Beaches near Seattle

Seattle is known for many things, from the iconic Space Needle to its music scene and coffee culture. But it’s not exactly the first place that comes to mind when you think of beaches. Despite the frequent rain, Seattle summers deserve our love and appreciation. When the rainy days are over, you can look forward to lush greenery, clear blue skies, and a comfortable temperature perfect for a memorable beach getaway.

Many epic beaches near Seattle are located on the Olympic Peninsula. It’s home to the Olympic National Park and several beach towns, such as Kalaloch Beach, Rialto Beach, and La Push, which boast stunning coastline views and towering cliffs. But you don’t have to go all the way to the other side of the Olympic Mountains because many easily accessible beaches are just a stone's throw from Seattle’s beating heart.

Pack your beach bag and bask in the sun on one of the closest beaches to Seattle. For activities like snorkeling, sailing in Lake Washington, or kayaking, storing your belongings in a Seattle luggage storage facility with Bounce ensures they’re safe and dry while you’re in the water.

Our top picks for the best beaches near Seattle

Whether you want to catch some rays, brave a dip in the waters of Puget Sound, discover diverse marine life, or kayak through the calm bays and fjords of the Olympic Peninsula, we’ve gathered the best beaches in and around Seattle for an exciting summer experience in Emerald City.

Alki Beach Park

Skip the long ride and take the Water Taxi for a scenic 15-minute trip between downtown Seattle and West Seattle. Catch bus 775 to Alki Beach Park, a famous beach destination near the city.

On a clear day, you’ll see the Olympic Mountains from the shoreline. The beach is huge, so even if many tourists and locals come here on summer days, you’ll still find a quiet spot to admire the views of the mountains and Puget Sound. The water is usually chilly, but you can enjoy sunbathing, playing catch, or even swimming during the warmer months.

Is the water too cold for you to take a dip? Consider renting a bike to explore Alki Beach and the surrounding area at your own pace or walk along the long beach strip. Don't forget to stop by one of the restaurants for a refreshing drink or snack. If you’re here on a Sunday, join a free tour of the Alki Point Lighthouse to learn more about the lighthouse from knowledgeable and dedicated volunteers. Leave your heavy bags behind with us first because you'll climb the steep stairs to the top of the lighthouse.

Green Lake Park

A 15-minute drive north of downtown Seattle will take you to the Green Lake neighborhood, an idyllic area centered around a natural lake it was named after. Here, you’ll find the expansive Green Lake Park, a paradise for nature lovers, sports enthusiasts, families, or anyone who wants to enjoy the great outdoors.

Green Lake Park has two swimming beaches: West Green Lake Beach and East Green Lake Beach. No matter which side of the lake you’re in, you’ll enjoy the walking trails, play areas like swings and slides, diving boards, and spacious fields and courts for a variety of sports like soccer, tennis, basketball, and baseball.

There’s also a barbecue area, boat access points if you want to put your rowboat, canoe, or sailboat in the water, and a wading pool that opens every day throughout the summer. If you’re not into sports or water activities, drop off your bags at a nearby storage location to wander around the lake hassle-free and take in the glorious views and serene environment.

Buses 45 and 62 stop in the Green Lake area. You can take also the 1 Line (green) from Pioneer Square Station in downtown Seattle to Roosevelt Station and catch a bus 62 to Green Lake.

Richmond Beach Saltwater Park

Beautiful hiking trails, different play areas for children, and a large, open space for picnics, activities, and relaxation are waiting for you in Richmond Beach Saltwater Park. You probably won’t come here for a swim, but if you want to brave the cold, take a dip and enjoy the refreshing waters.

Richmond Beach Saltwater Park (not to be confused with Saltwater State Park in Des Moines) is ideal for outdoor adventures like kite surfing and long walks. You can climb the hill overlooking the ocean and take beautiful photos to share on your social media. With its picturesque views and serene environment, it’s no wonder many use this area for events like weddings and receptions.

If you’re lucky, you might spot some marine animals like river otters, California sea lions, and harbor seals. Keep your eyes open for resident orcas that appear in the winter months.

The best way to get to the beach from central Seattle is by car, which takes only about 30 minutes. You can take the bus or light rail but prepare to deal with multiple transfers. The closest bus stop to the park is at North West 196th Street & 20th Avenue North West. Bus 348 stops here, but you have to walk half a mile to Richmond Beach Saltwater Park.

Golden Gardens Park

If you’re looking for a sandy beach near Seattle, you’ll have to go to Golden Gardens Park in Ballard. On warm days, families and tourists flock to Golden Gardens Beach to swim, build sandcastles, and soak up the sun. Even if summer is over, you’ll still have a great time at the beach. You can invite your friends to play volleyball, fly kites, have a picnic, take a stroll, or run along the scenic waterfront path.

Numerous grassy areas, picnic tables, benches, and fire pits are available for a cozy day at the beach. It’s also an excellent spot to watch the glorious sun setting over the Olympic Mountains and Puget Sound while sipping your favorite drink. Don't worry if you overpacked for your beach trip because you can always store what you don't need in a secure luggage storage facility nearby and focus on fun and relaxation.

You’ll want to arrive early to secure a parking spot, especially during summer weekends when Golden Gardens Beach becomes busy. When traveling by bus, take bus 40 to 24th Avenue NW & NW 80th Street. From there, walk towards the beach, which can take up to 20 minutes.

Carkeek Park Beach

Carkeek Park Beach is unlike those sandy beaches near Seattle, so be sure to pack sandals, flip-flops, or comfy shoes if you want to take a stroll after dipping your toes in the cool water. With plenty of picnic tables, grassy open fields, walking and hiking trails, and playgrounds, it has everything for all ages and interests.

Swimming isn’t the main activity at Carkeek Park Beach, as many people visit to see the sunset, take their kids to play, and enjoy the view. But pack extra clothes and swim gear and store them nearby for easy access in case you feel the urge to cool off and take a refreshing plunge.

Bring your camera or get your phone camera ready as you stroll the park; you might encounter wildlife and get a glimpse of resident and migratory birds that often call the park home. Also, check out the salmon view spots, which include Piper’s Creek, and be amazed at the salmon swimming up the stream.

There's a world of beaches within and near the Seattle area waiting to be discovered, and places like Madison Park Beach, Dash Point State Park, Angle Lake Park, and Lincoln Park Beach deserve a spot on your must-visit list. With so much to see and do but very little time, you won't want your heavy baggage slowing you down. Use the Bounce luggage storage service to maximize your beach time and minimize hassle.