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Home / Beaches / Alki Beach

Alki Beach

Пляж Алкі
United States · Beach · Seattle
moderate
Best month: August

Best for

Ideal for families, active holidaymakers and those who want to enjoy views of the city and sound. Suitable for walks, cycling, beach volleyball and picnics. Not suitable for lovers of warm water.

Best month

August

Water
+7.0°C
Length
4 000 m
Alki Beach is the largest sandy beach in Seattle, located on the shores of Elliott Bay. It features scenic views of the city skyline and Olympic Mountains, popular for walks, picnics and beach volleyball.
Surface
sand
Waves
calm
Entry
gentle
Description Pros & Cons Best For Features Beach & Entry Water & Waves Swim Season Safety Infrastructure Vibe Nature Activities Tips Nearby
Description
General information about the beach
Alki Beach is the largest sandy beach in Seattle, located on the shores of Elliott Bay. It features scenic views of the city skyline and Olympic Mountains, popular for walks, picnics and beach volleyball.
Pros and cons
Main advantages and disadvantages

Pros

  • Only sandy beach in Seattle
  • Panoramic skyline views
  • Developed infrastructure
  • Beach volleyball
  • Bike paths
  • Historic site

Cons

  • Cold water (7-13°C)
  • Crowded on sunny days
  • Little shade
  • Parking can be full
  • Noisy
Best for
Who this beach is ideal for
Ideal for families, active holidaymakers and those who want to enjoy views of the city and sound. Suitable for walks, cycling, beach volleyball and picnics. Not suitable for lovers of warm water.
Features
What makes this beach unique
The first public saltwater beach on the US West Coast, the landing site of Seattle-s first white settlers in 1851. It is home to a replica of the Statue of Liberty called "Little Liberty" and a monument to the first settlers.
Beach & Entry
Surface, sand, water entry and bottom
Surface Type
Main surface type
sand
Sand Color
Main sand colour
golden
Sand Texture
Grain size
medium
Water Entry
How steep the drop-off is
gentle
Shallow Distance
Metres to waist-deep water
20 m
Bottom Type
Main bottom type
sand
Water Shoes
Whether special footwear is needed
not needed
Beach Length
Beach length in metres
4 000 m
Water & Waves
Colour, clarity, temperature and waves
Water Colour
grey
Water Clarity
moderate
Underwater Visibility
3.0 m
Average Water Temp
+7.0 °C
Max Water Temp
+13.0 °C
Wave Type
calm
Wave Height
0.3 m
Swim Season
When the swimming season starts and ends
Season start
July August
Season end
September
Best month
August
Safety
Currents, water quality, dangerous creatures, hospital
Rip Currents
Likelihood of rip currents
low
Water Quality
Water purity rating
good
Jellyfish Risk
Likelihood of jellyfish
low
Shark Risk
Likelihood of sharks
none
Crime Level
Overall safety level
safe
Hospital Distance
Kilometres to hospital
5.0 km
What exactly is dangerous
No serious threats.
Dangerous creatures
sharks
stingrays
jellyfish
Insurance & Connectivity
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Infrastructure
Amenities on and near the beach
Sunbeds
No
Umbrellas
No
Showers
Yes
Toilets
Yes
Changing Rooms
Yes
Lifeguards
Yes
First Aid
Yes
Parking
Yes
Wi-Fi
No
Kids Playground
Yes
Sports Ground
Yes
Restaurants Nearby
20 pcs
Best restaurants

Alki Homestead

American

Historic restaurant, one of the oldest buildings on the beach

Waterfront restaurants

Various

Numerous cafes, bars and restaurants along Alki Avenue

Nearby cuisines

American

Seafood, burgers and local cuisine at waterfront restaurants

Must try: Seafood, burgers, coffee
Vibe
Energy, crowd, silence and sunsets
Energy
active
Crowd Level
crowded
Silence Level
moderate
Sunset Quality
beautiful
Nature
Trees and natural shade
Trees on Beach
Yes
Natural Shade
little
Activities
Snorkelling, diving, surfing, kayaking
Snorkeling
No
Diving
No
Surfing
No
Kayaking / SUP
Yes
Tips
What to bring, best time, local rules
What to Bring
SPF50+ cream Water Towel Swimsuit Flip-flops Cash Wetsuit for swimming
Best Time to Swim
Sunny summer days are the best time to visit. Mornings are less crowded. Evenings offer beautiful sunsets.
Local Rules
Fires are only allowed in designated fire pits. Do not leave rubbish.
Getting there & Car rental
Flights, transfers and car rental to reach the beach
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Nearby
Attractions and places near the beach

