Summer in Seattle can get surprisingly hot, and let’s be honest, a lot of us are still living that no-AC life. When the temperature starts creeping up, there’s no better excuse to head for the water. We rounded up some of our favorite beaches in Seattle and around the Pacific Northwest so you can cool off, enjoy the sunshine, and relax on the beautiful beaches we are surrounded by.
West Seattle
Alki Beach is probably the most classic beach in the Seattle area. With a long boardwalk, beaches at low and high tide, as well as a stunning view of the Seattle cityscape, it's hard to beat. Parking can be difficult on sunny days, so it is always a good idea to get there before 11 am on the weekends to find a spot.
Paddleboarding
Firepits
Biking
Swimming
Beachcombing
Bird Watching
Ballard
Golden Gardens is where Seattle goes to play. This Ballard waterfront park combines sandy beaches, forested trails, and stunning Puget Sound views. On sunny days, you'll find people sunbathing, beachcombing, grilling, and launching kayaks or boats. There's also a fishing pier and an off-leash dog area in the park's northern section, though dogs aren't allowed on the beach itself.
BBQ
Beach Fires
Windsurfing
Kitesurfing
Swimming
Boat Launches
Fishing
Trails
Bird Watching
Volleyball
Playground
Madison
Not a fan of sand? Madison Beach might be more your speed. The grassy shoreline makes it a popular spot for picnics, frisbee, and swimming in Lake Washington. Just know that parking can be tough on sunny days, so arrive early or hop on the bus.
Swimming
Picnicking
Paddleboarding
Floating Dock
Lifeguard Hours
Madrona
Madrona Park and Beach is a great place to get away and enjoy the waterfront on Lake Washington. The park includes a wooded hillside that slopes down to a grassy beach and swimming area with two floating docks. Lifeguards are on duty during the summer at this spot, and parking can be scarce on a beautiful summer day. Get there early!
Swimming
Picnicking
Trails
Paddleboarding
Playground
Floating Dock
Fishing
Lifeguard Hours
Mount Baker
Just across I-90 from Madrona Beach, Mount Baker Beach offers a quieter lakeside escape on Lake Washington. The park features a dock, a designated swimming area with summer lifeguards, and plenty of space for families. A tree-lined path shaded by maples, mountain ash, and chestnut trees connects the park to Lake Washington Boulevard and the beach.
Swimming
Picnicking
Fishing
Paddleboarding
Playground
Floating Dock
Lifeguard Hours
Leschi
Venture to Leschi Park and hit Lake Washington via canoe, kayak, sailboat, or other flotation device. The park also has a tennis court, a playground, and shaded grassy areas to get out of the sun.
Swimming
Picnicking
Tennis
Paddleboarding
Playground
Boat Launch
Seward Park
Seward Park features a 2.4-mile waterfront loop trail with plenty of spots to spread out and enjoy the lake. With views of Mount Rainier, a playground, tennis courts, and a floating dock with a diving board, it’s a favorite spot for cooling off in Lake Washington on a hot summer day.
Swimming
Picnicking
Fishing
Paddleboarding
Playground
Floating Dock
Lifeguard Hours
Trails
BBQ
Bird Watching
Shoreline
Not far from Golden Gardens and usually much less crowded, Richmond Beach in Shoreline is a hidden gem. It’s dog-friendly, has plenty of parking, and offers a beautiful stretch of shoreline that can feel surprisingly secluded. During low tides around -0.4 feet or lower, you can walk south to discover wide sandy beaches perfect for beachcombing, watching the waves roll in, or even getting in some skimboarding.
Swimming
Beachcombing
BBQ
Off-Leash Dog Area
Paddleboarding
Broadview
Amazing views of Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains await at Carkeek Park. Just nine miles from downtown Seattle, this 220-acre park features lush forests, meadows, wetlands, creeks, and beaches. Whether you're hiking, swimming, grilling, or letting the kids explore the playground, there's plenty of room to spend a full day outdoors.
Picnicking
Playground
Windsurfing
Kiteboarding
Swimming
Beachcombing
Trails
Bird Watching
Volleyball
Des Moines
Wander the boardwalk, cast a line, or take a swim at Redondo Beach in Des Moines. This Puget Sound shoreline spot also offers a boat launch and plenty of waterfront views. Stick around for sunset; it's one of the best places in the area to catch it.
Fishing
Swimming
Beachcombing
Bird Watching
Paddleboarding
Kayaking
Boat Launch
Federal Way
This 398-acre camping park features 3,301 feet of saltwater shoreline. The beach offers unobstructed views of Puget Sound and opportunities to study sea life. The park's sandy beach is a relaxing getaway just outside of Seattle.
Picnicking
Hiking
Biking
Swimming
Beachcombing
Bird Watching
Paddleboarding
Kayaking
Camping
University Place
Chambers Bay in University Place offers miles of scenic trails, sweeping Puget Sound views, and one of the most unique waterfront parks in the region. Cross the pedestrian bridge to access more than two miles of shoreline, perfect for beach walks, swimming, dog adventures, and sunset views.
Picnicking
Swimming
Beachcombing
Bird Watching
Dog Friendly
Paddleboarding
Everett
Jetty Island is one of Puget Sound’s most underrated beaches. To get there, reserve a spot on the foot ferry, which runs Wednesday through Sunday from July 8 to September 6, 2026. Ferry tickets are $4–$7 per person, with children 2 and under riding free. Pets aren’t allowed on the ferry or island, but it’s still a great day trip if you’re looking for a more secluded beach.
Paddleboarding
Kiteboarding
Picnicking
Swimming
Beachcombing
Bird Watching
Skagit Valley
Enjoy the scenery along Chuckanut Drive and the refreshing Samish Bay waters at Larrabee State Park. The 2,683-acre park south of Bellingham offers a variety of areas to explore, including mountain trails for hiking or biking. Clayton Beach has exposed sand at low tide, and Teddy Bear Cove, a few miles up Chuckanut Drive, is a secluded spot great for kayaking and paddleboarding.
Swimming
Paddleboarding
Camping
Beachcombing
Bird Watching
Hiking
Biking
Fishing
Crabbing
