Beaches · Seattle · United States
The best beaches in and near Seattle
Where to swim and spend a beach day, and when the water is warm.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Jordon Kalilich, Public domain
Quick answer
The best-known beach is Alki Beach (About 15 minutes by water taxi from downtown).
Key facts
- Beaches in this guide
- 4
- Warmest sea
- 13°C (55°F)
The beaches
About 15 minutes by water taxi from downtown · Walks, cycling and skyline views
1.Alki Beach
A long sandy beach in West Seattle with a promenade, cafés and views back across Elliott Bay to the skyline; the water is cold for swimming.
About 25 minutes by car from downtown · Sunsets and bonfires
2.Golden Gardens Park
A sandy beach north of Ballard with fire pits, dunes and sunset views over Puget Sound to the Olympic Mountains.
About 20 minutes by car plus a walk · Walking and tide-pooling
3.Discovery Park beaches
Driftwood-strewn beaches below the bluffs around the West Point Lighthouse, reached on foot.
About 20 minutes by car from downtown · Summer swimming
4.Madison Park Beach
A small lakeside beach on Lake Washington with a swimming float and lifeguards in summer; the lake is warmer than Puget Sound.
Sea temperature by month
| Month | Sea | Air high |
|---|---|---|
| January | 8°C (46°F) | 8°C (46°F) |
| February | 8°C (46°F) | 10°C (50°F) |
| March | 8°C (46°F) | 12°C (54°F) |
| April | 9°C (48°F) | 15°C (59°F) |
| May | 10°C (50°F) | 19°C (66°F) |
| June | 11°C (52°F) | 22°C (72°F) |
| July | 12°C (54°F) | 26°C (79°F) |
| August | 13°C (55°F) | 26°C (79°F) |
| September | 12°C (54°F) | 22°C (72°F) |
| October | 11°C (52°F) | 16°C (61°F) |
| November | 10°C (50°F) | 11°C (52°F) |
| December | 9°C (48°F) | 8°C (46°F) |
Staying near the beach
Getting to the beaches
- Metro — Sound Transit's Link light rail 1 Line runs from the airport through downtown, Capitol Hill and the University District to the northern suburbs, every few minutes for most of the day.
- Bus — King County Metro buses cover the city, including frequent RapidRide lines to Ballard and West Seattle; they are the main option for Ballard and Fremont.
- Ferry — Washington State Ferries leave Colman Dock downtown for Bainbridge Island (about 35 minutes) and Bremerton, and the King County Water Taxi runs to West Seattle and Alki Beach.
- Tram — The Seattle Center Monorail links Westlake Center and Seattle Center in about two minutes, and two streetcar lines serve South Lake Union and First Hill.
Beach-weather months
Days of 24°C (75°F) or more with no more than nine rainy days come in July–August. The busiest of those is July, so book early.
Beach safety
Car break-ins are common, so leave nothing in parked cars. Parts of downtown and Pioneer Square have visible homelessness and drug use; stay on busier streets after dark. Puget Sound and the lakes are cold enough to cause cold-water shock even in summer. Swim at lifeguarded beaches where possible and follow local flag warnings.
Questions travellers ask
+Does Seattle have beaches?
Yes: Alki Beach, Golden Gardens Park, Discovery Park beaches and Madison Park Beach.
+What is the best beach near Seattle?
Alki Beach: A long sandy beach in West Seattle with a promenade, cafés and views back across Elliott Bay to the skyline; the water is cold for swimming.