A local's guide to Alki Beach
We've hosted at Alki for over a decade and live in Seattle. This is what we actually tell our guests, and we're happy to build you a personal itinerary. Just ask.
The beach itself
Alki is Seattle's beach town: two and a half miles of sandy shoreline with a paved path along the whole thing. From the house it's a three minute walk down. Mornings are quiet and good for beachcombing; summer evenings bring volleyball, bonfires, and some of the best sunsets in the city. Keep an eye on the water. Guests staying with us have spotted seals, otters, and the occasional whale.
Coffee and food within walking distance
The stretch of Alki Ave between 59th and 63rd has cafes, pizza, seafood, and ice cream, all an easy stroll from the house. Walk the other direction along the water toward Salty's and Marination Ma Kai for lunch with a skyline view. The Admiral Junction up the hill adds a movie theater, groceries, and more restaurants.
Getting downtown without a car
The West Seattle Water Taxi crosses Elliott Bay to the downtown waterfront in about 15 minutes, and the views of the skyline from the water are worth the trip alone. A free shuttle picks up near Alki and drops you at the dock. It's the fastest, prettiest commute in Seattle.
Walks and hikes
Walk the Alki loop to the West Seattle lighthouse at Alki Point. Schmitz Preserve Park, a pocket of old-growth forest, is a ten minute walk away. Lincoln Park to the south has beachfront trails, madrona bluffs, Colman saltwater pool in summer, and even our very own troll, Bruun Idun.
On the water
Rent kayaks and paddleboards right on Alki in summer, or book a beginner-friendly sailing trip from nearby marinas. The water is calm most mornings; sunset paddles with the city glowing across the bay are unforgettable.
Rainy day plans
This is Seattle, so: the record player and vinyl collection, a DVD library, board games, and an electric fireplace are all in the unit. Beyond the front door, the Log House Museum tells Alki's story as Seattle's birthplace, and downtown museums are a Water Taxi ride away.
Sound good?
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