Where Seattle's story starts
Modern Seattle began right here, when the Denny Party came ashore at Alki Point in November 1851, on land that was home to Duwamish and Suquamish villages. Strong winds and tides on the exposed western shore soon sent most of the settlers across Elliott Bay. West Seattle went on to become its own town in 1902 before joining Seattle in 1907.
Start your exploring at the Log House Museum at Alki Point, run by the Southwest Seattle Historical Society, for a helpful introduction to the peninsula. Check with the museum directly for current hours before you go.
Picking Your Corner of the Peninsula
West Seattle is hilly and spread out, so the area you choose shapes your whole trip. Ask yourself whether you want sand, sidewalks or ferry access right outside your door.
Alki: beach first
Head to Alki Beach, the most popular beach in the Seattle area, for a long sandy stretch scattered with driftwood, shells and fire pits. Come at low tide and take your time at the tidepools, where marine life rewards a slow look. A flat waterfront path invites you to walk, run or bike with views of the downtown skyline, Puget Sound and the Olympics, and you can rent a surrey bike for an easy pedal along the shore.
The Junction: shops and dining on foot
The main commercial district centers on California Avenue SW and SW Alaska Street, a spot locals also call the Alaska Junction or West Seattle Junction. Stroll California Avenue past independent shops, bakeries, bars and restaurants. Music fans should make time for Easy Street Records, a longtime favorite with a café and occasional live shows.
Two smaller hubs sit along the same spine. Find Admiral Junction to the north, where California meets SW Admiral Way, and Morgan Junction to the south, where Fauntleroy Way, SW Morgan Street and California come together.
The south end: parks and ferries
In the southwest corner, Gatewood, Fauntleroy, Arbor Heights and Arroyo Heights offer quieter, suburban surroundings close to Lincoln Park and the Fauntleroy ferry terminal. Farther south, Westwood Village has a mall-style shopping center for everyday needs.
High Point: green redevelopment
Climb to the highest spot in Seattle at High Point, where Myrtle Reservoir Park sits at 520 feet. Starting in 2003, the Seattle Housing Authority rebuilt the neighborhood into a mixed-income community that earned national awards for sustainable design, including porous pavement and homes built to ease asthma symptoms. It is also one of the city's most diverse neighborhoods.
Getting Downtown Without a Car
You can leave the rental car behind here. Public transit links the peninsula to downtown and beyond, helping you save on both parking and rideshares.
- King County Water Taxi: Hop on this passenger-only boat between Seacrest Park and downtown and enjoy the crossing as a scenic ride. It moved to year-round, all-day service in 2022.
- RapidRide C Line: This King County Metro route runs along California Avenue and Fauntleroy Way, then crosses the West Seattle Bridge to downtown.
- RapidRide H Line: Follow Delridge Way on this route, which also continues downtown.
- Washington State Ferries: Catch a car ferry from the Fauntleroy terminal to Vashon Island or Southworth on the Kitsap Peninsula for an easy day trip.
Schedules and fares can change, so check King County Metro and Washington State Ferries for the latest details.
If you do drive
The high-level West Seattle Bridge carries traffic toward Interstate 5; it was closed from 2020 to 2022 for repairs and has since reopened. Alongside it, the low-level Spokane Street Bridge carries a multi-use trail, while the First Avenue South Bridge serves State Route 99 to the southeast. Alki Avenue and Harbor Avenue wrap the north shore with a parallel trail.
Easy, Low-Cost Days Out
West Seattle's best value lies along its shoreline and in its parkland. Spend a full day outdoors here without paying much beyond lunch.
- Walk the Lincoln Park shoreline: Explore 135 acres at Lincoln Park, with a waterfront path, playgrounds and an Olympic-size saltwater pool facing the mountains.
- Catch the view: Head to the northern tip of California Avenue for wide vistas at Hamilton Viewpoint Park.
- Hike old growth in the city: Wander the winding trails of Schmitz Preserve Park, which protects an urban old-growth forest.
- Time the tides at Alki: Plan your beach visit for low tide, the moment for tidepooling.
Plan around summer festivals
July is the liveliest month on the peninsula. West Seattle Summer Fest, running since 1982, fills the Junction for several days with live music, shopping and art, and Seafair reenacts the Alki landing each year alongside local events such as Hi-Yu. If your dates line up, book early and confirm festival schedules with the organizers.
