Alki Beach

Alki Beach is Seattle's answer to a California beach -- a 2. 5-mile stretch of sandy waterfront in West Seattle with views across Elliott Bay to the downtown skyline. On warm summer days, it transforms into the city's gathering place with families on the sand, cyclists on the paved path, and volleyball players on the public courts.

For families, Alki offers a genuine beach day within Seattle city limits.

The beach itself has a mix of sandy stretches and pebbly sections. The central area around Alki Ave SW and 61st Ave SW has the widest sand and most gradual entry into the water. The water is Puget Sound -- meaning cold (55-60F even in summer) but calm, with gentle waves suitable for wading and brave swimming.

On the hottest Seattle days (80F+, which occur about 10-15 times per year), the beach fills with swimmers. Most days, kids wade and splash rather than fully submerging.

The paved Alki Trail runs the length of the beach and continues south around Alki Point to Lincoln Park. It is flat, wide, and perfect for family bike rides, scootering, or stroller walks. Multiple rental shops along Alki Ave offer bikes, surreys, and inline skates.

The trail provides constant views of the Seattle skyline across the water -- the Space Needle, Columbia Center, and waterfront cranes create a dramatic backdrop.

The public fire pits are Alki's unique feature. Concrete fire rings spaced along the beach are free and first-come, first-served. On summer evenings, families build driftwood fires (or bring purchased firewood), roast marshmallows, and watch the sun set behind the Olympic Mountains to the west while the Seattle skyline lights up to the east.

The combination creates a beach bonfire experience rare in urban settings.

The food scene along Alki Ave has improved significantly in recent years. Marination Ma Kai serves Hawaiian-Korean fusion (kalbi tacos, spam musubi, shave ice) from a converted beach house. Alki Bakery provides pastries, sandwiches, and coffee. Several pizza shops and cafes round out the options. For a special outing, Salty's on Alki (further south) has waterfront views and a renowned brunch.