Beaches Near Seattle

1. Alki Beach

• Where is Alki Beach located?
  • Alki Beach is a charming beachfront strip along Seattle's Elliott Bay, stretching 2.5 miles between Alki Point and Duwamish Head.
• What historical significance does Alki Beach have?
  • The beachfront stretch was the site of Seattle's first white settlers in 1851.
• What was Luna Park?
  • By the turn of the 20th century, Alki Beach had become a bustling tourist area and was home to Luna Park, an amusement park modeled after Coney Island, New York’s famed seaside attraction.
• What happened to Luna Park?
  • Luna Park was destroyed by fire in 1931.
• What remains at Alki Beach from Luna Park?
  • A six-foot-tall replica of the Statue of Liberty remains at the beach, rededicated in 2007 following the 2001 World Trade Center attack.
• What historic sites can visitors see at Alki Beach?
  • Historic sites include the Alki Point Lighthouse, a fully-functional Coast Guard lighthouse offering public tours on the weekends.
• What activities are popular at Alki Beach?
  • Beachcombers, sunbathers, joggers, cyclists, and beach volleyball enthusiasts populate the beach throughout the year.
• What are the water temperatures at Alki Beach?
  • The cool water temperatures range between 46 and 56 degrees Fahrenheit.

1702 Alki Ave SW, Seattle, WA 98116, Phone: 206-684-4075

2. Birch Bay State Park

• What is Birch Bay State Park?
  • Birch Bay State Park is a 194-acre Washington state park that preserves one of the Puget Sound’s few remaining combination saltwater and freshwater estuary habitats.
• How did Birch Bay get its name?
  • The park and bay were named in 1792 by botanist Archibald Menzies for the area's high population of birch trees.
• Where is Birch Bay State Park located?
  • The park is located approximately nine miles south of the city of Blaine in Whatcom County, stretching for over 23,000 feet along the Puget Sound and Terrell Creek shorelines.
• What scenic views can visitors enjoy at the park?
  • Visitors can enjoy stunning panoramic views of the Canadian Gulf Islands and the Cascade Mountains throughout the park.
• What recreational activities are available at Birch Bay State Park?
  • The park offers more than two miles of public beachfront for visitors to fish, boat, crab, and clam.
• Is there a wildlife sanctuary in the park?
  • Yes, a natural game sanctuary is located at the park’s northern end.
• What other activities can visitors enjoy?
  • Visitors can also enjoy hiking, picnicking, and overnight camping at the park.
• Are there any special events at Birch Bay State Park?
  • Be sure to check out the Wings Over Water Northwest Birding Festival in March 2025.

5105 Helweg Rd, Blaine, WA 98230

3. Carkeek Park

• Where is Carkeek Park located?
  • Carkeek Park is a 216-acre park located in Seattle's Broadview neighborhood, along the Puget Sound coastline near the tracks of the BNSF Railway.
• What is the history of Carkeek Park?
  • The park is a relocation of Seattle’s original Carkeek Park on Pontiac Bay, which was dedicated in 1918 at the site of present-day Magnuson Park.
• What natural features can be found in the park?
  • The park has beautiful maple and alder forests, as well as several creeks, including Pipers Creek, Venema Creek, and Mohlendorph Creek.
• What amenities are available at Carkeek Park?
  • The park features children’s playgrounds, picnic shelters, and a variety of hiking trails.
• What is the Carkeek Park Environmental Learning Center?
  • The Carkeek Park Environmental Learning Center strives to implement sustainability practices throughout Seattle as the result of citizen initiatives.
• How can visitors access the Puget Sound shoreline?
  • Visitors can access the sandy shoreline of the Puget Sound via the Railroad Foot Bridge, which provides safe crossing over the active railroad lines.

