Alki Point Lighthouse
Historic lighthouse guarding Seattle's entrance, offering stunning city views and guided tours.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Limited tour access
Alki Point Lighthouse
Best Time
Limited tour access
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Historic lighthouse guarding Seattle's entrance, offering stunning city views and guided tours.
"The panoramic view from the vantage point where the light is at the top of the lighthouse is stunning."
🎯 Check Tour Schedule
Tours are limited, usually Sundays in summer. Verify exact times on their FB page!
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be climbing stairs inside the lighthouse and walking on the beach. :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Lighthouse Summit View
Top of the lighthouse
Ascend to the top for breathtaking panoramic views of Puget Sound and the Seattle skyline.
Historic Foghorn Room
Base of the lighthouse
Explore the compressor room with informative displays and see the preserved foghorn equipment.
Alki Beach Promenade
Adjacent to the lighthouse
Enjoy a scenic walk along the beach with driftwood, views of the lighthouse, and the city skyline.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Tour Availability & Timing
Access & Views
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Check Tour Schedule
Tours are limited, usually Sundays in summer. Verify exact times on their FB page!
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be climbing stairs inside the lighthouse and walking on the beach. :athletic_shoe:
🌬️ Dress for Wind
It can get breezy on the point and beach, even on sunny days. :cloudwithwind_face:
📸 Capture the Skyline
The views of downtown Seattle from Alki Point are incredible, especially at sunset. :camerawithflash:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Check Tour Schedule
Tours are limited, usually Sundays in summer. Verify exact times on their FB page!
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be climbing stairs inside the lighthouse and walking on the beach. :athletic_shoe:
🌬️ Dress for Wind
It can get breezy on the point and beach, even on sunny days. :cloudwithwind_face:
📸 Capture the Skyline
The views of downtown Seattle from Alki Point are incredible, especially at sunset. :camerawithflash:
🚗 Parking Can Be Tricky
Especially on busy summer weekends, parking near Alki Beach can be challenging. :red_car:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find Alki Point Lighthouse to be an interesting and scenic destination, particularly for its panoramic views of Seattle and Puget Sound. The guided tours, led by knowledgeable Coast Guard Auxiliary staff, are a highlight, offering insights into maritime history. However, the limited tour availability and the lighthouse's somewhat obscured view from the beach are noted drawbacks.
"This is the lighthouse that guards the southern border of Elliot Bay that leads to the greater Seattle area. It is located on alki Point in West Seattle. The Lighthouse on the northern border of Elliot Bay is West Point Lighthouse located in Discovery Park. This is a very fun tour of a lighthouse. Prior to visiting I didn't know that tours existed for lighthouses. This was the first one I went into. The tour and the ability to go up to where the light is at the top of the lighthouse take somewhere around 20 to 40 minutes depending on the crowd you're with. They only allow four to go up at a time into the mast where the light is. So that takes a while. Otherwise very enjoyable! Very scenic! The panoramic view from the vantage point where the light is it shines out into the Puget Sound is stunning. My little camera phone did capture one panoramic view that looks a little wonky, but, nonetheless it covers the area from the south edge of Alkai Point pointing towards Mount Rainier to the east edge of Alkai Point pointing towards downtown Seattle across the Bay."
Tyler Nally
"Lighthouse temporarily closed August 2025 for lead contamination. See "Update" section. Old review: Very interesting visit to this lighthouse. Coast Guard Auxiliary staff provide great explanations of the history and function of the lighthouse. While the foghorns are no longer used, much of the foghorn equipment is still on display inside. You can climb to the top of the lighthouse for great views of the area and a close-up examination of the current light and Fresnel lens. Other lights and informative displays in the compressor room at the base."
Brian Penttila
"There is nothing wrong with the lighthouse, which is both rustically quaint and an important landmark of Seattle. The only reason I'm providing 4 stars instead of 5 is because the lighthouse is difficult to see unless one takes a tour of it, and the tours are only offered on Sunday. You have to plan ahead of time if you want to make visiting the lighthouse a part of your overall trip to Alki point. This would be the last of a problem if the lighthouse was relatively easy to see elsewhere, but it is not. I had to clamber beyond large logs of driftwood and damp boulders on the grey beach in order to secure a decent picture of the lighthouse. It is an important part of the city's history, and it should be easier to see."
Joshua Fagan
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can drive to Alki Point Lighthouse, which is located in West Seattle. Parking can be competitive, especially during peak season. Alternatively, consider taking the King County Water Taxi from downtown Seattle to Seacrest Park, then a bus or rideshare to Alki Beach. Some TikTok creators suggest the water taxi for scenic arrival.
Yes, public transport is an option. Buses serve the West Seattle area, and the water taxi provides a scenic route to nearby Alki Beach, from where you can walk or take a short ride to the lighthouse. Check King County Metro for specific bus routes.
The best views of the Seattle skyline are from Alki Beach itself, looking across Elliott Bay. TikTok creators highlight this as a prime spot for city views, often better than more crowded viewpoints.+1
Yes, Alki Beach is adjacent to Alki Point. You can walk along the beach or the promenade towards the lighthouse. Be aware that getting a clear photo of the lighthouse from the beach might involve navigating driftwood and rocks.
There is parking available near Alki Point, but it can fill up quickly, especially on weekends and during summer. Arriving early or considering alternative transportation is recommended.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
To enter and tour the lighthouse interior, you typically need to join a guided tour. Tickets are usually not sold in advance; you often need to be present on the day of the tour.
Tours are generally offered on Sundays during the summer months, starting around Memorial Day weekend and concluding around Labor Day. It's essential to check the official U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary schedule for precise dates and times, as they can vary.
