'''West Seattle''' is the most populous district of Seattle. Separated from the remainder of the city by the Duwamish River, much of it has a decidedly suburban character, and certainly sees far less tourist traffic than the downtown area. For those who do visit, West Seattle has worthwhile attractions of its own, including miles of Puget Sound shoreline, a plethora of restaurants, and a thriving commercial district centered on Alaska Junction.

Get in

Get on the West Seattle Bridge from either Interstate 5 or from southbound Highway 99. Keep going uphill until you reach California Ave. You will be at Alaska Junction (the intersection of California Ave. and Alaska St.) where there are several shops, restaurants, etc. To reach Admiral Junction (more shops, restaurants, etc.) turn right (north) on California and continue past the high school.

To reach Alki Beach from the West Seattle Bridge, take the Harbor Ave. exit off the bridge and head north along the waterfront. You'll see the sandy beach when you get there.

The ferry terminal at Fauntleroy offers frequent service to Southworth and Vashon Island. If bringing your car over, be warned that parking near the terminal is extremely scarce.

Get around

More so than the rest of the city, a car will prove useful. Bus service is no more than adequate; the lower density of the area and frequent traffic jams on the few bridges in and out lead to widely scattered routes on unpredictable schedules. Travel between Alaska/Admiral Junctions and downtown is never a problem, but trips to the outer reaches of the area will require some advance planning. Bicycle lanes exist, but the terrain is often hilly and steep.

See

'''The Viewpoint at Admiral'''- Some of the best views of the Seattle skyline are from West Seattle and the Viewpoint at Admiral is the best of the best. Coming over the West Seattle Bridge, take the Admiral exit and proceed up the hill. Just before the top of the long climb there's a pullout on the right and a fenced viewing area. Yo can't miss it as there are usually people there. Bring your camera.

Do

'''The Beach at Alki'''- Alki Beach is one of the best and biggest sandy beaches in Seattle. There's a rollerblade/bike/walking path along it for miles and the beach itself is always busy and fun. Great views of the city, the ferries and the Olympics and several great cafes and coffee shops right across the street.

The small Statue of Liberty toward the west end of the beach area has just been restored and is much beloved in the neighborhood.

'''West Seattle Golf Course'''- This is a city course with great views of Seattle.

Lincoln Park- This is a big, wild park. Lots of walking paths and it includes a sandy beach area. Picnic areas, beautiful trees. Next to the Vashon Ferry dock. To reach the park: come across the West Seattle Bridge into West Seattle, bear left at the "Y" intersection at Fauntleroy. Stay on Fauntleroy all the way to the park. Follow the signs to the ferrys.

Buy

Eat

  • Spring Hill Restaurant and Bar. 437 California Ave. SW. 06-935-1075. Tiny, noisy place just north of the Alaska Junction. Spring Hill is one of the best new restaurants in Seattle, serving local Pacific Northwest dishes. Not cheap, but it manages to be both experimental and down-to-earth. If you're a foodie, this comes highly recommended.
  • Mashiko. 725 California Ave SW. 206) 935-4339. One of the best sushi restaurants in Seattle is this tiny, always-packed place on California ave. Traditional sushi and some very creative stuff, too. '''Spud Fish n' Chips''' - An Alki Beach favorite for over fifty years, Spud serves a wide variety of deep-fried seafood items. Right across from Alki Beach, Spud allows customers to enjoy their meals with one of the better views in Seattle.

    '''Circa''' - Small but good neighborhood restaurant on California Ave a couple doors south of Admiral. Steak salad is the house favorite. Beer and wine.

    '''Alaska Junction'''- There are a few restaurants at Alaska Junction (start at the intersection of Alaska and California and walk either direction on California). Some good ones to try: Jak's for steaks and cocktails; Tacos Guaymas for quick, inexpensive Mexican; Talarico's for pizza slices as big as your head; Matador; Elliot Bay Brewing Company for burgers and brew; Ama Ama for great oysters; and Mashiko's for some locals think is the best sushi in town.

    '''Buddha Ruska'''- Away from the busy Junction area, just west of the West Seattle Bridge entrance to West Seattle. Superb Thai cuisine in an elegant setting. The Crispy Garlic Chicken is a favorite.

    Matador- TexMex with a popular bar at the Alaska Junction

    Mission- Tex Mex in the Admiral District

    Jak's- Great steaks at Alaska Junction

    Duke's Chowder House- at Alki Beach

    Phoenicia at Alki - Middle Eastern, Greek and Mediterranean

    Drink

    Jak's- Alaska Junction

    Matador- Alaska Junction

    Talarico's- Alaska Junction

    Sleep

  • Chittenden House B&B. 649 47th Ave SW, Seattle, WA 98136. ttp://www.chittendenhouse.com/. One of the only B&B choices in West Seattle. Comfortable, but the decoration (including floral pattern wallpaper on the ceilings) is either funkily Victorian or overwhelmingly noisy, depending on your taste.
  • There is only one motel and a couple of B&B's.
  • Contact