Alki Beach
Jun 20, 2008, 10:34 AM | Updated: Mar 27, 2011, 10:24 am
Alki Point is pretty much the only sandy, “California” style, beach in the Puget Sound.
Alki beach stretches for 2.5 miles of walkways, restaurants, bars, beach chalets, and new condominiums that have some of the best city and Sound views in town.
The beach has been popular for recreation for over a century. It is one of the few sandy beaches in the Puget Sound, and the breathtaking views of the Seattle skyline are well worth the time it will take you to find a parking spot on one of Seattle’ precious sunny days.
Beach volleyball and bonfires are standard during the long summer days along with rollerbladers and throngs of joggers. But Alki is also a great place to watch storms blow in across the Sound and a hot cup of coffee and long walk down the beach can chase away even the grayest of Seattle days.
History
Alki Point is the site of the landing of the first white settlers to the area in 1851. Chief Seattle greeted the group and helped them build a cabin to keep out the cold November rain. The original site was named “New York Alki.” Eventually the Dennys and other pioneers left this site for a settlement near Doc Maynard, now known as Pioneer Square. A lighthouse was erected on the point in 1913. The Alki Homestead restaurant is one of the oldest remaining buildings.