Information on tour costs can vary. While some sources suggest tours are free, it's always best to confirm directly with the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary or check their website/social media for any potential fees or donation suggestions.
The grounds around the lighthouse are often accessible, allowing you to view the exterior and enjoy the surrounding park area. However, access to the interior and the top of the lighthouse is typically restricted to tour times.
The lighthouse is an active Coast Guard navigational aid year-round. However, public tours are generally limited to the summer months and specific days, usually Sundays. It is closed during winter.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Visitors can take guided tours to climb to the top for panoramic views, explore the historic foghorn room at the base, and learn about the lighthouse's history from Coast Guard Auxiliary staff. The surrounding Alki Point offers beautiful scenery and beach access.
A tour typically lasts between 20 to 40 minutes, depending on the group size and how quickly visitors can ascend to the light room, which has a capacity limit of four people at a time.
The views from the top are stunning, offering a panoramic vista of Puget Sound, the Seattle skyline, and surrounding areas like Mount Rainier on clear days.
Yes, the base of the lighthouse features informative displays, including much of the original foghorn equipment, and the Coast Guard Auxiliary staff provide historical context during tours.
Children can enjoy the lighthouse tour, especially the climb and the views. The beach area also offers space for them to play. However, the climb involves stairs, and supervision is recommended.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, Alki Beach has a vibrant strip with numerous restaurants, cafes, and food trucks offering various cuisines. Spud Fish and Chips is a popular spot mentioned by visitors.
Alki Beach is a great spot for picnics. There are areas where you can enjoy your own food while taking in the views. Remember to clean up after yourself.
You'll find a range of options from casual seafood shacks and burger joints to cafes and ice cream shops. Many places offer outdoor seating with views of the water.
Food delivery services operate in the Seattle area, and you might be able to get food delivered to a public access point near Alki Beach. However, it's often more convenient to dine at one of the many establishments along the beach.
While Alki Beach is more known for its casual and mid-range dining, you can find some restaurants offering slightly more upscale experiences. For truly fine dining, you might need to venture further into West Seattle or back towards downtown Seattle.
📸 📸 Photography
The best photo spots include the lighthouse itself from the beach, the panoramic views from the summit, and the Seattle skyline from Alki Beach. Capturing the lighthouse with driftwood in the foreground can also be striking.
Sunset offers dramatic lighting for both the lighthouse and the Seattle skyline. Early morning can also be beautiful with softer light and fewer crowds. The panoramic views from the top are great any clear day.
Yes, you can take photos inside the lighthouse during the guided tours. However, be mindful of other visitors and the tour guide's instructions. The Fresnel lens and historic equipment are great subjects.
Drone usage is generally restricted in many public parks and near navigational aids like lighthouses due to safety and privacy concerns. It's advisable to check local regulations and FAA guidelines before flying a drone in the area.
A wide-angle lens is useful for capturing the expansive views and the lighthouse with its surroundings. A telephoto lens can be good for details of the city skyline. A tripod can be helpful for sunset shots or low-light conditions.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Be mindful that the climb inside the lighthouse involves stairs, so ensure children are supervised. The beach area is generally safe for play, but always keep an eye on them near the water. The nearby Alki Beach strip also offers casual dining options that are kid-friendly, like pizza or ice cream.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Experiment with compositions that include the natural elements of the beach, such as driftwood, to add texture and depth to your images. The contrast between the rustic beach and the urban skyline provides endless creative possibilities. Remember to check the lighthouse tour schedule, as interior shots of the Fresnel lens and historic equipment are also highly rewarding.
🚶♀️ Walkers & Beachcombers
Combine your walk with a visit to the lighthouse, either by joining a tour or simply admiring it from the shore. The point offers a slightly more rugged terrain for exploration, with rocky areas and tide pools depending on the tide. It's a great place to spend a few hours immersing yourself in the coastal environment.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History and Function of Alki Point Lighthouse
During tours, you can explore the base of the lighthouse, which houses the compressor room. This area showcases much of the original foghorn equipment, which, though no longer in use, offers a tangible connection to the past. The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary staff who lead the tours are knowledgeable and provide excellent explanations of the lighthouse's history and its ongoing function in maritime safety.
The climb to the top reveals the powerful Fresnel lens, a marvel of optical engineering designed to project a beam visible for miles. The panoramic views from this vantage point are not just scenic but also offer a perspective on the strategic importance of the lighthouse's location in guarding the entrance to Seattle's busy port.
Experiencing Alki Beach and Point
Many visitors, including those featured on TikTok, highlight Alki Beach as a prime location for enjoying the Seattle skyline. The contrast between the natural beach environment and the urban backdrop creates a unique visual experience. It's a place where you can relax, watch ferries glide across the water, and capture memorable photos, especially during sunset.
Alki Point itself, where the lighthouse stands, offers a more serene experience. While the lighthouse tours are a main draw, the point provides a beautiful setting for a peaceful stroll. Be prepared for potentially windy conditions, as the exposed location can be breezy, making layers of clothing a good idea.
Photography Tips for Alki Point Lighthouse
Consider visiting during the golden hours – sunrise or sunset – for the most dramatic lighting. Sunset, in particular, bathes the city and the lighthouse in warm hues, offering breathtaking photo opportunities. If you're on a lighthouse tour, the summit provides a unique vantage point for panoramic shots of Puget Sound and the surrounding landscape.
When photographing the lighthouse itself, experiment with different angles. Getting closer might involve navigating some rocky areas or driftwood on the beach, but it can yield rewarding close-ups of the structure. Remember to also capture the details within the lighthouse, such as the Fresnel lens and historical equipment, if you're on a tour.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit