Does Seattle have beaches?
Seattle Beach Guide
Yes, quite unbelievably, Seattle can claim an array of beaches in addition to its reputation for rain and cool weather. Due to the city's placement geographically between the saltwater of Puget Sound and the fresh water of Lake Washington, a wide range of experiences await on Seattle's beaches, not only for locals but also for visitors.
The Best Beach in Seattle is Alki Beach
Considered to be one of the best and most iconic beaches in Seattle, Alki Beach is located to the west of the city. This long sandy beach runs for almost 2.5 miles along the Puget Sound shorelines; from here, you can enjoy amazing views of the Olympic Mountains and the Seattle skyline. Highlights at Alki Beach include sunbathing, beachcombing, people-watching, kayaking, paddleboarding, and skim boarding. And from here runs a marvelous tiled paver way along the beach—inviting you to walk, jog, or roller-blade. The walkway is lined with several waterfront restaurants and cafes where one can chill out and grab a bite.
Popular Seattle Beaches
Another popular Seattle beach is Golden Gardens Park, located within the Ballard neighborhood. It's an 87-acre park and probably one of the best places to bring a picnic, play beach volley, or chill out on an extra-long sandy beach sunbathing. For evening bonfires and s'mores, there are fire pits for reservation in the campfire circle and other first-come, first-served pits available in various stations across the park. Besides a beach, Golden Gardens Park boasts a lot more to its visitors, with hiking trails that cut through some forested areas, a wetland pond, and an off-leash dog area.
Discovery Park is a place for beach visitors who would like to enjoy more solitude. At 534-a acres in size, this park is Seattle's biggest, full of rocky and sandy beaches, plus miles of hiking trails through forests and meadows. The number-one attraction in the area is Discovery Park and its West Point Lighthouse, which features stunning views of Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains. Thousands of visitors will walk to the tide pools during low tides to see the amazing diversity of marine life up close.
Madison Park Beach lies on the shores of Lake Washington, and it is perfect for sunbathing, swimming, or picnicking. There are lifeguards during the summer season, a playground, and nice grassy areas to spread out and relax. The beach is located at the northern tip of Madison Park, which offers more than tennis courts, including a basketball court and a bathhouse with restrooms and showers.
Those who get more out of a freshwater beach can go to Green Lake Park. Not a traditional beach, the park comprises a large lake with a 2.8-mile loop of a paved trail all around the perimeter, making it a favorite spot for walking, jogging, and biking. You can swim, boat, and fish in the lake. Several beaches and docks are great for enjoying the sun and picnicking.
Other Fun Swimming Beaches in Seattle
Other notable beaches include Carkeek Park in the northwest corner of the city, home to a sandy beach, hiking trails, and breathtaking views of Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains; Madrona Park on Lake Washington, featuring a swimming beach, playground, and tennis courts; Matthews Beach, also on Lake Washington, which sports a large sandy beachfront and a bathhouse that includes restrooms and showers; Myrtle Edwards Park in downtown Seattle on the waterfront, with a rocky beach and breathtaking views of Elliot Bay and the Olympic Mountains.
Enjoying a Day at Seattle’s Scenic Beaches
While Seattle beaches may not lead to the warm, tropical waters of popular beach destinations, they undoubtedly provide an unusual and beautiful backdrop for just about every outdoor activity one can think of. Everything, from sunbathing and swimming to jogging, hiking, and beachcombing, is at its best at any of Seattle's many beaches. Next time you're in the Emerald City, pack that picnic lunch and head to one of these glorious waterfront spots for a day full of fun in the sun. And after a long day at the beach, return to a spotless home cleaned by the best maid cleaners in Seattle, WA.