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Neighborhood between the Duwamish River and Puget Sound
Photo: Joe Mabel, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
West Seattle is the large portion of Seattle west of the Duwamish River. Separated from the remainder of the city by topography, it has a decidedly less urban character, making it a surprisingly close getaway from the activity of the downtown area. Its miles of Puget Sound shoreline offer the city's best beaches and unparalleled views of the downtown skyline. Dine on the water at Alki, or wander the thriving shopping district at Alaska Junction.
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Historic Lighthouse on Alki Point a short walk from Alki Beach sometimes offers public tours but can at be at least partially seen from the road.
The small replica toward the west end of the beach area is much beloved in the neighborhood. West Seattle has a peculiar affinity to New York City, where a few influential early settlers were from.
Hamilton Viewpoint Park rests above the beaches of Alki facing downtown Seattle. Located adjacent to the Seacrest Ferry Dock.
Lincoln Park is a big, wild park, next to the Fauntleroy Ferry Dock, serving Vashon Island and Southworth. Lincoln Park has lots of walking paths, picnic areas, beautiful trees, and beach. Unlike Alki Beach, it's quite pebbly and full of driftwood. To reach the park: come across the West Seattle Bridge into West Seattle, bear left at the "Y" intersection at Fauntleroy. Stay on Fauntleroy all the way to the park. Follow the signs to the ferries.
53.1 acre Schmitz Preserve Park has old growth forest, walking paths and an urban stream.
Some of the best views of the Seattle skyline are from West Seattle and the Viewpoint at Admiral is the best of the best. You can't miss it as there are usually people there. Bring your camera.
Alki Beach Park is one of the best and biggest sandy beaches in Seattle. There's a rollerblade/bike/walking path along it for miles and the beach itself is always busy and fun. Great views of the city, the ferries and the Olympics. There are several great cafes and coffee shops right across the street. Good place for barbeque as well as many outdoor recreations. It has one of the best night view of Downtown Seattle and the city light.
This golf course is one of the finest in the city with great views of Seattle. Fox Den Grille is the restaurant inside that offers breakfast, lunch, dinner, and beverages. Rates of the course are fair depending on the days you go, and the course is well maintained. There are many tournaments going on for golf lovers to participate.
Seacrest Cove 2 is a local dive site in West Seattle, Washington. The site is within Seacrest Park. Cove 2 is often used as a training site for Open Water, Navigation and other scuba classes. The site has a moderate slope leading down to depths greater than the recreational limit of 130 feet (40 meters). Because of the easily reached deep areas Technical Divers also use Cove 2 for training. The site has a silty bottom, but many submerged logs and pilings and sunken boats (the Honey Bear) that are well decorated with Pacific Northwest Marine Life. There are restrooms in the pier building and a great little Fish and Chips bar within easy walking distance. The site sports a nice view of the Seattle skyline across Elliot Bay. There is an exclusion zone of 150 feet around the walk-on ferry dock. Other sites (Coves 1 and 3!) are just to the north and south respectively. Most parking is curbside on the street.
seasonal guided sea kayak tours for beginners and experts exploring the natural & human history of Elliot Bay and Puget Sound. They also offer a range of rentals along Alki beach – including stand up paddle boards, quad and inline skates, bicycles and fishing boats.
West Seattle is a popular launch site to visit this island state park accessible only by boat that was the birthplace of Chief Seattle.
This throwback deli counter and specialty grocer has been family owned and operated since 1932. In the summer, line up for a scoop of the classic made-in-house ice cream.
Great things come from the tiny kitchen in this neighborhood gem. The lamb souvlaki is tender and delicious. The gyro platter is piled high and a great value. Entrees come with salad and choice of Greek fries or, a truly unique, rice pilaf. Trust in the daily specials featuring regional Greek cooking at its best.
A cross between Korean and Hawaiian (Kalbi Beef, Spicy Pork, Miso Ginger chicken and Kimchi) mostly served in a corn tortilla for excellent portability. Oh, and of course, spam is represented on the menu!
Away from the busy Junction area, just west of the West Seattle Bridge entrance to West Seattle. Superb Thai cuisine in an elegant setting. The crispy garlic chicken is a favorite.
Small but good neighborhood restaurant on California Ave a couple doors south of Admiral. Steak salad is the house favorite. Beer and wine.
Famous for their rib-sticking breakfasts, the Chelan is your basic family diner with legions of fans. Their Eggs Benedict is very popular and they have great pancakes, too.
A culinary oasis in a bedroom community. Very popular with locals, Joe's has a rotating menu that focuses on a specific region and its cuisine. Volunteer artists change the decor accordingly. Full bar.
Tiny, noisy Hawaiian chicken place that manages to be both experimental and down-to-earth. If you're a foodie, this comes highly recommended.
One of the best sushi restaurants in Seattle is this tiny, always-packed place. Traditional sushi and some very creative stuff, too.
Extremely popular and often times crowded seafood restaurant with a great view, especially from the upper deck when it's open. They're famous for, wait for it, their chowder, but have many other offerings, including salads and burgers for those who don't appreciate seafood. They are also famous for their Duke's Famous Bloody Bloody Mary made with in-house infused vodka and garnished with two prawns. Full bar, with a very good wine list and a great selection of beers.
Great steaks at Alaska Junction.
Situated on West Seattle's popular Alki Beach, Salty's offers a wide variety of seafood and steaks. The restaurant offers one of the most amazing views of downtown Seattle and is a popular hot spot with local celebrities. The food can range from catch of the day, various poultry dishes, or top sirloin. Reviews of the food itself and the service are mixed, surprising considering it's one of the most expensive restaurants in West Seattle. When the sun is shining or downtown is lit up, there is no better view of downtown Seattle. The Happy Hour offers live music on some nights and some excellent food bargains from a limited menu.
Offers awesome coffee from Lighthouse Roasters, free wireless access and live music.
A variety of locally brewed, certified organic beers are the main draw as well as a great selection of burgers and sandwiches.
A strikingly well decorated Mexican, 21 and older only restaurant. Updated versions of Tex-Mex classics are offered on the menu. Check out their happy hour menu, available from 4PM-6PM and again from 10PM-1AM, which features some interesting small plates. Full bar with an extensive tequila selection.
Primarily a live music venue with three original bands most nights. All genres, so check the website ahead of time. Popular weekend brunch. All ages until 9PM on show nights except Sunday shows which are all ages until 11PM close.
A hip/retro vibe permeates, a great place for drinks, but the food is good, too. Different things like steelhead and marshmallows over a flame.
One of the only hotels in West Seattle.
By ferry
Washington State Ferries (WSF) operates the Fauntleroy / Southworth route, also serving Vashon Island, for both drive on and walk on traffic.
By water taxi
By bus
Ride the RapidRide Line C from South Lake Union and Downtown.
By boat
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