Alki Point

Historic landing site of the first settlers with a 1913 lighthouse

Seattle Skyline

Panoramic view of the city skyline and Space Needle

Olympic Mountains

Scenic view of the mountain range to the west

Where to stay
Hotels and apartments near the beach
Frequently asked questions
Alki Beach: what is the water like at this beach?
At this beach, water colour — grey, clarity moderate, average temperature +7.0°C, warms up to +13.0°C in the warmest season. Check the exact temperature by month in the chart section.
Alki Beach: what are the waves like and is it safe to swim?
Waves at this beach are — calm. Average wave height — 0.3 m. Calm water is great for families with children and those who prefer not to deal with strong swell.
Alki Beach: what is the water entry and bottom like?
Water entry is — gentle. The shallow area extends for 20 metres from the shore. Bottom — sand. Special shoes are not required — the water entry is comfortable. The gentle slope is safe for children and inexperienced swimmers.
Alki Beach: what kind of sand and surface does the beach have?
Beach surface — sand. Sand colour — golden. Texture — medium. Beach length — 4 000 metres.
Alki Beach: when is the swimming season?
The swimming season starts in July, August. It ends in September. The best month for a holiday is August. This is when the water is warmest and the weather is most comfortable.
Alki Beach: is it safe to swim?
Water quality is rated as good. Rip currents are unlikely. Jellyfish risk — low. Always watch for warning signs and follow lifeguards instructions.
Alki Beach: which dangerous creatures live in the water?
The water contains: sharks, stingrays, jellyfish. We recommend wearing protective footwear, not touching marine life and taking care when entering the water.
Alki Beach: what infrastructure is available on the beach?
The beach offers: showers, toilets, changing rooms, parking, kids playground, sports ground. All amenities are listed in the "Infrastructure" section above.
Alki Beach: are there lifeguards and a first aid station?
Lifeguards are on duty on the beach — an important safety factor. A first aid station is available.
Alki Beach: where can I eat near the beach?
Popular places nearby: Alki Homestead, Waterfront restaurants. Cuisines available: American. See the "Infrastructure" section for details.
Alki Beach: what should I bring to the beach?
We recommend bringing: SPF50+ cream, Water, Towel, Swimsuit, Flip-flops, Cash, Wetsuit for swimming.
Alki Beach: when is the best time to swim?
Sunny summer days are the best time to visit. Mornings are less crowded. Evenings offer beautiful sunsets.
Alki Beach: what are the rules and restrictions on the beach?
Fires are only allowed in designated fire pits. Do not leave rubbish.
Alki Beach: what activities are available?
The beach offers: kayaking and SUP. See the "Activities" section above for details.
Alki Beach: who is this beach best for?
Ideal for families, active holidaymakers and those who want to enjoy views of the city and sound. Suitable for walks, cycling, beach volleyball and picnics. Not suitable for lovers of warm water.
Alki Beach: what makes this beach unique?
The first public saltwater beach on the US West Coast, the landing site of Seattle-s first white settlers in 1851. It is home to a replica of the Statue of Liberty called "Little Liberty" and a monument to the first settlers.
Alki Beach: what are the pros and cons of the beach?
Pros: Only sandy beach in Seattle, Panoramic skyline views, Developed infrastructure, Beach volleyball, Bike paths, Historic site. Cons: Cold water (7-13°C), Crowded on sunny days, Little shade, Parking can be full, Noisy.
Alki Beach: what is near the beach?
Nearby you can visit: Alki Point, Seattle Skyline, Olympic Mountains. Detailed descriptions in the "Nearby" section above.
Alki Beach: how do I get to the city of Seattle?
The beach is located near the city of Seattle. Full information about the city — hotels, restaurants, attractions, transport — is available on the city page for Seattle.

City

Seattle

Full information about the city: prices, hotels, attractions.

Best month

August

Useful information

Country: United States
Type: Beach
Coordinates: 47.576389, -122.410833

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