…and that Way. And also that Way…
Nestled between rippling Puget Sound to the west and laid-back Lake Washington to the east, Seattle sometimes surprises even locals with its sheer wealth and variety of beautiful beaches.
With more than 200 miles of shoreline, Seattle offers waterfront fun for every style, from laid-back lawns on Lake Washington with smashing views of the Cascades to bustling beaches on Puget Sound with forever vistas of the Olympic Mountains. Whether it’s swimming, boating, tidepooling, or picnicking that draws you to the water’s edge, you’ll find just the right park for a delightful day at the beach.
Stuart Mullenberg
perfect for the…
FOODIE
Alki Beach Park
2665 Alki Ave SW
With a lively boardwalk vibe that appeals to dog walkers, bikers, and bladers, this West Seattle park on Elliott Bay has stunning downtown skyline views. With designated fire rings, it’s perfect for summer cookouts, or you can grab seafood and ice cream along Alki Avenue. Turn up the summer experience with spicy ahi tacos at Cactus Southwest Kitchen (2820 Alki Ave SW), clam and geoduck capellini pasta at Harry’s Beach House (2676 Alki Ave SW), or halibut and fries at Alki Spud Fish & Chips (2666 Alki Ave SW). Work off your seaside feast by joining in a beach volleyball game or strolling along the scenic promenade, with its replica of the Statue of Liberty and an obelisk marking the spot where pioneers established a permanent settlement in 1851.
Brittany Carchano
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NATURALIST
Golden Gardens Park
8498 Seaview Pl NW
A scenic wooded drive enters this shoreline paradise with dazzling Olympic Mountain views. Go tidepooling or explore freshwater wetlands along a boardwalk trail and a grove of trees where loungers sometimes string up hammocks. Mallard and American wigeon ducks, bald eagles, and glaucous-winged gulls are among the feathered friends you may glimpse on your strolls, and sea lions, harbor seals, and orcas inhabit the waters offshore. Golden Gardens is ideal whether you’re seeking solitude or lots of action—it’s also popular for sunset cookouts, bike rides, and relaxing paddles (the Burke-Gilman trail ends here, and Ballard Kayak and Paddleboard has rentals at Shilshole Bay Marina). You can also order tasty burgers from Little Coney (8003 Seaview Ave NW).
perfect for the…
FAMILY
Lincoln Park
8011 Fauntleroy Way SW
Just north of the Fauntleroy ferry terminal, this Puget Sound park is a favorite with West Seattle locals who flock to its pebbly beach that’s bordered by an all-ages-appropriate strolling and biking trail. But what makes Lincoln Park a hit are the amenities, the highlight of which is an Olympic-size heated saltwater pool with a waterslide and diving boards. Still more fun can be had romping around the extensive playground with its kids’ zip line, splashing about in the gentle wading pool, and hiking the forest trails. You’ll also find horseshoe pits, tennis courts, playing fields, and five picnic shelters.
perfect for the…
HIKER
Carkeek Park
950 NW Carkeek Park Rd
As you drive or bike beneath the thick canopy of emerald trees that mark the entrance to this tranquil northwest Seattle wilderness, you will see why Seattle is nicknamed the Emerald City. Cross the pedestrian bridge over the active train tracks and down a staircase to the peaceful beach on Puget Sound. Or from the parking area, access six miles of mossy, fern-shrouded forest abundant with big-leaf maple and alder trees. The North and South Bluff trails offer sweeping beach views, while the Piper’s Creek Trail meanders through a lush ravine.
@RACHELSKOKAN
perfect for the…
PEOPLE PERSON
Madison Park
1900 43rd Ave E
Easily reached from downtown, the University of Washington, and Capitol Hill, this compact patch of well-tended lawns with a narrow strip of sand is lovely all year, but on warm days, it becomes an outdoor living room. Popular for swimming, sunning, and socializing, Madison Park Beach attracts a youthful, eclectic bunch, like students, families, and teens—and it’s a welcome place for Seattle’s LGBTQ community. Steps from a strip of upbeat eateries along East Madison Street—including How To Cook A Wolf (H4200 E Madison St) and Hanok (4021 E Madison St)—it’s also an excellent choice for a picnic or a post-beach nosh.