950 NW Carkeek Park Rd, Seattle, WA 98177, Phone: 206-684-0877

4. Dash Point State Park

• Where is Dash Point State Park located?
  • Dash Point State Park is a spacious Washington state park located along the Puget Sound in King and Pierce Counties.
• What is the history of Dash Point State Park?
  • The park was originally developed in 1962 as the site of the 1962 Seattle World's Fair.
• Why is Dash Point State Park popular for skimboarding?
  • The park is a hotspot in the Seattle area for skimboarding and hosts several annual skimboarding camps and competitions throughout the year.
• What water activities can visitors enjoy at the park?
  • The park offers more than 3,300 feet of shoreline, which are popular with swimmers, windsurfers, fishers, and kayakers during the warmer months.
• What wildlife can visitors see at Dash Point State Park?
  • Bird watchers can spot a wide variety of shorebird and raptor species, while beachcombers can find crabs and starfish on the beach's shores.
• What trails are available in the park?
  • The park offers 11 miles of hiking and mountain biking trails.
• What camping accommodations does the park provide?
  • The park has 140 electric and traditional campsites, including group accommodations.

5700 SW Dash Point Rd, Federal Way, WA 98023, Phone: 253-661-4955

5. Golden Gardens Park

• Where is Golden Gardens Park located?
  • Golden Gardens Park is a public park in Seattle's Ballard neighborhood.
• What is the history of Golden Gardens Park?
  • The park was originally developed in 1907 by Harry W. Treat to introduce Seattle’s residents to its new electric car lines.
• What types of birds can be seen at the park?
  • The park is known for its shore and migratory bird species, including mallard ducks, Canada geese, eagles, and seagulls.
• What natural features are found in Golden Gardens Park?
  • The park includes two wetland areas, a short loop trail for hiking and biking, and a restored northern beach area.
• What water activities can visitors enjoy?
  • Visitors can fish at the beach’s pier, kitesurf, sail, or kayak within its waters. However, beachgoers should note that the waters are often too cold for swimming, even during the summer months.
• What recreational facilities are available?
  • The park offers day-use picnic areas, children’s playgrounds, and basketball courts.
• What historic structures are in the park?
  • The park features a historic landmark bathhouse and a boat launch area.

8498 Seaview Pl NW, Seattle, WA 98117, Phone: 206-684-4075

6. Green Lake Park

• What is Green Lake Park?
  • Green Lake Park is one of Seattle's loveliest public parks, anchored around the 259-acre lake of the same name, named in honor of its natural algae blooms.
• Where is Green Lake Park located?
  • The lake is bordered by Seattle’s Green Lake, Phinney Ridge, Woodland Park, and Wallingford neighborhoods.
• How was Green Lake formed?
  • The lake was dug by glacial formations from the Vashon Glacial Ice Sheet, which also created the nearby Puget Sound more than 50,000 years ago.
• What water activities are available at Green Lake?
  • Swimming and boating are offered at the lake throughout the summer months.
• Are there picnic areas at Green Lake Park?
  • Yes, day-use picnic sites are available for waterfront relaxation.
• What recreational paths are available?
  • A 2.8-mile walking and biking path surrounds the lake, popular with recreational visitors.
• What athletic fields are available at the park?
  • The park offers athletic fields, including areas for lawn bowling, bocce, soccer, baseball, and roller hockey.

7201 E Green Lake Dr. N, Seattle, WA, Phone: 206-684-4075

7. Leschi Park

• What is Leschi Park?
  • Leschi Park is a lovely 18.5-acre public park in Seattle's Leschi neighborhood, both named in honor of Nisqually indigenous leader Chief Leschi.
• What is the history of Leschi Park?
  • The park was originally established as the terminus of the city’s Pioneer Square cable car route, which operated between 1888 and 1940.
• Was Leschi Park ever home to a zoo?
  • Yes, the park was the site of Seattle’s first zoo, which was relocated to Woodland Park in 1903.
• Did Leschi Park serve as a ferry terminal?
  • Yes, it was the site of cross-lake ferry operations before the construction of the city’s Lacey V. Murrow Memorial Bridge.
• What water activities are available at the park?
  • Visitors can canoe, kayak, and sail on the park’s waters.
• What recreational facilities does Leschi Park offer?
  • The park features day-use picnic sites, tennis courts, and a children’s playground on its grassy hillside slopes.

