Alki Point Lighthouse stands at 3201 Alki Ave SW, beside Alki Beach in West Seattle, and marks the southern entrance to Seattle’s harbor. Built around 1913, it remains an operating, automated navigation light. When seasonal tours are available, Coast Guard Auxiliary volunteers explain its history and equipment, and visitors can climb to the light for views across Puget Sound. The beach nearby is another reason to stop: at low tide, look for marine life among the driftwood and shore, including plovers.
A working light at Seattle’s harbor entrance
Alki Point Lighthouse marks the southern entrance to Seattle’s harbor on Puget Sound. Built around 1913, it is still a functioning navigational light, now automated. Its position on the point connects the visit to the maritime history of the area and the role lighthouses played in guiding vessels.
Inside the lighthouse
Seasonal tours led by Coast Guard Auxiliary volunteers cover the lighthouse’s history and how it works. Inside, visitors can see equipment associated with the former foghorn, along with displays in the compressor room. The tour includes a climb to the top, where the light and Fresnel lens are visible up close. Access to the upper section is limited to four people at a time, so the climb can affect how long the visit takes. The lighthouse is on a gated site, and seasonal public access has been limited. A report in the supplied material notes a temporary closure in August 2025 due to lead contamination, so check for current access information before planning a tour.
Alki Beach and the shoreline
The lighthouse is next to Alki Beach, where driftwood can make it difficult to get a clear view of the building from the shore. The nearby beach is also a place to look for wildlife: plovers have been seen along the sand, and low tide can reveal marine life. Wind can pick up at the point, so bring a suitable layer.
FAQ
When can you tour Alki Point Lighthouse?
Tours have been offered on Sundays during summer, with exact times announced separately. Check current access information before visiting, as a temporary closure was reported in August 2025.
How long does a lighthouse visit take?
Allow about 20 to 40 minutes for a tour and climb to the light. Waiting for access to the upper section can affect the total time.
Can you see the lighthouse from Alki Beach?
You can view it from the nearby beach, but driftwood can obstruct the sightline. A tour provides access to the lighthouse itself.
What can you see inside the lighthouse?
Tours include displays about the lighthouse and its equipment, including foghorn equipment and a Fresnel lens at the top.
