About|Few visitors seem to make the trek out to West Seattle, but if you do, you'll find one of the few destination beaches on Puget Sound, Alki Beach, where you can get the sand between your toes and enjoy the very best views of the city skyline. It's also a great spot to learn about Seattle's earliest settlers, as this is where the Denny Party arrived and spent the winter of 1851 before retreating to Elliot Bay. Today, it attracts kayakers, paddle boarders, joggers, beach lovers and sun worshippers of all types. Parking and public transportation at Alki Beach Street parking is your only option when visiting Alki Beach by car. On the weekend and during the summer months you'll need to arrive early, or have some patience, and you'll likely find a spot not too far away along Alki Avenue SW. Your best bet is to take King County Metro Transit. From downtown Seattle, board the No. 37 southbound bus at the corner of 2nd Avenue and Pike Street to the corner of 61st Ave SW and Beach Drive SW. Best and worst time to go to Alki Beach The best time to go for fun in the sun is during the months of July, August and September, although this is also when crowds are at their peak. The worst time to go if you don't want to rub elbows with hundreds of others, is during the middle of the day on a beautiful weekend – try to arrive early in the morning to enjoy the fabulous views without the hassle of the crowds. You'll often get the best of both worlds by visiting from mid-May to early June, or after the kids have gone back to school in September. Admission to Alki Beach There is no admission fee to visit Alki Beach. Street parking is also free in this neighborhood. Must see/do at Alki Beach Alki Beach is the place in Seattle to see and be seen, offering some great people watching as well as the chance to participate in all types of activities. Plan to walk, bike, rollerblade or jog the 2.5-mile trail that stretches from the West Seattle Bridge to near Alki Point Lighthouse. The 1913 lighthouse is open to the public, free to visit, and inside you can see photographs, old instruments and charts of Puget Sound. Be sure to sample the fish and chips at Spud Fish & Chips , here since 1935, and take a selfie in front of the replica of the Statue a Liberty, a symbol meant to remind all that Alki was once known as New York-Alki. Other places to visit near Alki Beach If you visit Alki when it's busy and want to enjoy a bit of solitude, head to Charles Richey Sr Viewpoint, which r uns parallel to Beach Drive SW, from about Alki Point to 63rd Ave. SW. This part of the beach is much quieter, and it also includes Constellation Park, home to interesting artwork, including a tide pool sculpture. You might want to start or end your day by visiting Salty's on Alki Beach , a Northwest institution with fantastic fresh seafood, breathtaking views and an especially romantic atmosphere. On Saturday and Sunday mornings, the eatery also offers an excellent brunch. Insider tips for visitors to Alki Beach If you'd like the chance to enjoy whale watching, keep an eye on the salmon reports. When the runs are near West Seattle, orcas tend to pass near the shores of Alki Beach. Author's bio: K.C. Dermody is a travel writer living in the Seattle area with hundreds of travel articles both online and in print. She has traveled the world and is the author of 'Best Travel Guide for First Time Visitors to Ireland,' but especially loves showing off the beautiful region she resides in.