Welcome to West Seattle
Casual eats, fresh coffee, and laidback beachfront vibes
On the scenic shores of Puget Sound lies the laid-back, sporty beachfront community of West Seattle. Located just seven miles from downtown and 12 miles from the airport, West Seattle is an eclectic enclave of funky shops, coffeehouses, casual restaurants, and is a sportsman’s paradise. Alki Beach, stretching across the peninsula’s northwest shore, is a popular spot for beach volleyball, kayaking, and sunbathing. Many homes in West Seattle are positioned high above the Sound, giving residents sweeping water views in every direction.
West Seattle is the city’s oldest neighborhood, with settlers arriving on Alki Point in 1851. The first inhabitants eventually left, but the area was officially renamed in 1853. At first, Alki was a slow-growing community, but then became the heart of Seattle’s commercial industry by the end of the 19th century. With the addition of the ferry to downtown, West Seattle has cemented its place as one of the city’s most uniquely relaxed, easygoing, and beautiful places to call home.
What to Love
- Many homes in the neighborhood boast scenic views of the city and Puget Sound
- Alki Beach, situated on the northern end of the neighborhood, is one of Seattle’s most popular outdoor hangouts
- This neighborhood is well-known for coffee shops, casual eateries, and funky shopping
- West Seattle is conveniently located just seven miles from downtown and 12 miles away from SeaTac International Airport
Local Lifestyle
West Seattle is sporty, active, scenic, and relaxed. Residents enjoy a slower pace of life and close proximity to some of the city’s most popular hangouts. When trips downtown is necessary, locals know they don’t need to waste their days away sitting in traffic. The water taxi off Harbor Avenue is a unique transportation way to get downtown not available in most other neighborhoods, with service available seven days a week. However, most locals don’t often feel the need to leave their cozy enclave. Most errands can be taken care of without straying too far, and celebrations can be had just around the corner.
Dining, Entertainment, & Shopping
West Seattle is known for its casual atmosphere, slower pace of life, and cozy eateries. However, cozy doesn’t necessarily mean quality has been sacrificed. Seattle is famous for its fresh seafood and massive coffee culture, and West Seattle does this very well.
One of the best spots to find fresh, five-star seafood is Salty’s on Alki Beach. This famous waterfront eatery offers outdoor seating with sweeping views of downtown Seattle and one of the most delectable menus in the neighborhood. Some of their top-selling menu items include crab, prime rib, clam chowder, oysters, and a popular weekend brunch.
On the other side of the peninsula, La Rustica is a locally owned, family-operated Italian staple which has been a West Seattle favorite since 1996. The owners are originally from Italy and have nearly half a century of experience in the restaurant industry. Their perfect Italian classics pair well with their signature tiramisu, the essential conclusion to any Italian meal.
Without question, West Seattle’s most popular attraction would be Alki Beach. This expansive strip of sandy beach is a popular spot to lay out, swim, play volleyball, and waste away peaceful days. Several other bars, eateries, and coffee shops are located alongside the shores, making it one of Seattle’s most popular leisure spots.
Things To Do
West Seattle is just a short seven-mile drive from downtown but locals are fortunate to have one very unique form of transportation right in their neighborhood. Every day of the week, the water taxi travels to and from downtown Seattle, allowing residents easy access to Pike Place Market, Pioneer Square, Lumen Field, and all the other amenities available downtown. One other popular and conveniently located attraction can be found at the West Seattle Golf Course. This 18-hole championship golf course has been one of the nation’s best urban courses since 1940, providing locals with an escape and refuge from the stresses of everyday life.
Schools
One of the best schools in West Seattle is:
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Tilden School, kindergarten-5th grade; this small school features an enrollment of only about 100 students, ensuring a comfortably small student-teacher ratio, and a high level of attention paid to every student
