage
May55.8°F (13.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
June61.0°F (16.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
July67.1°F (19.5°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
August67.5°F (19.7°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
September61.3°F (16.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
October52.7°F (11.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
November44.2°F (6.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
December39.2°F (4.0°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Alki Beach

Alki Beach is a budget-friendly destination with free access and nearby attractions like the Seattle Waterfront and Pike Place Market. To save on accommodation, visit during the off-peak months from December to February, particularly on Mondays, when prices are lower. Use Expedia to compare hotel options and filter for eco-certified stays. Consider booking a package that combines your hotel with flights and activities for additional savings. Always check reviews for the best rates and deals to ensure a cost-effective trip.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Alki Beach are December to February, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June to August, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Alki Beach is Monday. The most expensive day to stay around Alki Beach is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia’s search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and the type of hotel you’re looking for. For instance, selecting the "Eco-certified" option will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly accommodations currently available. To find the best prices and deals, sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can potentially save money by combining your Alki Beach hotel reservation with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.

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Explore a world of travel with Expedia