Alki Point, Seattle

There are several locations, mostly on the other side of Elliott Bay in West Seattle, that are designated as safe diving locations, and are therefore supposed to be free of boat traffic.

As to what risks you take when you do dive into the water - that I will leave for you to research on your own. Remember that there are signs posted saying not to eat certain types of fish caught in this water due to industrial pollution.

And despite ships and boats being required to stay out of the water, their wake can be quite impressive.

Even so, there are a few brave souls that feel seeing the underside of Seattle is what they want to do - even in the last week of December!!!! (see photo)

The obelisk at Alki Point memorializes the site where the original settlers of Seattle came ashore and greeted by native indians.
Alki has a busy beach area with lots of shops and restaraunts etc. I'm told that bonfires are still permitted on the beach there, although I didn't come across any while I was there (keep in mind I was there in November).
Alki has also been said to have the best shore based diving in the area. There is a dive shop here (5D scuba) but I didn't get a chance to check it out. The water visibility did look exceptional from the shore.

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Alki Point is the best place to take the picture of the whole City of Seatle - you can see the skycrapers including the Space Needle. When you are up to walking and skating, Alki Point is the place to be! When you are in Alki, you can also see the other islands like Bainbridge Island and Bremerton.

The best time to visit Alki beach is during summer time. There are so many people that walk around there on the afternoons, play beach volley, biking, rolleyblading, running or just enjoying a cup of coffee or eating a good apetizer on one of the beach fron restaurants.

This beach is across Elliot bay from Seattle. It gives a great view of the skyline and is a nice relaxing place to walk along the beach. There is a 2.5 mile walk along the beach to Duwamish Head. There are also many restaurants, with terraces open during summer.

The park is open from 6am to 11pm daily.

Alki is such a great place to hang out, with a nice beach strip that stretches along <a style='text-decoration: none; border-bottom: 3px double;' href="http://www.serverlogic3.com/lm/rtl3.asp?si=22&k=the%20bay" onmouseover="window.status='the bay'; return true;" onmouseout="window.status=''; return true;">the bay and faces out towards downtown Seattle where you can see the beautiful Seattle skyline while you eat at one of the great seafood places along the strip.
Check out my travelogues for some pictures of kiteboarding at Alki.

This is Seattle's most popular summer beach. There is no surf, and the water can be cold - but ankle wading and lying in the sun are great activities. People watching or inline blading are the highlight for me. Seattleites love the sun and they love Alki.

Alki Drive and Harbor Drive are lined with expensive condos. At the far west end is a small shopping district. Don't miss fish and chips at Spuds - a Seattle tradition. Also, Salty's Restaurant on Harbor Drive is often rated as having the best view in town. Elliott bay, the downtown skyline, and the ferries are spread before you. Truly spectacular.

If you are lucky enough like I was to visit Seattle when the sun is out, you are in for a treat. Locals take full advantage of a sunny day and the beach is one of the top destinations. Go and sunbathe and bask in the awesome scenery and the view. You can see the space needle as well. Enjoy a game of beach volleball or have a snack at one of the local eateries. Have an ice blended drink from the many cafes... its Seattle after all.