Beach

This long, sandy stretch of beach is a popular recreational spot. In the summertime, during the daylight hours, the landscape is cluttered with hundreds of swimmers and sun worshippers. A scattering of multi-colored beach umbrellas dot the sands. Towels and blankets are strewn about, marking temporary ownership of small parts of the beach. Radios blare ten different songs and meld with the delighted squeals of children playing. Volleyball and frisbee games are intermingled with reading and quiet conversation.

At night the beach has a different feel to it. On some nights, you can hear nothing but the call of a lone seagull. Other nights, couples may snuggle on blankets or a large bonfire is encircled by drunken, rowdy teens. Intermittant police patrols break up large groups of troublemakers, sending them on their way.

To get to Alki Beach, start from the SeaTac Airport and head north to State Highway 518. Take 5 to Interstate 5, go on west to West Seattle. Continue north to Duwamish Point and Alki Beach Park. Here you head to Alki Beach.