Seattle's weather is most often associated with gray skies and rainy days, but the city's beautiful summers don't get nearly enough love.
In the summer months, there are clear blue skies and long days that end with stunning sunsets.
Seattle has a lot of parks, many of which are located on the city's 200 miles of shoreline. You are bound to find the perfect beach to suit your tastes.
These are our favorite Seattle beaches.
Get local insight on destinations all over the world with our weekly newsletter delivered to your inbox.
On a weekend summer's afternoon on Alki Beach, it's a good idea to slow down a bit. There is a certain type of Seattleite who likes West Seattle and Alki Beach.
The Alki Point Lighthouse and a paved span parallel to the beach are magnets for rollerbladers, cyclists and skateboarders. When the sun isn't shining, Alki Beach and its promenade are a great place to sit down with a beer and enjoy the view. There are many places to eat and drink with views of the water.
The main part of West Seattle's favorite beach is sandy and perfect for sandcastle building. Around the lighthouse there are good tide pools.
You don't have to worry about parking if you catch the West Seattle Water Taxi from the dock at the ferry terminal.
The Golden Gardens Park is a 95-acre beach park with sandy beaches north of Shilshole Bay Marina. There are picnic facilities, restrooms, basketball hoops, volleyball nets, gangs of Canadian geese, lots of parking and plenty of space to escape.
This is where the Burke-Gilman Trail ends and where you can find lots of restaurants. Sunset Hill Park is a prime perch for dramatic sunsets and long views over the bay and out towards the island.
Discovery Park was a former military installation that was turned into a wild coastal park.
The 534 acres of green space in Seattle is a good example of the surrounding Pacific Northwest's ecology.
There are several miles of safe trails at Discovery Park. There is a complete map of the in- park network at the Discovery Park Environmental Learning Center.
You can get there by catching bus 33 from 3rd Ave and Union St.
Green Lake Park surrounds Green Lake, a small natural lake formed by a glacier during the last ice age.
The shoreline of the lake was increased in the early 1900s due to the lowered water level. The creek that fed the lake stopped flowing after the lowering.
The lake was filled with stinky green algae. Efforts to keep Green Lake a lake are continuing.
There are two paths around the lake, but they aren't enough to satisfy the hundreds of joggers, power-walkers, cyclists and in-line skaters who come here daily. Competition for space on the trails has led to altercations between speeding athletes.
There is a soccer field, bowling green, baseball diamond, basketball and tennis courts, plus boat, bike and in-line skate rentals.
The West Green Lake Beach is open from late June through Labor Day. It is an ideal spot for swimming because the water temperature is warmer than the beaches on the ocean and Lake Washington.
A game of frisbee, a brave dip in the lake and some wholesome food can be found following the old trolley route down E Madison St.
There are two tennis courts, a swimming raft floating in the lake, and lifeguards on duty from late June to Labor Day.
The best place to stop before you get to the beach is in the tree-lined Madison Valley, also known as "Little France".
If you want to get away from the hustle and bustle, you can hop on one of Seattle's famous ferries and go to Bainbridge Island.
You'll find stunning views, quaint waterfront taverns and cafes, prime kayaking, and a pretty, sandy beach if you go from downtown.
On a sunny day, you can see the mountains of Washington. It's not only possible to picnic here or spread out your beach blanket, but it's also possible to take an overnight trip on the Cascadia Marine Trail.
There is a park to the south of Madison Park. There is a beach at the end of a lane that is surrounded by a stone wall.
During the construction of the Lake Washington Ship Canal, the lake level dropped 9 feet. There isn't a lifeguard at the beach.
It used to be known as a lesbian hangout, but now it's more of a mix of people. Nude sunbathers will be allowed at the top-free beach.
Madrona Park is located down a steep hill from the business district.
The views of Mt Rainier are amazing. The water is cold even in the summer, so swimming is only for hardy people. Leschi Park is a grassy green space with a childrens play area. Lifeguards are on duty during the summer months.
Lincoln Park is one of Seattle's most under appreciated parks. The park is located on a bluff overlooking the Puget Sound.
The expansive shoreline and renovated playground make this a winning park for families.
One of the best swimming beaches in Seattle is located on the shore of Lake Washington. There is a butterfly garden at the park. Lifeguards work from late June through Labor Day.
You should check out the historic district after your swim. The brick and metal structures are from the 1930s and 1940s. There are public art installations around the park.
Carkeek Park is a favorite among locals. The community is directly responsible for preserving the park's flora and fauna.
You can take a hike on one of the many trails and then dive into the waters of Carkeek Park Beach. You can see the Olympic Mountains on a clear day.
Take a stroll through the Olympic Sculpture Park in downtown Seattle before heading to the next park.
Pocket Beach is a great place to see native plants and fish.
About 4 hours ago, this article was updated.
All Rights Reserved © 2024