Nick Hall Photography
perfect for the…
LEARNER
Discovery Park
3801 Discovery Park Blvd
At 534 acres, the city’s largest park occupies most of the former Fort Lawton army base and appeals to nature and history lovers and those who seek solitude. Start your visit at the Environmental Learning Center, which contains engaging natural history exhibits. A docent can point the way to the scenic trails that descend from dramatic Magnolia Bluff to a rocky beach. Walk to the north end to the still-active West Point Lighthouse, a red-roofed beauty built in 1881. In the park’s far north end, the Daybreak Star Indian Cultural Center (5011 Bernie Whitebear Way) serves as a community space for the Coast Salish, Duwamish, and other Indigenous tribes that have lived in this area for thousands of years. The center presents rotating contemporary native art shows and hosts the SeaFair Indian Days Powwow in July and the United Indians Native Art Market in December.
perfect for the…
SWIMMER
Matthews Beach Park 5100 NE 93rd St
Green Lake Park 7201 East Green Lake Dr N
Warm Lake Washington boasts several beaches popular for swimming and picnics and offers a casual family vibe, including Matthews Beach Park, with its sheltered and shallow swim beach (the largest in the city) and floating dock, lifeguards, changing rooms, and playground. At North Seattle’s Green Lake, enjoy two swimming beaches, rent watersport equipment from the Greenlake Boathouse, or stroll the path that encircles the picturesque lake.
perfect for the…
ACTIVITY SEEKER
Seward Park
5900 Lake Washington Blvd S
Popular with all ages, this 300-acre peninsula holds one of the city’s last remaining stands of old-growth forest. Check out the art gallery and shop at the Audubon Center by the entrance, which sells nature-oriented gifts and hosts a library upstairs. A 2.4-mile paved loop—perfect for walking, biking, and jogging—curves around the peninsula and provides access to a few other pebbly stretches, including a long section on the north side perfect for lounging and swimming. Marked trails traverse the wooded interior, and naturalists lead “owl prowls” and “bat treks” among other walks and talks.
Stuart Mullenberg
A DAY AT THE BEACH
Seattle’s geographic position results in summer days with more than 16 hours of sunlight, meaning more time for waterfront fun.
5:30 a.m.
Watch the sun rise over the Cascades and Lake Washington from a park bench at laid-back Madrona Park—it’s also an ideal time to spy turtles, ducks, eagles, and other fauna.
8:00 a.m.
Venture out for a morning jog or walk along the 2.6-mile promenade at West Seattle’s Alki Beach.
10:30 a.m.
Cast a line for cutthroat trout, largemouth bass, and yellow perch in the pristine waters of Lake Washington from the fishing piers at Seward or Mount Baker parks.
12:00 p.m.
Stock up on picnic provisions at Pike Place Market and enjoy a lunchtime feast in Myrtle Edwards Park after strolling among the monolithic art pieces of Olympic Sculpture Park.
1:30 p.m.
Let the little ones splash in the Green Lake wading pool, or cool off at East or West Green Lake Beach.
3:00 p.m.
Take advantage of the afternoon breeze to fly a kite along windswept Gas Works Park overlooking Lake Union.
5:00 p.m.
Enjoy a beer and pub fare on the deck overlooking Lake Washington at Magnuson Brewery, then stroll to the beach at nearby Magnuson or Matthews Beach parks.
7:00 p.m.
Head to one of the several metro-area parks that present family-friendly evening concerts (usually in July and August), such as Juanita Beach Park in Kirkland and Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park in Renton, which are both along Lake Washington.
8:30 p.m.
Cook up some burgers and hot dogs at Golden Gardens, which allows campfires on the beach, and watch the sun set over Bainbridge Island and the Olympic Mountains.
Courtesy Spice Waala
PICNIC PREP
Pick up provisions from Pike Place Market at chef-driven grocery concept Kitchen & Market (1926 Pike Pl). Enjoy your alfresco spread along the nearby waterfront or in Olympic Sculpture Park, a 20-minute walk away.
Order tasty patties, fries, and shakes from Fremont’s Uneeda Burger (4302 Fremont Ave N), or grab Indian street food from the Ballard outpost of Spice Waala (2008 NW 56th St), before heading to Golden Gardens Park. Just before approaching the beach, Un Bien (7302.5 15th Ave NW) offers Caribbean sandwiches loaded with succulent meats and veggies.
Add some romance to your picnic at West Seattle’s Lincoln Park by picking up a bottle of southern French wine from the curated selection at The Princess & The Bear (309 S Cloverdale St), along with a takeaway charcuterie board from Osprey Bistro (309 S Cloverdale St Suite A4) next door.
