10 Best Beaches in Seattle

The cultural capital of the Pacific Northwest has some of the coolest coast, too.

April 23, 2021

By: Deanne Revel

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Photo By: Visit Seattle

Photo By: Deanne Revel

Photo By: Seattle Park sand Recreation

Photo By: Visit Seattle, Seattle Art Museum

Photo By: Seattle Park sand Recreation

Photo By: Deanne Revel

Photo By: Seattle Park sand Recreation

Discovery Park

Seattle is all about life on the water, from commuter ferries across the Puget Sound to houseboats along Lake Union. And there are tons of beaches, both fresh and saltwater, to explore. Sure, they’re not bright and sunny like Florida with white powdery sand. But we do have smooth stones for skipping on the water, soft driftwood for sitting and having a picnic and incredible mountain views from every coastline. If you’re planning a visit to Seattle, you have to make time for beach time. And if you can only visit one, it has to be Discovery Park. The largest park in Seattle, Discovery Park features 2 miles of protected shores on Magnolia Bluff, which means you get a panoramic view of both the Cascades and the Olympic Mountains. The beach also features the Victorian-era West Point Lighthouse, which you can walk up to for photos, but can’t walk inside since it is still a working lighthouse.

Alki Beach

Every beach in Seattle has its own personality. And Alki is where the fun is. Located in West Seattle, it’s like a mini Venice Beach in Washington state with funky art and artists, beach volleyball, water sport rentals galore and a waterfront path dotted with rollerbladers. The peninsula also has a great view of downtown Seattle’s skyline including the Space Needle. But the main reason Alki Beach will always be my favorite is Spud. Nothing beats picking up a basket of Spud Fish and Chips and drenching it in one or all of the homemade vinegar. The local chain has other shops in the Seattle area, but the Alki restaurant has the best view.

Golden Gardens

If you ask a Seattleite “What’s the best beach in Seattle?” they’ll either say Alki or Golden Gardens. It’s a never-ending debate with strong opinions and passionate reasoning. While Alki has more to see and do and eat, Golden Gardens has a more relaxed vibe. And the sunsets really are golden. What makes this Ballard spot a fan favorite is the giant fire pits. Not every beach allows nighttime bonfires, but Golden Gardens has a series of bonfire pits on a first-come, first-served basis. In the summer, especially on the weekends, some folks will arrive early in the morning and camp out all day just to claim a pit. It’s definitely a Pacific Northwest bucket list activity.

Seward Park

Seattle's Seward Park might not have the biggest beach (it’s really just a sliver of rocks and driftwood), but it does have the best view of Mount Rainier. Or, as locals will say, "the mountain's out." It never goes away, of course, but it means that it's a clear, sunny day with blue skies and good visibility of the mountain. And when the mountain's out, everyone heads outside to soak up some vitamin D. As Mount Rainier National Park is about two hours from Seattle, this is a great way to get some photos if you can’t visit.

Learn More: How to Get More Vitamin D Naturally

Seattle's Carkeek Park at Sunset

While Seattle isn't known for sandy beaches, Carkeek Park does have a pretty decent sandy shore. Carkeek Park Beach might be the best for kids because the sand is easier to play with and the park’s playground has a giant salmon slide. Not salmon in color. It’s literally a giant fish that you slide through. Another unique feature about Carkeek is the pedestrian bridge. To access the beach from the park, you walk across a bridge suspended over the coastal train tracks. It is very cool for any train enthusiast.

Myrtle Edwards Park

If you only have one day in Seattle and you want to pack in as much as you can, Myrtle Edwards Park is an easy walk from Pike Place Market and Seattle's touristy piers. Take a short detour through the Seattle Art Museum’s Olympic Sculpture Park and cross the bridge to access this tiny little pocket beach on the Puget Sound. The weathered and worn driftwood logs are perfect for sitting and wildlife watching. You might even see playful seals from this spot despite being close to such an urban, populated area.

Green Lake

Often called the Central Park of Seattle, Green Lake is one of the most family-friendly spots in town. There’s a 2.8-mile paved loop around the entire lake for walking, running and biking; and out on the lake, there’s no shortage of kayaks, canoes, rowboats and peddle boats. In the warmer months, there are two swimming beaches open: West Green Lake Beach and East Green Lake Beach. But don’t let the freshwater fool you. It’s a glacial lake and the water is cold!

Mount Baker Bathing Beach

Seattle's Mount Baker Bathing Beach doesn't actually have a view of Mount Baker. The name comes from the Mount Baker neighborhood along Lake Washington. However, Mount Baker park and its beach have a different claim to fame. The recreational area was designed by the Olmsted Brothers who designed parks across the country in Atlanta, Cleveland and Portland among others. Today, you can still find several turn-of-the-century features you won't see in other beach parks such as these lovely globe lamps. Between the giant, weeping willows and ornate staircases that seem to naturally unfold out of the grass slope, there’s a whimsical, almost elfish, aesthetic to this park.

Lincoln Park

Exercise is much more pleasurable/tolerable when it includes a beautiful beach view. For a waterfront workout, head over to Lincoln Park in West Seattle. The park has 4.6 miles of walking and running paths and 3.9 miles of biking trails.

Madison Park

Madison Park is the epitome of Lake Washington life. This neighborhood is just so cute with local boutiques and coffee shops; plus it’s right next door to the Washington Park Arboretum. It’s easy to get into the water for swimming at Madison Park Beach as there are stairs leading right into the water and there’s also a paved path for wheelchair users. Most of the “beach” is grassy slope, so it’s easier to walk on, too.

10 Best Beaches in Seattle

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Discovery Park

Alki Beach

Golden Gardens

Seward Park

Seattle's Carkeek Park at Sunset

Myrtle Edwards Park

Green Lake

Mount Baker Bathing Beach

Lincoln Park

Madison Park

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