West Seattle Sunset Itinerary: How to Spend the Perfect Afternoon on Alki Beach

If you’re looking for the perfect West Seattle itinerary that combines waterfront views, great food, and a golden-hour beach stroll, this half-day, walkable plan has you covered. Whether you’re a Seattle local or visiting for the first time, here’s how to enjoy Alki Beach at sunset without needing a car.

1. Start With the West Seattle Water Taxi

Begin your journey at Pier 50 in downtown Seattle to catch the walk-on West Seattle Water Taxi. Tickets can be purchased at the kiosks, or you can use your ORCA card (just tap right before boarding).

The Water Taxi is a walk-on ferry, so you can bring your bike, scooter, or just your favorite walking shoes. Kiosks make it easy to grab a ticket, and ORCA card holders simply tap right before boarding. If you time it right, you’ll catch late-afternoon sun sparkling off the water—a sneak preview of the sunset you’re chasing.

This short 10-minute ferry ride is one of the most scenic ways to get to West Seattle—perfect for walkers, cyclists, and anyone who wants skyline views before the adventure even starts. You’ll arrive at Seacrest Park, already steps from the beach.

📍 801 Alaskan Way, Seattle, WA 98104

2. Drinks on the Waterfront at Marination Ma Kai

First stop: Marination Mai Kai.

Just steps from the ferry dock sits Marination Ma Kai, a Hawaiian-Korean fusion spot that’s a West Seattle institution. The deck here is prime real estate for watching ferries drift past while you sip on a cold beer or house cocktail.

The menu leans into bold flavors—think spicy kimchi fried rice, kalua pork sliders, and miso ginger dressing that locals swear by. For a light start, order some apps to share, like the fish tacos or garlic soy chicken wings, then settle in for a laid-back hour of people-watching and breeze-catching. The golden light on the water here is pure Seattle magic.

📍 1660 Harbor Ave SW, Seattle, WA 98126

3. Visit the Iconic Alki Beach Flower Houses

Rent a bike or scooter and head toward the Alki Beach Flower Houses—a hidden gem and Instagram favorite. These colorful, flower-covered homes are iconic to West Seattle and a must-see, especially during golden hour.

These two neighboring homes, built in 1914, stand out amid modern condos as bursts of color and character—draped in red, purple, and pink blooms with lush greenery spilling from every window box.

Owned since 1989 by Randie Stone (a transplant from Hawaii), the houses became her canvas for expressing island-inspired exuberance in the Pacific Northwest. Over time, her floral creations became more than decoration—they turned the homes into official wildlife habitats recognized by the National Wildlife Federation, welcoming birds, bees, and butterflies.

At sunset, these house-front gardens are at their most stunning, glowing against the golden light of the evening—a perfect photo backdrop or serene moment to pause and appreciate West Seattle’s creative spirit.

📍 1400 Alki Ave SW, Seattle, WA 98116

4. Dinner at Harry’s Beach House

When it’s time for dinner, Harry’s Beach House is just a short ride away and absolutely worth planning your evening around. This cozy yet elevated restaurant manages to feel both like a neighborhood hangout and a special-occasion spot.

The menu rotates with the seasons, but expect dishes like fresh Pacific Northwest oysters, perfectly seared scallops, or handmade pasta tossed with whatever’s fresh from the market. Their wine list is thoughtful, and the staff is the kind that remembers you if you’ve been in before. And yes—the chocolate cake is legendary. Dense, rich, and perfectly balanced, it’s the kind of dessert people plan their return visits around.

📍 2676 Alki Ave SW, Seattle, WA 98116

5. End with Gelato at Natalie’s on Alki 

Even if you had dessert at Harry’s, Natalie’s on Alki is a must for a final treat. This Vietnamese restaurant doubles as a gelato shop, serving flavors you won’t find anywhere else—think pandan, Vietnamese coffee, and black sesame alongside classics like pistachio and chocolate.

The shop sits right across from the beach, so you can grab a cup or cone and wander straight to the sand. The combination of creamy gelato and salty sea air is the perfect bridge into the evening’s finale.

📍 2532 Alki Ave SW, Seattle, WA 98116

6. Watch the Sunset at Alki Beach

By now, it’s about 8pm and the sky is practically glowing. Alki Beach at sunset is pure magic—waves lapping, driftwood logs scattered on sand, and the city skyline lit up across the bay. You’ll see sailboats dotting Puget Sound, paddleboarders making their way home, and locals just soaking in the moment.

You might even meet Liberty, the friendly neighborhood pup—you know, just adding that extra dose of West Seattle charm.

📍 Alki Ave SW, Seattle, WA 98116

Quick Tips for Your West Seattle Sunset Trip

• ORCA Card Tip: If you’re using an ORCA card for the West Seattle Water Taxi, you only tap it as you board—not at the ticket kiosks.
• Bike & Scooter Rentals: Alki is perfect for riding. You can rent a Lime bike or scooter right near Seacrest Park or along the beach.
• Chocolate Cake at Harry’s: Don’t skip dessert—Harry’s Beach House serves one of the best chocolate cakes in Seattle. Order it even if you’re “too full.”
• Flower Houses Photography: Visit the Alki Beach Flower Houses about 45 minutes before sunset for the best light and fewer crowds.
• Ferry Schedules: The Water Taxi doesn’t run late—check the return schedule so you’re not sprinting to the dock.
• Layer Up: Even in summer, the waterfront can get breezy after sunset—bring a light jacket or sweater.
• Golden Hour Magic: Alki Beach’s best sunset colors often happen after the sun dips below the horizon—stay a little longer to catch the pinks and purples.
• Late spring through early fall for warm weather and vibrant sunsets.
• Getting around: The West Seattle Water Taxi is walk-on only and bike-friendly.
• Reservations: Book dinner at Harry’s Beach House in advance—sunset tables fill fast.
• What to bring: Layers, comfortable walking shoes, and your camera for the Flower Houses and beach views.

Why You’ll Love This Itinerary:
This half-day West Seattle guide packs in iconic views, local flavors, and a relaxing beach vibe—all without a car. It’s ideal for date nights, solo adventures, or showing visiting friends the magic of Alki at sunset.