TOM AUZINS/SHUTTERSTOCK
FERRY TALES
Expand your beachcombing pleasure by following these scenic ferry routes to the stunning shorelines of the Salish Sea.
Before you go
Check the Schedule
You can view Washington State Ferry schedules at wsdot.wa.gov. The Jetty Island ferry, run by Snohomish County, operates daily, early July–early September.
Arrive Early
Except for Jetty Island, which is by reservation only online (portofeverett.com), ferries are first-come, first-served. Arrive 20 to 60 (during busy times) minutes before departure.
Pay in Advance
You can buy Washington State Ferry tickets at the dock on arrival, but you’ll save time paying online. You must pay for Jetty Island tickets when you reserve online.
CASCADE CREATIVES/SHUTTERSTOCK
From Downtown Seattle to Bainbridge Island
Take in views of Seattle’s skyline during the 35-minute ride from Pier 52 across Elliott Bay to charming Bainbridge Island, with its bustling downtown abundant with cafes, winery tasting rooms, shops, and galleries. It’s just a 12-minute drive north from the ferry terminal to Fay Bainbridge Park, which offers a windswept, rocky beachfront along with picnic shelters, campsites, and a boat launch.
J A UPPENDAHL/SHUTTERSTOCK
From West Seattle to Vashon Island
Catch a ferry from Fauntleroy in the south end of West Seattle for the 20-minute cruise to the north end of rural Vashon Island. It’s a 15-minute drive to tranquil and sandy KVI Beach (a.k.a. Point Heyer), with its wildlife-rich salt marshes and gentle bluffs. Or drive just a few minutes longer to Jensen Point Park, which accesses a warm bay perfect for swimming and has picnic tables and a kayak launch. Snapdragon (17817 Vashon Hwy SW; vashonsnapdragon.com) and Vashon Island Coffee Roasterie (19529 Vashon Hwy SW #6029; tvicr.com) are great snack stops between the ferry and beaches.
Derek Young/Shutterstock
From Edmonds to Kingston
After making the half-hour crossing to Kingston from the northern Seattle suburb of Edmonds, it’s a pretty—and virtually traffic-free—20-minute drive to the sweet solitude of Point No Point, a peaceful beach at the tip of the Kitsap Peninsula that offers stellar vistas of Mount Baker and Mount Rainier. Part of the fun here is touring the park’s stately 1879 lighthouse, one of the oldest in the Northwest. Nearby Hansville Grocery & Provisions (hansgrill.com) dispenses delicious sausage-gravy biscuits and curried-chicken-salad sandwiches.
BILL GOZANSKY/ALAMY
From Mukilteo to Whidbey Island
After the 20-minute ferry trip to the southeastern shore of Whidbey Island, drive 15 minutes to Double Bluff Beach, a favorite with families set beneath dramatic headlands near the cute village of Freeland. It’s a great destination for tidepooling and clamming, and there’s an off-leash area where dogs can frolic. Or continue another 35 miles—perhaps pausing for lunch in charming Coupeville—to the north end of Whidbey, where Deception Pass State Park will take your breath away. Stake out a spot at North Beach, overlooking the spectacular pass and 180-foot-high bridge, or at West Beach, with its phenomenal sunsets and Sand Dune Interpretive Trail. Look out toward neighboring islands to the west from a driftwood fort, or jump in the freshwater, family-friendly Cranberry Lake just steps away.
Courtesy City of Everett WA
From Everett to Jetty Island
Just a five-minute passenger ferry ride (no cars allowed) from the 10th Street dock in Everett, Jetty Island boasts the longest stretch of sandy beach on Puget Sound and is known for its warm, shallow waters that make it a getaway for families on hot summer days. Completely undeveloped, it’s popular for kiteboarding and birdwatching, and campfires are permitted in designated areas.
SUIT UP
In this outdoorsy city, folks put a lot of thought into choosing the right gear, from sturdy water shoes and paddle equipment to stylish but practical board shorts and swimsuits.
MiiR
This community-driven, eco-minded company produces sleek stainless-steel vessels perfect for beachside picnics, from camp cups to insulated food canisters and shatterproof wine bottles. 3400 Stone Way N; miir.com
REI
The flagship store carries everything you need for beach adventures, including polarized sunglasses, snug dog harnesses, sturdy hammock stands, and colorful beach chairs. 222 Yale Ave N; rei.com
Wonderland Gear Exchange
This Fremont consignment shop is a must for scoring great deals on gently used kayaks, beach tents, aqua shoes, and more.
