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Around Alki Beach

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What to do around Alki Beach?

If you have out of town visitors, there is a great view point above Alki Beach you may not know about. On your way to Alki Beach, take California Way SW just after the Water Taxi Dock on your left and a bit higher you’ll find Hamilton Viewpoint Park. Click on the address below to get the directions.

— Hamilton Viewpoint Park 1531 California Way SW

If you are lucky, when wandering along the beach, you can say hi to the seals… but always from a distance.

And for a casual lunch or dinner, stop at Marination Makai. Read my post here: Marination Makai

—Marination Makai 1660 Harbor Ave SW, Seattle

And if like me, you have a thing for ferries, sit on the beach, you will be in the front row.

If you look for a more quiet Beach, pass Alki Point and the Lighthouse to go to Beach Drive SW.

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ELM Coffee Roaster

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I met a friend at ELM on a sunny morning during the week. This a nice coffee place with a lot of natural light, and a minimalist decoration consisting of white and light wood and exposed bricks on the walls.

I had a very good in-house roasted coffee (you can see the roaster in the back of the room) and you can buy it by the pound. I also ordered a delicious fluffy biscuit provided by their neighbor, The London Place.

The staff was very nice and I like that they bring your cup to your table. This is a great spot to work. It was very quiet at least during the time we were there (8am-10am) and we had a great conversation.

My friend told me how a few years ago,  she was about to rent a loft a few blocks away with her husband and kids but decided at the last minute that it may be not a good choice. Today, the Pioneer Square neighborhood is changing and renovating. There are still some improvements needed but I like the direction it has taken for the last 2 or 3 years.

I really like this cafe!

However be aware that a parking spot is not easy to find.

— ELM Coffee Roaster  240 2nd Avenue South

Monday–Friday: 7am–7pm
Saturday–Sunday: 8am–6pm

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Outdoor lunch at Volunteer Park Cafe

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I like this casual place at the corner of two quiet residential streets in the north part of Capitol Hill. I usually go there when I’m around the Seattle Asian Art Museum or the Conservatory House in Volunteer Park. I like that you can sit outside and even though it’s along the street, it remains quiet and car noises will not disturb you.

I had Lunch there with a friend, she was coming from Green Lake and I was downtown, it was the perfect location with easy parking.

Don’t expect too many options and sophisticated menu, it’s more homestyle food but the salads we had were tasty and fresh.

– Warm Hazelnut, Crusted Chèvre, Pears, organic greens, and pomegranate vinaigrette
– Chicken-Apple Salad: Chicken salad, organic greens, creamy tarragon yogurt dressing and walnuts

 

—Volunteer Park Cafe 1501 17th Ave E Volunteer