201 Lakeside Ave S, Seattle, WA 98122, Phone: 206-684-4075

8. Locust Beach

• What is Locust Beach?
  • Locust Beach is one of Bellingham’s best-kept secrets for summer recreation, accessible both via the road and the water from nearby Little Squalicum Beach.
• Where is Locust Beach located?
  • The beach is located along the northern end of the Nooksack River Delta, just three miles from Bellingham’s downtown district.
• What makes Locust Beach unique?
  • The beach offers a unique sandy shoreline landscape that is perfect for beach strolling and wading during lower tide conditions.
• What water sports are popular at Locust Beach?
  • Skimboarding and kiteboarding are extremely popular due to the shallow waters and frequent windy conditions.
• What other activities can visitors enjoy?
  • Fishing and kayaking are frequently practiced, especially at low tide.
• How does the tide affect Locust Beach?
  • Beach visitors should note that the beach shrinks to approximately a third of its size during high tide conditions and should plan trips accordingly.

Locust Ave, Bellingham, WA 98225, Phone: 360-778-7000

Locust Ave, Bellingham, WA 98225, Phone: 360-778-7000

Plan ahead for these Bellingham Events:
- Ski to Sea
- Bellingham SeaFeast
- Fairhaven Winterfest - from late November to late December
- Whatcom Cultural Arts Festival

9. Madison Park

• What is Madison Park?
  • Madison Park is a charming public park on the Lake Washington waterfront, located in the Seattle neighborhood of the same name.
• What views can visitors enjoy at Madison Park?
  • The grassy park offers spectacular views of the nearby Evergreen Point Bridge and Cascade Mountains.
• What amenities are available at Madison Park?
  • The park is home to children’s playgrounds, tennis courts, and a spacious public lawn area for stretching, relaxation, and picnics.
• How can visitors access the beach?
  • The park’s grassy areas gradually slope downward toward a 400-foot beachfront area, which is accessible via cement steps along its northern end.
• Is swimming allowed at Madison Park?
  • Yes, families can swim and play in the lakefront waters, with lifeguards staffed on duty during the summer months.
• What additional facilities does the park offer?
  • Amenities include a full bathhouse, a bike rack, and a number of benches for parents to sit and observe children at play.
• What can visitors find near Madison Park?
  • Nearby in the neighborhood of Madison Park, quaint shopping and dining options line the park’s border.

4201 E Madison St., Seattle, WA 98112, Phone: 206-684-4075

10. Mount Baker Park

• What is Mount Baker Park?
  • Mount Baker Park is a lovely landscaped park designed as part of the Olmsted Brothers' master plan for Seattle parks in 1903.
• Where is Mount Baker Park located?
  • The park is located within the Seattle neighborhood of the same name and gently slopes down toward the Lake Washington shoreline.
• What activities are available at Mount Baker Bathing Beach?
  • The Mount Baker Bathing Beach offers opportunities for swimming, sunbathing, and shoreline play.
• Are lifeguards available at the beach?
  • Yes, lifeguards are staffed on duty at the beach during peak hours throughout the summer months.
• Does the park have a children's playground?
  • Yes, families can make use of the park’s charming children's playground near S McClellan St., which was recently renovated in 2016.
• What kind of trees and pathways can be found in the park?
  • Beautiful park pathways meander through growth of mountain ash, maple, and chestnut trees between the beach area and the surrounding neighborhood.
• What should visitors know about Bicycle Sunday events?
  • Visitors should note that the park serves as the starting point for Seattle's Bicycle Sunday events and should avoid event days to avoid park and beach crowds.

2521 Lake Park Dr. S, Seattle, WA 98144, Phone: 206-684-4075