West Seattle is a dozen or so neighborhoods in one, all located in the hilly district of Seattle just west of the Duwamish River and across Elliott Bay from downtown. Alki Beach is perhaps the biggest draw to West Seattle, along with the views of the skyline, Olympic Mountains and Cascade Range.
Alki Point is actually considered the founding point of Seattle, before downtown was moved across Elliott Bay. West Seattle celebrates this heritage with a weeklong Seafair summer celebration that includes a reenactment of the original landing of the Denny party of explorers in 1851.
Alki Beach itself is perhaps Seattle’s favorite beach, resembling the true laid-back Pacific Northwest style with gorgeous views, plentiful people watching and a great shoreline path perfect for a day out on a bicycle or a leisurely view-filled stroll.
Eric Sheckler
There are plenty of other recreational opportunities nearby, too, including the heated saltwater pool in Lincoln Park; Schmitz Preserve Park, which features an old-growth forest and plenty of hiking and nature trails; and a four-mile trail running the length of Longfellow Creek.
The heart of West Seattle, however, is often considered The Junction, the intersection of California Avenue and Alaska Street. Here, more than a dozen restaurants feature steaks, cupcakes, sushi, craft beer, artisan baked goods, ice cream, coffee and a number of ethnic options. Sundays bring the popular year ‘round West Seattle Farmers Markets, held in the junction from 10am-2pm.
Eric Sheckler
Other West Seattle neighborhoods include Admiral, Beach Drive, Delridge, Fairmount Park, Highland Park, Lincoln Park, Puget Ridge, Sunset and Westwood.
For an additional resource on Seattle's neighborhoods, click
here.