Uncover the Hidden Gems: 11 INSANELY Fun Things to Do in West Seattle, Washington

This article provides a list of 11 insanely fun things to do in West Seattle, Washington.

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fun things to do in West Seattle

If you have never heard of West Seattle, Washington, it is a gorgeous little pocket of space just across the water from downtown Seattle. It makes quite an impressive day trip from any of the surrounding cities. The area boasts a small-town feel outside of the big city of Seattle and measures just 16 square miles. You can drive from one side of the area to the other in about 8 minutes depending on traffic. It has a population of only 80,000 people (although that number does grow a bit every year!)

The area is nestled between tall evergreen trees and glistening blue water and packs quite the punch when it comes to how beautiful it is. It is known for its many cute parks and beautiful beaches that surround its north and west sides.

West Seattle has several different neighborhoods, and each neighborhood is quite different from the next – the Admiral junction has a historic/vintage feel to it, while the Morgan junction, just a few minutes down the road, carries more of a hippie vibe. One thing is sure – everyone who lives in West Seattle knows how lucky they are to reside in such a beautiful place with hidden gems sprinkled throughout the area.

Almost anywhere you go in West Seattle there are amazing places to eat and breathtaking views just minutes away. There are so many entertaining favorite things to do, especially if it is a Friday night and you are bored. Whether you live in West Seattle and you are just bored, or you are visiting soon and making a list of all the cool spots to hit while you are here, below is a list of 11 fun things to do in West Seattle – and most of these are fun whether it is cold, rainy, or warmer weather.

1. CATCH A MOVIE AT ADMIRAL THEATER

Nestled in the Admiral Junction is the historic Admiral Theater – a true beauty and an official landmark of West Seattle. The theater was originally built in 1919 under a different name, and then rebranded and opened as The Admiral Theater in 1942. The theater has had minimal updates to keep up with building and safety standards, but it has kept its vintage charm and nautical theme over the decades. A few years ago it was strictly a second-hand theater, but currently, it only shows new releases. This theater is fun for the whole family and usually has at least one kid-appropriate film showing. Admiral Theater is open weekdays as well as weekends.

Address: 2343 California Ave SW, Seattle, WA 98116

Cost: $12-$15 per ticket

Helpful Hint: Across the street, there is Bartell Drugs with underground parking for Admiral Theater.

Website: https://www.farawayentertainment.com/locations/admiral-theater

2. GO SHOPPING IN WESTWOOD VILLAGE

If you are feeling a hankering for a day of shopping, Westwood Village is the place to go! It has tons of different stores and restaurants and can be so much fun to explore for a few hours.

Here is a list of a few of the main attractions that Westwood Village has to offer:

• • Target
  • Big 5 Sporting Goods
  • Gamestop
  • GNC
  • Marshalls
  • Pet Supplies Plus
  • Ross
  • Sally Beauty
  • Ulta
  • Mod Pizza
  • Starbucks
  • Wingstop
  • Toshi’s Teriyaki

Address: 2600 SW Barton St, Seattle, WA 98126

Cost: Varies

Website: https://www.westwoodvillagecenter.com

3. GO BOWLING AT ROXY’S BOWLING ALLEY

Although there are other bowling alleys in the area, Roxbury Lanes, also known as “Roxy’s” by West Seattleites, is a locally loved bowling alley that has been a part of West Seattle culture for decades. It has a more vintage feel to it and is great for families of all ages. There are TONS of lanes to choose from, and the venue also features things like an arcade, a casino, a bar, and a restaurant – by the way, the Roxy’s Burger is amazing!

Address: 2823 SW Roxbury St, Seattle, WA 98126

Cost: $3-$5 per game, rental shoes under $5. Food prices vary.

Website: https://roxburylanesbowl.com/

4. VISIT THE HAMILTON VIEWPOINT PARK

Situated at the tail end of California Avenue is a little slice of heaven called the Hamilton Viewpoint. Drive down, park, and get out of your car to see a breathtaking view of Puget Sound. You can see the entirety of the Seattle skyline, including the Space Needle and the waterfront – the best views! Bring your camera! The viewpoint makes a gorgeous photo-op, especially if it’s a sunny day! To get to the Hamilton Viewpoint from I-5 you would just take the West Seattle Bridge to the end, and then take Admiral Way to California Ave, take a left, and head down about a mile and a half, and the viewpoint will be on your right.

Address: 1120 California Way SW, Seattle, WA 98116

Cost: Free!

5. TAKE A LONG WALK ON ALKI BEACH

If you go for a short drive past the Hamilton Viewpoint (above), you will reach Alki Beach. Although Puget Sound is known for its rocky beaches, Alki does have a sandy stretch of the beach as well. This beach is great for walking, rollerblading, and biking. One thing it is not great for is swimming in, since it is ice cold, even during the summer. During low tide, you can walk on the sand though!

There are areas with volleyball courts, bonfires, and picnic tables. Down the road, a little ways are the “busy” part of Alki where all of the restaurants are. There is also a historic log house museum located just a short walk from the beach if you are looking to learn more about the history of West Seattle.

