You don’t have to go far from Seattle to find peaceful shorelines and waterfront strolls. In this post, I’ll share the stunning beaches I discovered near Seattle—perfect for walks, wildlife watching, and Pacific coast serenity. These beaches near Seattle offer scenic views, cozy picnic spots, and breezy escapes just minutes from the city.
Highlights:
Unique Beaches Near Seattle:
1. Alki Beach - 20-minute drive from downtown Seattle
Rating: ★★★★★
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Location:
Alki Beach, 1702 Alki Ave SW, Seattle, Washington, USARecommended For:
History buffs, beachgoers, joggers, cyclists, families, and visitors seeking iconic Seattle views and waterfront recreation with a side of heritage.What I Love: ♥
The 2.5-mile beachfront stretch along Elliott Bay, the rich historical landmarks including the replica Statue of Liberty and Alki Point Lighthouse, and the laid-back, family-friendly vibe.- Visit Alki Beach Park, a quintessential Seattle coastline known for its long promenade and views of Puget Sound, Mount Rainier, and downtown Seattle.
- Explore the historic site of Seattle’s first white settlers in 1851 and learn about Luna Park, the once-thriving amusement park destroyed by fire in 1931.
- See the six-foot replica Statue of Liberty, rededicated in 2007 as a symbol of unity after the 2001 World Trade Center attacks.
- Tour the Alki Point Lighthouse, a still-operational Coast Guard lighthouse open for weekend public visits.
- Enjoy year-round activities like beach volleyball, jogging, cycling, beachcombing, and sunbathing, with cool breezes and scenic backdrops.
Cost:
Free public access. Paid and street parking available along Alki Avenue.Best time to visit:
Late spring through early fall for the warmest weather and best beach activity. Visit early morning or sunset for quieter experiences and beautiful lighting.Local tips:
The water stays chilly—between 46–56°F—so wading is more popular than swimming. Bring layers, rent a bike, and enjoy nearby cafés along Alki Avenue.Distance:
About 6 miles from downtown Seattle—roughly a 20-minute drive or accessible via water taxi and shuttle.How to Get to Alki Beach:
From downtown Seattle, take the West Seattle Bridge to Harbor Avenue and follow it along the coast to Alki Avenue SW. Public transit and seasonal water taxis also serve the area.Where to Eat: | Cactus Alki Beach, Duke's, Harry's Beach House, Salty's on Alki Beach |
2. Birch Bay State Park - 2 hours from Seattle
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Location:
Birch Bay State Park, 5105 Helweg Rd, Blaine, Washington, USARecommended For:
Nature lovers, birders, campers, clammers, and families seeking a peaceful, scenic retreat along the Puget Sound shoreline.What I Love: ♥
The unique combination of saltwater and freshwater estuaries, the sweeping views of the Canadian Gulf Islands and Cascade Mountains, and the abundant bird and marine life across over 23,000 feet of shoreline.- Visit Birch Bay State Park, a 194-acre waterfront preserve that protects one of the last remaining estuarine habitats in Puget Sound.
- Explore the park’s two miles of public beachfront for clam digging, crabbing, fishing, and boating.
- Hike through forested trails and along Terrell Creek, or picnic under the trees with panoramic water and mountain views.
- Camp overnight at one of the park’s well-maintained campgrounds—a favorite for quiet family getaways and wildlife watching.
- Discover the natural game sanctuary at the park’s northern end and spot migratory birds year-round.
- Join the Wings Over Water Northwest Birding Festival in March 2025 for expert-led tours, educational events, and community activities.
Cost:
Day-use parking with a Discover Pass. Camping and event fees vary—check the park website for details.Best time to visit:
Spring and summer for camping and water recreation. March for birding events. Fall offers tranquil hiking and colorful foliage.Local tips:
Bring binoculars and tide charts for the best wildlife and clamming experiences. The park is less crowded on weekdays and ideal for sunset photography.Distance:
About 9 miles south of Blaine and 25 miles north of Bellingham—roughly a 30-minute drive via I-5.How to Get to Birch Bay State Park:
From I-5, take exit 266 and follow Grandview Road west toward Birch Bay. Turn right on Helweg Road and follow it to the park entrance.3. Carkeek Park - 25 minute drive from Seattle
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Location:
Carkeek Park, 950 NW Carkeek Park Rd, Seattle, Washington, USARecommended For:
Families, hikers, environmental enthusiasts, and visitors looking for forested trails, beach access, and educational experiences within Seattle’s city limits.What I Love: ♥
The lush alder and maple woodlands, the family-friendly trails and playgrounds, and the unique access to Puget Sound’s shoreline via a footbridge over the railway.- Visit Carkeek Park, a 216-acre natural haven in Seattle’s Broadview neighborhood, offering forests, creeks, beaches, and educational programs.
