Overview
West Seattle is the large portion of Seattle west of the Duwamish River. Separated from the remainder of the city by topography, it has a decidedly less urban character, making it a surprisingly close getaway from the activity of the downtown area. Its miles of Puget Sound shoreline offer the city's best beaches and unparalleled views of the downtown skyline. Dine on the water at Alki, or wander the thriving shopping district at Alaska Junction.
6 sights · 5 things to do · 12 places to eat · 5 bars & cafés · 1 places to stay
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about West
Alki Point Lighthouse
Historic Lighthouse on Alki Point a short walk from Alki Beach sometimes offers public tours but can at be at least partially seen from the road.
Statue of Liberty
The small replica toward the west end of the beach area is much beloved in the neighborhood. West Seattle has a peculiar affinity to New York City, where a few influential early settlers were from.
Hamilton Viewpoint Park
Hamilton Viewpoint Park rests above the beaches of Alki facing downtown Seattle. Located adjacent to the Seacrest Ferry Dock.
Lincoln Park
Lincoln Park is a big, wild park, next to the Fauntleroy Ferry Dock, serving Vashon Island and Southworth. Lincoln Park has lots of walking paths, picnic areas, beautiful trees, and beach. Unlike Alki Beach, it's quite p…
Schmitz Park
53.1 acre Schmitz Preserve Park has old growth forest, walking paths and an urban stream.
Alki Beach Park
Alki Beach Park is one of the best and biggest sandy beaches in Seattle. There's a rollerblade/bike/walking path along it for miles and the beach itself is always busy and fun. Great views of the city, the ferries and th…
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: May–Sep. Summer highs reach about 78°F; winter lows dip to about 37°F. Wettest: Nov and Jan. (climate data from nearby Seattle)
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- BFI King County International Airport - Boeing Field, Seattle — 5 mi away. Directions
- SEA Seattle–Tacoma International Airport, Seattle — 9 mi away (major hub). Directions
or From Interstate 5, southbound State Route 99, or most points north, get on the West Seattle Bridge. From the bridge:
Full “Get in” guide ↓Budget & where to stay
- Typical meal: about $28 per person at listed restaurants.
See the Sleep guide ↓ for places to stay.
Sample 3-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning Alki Point Lighthouse, Statue of Liberty, Alki Beach Park
- Lunch Duke's Chowder House at Alki Beach
- Afternoon Schmitz Park, Hamilton Viewpoint Park
- Dinner Circa
- Evening Camp West
Day 2
- Morning Blake Island State Park
- Lunch Endolyne Joe's
- Dinner Kokoras Greek Grill
- Evening C and P Coffee Company
Day 3
- Morning Lincoln Park
- Lunch Mashiko
- Dinner Husky Deli
- Evening Elliott Bay Brewery Pub
Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.
Food for you
West Seattle is the place for Seattle's most famous seafood restaurants, especially near Alki.
Cuisine (tap to filter)
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Photos
Map
Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.
Get in
By car
or From Interstate 5, southbound State Route 99, or most points north, get on the West Seattle Bridge. From the bridge:
- Take the Harbor Ave SE exit off the bridge and head north along the waterfront to Alki Beach. You'll see the sandy beach when you get there.
- Turn right on Admiralty Way to Admiral Junction, the intersection of California Ave SW and Admiralty Way.
- Continue uphill towards the left, down Fauntleroy Way to Alaska Junction, the intersection of California Ave SW and SW Alaska St.
or State Route 509 and State Route 99 pass through the south and east neighborhoods of the district. These highways are connected to Sea-Tac Airport and most other points south.
By ferry
Washington State Ferries (WSF) operates the Fauntleroy / Southworth route, also serving Vashon Island, for both drive on and walk on traffic. This terminal is much less crowded than the ferry terminals downtown and offers a more relaxing launching point to explore Vashon Island and the Kitsap Peninsula. If you are thinking of leaving your car and walking on the ferry, be warned that parking near the terminal is extremely scarce.
Go Fauntleroy Ferry Terminal
Offers frequent service to Southworth and Vashon Island. 40 minutes each way. All boats on this route accept both walk on and vehicle traffic.
Rapid Ride C bus connects Downtown to this ferry terminal via West Seattle Bridge, Alaska Way Jct, California Ave SW & Fauntleroy Ave SW. It continues towards Westwood Center via SW Barton St.
By water taxi
- The 775 bus connects Seacrest Park (Water Taxi Terminal) to Alki Beach (63rd SW & Alki Ave SW) via California Ave & Admiral Way (Admiral District). Bus comes back towards Seacrest Park along Alki Beach on Alki Ave SW. Bus only goes in a counter clockwise direction between the two ends. Passengers can transfer to other King County Metro buses (50, 55, 56, 57, 128) on California Ave SW & SW Admiral Way.
By bus
Ride the RapidRide Line C from South Lake Union and Downtown. The bus traverses the commercial area of California Ave SW and Fauntleroy Ave SW towards the Fauntleroy ferry terminal via Lincoln Park and onto Westwood Village on SW Barton St.
King County Metro's route 50 runs to Alki Beach and California Ave SW from Othello Station in South Seattle.