It can be difficult to find parking among Alki Beach (try the side roads!) but it is worth it if you are looking for amazing chowder, juicy burgers, or just a fun day at a pretty Seattle beach. There is also the Alki Point lighthouse that you can visit, a bit further up the beach, and Alki Beach Park.

Here is a list of restaurants on Alki that provide mouth-watering menu options:

• • • Duke’s Seafood
    • Christo’s (amazing pizza!)
    • Pepperdock’s
    • Blue Moon Burgers
    • Natalie’s on Alki
    • Ampersand Cafe
    • El Chupacabra
    • Starbucks

Address: 2504 Alki Ave SW, Seattle, WA 98116

Cost: Free to go, food prices vary.

Website: https://www.seattle.gov/parks/allparks/alki-beach-park

6. VISIT THE SEATTLE CHINESE GARDEN

Escape to a tranquil oasis at the Seattle Chinese Garden. Immerse yourself in the beauty of traditional Chinese architecture and serene landscapes. Stroll through lush gardens adorned with colorful flowers and ornate sculptures. Experience the rich culture and history of China right in the heart of Seattle. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful retreat or a place to gain insight into Chinese traditions, the Seattle Chinese Garden offers a truly captivating experience.

Address: 6000 16th Ave SW, Seattle, WA 98106

Cost: Admission is free, donations are always welcome though!

Website: https://www.seattlechinesegarden.org/

7. SHOP IN THE ALASKA JUNCTION

In the heart of West Seattle is an intersection called “The Alaska Junction” and it provides a vast variety of storefronts and restaurants that still have that captivating Seattle “grunge” vibe. Whether you are looking for amazing pizza, new records for your collection, several amazing coffee shops, or delicious ice cream – the Alaska Junction has a little bit of everything and is very eclectic!

Here is a summary of the best storefronts in the Alaska Junction:

-Easy Street Records
-Cupcake Royale
-Whole Foods
-Safeway
-Nikko Teriyaki
-Talarico’s Pizza
-Husky Deli (best ice cream ever!)
-Admiral Tattoo
-Funky Jane’s Consignment Shop

There are so many more restaurants and storefronts so be sure to stop by and check it out!

Address: 4559 California Ave SW, Seattle, WA 98116

Cost: Free to go! Stores and restaurants vary.

Website: https://wsjunction.org/

8. TAKE A RIDE ON THE WEST SEATTLE WATER TAXI

If you are looking to travel downtown, but don’t want to have to search for parking, the water taxi is perfect! The water taxi goes back and forth between Alki and Downtown Seattle, and the trip lasts about 15 minutes each way. It runs almost every half hour Monday through Friday, and every hour on the weekends. It is important to note that the water taxi does not run on major U.S. holidays.

Address: Seacrest Ferry Dock, Seattle, WA 98116

Cost: $2.50-$5.75 per rider depending on age.

Website: https://kingcounty.gov/en/dept/metro/travel-options/water-taxi/west-seattle

9. TAKE A HIKE THROUGH LINCOLN PARK

A little past Morgan Junction there is a big, beautiful park called Lincoln Park that offers everything you could ever hope for from a park. There is one parking lot on either end, a HUGE field in front, and a play area for kids, complete with a big toy and a zip line!

On the west side of Lincoln Park, there is a beach with a beautiful view of Puget Sound, a ferry dock, and even Colman Pool, which is filled with saltwater. There is a TON of things to do in this park, but our favorite thing to do on a nice day is get lost in the short hiking trails up the hill from the beach. Be sure to bring water and go when there is plenty of daylight! You can also take a ferry boat to Vashon Island from the docks at Lincoln Park.

Address: 8011 Fauntleroy Wy SW, Seattle, WA 98136

Cost: Free!

Website: http://www.seattle.gov/parks/find/parks/lincoln-park

10. CIRCLE IN THE SKY

Up the street from the Morgan Junction on Fauntleroy is an incredible spot where you can view West Seattle from up high. The locals have dubbed it “Circle In The Sky” and it is breathtaking. It does take a short two-minute hike to climb up to the spot, but it is totally worth it! It is a great place to go and be alone with your thoughts if you’re into that sort of thing.

Address: 7400 Fauntleroy Way SW in Seattle

Cost: FREE!

11. Go Kayaking

Looking to embark on an outdoor adventure in West Seattle? Why not try kayaking in this beautiful coastal area? With its stunning views of the glistening blue water and tall evergreen trees, West Seattle provides the perfect backdrop for an exhilarating kayaking experience.

Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced paddler, exploring the waters of West Seattle will undoubtedly leave you in awe. So grab your paddle, hop in a kayak, and get ready to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of this hidden gem. Alki Kayak Tours are two hours long and take place every day at 5 PM. Make sure to reserve your class ahead of time!

Address: 1660 Harbor Ave SW, Seattle, WA 98126

Cost: $25-$50 per hour depending on the type of kayak you rent.

Website: https://www.kayakalki.com/

I hope you enjoyed our article on 11 Fun Things To Do In West Seattle. Be sure to leave a comment below and let us know if you do any of these activies and what you think, or if you think we missed something on our list.

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