Seattle Summer Beach Guide

Des Moines Beach Park

Located just about 20 minutes south of SEA Airport, Des Moines Beach Park is an under-the-radar gem with sweeping views of Puget Sound. While it's a favorite for locals, the park has far fewer crowds to fight through than many beaches in Seattle, striking the perfect balance between lively and quiet. You'll feel far away from the hubbub of city life as you walk along the water or out onto the long, well-maintained pier, taking in views of the Des Moines Marina. Meander down to the beach to check out the tide pools or post up on a grassy field for a picnic. If you're up for a workout, turn away from the beach and walk east to Des Moines Creek Trail, a popular trail for jogging, biking, and walking.

On Saturdays during the summer, the Des Moines Waterfront Farmers Market makes for an idyllic scene. If you're craving a beer and a bite, check out nearby Quarterdeck. This locally owned bar and cafe is the closest you can get to being invited to a friend's waterfront backyard party. Sip a coffee, order a beer or mimosa flight, and soak up the sun. Or, for a more formal meal, head to Anthony's HomePort and Lower Deck, which combines two restaurants in one. Enjoy an upscale seafood dinner, or relax on the more casual Lower Deck. Either way, you'll enjoy a view of the Sound. In less than five minutes, you can drive to downtown Des Moines, where you'll find many local eateries, like Marina Mercantile, Auntie Irene's, and Arturo's Mexican Restaurant.

Pro Tip: Keep an eye out for summer events, like Waterland Pride in June, The Waterland Festival in July, and the Poverty Bay Blues and Brews Festival in August.

Saltwater State Park

A little further down the coast, Saltwater State Park in Des Moines is a lovely place to spend a day, with more than 1,000 feet of beachfront and a walking path along the water. While the park's campsites are currently closed, it retains a campground spirit, with 147 picnic tables and plenty of grills to cook up the perfect summer meal. Or, you can grab an all-beef hot dog from the Des Moines Snack Shack in the park (open only during the summer). While you're there, check out the park's wooded trails. And if you're feeling adventurous, try scuba diving! It's the only state park with an underwater artificial reef that serves as a refuge for marine life. Because it's a protected habitat, you'll see an abundance of sea life, including sea stars, urchins, anemones, rockfish, and ling cod that can grow up to five feet long. No matter how you spend your time, you'll enjoy the serene landscape, which makes it a favorite of nature photographers.

Pro Tip: If you're curious about scuba diving (or a seasoned diver looking for new gear), head to Eight Diving in downtown Des Moines, where you can rent or buy gear, get gas fills, and get expert advice.

Redondo Beach

Not to be confused with its California counterpart, Washington's Redondo Beach is a tranquil escape about 10 minutes from downtown Des Moines. This rugged, quiet spot has a boardwalk that's perfect for a seaside stroll; walk to the end and back, and you'll clock about a mile. At its opening is Redondo Arch, a moving piece of public art that stands like a "gateway to the sea" and stands as a testament to resilience (it was made by blowing apart a huge piece of granite and piecing it back together).

Right next door is the Marine Science & Technology (MaST) Center, which is free and open to the public every Saturday. An extension of Highline College, the MaST Center is devoted to educating students and the public about local marine life. Reach your hand into a touch tank to (gently) feel an anemone and admire mesmerizing sea creatures like jellyfish, sea stars, and a teeny tiny octopus. Knowledgeable staff and volunteers are there to help guide you through the viewing room.

Pro Tip: The MaST Center is super popular in the summer, so leave enough time for your outing to wait in line and bring snacks! Fortunately, there's a beautiful view to enjoy while you wait your turn.

Seahurst Park

Seahurst Park in Burien offers 2,000 feet of beach, a lush forest, and one of the most picturesque playgrounds in the area. This 178-acre stretch of land is teeming with wildlife, making it a popular spot for photographers, tide poolers, and bird watchers. It's also a dream for families, with a nature-inspired play structure that resembles logs and stones, making it both interesting to look at and fun to climb. If you're planning a party, there are tables, reservable picnic shelters, and plenty of open spaces for gatherings and outdoor activities. While there, you can explore several trails within the park, such as the Seahurst Park Loop Trail, which is just under two miles and takes about an hour to complete. Open year-round, it’s a popular trail for hiking, running, and walking. Leashed dogs are welcome, too. And if you're worried about parking, don't be! While it's a valid concern at many popular beaches, this one has nearly 200 free parking spots.

Pro Tip: Pack a pair of binoculars to help spot birds and sealife you might otherwise miss.

Angle Lake Park

You don't need an ocean to have a great beach day! At Angle Lake Park in SeaTac, you can swim and splash in a calm, clear, freshwater lake, then spend the day playing, picnicking, or fishing. A favorite of local families, the park features a designated swimming area with a sandy beach where you can easily pass hours running in and out of the water. One feature that makes this park a destination for families near and far is the elaborate spray park, which is open from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Kids go crazy over the interactive water features! A nearby playground is encircled by grand Evergreen trees, providing much-welcome shade during hot days. More interested in fishing than frolicking? A boat launch and fishing pier make the park a popular spot for catching rainbow Trout, Largemouth Bass, Black Crappie, Yellow Perch, and Kokanee.

Pro Tip: If you're planning a party or group BBQ, you may want to reserve a picnic shelter in advance.

Alki Beach

Alki Beach in West Seattle is popular with both locals and tourists, so you'll see big crowds there on summer days. With views of downtown Seattle, this rocky beach is great for stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking, and beach volleyball, while the paved path along Alki Avenue invites bikers, skaters, and walkers to soak in the salty breeze. Whether catching a sunset bonfire, watching ferry boats glide, or simply relaxing with a coffee in hand, Alki Beach delivers that perfect Pacific Northwest summer escape. Lined with charming cafes, seafood joints, and ice cream shops, the area buzzes with a laid-back, beach-town vibe that feels worlds away from the city. Fair warning, though: parking can be tricky (you may need to spend a while finding street parking).

Pro Tip: Our favorite place to grab a bite is Natalie's Sugar Cane & Dessert. If you love it, be sure to try out the original location in Tukwila (inside Lam's Seafood Asian Market), where you'll find even more delicious flavors and Vietnamese street food.

Golden Gardens

About 30 minutes north of downtown Seattle by car, you'll find Golden Gardens Park, an expansive stretch of land overlooking Puget Sound. It's a popular spot for kayaking, paddleboarding, beachcombing, and volleyball, while the surrounding forested trails provide a peaceful escape into nature. With fire pits for evening bonfires and a picturesque backdrop, Golden Gardens blends outdoor adventure with laid-back beach party vibes. Bring a group, a cooler full of food and drinks, and roll out the beach blankets. Come early enough, and you can lay claim to a firepit before the sun sets, though these coveted spots often get taken early.

Pro Tip: The beach can get rowdy on summer evenings, so if crowds aren't your thing, come earlier in the day or avoid weekends.