Alki Beach Park

Curious about the streets, homes and history that line the shoreline? Spend some time with our guide to the Alki neighborhood before or after your beach day.

Where West Coast Beachgoing Began

As you walk the sand, remember that this was the first public salt-water bathing beach on the west coast of the United States. That status gives the shoreline a place in regional history and makes it much more than a scenic strip of sand. Every step here touches an early chapter in how people on the coast came to use the water for recreation.

Monuments to Find Along the Beach

The Statue of Liberty Replica

Look for the replica of the Statue of Liberty, installed in 1952 and one of the most recognizable sights along the shore. It also makes an easy landmark when you are meeting up with friends at the beach.

The Alki Point Monument

Pause at the Alki Point Monument, also in the park, which memorializes Seattle's pioneer White settlers. It links your seaside stroll to the early story of the city's founding.

The Day of the 1959 Mine Scare

The beach has a curious tale of its own. On June 27, 1959, reports of an unexploded naval mine shut down Alki Beach, and police evacuated 1,000 people from the area. The suspected mine turned out to be a homemade anchor fitted with long spikes, and the episode remains one of the stranger moments in the park's past.

Hours and Tips for Dog Owners

Plan your visit any day of the week, since Alki Beach Park is open from 4am to 11:30pm daily. Hours and rules can change, so check with Seattle Parks and Recreation for current details if you are thinking about a late-night or early-morning outing.

Bring your dog along to enjoy the park itself, but keep in mind that pets are not allowed on the beach. Bringing one onto the sand carries a $500 fine, so keep your four-legged companion on the park side.

• Address: 1702 Alki Ave SW, Seattle, WA 98116
• Hours: daily, 4am to 11:30pm
• Size: 135.9 acres, with about half a mile of beachfront
• Dogs: allowed in the park, not on the beach ($500 fine)

Ravines, Preserves and Pioneer Landmarks Nearby

Extend your day with one of the green spaces and historic sites a short distance from Alki Beach Park, measured in a straight line:

• College Street Ravine, 0.3 mi
• Nantes Park, 0.3 mi
• Schmitz Boulevard, 0.4 mi
• Alki Playground, 0.4 mi
• Schmitz Park Bridge, 0.4 mi
• Fir Lodge/Alki Homestead Restaurant, 0.5 mi
• Log House Museum Building, 0.6 mi
• Schmitz Preserve Park, 0.6 mi

If the Alki Point Monument sparks your interest in the area's early history, head next to the Log House Museum Building and the Fir Lodge/Alki Homestead. For a change of scenery from the open shoreline, wander over to Schmitz Preserve Park.

Ready to plan more outings? Browse all parks in Seattle, or compare Alki with another large city park on the water at Seward Park.