12 Best Beaches in Seattle by iBestTravel

When you think of Seattle, you might envision gray skies and rainy days. However, the city’s beautiful summers deserve more recognition. During the warmest months, clear blue skies dominate the forecast, leading to stunning sunsets as late as 9 PM.

Seattle is endowed with 200 miles of stunning shoreline and an impressive array of parks, making it easy to find a beach that suits your preference—whether you’re looking for a place to swim, hike, or simply relax.

1. Golden Gardens Park

Best beach for families

Established in 1904, Golden Gardens Park is a beautiful 95-acre beach park located north of Shilshole Bay Marina. It features picnic facilities, restrooms, basketball hoops, volleyball nets, and ample parking. It’s an excellent family destination perfect for enjoying a day outdoors.

Many people on the beach at Golden Gardens Park, Seattle — Join the many family groups who spend their days at Golden Gardens Park © Ritu Manoj Jethani / Shutterstock

2. Discovery Park

Best beach for outdoor adventures

Formerly a military installation, Discovery Park has transformed into a 534-acre coastal green space. This expansive area offers a blend of cliffs, meadows, dunes, forests, and beaches—a microcosm of the rich ecosystems that characterize the Pacific Northwest.

People walk on the beach at sunset at Discovery Park, Seattle — Discovery Park offers a microcosm of the Pacific Northwest’s rich ecosystems © Dgu / Shutterstock

3. Pocket Beach, Myrtle Edwards Park

Best beach to avoid the crowds

Pocket Beach, located within Myrtle Edwards Park, is one of the quieter beaches in Seattle. It offers a peaceful environment where you can relax on the sand while enjoying breathtaking views of the Olympic Mountains and the Seattle skyline.

A walkway by the shoreline in Myrtle Edwards Park, Seattle — Not far from downtown, Myrtle Edwards Park is a favorite of Seattle locals © Frank Fell Media / Shutterstock

4. Alki Beach Park

Best beach to relax with locals

On a sunny weekend, Alki Beach is the perfect spot to unwind. The two-and-a-half-mile paved path serves as a gathering place for rollerbladers, cyclists, and skateboarders. With plenty of nearby eateries and breweries, visitors can enjoy refreshing drinks while people-watching.

People in the water with the skyline in the distance at Alki Beach, Seattle — Locals flock to Alki Beach for refreshing swims on hot days © Jason Redmond / AFP via Getty Images

5. Madison Park

Best beach for sunbathing

Madison Park Beach attracts visitors with its grassy slopes, tennis courts, and a swimming raft. It’s ideal for sunbathing and enjoying the social atmosphere throughout the summer months when lifeguards are on duty.

6. Denny Blaine Park

Best beach for nude sunbathing

Denny Blaine Park features a clothing-optional beach that has become popular among diverse crowds. This idyllic spot is surrounded by a historic stone wall, offering visitors a unique experience in a serene location.

7. Fay Bainbridge Park

Best beach for an overnight trip

Escape the city by taking an iconic ferry ride to Bainbridge Island. Fay Bainbridge Park offers picturesque sandy beaches and stunning views of the surrounding natural beauty, making it a great choice for a weekend getaway.

8. Madrona Park

Best beach for Mt Rainier views

Madrona Park provides visitors with spectacular views of Mt Rainier. While the water is chilly, the park is well-loved for its beautiful greenery and opportunities for swimming—ideal for adventurous spirits!

9. Lincoln Park

Best beach for kayaking

Lincoln Park is equipped with a canoe and kayak launch that allows easy access to the waterways. This park features scenic trails and picnic areas, making it a delightful destination for families and outdoor enthusiasts.

The beach with a ferry in the distance, Lincoln Park, Seattle, Washington, USA — Lincoln Park features nearly 4 miles of cycling trails, numerous picnic pavilions and a bathhouse © Nadia Yong / Shutterstock

10. Green Lake Park

Best beach for a workout

Green Lake Park is a bustling hub for exercise enthusiasts, featuring paths popular among joggers, cyclists, and skaters. It’s not only a place for fitness but also offers recreational activities such as volleyball, basketball, and equipment rentals for water sports.

11. Warren G Magnuson Park

Best beach for swimming

Warren G Magnuson Park is home to one of Seattle’s finest swimming beaches, complete with playgrounds and tennis courts. Lifeguards are on duty during peak summer months, making it safe for families looking to enjoy a day at the beach.

12. Carkeek Park

Best beach for a hike

Carkeek Park is cherished by locals for its vast hiking trails and pristine beaches. After a hike, visitors can take a refreshing dip and relish views of the Olympic Mountains and the Kitsap Peninsula.

BNSF freight train traveling through Carkeek Park during a misty evening with single man fishing in Puget Sound, Seattle — In wild Carkeek Park, it’s hard to believe you’re within Seattle’s city limits © Nicole Kandi / Shutterstock

This article was first published Feb 18, 2021, and updated Feb 7, 2024.