Alki Beach Park

Honestly, if you haven’t done the Alki waterfront walk on a clear evening when the Olympics are out, you’re missing one of Seattle’s best free experiences. The walking and bike path runs right along the water with views of downtown across the Sound, and the sunsets here will genuinely stop you in your tracks. Pack a picnic and grab one of the tables under the shade trees, or just grab fish and chips from one of the spots nearby — there’s no shortage of options. It gets busy on summer weekends, no question, but the energy is laid-back enough that it never feels overwhelming. Parking exists, which in this city already puts it ahead of a lot of places.