By boat
Place Don Armeni Boat Ramp
Don Armeni is the most popular of Seattle's saltwater boat ramps for both motorized and hand carried vessels. Don Armeni's close proximity to many favorite fishing spots on the south end of Marine Area 10 and the other south Marine Areas makes it a popular ramp for fishers during salmon season and offers a commanding view of downtown and Elliot Bay.
Get around
More so than the rest of the city, a car will prove useful. Bus service is merely adequate; the lower density of the area and frequent traffic jams on the few bridges in and out lead to widely scattered routes on unpredictable schedules. Travel between Alaska and Admiral Junctions and downtown is never a problem, but there's no single bus route that runs the length of California Avenue. Trips to the outer reaches of the area will require some advance planning.
Locals often refer to areas in relation to their 'junction' with California Ave SW, the main north/south arterial through West Seattle. Restaurants, bars and shops tend to be focused around 3 main junctions.
- Admiral Junction is to the north in the Admiral District.
- Alaska Junction is near the center of West Seattle. It has the highest concentration of shops and is often referred to simply as 'The Junction'.
- Fauntleroy Junction (or 'Morgan Junction') is further south, where Fauntleroy Way SW crosses California Ave SW.
Bicycle lanes exist, but the terrain is often hilly and steep. The exception is the north shore of West Seattle along Alki, with its long perfectly-flat multi-use trail that is amazingly popular in the summer.
See
See Alki Point Lighthouse
Historic Lighthouse on Alki Point a short walk from Alki Beach sometimes offers public tours but can at be at least partially seen from the road.
See Statue of Liberty
The small replica toward the west end of the beach area is much beloved in the neighborhood. West Seattle has a peculiar affinity to New York City, where a few influential early settlers were from.
Parks
Park planners across the country celebrate Seattle's park system, designed by the Olmstead Brothers, as one of the best designed and best preserved in the United States.
See Hamilton Viewpoint Park
Hamilton Viewpoint Park rests above the beaches of Alki facing downtown Seattle. Located adjacent to the Seacrest Ferry Dock.
See Lincoln Park
Lincoln Park is a big, wild park, next to the Fauntleroy Ferry Dock, serving Vashon Island and Southworth. Lincoln Park has lots of walking paths, picnic areas, beautiful trees, and beach. Unlike Alki Beach, it's quite pebbly and full of driftwood. To reach the park: come across the West Seattle Bridge into West Seattle, bear left at the "Y" intersection at Fauntleroy. Stay on Fauntleroy all the way to the park. Follow the signs to the ferries.
See The Viewpoint at Admiral
Some of the best views of the Seattle skyline are from West Seattle and the Viewpoint at Admiral is the best of the best. You can't miss it as there are usually people there. Bring your camera.
Do
Beaches
What Puget Sound beaches lack in white sand and warm water is more than made up for in the amazing scenery as state ferries pass under snow peaked mountains on the horizons.
Do Alki Beach Park
Alki Beach Park is one of the best and biggest sandy beaches in Seattle. There's a rollerblade/bike/walking path along it for miles and the beach itself is always busy and fun. Great views of the city, the ferries and the Olympics. There are several great cafes and coffee shops right across the street. Good place for barbeque as well as many outdoor recreations. It has one of the best night view of Downtown Seattle and the city light.
Sea shells and driftwood are considered part of the natural environment and should not be removed, however the often rocky and wild shores are havens for creating and revealing beach glass and anything artificial found is fair game for removal. Be respectful of private property and gentle with sea creatures. Keep a wide distance away from nesting birds, seals and other shore animals and always put back anything removed from the shoreline.
Golf
Do West Seattle Golf Course
This golf course is one of the finest in the city with great views of Seattle. Fox Den Grille is the restaurant inside that offers breakfast, lunch, dinner, and beverages. Rates of the course are fair depending on the days you go, and the course is well maintained. There are many tournaments going on for golf lovers to participate.
Scuba diving
There are great scuba diving areas accessible from West Seattle. Many dive sites are completely covered with colorful sea creatures that defy description. Giant Pacific Octopus are common, along with friendly wolf eels. Colorful sponges, sea cucumbers, sea stars, soft corals, anemones and fish can be seen on nearly every dive.
Do Seacrest Park
Seacrest Cove 2 is a local dive site in West Seattle, Washington. The site is within Seacrest Park. Cove 2 is often used as a training site for Open Water, Navigation and other scuba classes. The site has a moderate slope leading down to depths greater than the recreational limit of 130 feet (40 meters). Because of the easily reached deep areas Technical Divers also use Cove 2 for training. The site has a silty bottom, but many submerged logs and pilings and sunken boats (the Honey Bear) that are well decorated with Pacific Northwest Marine Life. There are restrooms in the pier building and a great little Fish and Chips bar within easy walking distance. The site sports a nice view of the Seattle skyline across Elliot Bay. There is an exclusion zone of 150 feet around the walk-on ferry dock. Other sites (Coves 1 and 3!) are just to the north and south respectively. Most parking is curbside on the street.