122 NW 36th St; wonderlandgearexchange.com
Salua Lingerie
The ethically produced women’s swimwear at this Madison Valley boutique includes rainbow pinstripe bikinis and swimsuits in fun, bold hues. 2804 E Madison St; salualingerie.com
Courtesy Hot Tub Boats
RIDE THE WAVES
From agile kayaks to festive party pontoons, here are some ways to upgrade your beach day.
Float On
Ideal for all ages and experience levels, kayaks, canoes, and stand-up paddleboards offer a workout as well as views of local marine life. Rent gear from Northwest Paddle Surfers, University of Washington Waterfront Activities Center (3710 Montlake Blvd NE), or Mount Baker Rowing & Sailing Center (3800 Lake Washington Blvd S). Cruise around Green Lake in a pedal boat or water bike with rentals from Greenlake Boathouse (7351 E Green Lake Dr N), then refuel at their cafe. Combine a voyage around Lake Union with rockfish tacos from the café at Agua Verde Paddle Club (1307 NE Boat St), or let an expert show you around on a guided Elliott Bay sunset tour with Alki Kayak Tours (1660 Harbor Ave SW) or Salmon Bay and Ballard Locks with Ballard Kayak & Paddleboard (7901 Seaview Ave NW).
Ride Like the Wind
Experienced boaters can rent a small Hobie Wave catamaran at Sail Sand Point (7861 62nd Ave NE), or book a larger sailboat—with or without a captain—from the online rental marketplace Boatsetter. On Lake Union, participate in “living history” at The Center for Wooden Boats (1010 Valley St) by taking out a historic sail or rowboat.
Party Time
Gather friends or family and spend an afternoon on a Cycle Saloon (2301 N Northlake Way) pontoon around Lake Union. Or float around in an easy-to-steer passenger boat with Seattle Electric Boats (2046 Westlake Ave N #102) or in a floating Jacuzzi with Hot Tub Boats (2520 Westlake Ave N). For a more formal, narrated excursion through Ballard Locks or around Elliott Bay, book a one- or two-hour tour with Argosy Cruises.
Courtesy TWENTY20
THE TINY WORLD OF TIDEPOOLS
Entrancing sea creatures abound in the craggy enclosures of Seattle’s rocky beaches.
When the ocean’s tide goes out on a rocky beach, it leaves behind tiny ecosystems called tidepools in its wake. These watery worlds are full of itty-bitty crabs, sticky sea anemones that close in on your touch, colorful seaweeds, spiky urchins, and other teeny creatures—and they’re an enchanting hands-on lesson in marine biology for kids and grown-ups alike.
Seattle Aquarium’s (1483 Alaskan Way) Life on the Edge exhibit, which recreates a large tidepool indoors, is a great way to get acquainted with the critters that live in these unique intertidal habitats. Aquarium volunteers show visitors how to respectfully interact with the animals and give tips for finding them safely in the wild. They sometimes even lead guided tours of local parks.
To explore tidepools on your own, venture out to the saltwater beaches along Elliott Bay and Puget Sound. Constellation Park (3521 Beach Dr SW) in West Seattle, just south of sandy Alki Beach, is one of the city’s most popular spots for tidepooling. The northern, rocky parts of Golden Gardens Park (8498 Seaview Pl NW) in Ballard, Carkeek Park (950 NW Carkeek Park Rd) in Broadview, and Seahurst Park (1600 SW Seahurst Park Rd) in Burien are also local favorites. But anywhere you find rocks and saltwater, you can usually find teeming tidepools.
Maximize your exploration time by heading to the beach an hour or so before the tide is at its lowest. You can find tide tables on the website for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration as well as at a hardware or marine store. A field guide to creature identification can also come in handy—there’s one on the Seattle Aquarium website as well as at most local bookstores.
Find tidepools by peeking inside miniature pockets created by the uneven landscape and by gently turning over smaller rocks. Tread carefully to protect both yourself and minuscule animals, and leave everything where you found it. Some trips yield more wildlife sightings than others, but they’re all a chance to observe a beautiful natural phenomenon while soaking in the seaside sunshine and fresh air.
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