Alki Beach

On the shores of Elliott Bay, Alki Beach is where the first white settlers landed in Seattle. There’s a landmark—and also volleyball courts, bike paths, picnic tables, fire rings, restrooms, and plenty of sand. The water is chilly, but there’s plenty to do beyond sand-worshipping or going for a nippy dip. Nab fantastic views of the Olympic Mountains, tour Alki Lighthouse, see its mini Statue of Liberty, recreate, or stop at a nearby restaurant.

• Unlike most Seattle parks, beach fires are allowed in summer. They must stay in the provided fire rings.

• You can reserve a volleyball court online at the park's website.

• Dogs are allowed in the park—but not on the sand.

Parking is available along Alki Avenue SW. If you’re downtown and want to avoid the drive and parking hassle (or don’t have a car), you can also take a water taxi across Elliott Bay to within steps of Alki Beach. The schedule varies by season; making a reservation is highly recommended.

The beach is open from 4am to 11:30pm, daily. To avoid the crowds—which are especially apparent on warm, sunny days—come well before noon or well after dinner. Otherwise, pack a rain jacket; in more inclement weather, crowds won’t be a problem, and the views will still be spectacular.

Alki Beach’s Statue of Liberty—a considerably smaller replica, of course—was a gift from the Seattle Boy Scouts in 1952. It’s one of several interesting landmarks at the beach, including the Alki Lighthouse, a marker commemorating the Dix shipwreck, and the monument to the arrival of the first white settlers on November 13, 1851.

Alki Beach has a saltwater bathhouse and art studio, picnic tables, fire rings, restrooms, and paths for joggers, bicyclists, and strollers. It’s perfect for the family and for those wanting to do some beach sports, like volleyball. Any time of year it’s a popular spot for long beach walks.

Yes, you can have a fire at Alki Beach, but you’ve got to follow the rules. Fires must be built in the designated fire rings, which can’t be reserved ahead of time. They’re usually in high demand, so if want to build a fire, grab one early in the day.

Alki Beach is the spot where the first white settlers touched down in Seattle in 1851, and they built a lodge with the assistance of Chief Seattle. It became a hot spot, and in 1902 an electric streetcar was built to it from Seattle. It once housed an amusement park.

Yes, there are volleyball courts to rent at Alki Beach, but you must bring your own net and ball. Make reservations online—you can reserve your court up to two weeks in advance. Courts are around US$8 per hour.

Yes, sometimes. Visitors to Alki Beach whale watch from the beach and sometimes spot Orcas. The beach is a popular hangout for seals, so Orcas are also attracted to the area. Fall and winter are the best times to spot whales, but occasionally you can see a transient Orca swimming.

Yes, you can swim at Alki Beach. Regular swim groups like to exercise in the relatively chilly water: 53.1°F (11.7°C) in summer to 45.3°F (7.4°C) in winter. Wearing a wetsuit may make swimming more pleasant. On hot summer days, the cool waters may have broader appeal.