- Discover the park’s roots—originally located at Pontiac Bay in 1918—before being relocated to its current Puget Sound site, near the BNSF railway.
- Wander through maple and alder groves and follow trails along Pipers Creek, Venema Creek, and Mohlendorph Creek, especially scenic in fall.
- Access the Puget Sound shoreline by crossing the Railroad Foot Bridge, a safe and iconic route over the train tracks.
- Enjoy playgrounds, picnic shelters, and an Environmental Learning Center dedicated to sustainability and nature education.
Cost:
Free public access. On-site parking available.Best time to visit:
Spring and summer for outdoor programs and beach access. Autumn offers vibrant foliage in the park’s forested areas.Local tips:
Look for salmon runs in Pipers Creek in late fall. Trails vary in difficulty, so bring comfortable shoes. The beach is a great sunset spot with views across Puget Sound.Distance:
About 10 miles north of downtown Seattle—roughly a 20–25 minute drive depending on traffic.How to Get to Carkeek Park:
Take I-5 to N 85th Street or N 105th Street exits and head west to 8th Ave NW, then follow signage to Carkeek Park Road and the main entrance.Romantic Beaches Near Seattle:
4. Dash Point State Park - 40-minute drive south of downtown Seattle
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Location:
Dash Point State Park, 5700 SW Dash Point Rd, Federal Way, Washington, USARecommended For:
Skimboarders, beachgoers, campers, birders, and outdoor adventurers seeking a coastal park with forest trails, water access, and family-friendly recreation.What I Love: ♥
The 3,300 feet of Puget Sound shoreline, the skimboarding-friendly tide conditions, and the blend of forest trails, campsites, and wildlife-rich beachcombing areas.- Visit Dash Point State Park, a spacious waterfront retreat in King and Pierce Counties, developed for the 1962 Seattle World's Fair.
- Skim the shore’s gentle slopes—Dash Point is a regional hub for skimboarding and hosts competitions and camps throughout the year.
- Enjoy summer activities like swimming, windsurfing, kayaking, and shoreline fishing along the Puget Sound.
- Explore the beach for crabs, starfish, and tidepool life, or grab binoculars and look for shorebirds and raptors overhead.
- Hike or mountain bike through 11 miles of forest trails, which offer a peaceful inland escape and varied terrain.
- Camp overnight at one of 140 campsites, including electric sites and group campgrounds for larger gatherings.
Cost:
A Washington Discover Pass is required for day-use parking. Fees apply for overnight camping.Best time to visit:
Late spring through early fall for water activities and wildlife viewing. Low tide is ideal for beachcombing and skimboarding.Local tips:
Skimboarders should arrive early to stake out prime shoreline. Trails can be muddy after rain—wear sturdy footwear. Great for weekend getaways with both beach and forest access.Distance:
About 25 miles south of downtown Seattle—approximately a 40-minute drive.How to Get to Dash Point State Park:
From I-5, take exit 143 and head west on S 320th Street. Continue to Dash Point Road (WA-509) and follow signs to the park entrance.5. Golden Gardens Park - 25-minute drive via Ballard and Seaview Avenue NW
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Location:
Golden Gardens Park, 8498 Seaview Pl NW, Seattle, Washington, USARecommended For:
Birdwatchers, kayakers, picnickers, families, and outdoor enthusiasts looking for a balance of nature, history, and beach access in Seattle’s Ballard neighborhood.What I Love: ♥
The diverse wildlife and wetland habitats, the historic bathhouse and restored beach areas, and the sweeping Puget Sound views paired with rich park history.- Visit Golden Gardens Park, a historic public beach park developed in 1907 by Harry W. Treat to showcase Seattle’s new electric streetcar lines.
- Explore two wetland areas and a loop trail ideal for casual hiking, biking, and spotting mallards, Canada geese, eagles, and migratory birds.
- Enjoy fishing, kitesurfing, sailing, or kayaking along the scenic shore—though the water remains cold even in summer.
- Relax at day-use picnic areas, children’s playgrounds, or shoot hoops on the basketball courts.
- Visit the historic bathhouse, now a designated landmark, and explore the boat launch area for small craft access.
