6 Beaches to Discover in Seattle
Blog by Era Schrepfer, FIUTS Executive Director.
Everyone needs a break, and visiting a beach is a great way to escape for a few hours. Luckily, our city is surrounded by water, and there are a lot of stunning and interesting beaches to visit that are just one bus away! Here are a few great ones to add to your bucket list:
1. Discovery Park
Photo of Discovery Park by Paul Matheson on Unsplash.
With more than 500 acres on the shore of Puget Sound, Discovery Park is the largest city park in Seattle. It’s a bit challenging to get to this gem, located in the Magnolia neighborhood, but it is accessible by public transportation, and it’s worth the trip. There is so much to see and do – playgrounds, the incredible sandy beach, miles of hiking trails, the Daybreak Star Cultural Arts Center (a native arts center), and even an old military cemetery! It’s a long and beautiful hike out to the lighthouse at the tip of the park.
To reach Discovery Park, take the light rail downtown, then transfer to bus 24 – takes about one hour.
FIUTS friends at Alki Beach in 2013. Photo by FIUTS.
2. Alki Beach
Even if it’s chilly, Alki is the place for you if you want to sink your toes into sand AND enjoy some fun local flavor (Spuds! Pegasus Pizza!) The best place to take a picture of the downtown Seattle skyline, Alki Beach has great views, a beautiful sandy beach, and great local cafes and restaurants. This 130+ acre park offers a paved trail along the water – perfect for strolling, roller blading, or biking. On warm summer days, you’ll see people playing beach volleyball and enjoying bonfires – and admire the classic cars driving along the waterfront after dark!
You reach Alki on bus 50 from downtown Seattle (about 1 hour) or you can take the West Seattle Water Taxi, which takes you from downtown to the northern part of this West Seattle neighborhood. Learn more here.
3. Golden Gardens Park
FIUTS group at Golden Gardens. Photo by FIUTS.
Alki (above) and Golden Gardens are the only two areas in the city that allow bonfires on the beach. Golden Gardens has some hiking trails in the upper part of the park, but below the train tracks, this is primarily a beach – a great spot to enjoy some time near the water, watch kids and families play, and maybe have a bbq or roast marshmallows on a bonfire! In the Ballard neighborhood, Golden Gardens is a common hangout for UW students because of its beauty and ease of access from the UW – it’s just one bus away!
To reach Golden Gardens, take bus 45 from the UW campus – it’s about an hour.
4. Gasworks Park
Gas Works Park sunset at the 2019 FIUTS Community BBQ. Photo by Annie Lewis, FIUTS Staff.
Although the beach might be rocky, Gasworks Park offers some of the best views of the city, and it is walking distance to campus! Gasworks used to be a working gas plant, and you can still see remnants of the gas pipes running through the park. It’s also the best kite-flying spot in the city, so it’s a great way to try out kite flying, paddle-boarding, and other sports on the large grassy fields.
To get to Gasworks, take bus 32 from the UW campus, or just walk about 30 minutes along NE Pacific Street.
5. Magnuson Park
FIUTS friends at 2016 Spring Social & BBQ at Magnuson Park. Photo by FIUTS.
Magnuson Park used to be a military base, and you can still see the bunkers, administrative buildings, and even the brig (military jail, now a community event space). Many special events are held in Magnuson Park, now a 350-acre public park that has a dog off-leash area, swimming beach, community center, and public pool. There are many BBQ grills, picnic areas, and walking trails, too!
To get to Magnuson Park, take bus 75 from the UW – takes about 40 minutes.
Photo courtesy of Alabastro Photography and Visit Seattle.
6. Myrtle Edwards Park and Centennial Park
Along the Elliot Bay waterfront north of downtown Seattle, Myrtle Edwards/Centennial Park is a narrow stretch of park featuring a pedestrian path among the incredible art at the Olympic Sculpture garden. There aren’t a ton of beach areas, but there are many spots to stop and enjoy the art – and the view overlooking Puget Sound.
To get to Myrtle Edwards Park, take the Link Light Rail, transfer on the 24 bus towards West Magnolia - takes about 30 minutes.
More beaches to explore:
Salt Water State Park in Des Moines
Richmond Beach Saltwater Park in Shoreline