Beach days are back in Seattle! Summer is the only time in Seattle when Puget Sound becomes warm enough to go for a swim. So get ready for some fun in the sun.
Seattle boasts several water bodies, from Puget Sound to Lake Washington. However, the lake beaches are made up of gravel and are too cold for a swim. But the beaches along Puget Sound are warm and sandy, making them an ideal place to spend summer while indulging in various outdoor activities and water sports.
From swimming and sunbathing to kayaking and paddle boarding, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Plus, with the stunning backdrop of the Olympic and Cascade mountain ranges, your summer adventures can’t get more picturesque. Here’s a list of 5 Sandy Beaches in Seattle you can reach using public transit.
Alki Beach
Alki Beach is one of the most popular beaches in West Seattle. You can reach here using the Water Taxi from Pier 50. It’s a short 7-minute ride from the Pier, and the view is incredible. The long sandy strip offers a stunning view of the Olympic Mountains and Vashon Island to the left and Seattle skyline to the right.
You can enjoy outdoor activities, like kayaking, fishing, swimming, beach volleyball, and picnicking. Moreover, the Alki trail is excellent for walking, jogging, or biking. Don’t miss out on deliciously fresh seafood during your visit to Alki. You can find numerous restaurants and cafes that serve fresh seafood delicacies that you can enjoy while gorging at the stunning Puget Sound. Read more about the Alki trail here.
Lincoln Park
Lincoln Park is a beautiful nose-shaped bluff located south of Alki Beach, next to the Fauntleroy ferry terminal. You can either drive to the beach or take the Express bus route C Line and hike to the beach. The park offers a stunning view of Vashon Island and great scope for wildlife viewing.
It is one of our favorite places to hike in Seattle and activities like beach combing and wildlife watching. The park also features a heated saltwater pool, a wading pool, and a playground for children. But the main attraction is the Colman Pool, a large outdoor pool accessible only during summer.
Discovery Park Beach
Discovery Park, the largest park in Seattle, is a beautiful bluff covering over 500 acres of land. We recommend taking the bus route 24 or 33 and getting down near the visitor center. The park has grasslands, a forest area, and a pristine sandy shoreline. The main attraction at Discovery Park is the picturesque West Point Lighthouse, built in 1881. Moreover, it also has a small boat launch for kayaks and other small watercraft.
Discovery Park is a great place to spend a day enjoying the untamed beauty of the Pacific Northwest. Here’s a vlog of our day at Discovery Park. While you’re here, keep an eye out on the water for Orcas.
Golden Garden Beach
Golden Gardens Park is a beautiful sandy beach park in the Ballard neighborhood, offering stunning views of Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains. It’s an excellent spot for beach volleyball, paddle boarding, and kayaking. If you’re coming by the bus (route 17), you’ll have to do a short but steep hike to reach the beach. Therefore, don’t forget to wear your hiking shoes.
The beach has a large grassy area with designated fire pits and picnic zones, making it great for organizing BBQ evenings. Moreover, during summers, the park hosts several events, including beachside concerts, outdoor movie nights, and bonfires on the beach that you can attend.
Carkeek Beach
Carkeek Beach is another beautiful beach north of Golden Gardens Park. The view is scenic, with rail tracks on one side and the stunning Puget Sound on the other. You can easily reach this park by bus (route 15/ 28/ 40). However, you’ll have to hike about 2.6 miles to reach the beach. The hike is easy and passes through lush forests and creeks.
Like Golden Gardens Park, this beach has a playground for children, a picnic area with BBQ grills, and a large lawn. Carkeek Park Environmental Learning Center is one of the main attractions, offering educational programs and exhibits on the park’s ecosystem and wildlife. During summer Carkeek Beach hosts several events like beachside concerts, outdoor movie nights, and guided nature walks.
Seattle offers abundant opportunities to explore and have a great time during the summer months. If you need more ideas for activities, we have a comprehensive guide to help you plan your trip.
Seattle Summer Guide 2023: Parks, Picnics & Other things to do