Cost:
Free public access. Parking available near the beach and upper trail areas.Best time to visit:
Spring and fall for birdwatching. Sunset hours year-round offer breathtaking views over the Olympic Mountains and Puget Sound.Local tips:
Dress in layers—breezes off the Sound can be chilly. Arrive early on summer weekends for picnic space or beach parking.Distance:
About 8 miles northwest of downtown Seattle—approximately a 25-minute drive via Ballard and Seaview Avenue NW.How to Get to Golden Gardens Park:
From downtown Seattle, take 15th Ave NW to NW 85th Street, head west to Seaview Ave NW, then follow signs to Golden Gardens Park and beach parking.Family Beaches Near Seattle:
6. Green Lake Park - 20 minute drive from Seattle
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Location:
Green Lake Park, 7201 E Green Lake Dr. N, Seattle, Washington, USARecommended For:
Walkers, cyclists, swimmers, families, sports lovers, and anyone looking for a versatile and scenic urban escape in the heart of Seattle.What I Love: ♥
The picturesque 259-acre glacial lake, the tree-lined 2.8-mile path for walking and biking, and the wide range of water and land-based activities year-round.- Visit Green Lake Park, one of Seattle’s most cherished public green spaces, named for its distinctive algae blooms and surrounded by historic neighborhoods.
- Learn about the lake’s origins, carved out over 50,000 years ago by the Vashon Glacial Ice Sheet that also helped shape Puget Sound.
- Swim or boat in the lake during the warmer months, with designated swim beaches and a small craft launch area.
- Stroll or cycle the 2.8-mile recreational path encircling the lake—perfect for fitness, family outings, and people-watching.
- Play at one of the many athletic fields, including soccer, baseball, bocce, lawn bowling, and roller hockey areas.
- Relax at scenic picnic areas with lake views, ideal for casual lunches, gatherings, or just soaking in the tranquil scenery.
Cost:
Free public access. Parking is available along perimeter roads and nearby lots.Best time to visit:
Spring through early fall for water activities and vibrant park life. Early mornings offer peaceful walking and prime birdwatching.Local tips:
Arrive early on weekends for the best picnic spots. Look for local events, yoga groups, and food trucks often stationed around the lake.Distance:
About 6 miles north of downtown Seattle—approximately a 15–20 minute drive or an easy bus ride.How to Get to Green Lake Park:
From I-5, take exit 172 (NE 80th St), head west to Green Lake Way N, then follow signage to parking along East or West Green Lake Drive.7. Leschi Park - 10-minute drive from Seattle
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Location:
Leschi Park, 201 Lakeside Ave S, Seattle, Washington, USARecommended For:
History enthusiasts, families, water sports lovers, and anyone seeking a quiet, scenic urban park on the Lake Washington shoreline.What I Love: ♥
The rich historical layers of Seattle’s early transit and zoo era, the tranquil lakeside setting perfect for paddling and picnicking, and the grassy slopes with playground and tennis courts.- Visit Leschi Park, an 18.5-acre waterfront retreat in Seattle’s Leschi neighborhood, named in honor of Chief Leschi of the Nisqually tribe.
- Discover its history as the terminus of the Pioneer Square cable car line (1888–1940), and the site of Seattle’s first zoo, moved to Woodland Park in 1903.
- Learn about its role as a pre-bridge ferry terminal for cross-lake service before the Lacey V. Murrow Memorial Bridge was constructed.
- Enjoy kayaking, canoeing, and sailing along the serene Lake Washington waterfront adjacent to the park.
- Relax at picnic areas set on grassy hillsides, or bring kids to the playground and enjoy a match on the tennis courts.
Cost:
Free public access. Limited street parking available nearby.Best time to visit:
Spring through early fall for lake activities and sunny picnics. Mornings are especially peaceful for paddling and birdwatching.Local tips:
Bring a picnic and enjoy lakeside views under mature shade trees. Launch non-motorized boats from the shoreline for a relaxing Lake Washington paddle.Distance:
Just over 2 miles southeast of downtown Seattle—about a 10-minute drive.How to Get to Leschi Park:
From downtown, take Yesler Way or S Jackson Street east, then head south on Lakeside Avenue S to reach the waterfront park entrance.If you are a photographer, don't miss:
8. Locust Beach - 1 hours and 45 minutes from Seattle
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Location:
Locust Beach, Locust Ave, Bellingham, Washington, USARecommended For:
Skimboarders, kiteboarders, kayakers, nature lovers, and locals seeking a low-key coastal escape near downtown Bellingham.What I Love: ♥
The expansive sandy shoreline at low tide, the wind-swept conditions perfect for kiteboarding, and the secluded, locals-only vibe just minutes from the city.- Visit Locust Beach, one of Bellingham’s best-kept secrets for summertime recreation and scenic views of the Nooksack River Delta.
