West Seattle

Explore

Alki Beach (2665 Alki Ave SW), with its bewitching location along Elliott Bay, is perfect for sunbathing, picnicking, barbecuing, and swimming. There’s even a working 1913 lighthouse—starting in late May, you can take a tour and climb the tower stairs. Nearby, take a walk through the early 1900s Log House Museum (3003 61st Ave SW) and view exhibits about the West Seattle peninsula. Lovely Seacrest Park (1660 Harbor Ave SW) is where you can catch the water taxi to downtown Seattle, while verdant 135-acre Lincoln Park (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW) offers a saltwater pool, playgrounds, and a beachside path with knockout panoramas of the Olympic Mountains.

Eat and Drink

Near the waterfront at Alki Beach, dine on house-made burrata and creative pastas at romantic Il Nido (2717 61st Ave SW) and flavorful Mexican food—along with refreshing margaritas—at Cactus Restaurant (2820 Alki Ave SW). Luna Park Cafe (2918 SW Avalon Way) is a nostalgic retro-cool diner serving up hearty all-day breakfast fare and satisfying burgers and shakes. Head to the neighborhood’s bustling Junction district for great coffee, local beer, and light cafe fare at homey Freshy’s (2735 California Ave SW) coffeehouse, and terrific Middle Eastern dishes—like lamb gyros and chicken shawarma—at friendly Falafel Salam (4746 California Ave SW). More upscale offerings are had at Itto’s Tapas (4160 California Ave SW), which specializes in Moroccan and Spanish small plates, from grilled squid in a romesco sauce to slow-braised lemon chicken.

Shop

The Junction is a shopper’s paradise, with its many independent retailers. Browse the paintings and photography at Northwest Art & Frame (4733 California Ave SW) and the extensive selection of fiction and nonfiction works at Paper Boat Booksellers (6040 California Ave SW). Meeples Games (3727 California Ave SW) carries board games, puzzles, and more—you can rent games and play them while noshing on pizza and burgers in the cafe. Order a one-of-a-kind custom bracelet or a pair of earrings at the bespoke jeweler And Arlen (4130 California Ave SW). And before heading to a local park for an outdoor adventure, check out the selection of gently used sporting goods at Second Gear Sports (6529 California Ave SW), or stop by Alki Surf Shop (2622 Alki Ave SW) for apparel, sunglasses, Frisbees, and other necessities for the perfect day at the beach.