Sea kayaking
Sea kayaking can be a rewarding way to explore Elliott Bay, allowing the paddler a closer and slower look at their surroundings. West Seattle is a popular area to kayak on Puget Sound, with access to both wilderness and industrial areas. Harbor Seals, Otters, Sea Lions, Bald Eagles and Blue Herons are common sights, and the viewing of an Orca or Grey Whale is not out of the question.
There are many water destinations nearby. Some even offer overnight camping options.
Do Blake Island State Park
West Seattle is a popular launch site to visit this island state park accessible only by boat that was the birthplace of Chief Seattle.
Eat
West Seattle is the place for Seattle's most famous seafood restaurants, especially near Alki.
Budget
Eat Husky Deli
This throwback deli counter and specialty grocer has been family owned and operated since 1932. In the summer, line up for a scoop of the classic made-in-house ice cream.
Eat Kokoras Greek Grill
Great things come from the tiny kitchen in this neighborhood gem. The lamb souvlaki is tender and delicious. The gyro platter is piled high and a great value. Entrees come with salad and choice of Greek fries or, a truly unique, rice pilaf. Trust in the daily specials featuring regional Greek cooking at its best.
Eat Marination Ma Kai
A cross between Korean and Hawaiian (Kalbi Beef, Spicy Pork, Miso Ginger chicken and Kimchi) mostly served in a corn tortilla for excellent portability. Oh, and of course, spam is represented on the menu!
Mid-range
Eat Buddha Ruksa
Away from the busy Junction area, just west of the West Seattle Bridge entrance to West Seattle. Superb Thai cuisine in an elegant setting. The crispy garlic chicken is a favorite.
Eat Circa
Small but good neighborhood restaurant on California Ave a couple doors south of Admiral. Steak salad is the house favorite. Beer and wine.
Eat Chelan Cafe
Famous for their rib-sticking breakfasts, the Chelan is your basic family diner with legions of fans. Their Eggs Benedict is very popular and they have great pancakes, too.
Eat Endolyne Joe's
A culinary oasis in a bedroom community. Very popular with locals, Joe's has a rotating menu that focuses on a specific region and its cuisine. Volunteer artists change the decor accordingly. Full bar.
Eat Ma'Ono
Tiny, noisy Hawaiian chicken place that manages to be both experimental and down-to-earth. If you're a foodie, this comes highly recommended.
Eat Mashiko
One of the best sushi restaurants in Seattle is this tiny, always-packed place. Traditional sushi and some very creative stuff, too.
Splurge
Eat Duke's Chowder House at Alki Beach
Extremely popular and often times crowded seafood restaurant with a great view, especially from the upper deck when it's open. They're famous for, wait for it, their chowder, but have many other offerings, including salads and burgers for those who don't appreciate seafood. They are also famous for their Duke's Famous Bloody Bloody Mary made with in-house infused vodka and garnished with two prawns. Full bar, with a very good wine list and a great selection of beers.
Eat Jak's Grill
Great steaks at Alaska Junction.
Eat Salty's on Alki
Situated on West Seattle's popular Alki Beach, Salty's offers a wide variety of seafood and steaks. The restaurant offers one of the most amazing views of downtown Seattle and is a popular hot spot with local celebrities. The food can range from catch of the day, various poultry dishes, or top sirloin. Reviews of the food itself and the service are mixed, surprising considering it's one of the most expensive restaurants in West Seattle. When the sun is shining or downtown is lit up, there is no better view of downtown Seattle. The Happy Hour offers live music on some nights and some excellent food bargains from a limited menu.
Drink
Drink C and P Coffee Company
Offers awesome coffee from Lighthouse Roasters, free wireless access and live music.
Drink Elliott Bay Brewery Pub
A variety of locally brewed, certified organic beers are the main draw as well as a great selection of burgers and sandwiches.
Drink Matador
A strikingly well decorated Mexican, 21 and older only restaurant. Updated versions of Tex-Mex classics are offered on the menu. Check out their happy hour menu, available from 4PM-6PM and again from 10PM-1AM, which features some interesting small plates. Full bar with an extensive tequila selection.
Drink Skylark Café & Club
Primarily a live music venue with three original bands most nights. All genres, so check the website ahead of time. Popular weekend brunch. All ages until 9PM on show nights except Sunday shows which are all ages until 11PM close.
Drink Camp West
A hip/retro vibe permeates, a great place for drinks, but the food is good, too. Different things like steelhead and marshmallows over a flame.
Sleep
There are few hotels in West Seattle, and fewer worth staying at. In a pinch, most chain motels and hotels have branches a few miles south in Tukwila or SeaTac near Sea-Tac Airport; otherwise, look closer to downtown.
Nearby
White Center
City / town · 6 listings · 4 mi away
Blake Island
Park · 4 listings · 5 mi away
Southworth
City / town · 7 listings · 6 mi away
Burien
City / town · 10 listings · 7 mi away
Mercer Island
City / town · 11 listings · 7 mi away
Manchester
City / town · 9 listings · 7 mi away
Tukwila
City / town · 24 listings · 8 mi away
SeaTac
City / town · 6 listings · 9 mi away
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