- Explore the sandy flats during low tide, ideal for beach walks, wading, and shell hunting.
- Skimboard and kiteboard in the shallow, breezy waters, a local hotspot for wind sports.
- Kayak or fish near the mouth of the Nooksack River—low tide conditions offer calmer water and better shore access.
- Plan ahead—at high tide, the beach shrinks to a third of its size, limiting space for activities and shoreline access.
Cost:
Free public access. Street parking available near Locust Ave trailhead.Best time to visit:
Low tide on sunny afternoons for maximum shoreline and ideal wind conditions. Spring through early fall is best for water sports.Local tips:
Check tide charts before visiting. Wear water shoes for wading and expect a short trail walk from Locust Ave to reach the beach.Distance:
About 3 miles northwest of downtown Bellingham—roughly a 10-minute drive.How to Get to Locust Beach:
From downtown Bellingham, take Eldridge Ave west, turn north on Locust Ave, and follow the residential road to the beach access trailhead.9. Madison Park - 15-minute drive or scenic bike ride from Seattle
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Location:
Madison Park, 4201 E Madison St., Seattle, Washington, USARecommended For:
Families, swimmers, picnickers, and city dwellers looking for a peaceful waterfront retreat with both green space and lake access.What I Love: ♥
The panoramic views of the Cascade Mountains and Evergreen Point Bridge, the family-friendly beach with lifeguards, and the inviting community vibe near charming cafes and shops.- Visit Madison Park, a quaint and well-loved public park along the shores of Lake Washington, nestled within Seattle’s Madison Park neighborhood.
- Relax on the spacious public lawn, perfect for yoga, sunbathing, or lakeside picnics beneath shady trees.
- Enjoy playgrounds, tennis courts, and a gently sloping lawn that leads to a 400-foot sandy beach via cement steps.
- Swim safely in the lakefront waters with summer lifeguards on duty and a designated swim area for families.
- Utilize on-site amenities including a bathhouse, benches, and bike racks for a convenient and comfortable visit.
- Explore nearby boutiques, bakeries, and bistros just steps from the park’s edge in the walkable Madison Park neighborhood.
Cost:
Free public access. Limited street parking nearby; biking encouraged.Best time to visit:
Summer for swimming and family activities. Mornings and weekdays are quieter. Sunsets offer incredible lake views year-round.Local tips:
Arrive early on sunny weekends to claim a shady spot. Bring towels and snacks for a full beach day, and consider grabbing ice cream from a nearby shop afterward.Distance:
About 4 miles east of downtown Seattle—approximately a 15-minute drive or scenic bike ride via the Lake Washington Loop.How to Get to Madison Park:
From downtown Seattle, drive east on Madison Street until it ends at the waterfront. Street parking is available along E Madison St. and surrounding residential roads.10. Mount Baker Park - 10-minute drive from Seattle
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Location:
Mount Baker Park, 2521 Lake Park Dr. S, Seattle, Washington, USARecommended For:
Families, swimmers, picnickers, nature lovers, and history buffs interested in Seattle’s Olmsted-designed landscapes and lakeside recreation.What I Love: ♥
The lush tree-lined trails leading to Lake Washington, the inviting bathing beach with summer lifeguards, and the park’s role in Seattle’s historic Olmsted Brothers’ vision for public green space.- Visit Mount Baker Park, a gracefully landscaped green space from Seattle’s 1903 Olmsted master plan, gently sloping toward Lake Washington.
- Swim, sunbathe, or splash at the Mount Baker Bathing Beach, with lifeguards on duty during peak summer hours.
- Bring the kids to the recently renovated playground near S McClellan Street—shaded and perfect for younger visitors.
- Stroll winding pathways beneath maple, mountain ash, and chestnut trees connecting the beach to surrounding neighborhoods.
- Be mindful of Seattle’s Bicycle Sunday events, which start at the park and can lead to increased crowds and limited parking.
Cost:
Free public access. Street parking available; fills quickly on weekends and event days.Best time to visit:
Late spring through early fall for the best lake access. Visit weekdays or mornings for a more peaceful atmosphere.Local tips:
Pack a picnic and enjoy the shaded lawn areas. Check the Bicycle Sunday schedule if you prefer a quiet visit or plan to bike along Lake Washington Boulevard.Distance:
About 3 miles southeast of downtown Seattle—approximately a 10-minute drive or scenic ride along Lake Washington Boulevard.How to Get to Mount Baker Park:
From I-90, exit onto Rainier Ave S, then turn east onto S McClellan St. Continue to Lake Park Dr. S and follow signs to the park entrance.Plan Your Trip