Seattle’s shoreline mixes working ports, sandy beaches and quiet inlets, shaping how people move, play and live around Puget Sound. Knowing which bays are where makes it easier to plan a walk, a paddle or a spot for wildlife watching without guessing from a map.
There are 8 Bays in Seattle, ranging from Alki Bay to Union Bay. The list below organizes each entry with the columns Coordinates (lat,lon),Neighborhood/Waterbody,Size (km2),Access so you can quickly compare location, scale and how to get there — you’ll find below.
Which bays are easiest for a quick visit on foot or by kayak?
Look for entries with easy “Access” notes and small Size (km2); neighborhood beaches like Alki Bay often have street parking, promenades and launch points for kayaks, while more sheltered inlets may require a short trail or boat to reach. Use the Coordinates to confirm walking distance from transit stops.
Where should I look for shorebirds and marine life?
Smaller, sheltered bays and those adjacent to wetlands or parks tend to concentrate birds and tidepool life, especially near mudflats at low tide; check the Access notes for viewing spots and avoid disturbing nesting areas.
Bays in Seattle
| Name | Coordinates (lat,lon) | Neighborhood/Waterbody | Size (km2) | Access |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Elliott Bay | 47.61,-122.36 | Downtown/ Puget Sound | 26.00 | piers, waterfront parks, promenades, cruise/ferry terminals |
| Smith Cove | 47.63,-122.37 | Magnolia/Interbay; Puget Sound | 0.80 | park shoreline, walking paths, adjacent port facilities |
| Shilshole Bay | 47.66,-122.40 | Ballard; Puget Sound | 2.00 | marina, Golden Gardens Park, beach, boat launches |
| Salmon Bay | 47.67,-122.41 | Ballard; Lake Washington Ship Canal | 1.20 | marina, waterfront walks, nearby boat ramps |
| Portage Bay | 47.65,-122.31 | Eastlake/Montlake; Lake Union | 0.35 | boat ramps, marinas, parks, houseboat docks |
| Union Bay | 47.66,-122.30 | University District/University of Washington; Lake Washington | 1.50 | natural area, university docks, boat launches, trails |
| Alki Bay | 47.58,-122.41 | Alki/West Seattle; Elliott Bay | 0.60 | beach park, boat launches, shoreline promenade |
| Fauntleroy Cove | 47.53,-122.39 | Fauntleroy/West Seattle; Puget Sound | 0.25 | ferry terminal, small park, marina, shoreline trails |
Images and Descriptions
Elliott Bay
Seattle’s primary waterfront basin adjoining downtown and the Port of Seattle. Major ferry, cruise, and shipping hub with piers, promenades, and popular beaches. Waterfront parks, aquarium, and skyline views make it central to recreation, commerce, and city identity.
Smith Cove
Small bay at Interbay with historic maritime facilities and Magnolia bluff views. Site of industrial and waterfront activity, nearby parks and trails provide public shoreline access, community events, and pleasant urban beach space.
Shilshole Bay
Protected bay in northwest Ballard anchored by Shilshole Bay Marina. Popular for boating, sailing, and beach walks; Golden Gardens Park provides sandy beaches, tide pools, picnic areas, and sunset views over Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains.
Salmon Bay
Part of the Lake Washington Ship Canal west of the Ballard Locks. Mix of industrial waterfront, marinas, and fishing; the locks control saltwater-freshwater exchange. Popular for boating, anglers, and scenic Ship Canal walks.
Portage Bay
Small inlet at the east end of Lake Union near the University Bridge. Home to houseboats, small marinas, and university waterfront; popular for rowing, recreational boating, and waterside parks with easy public access.
Union Bay
Large shallow bay on Lake Washington bordering the UW campus and wetlands. Home to the Union Bay Natural Area, research facilities, boat ramps, and walking trails; noted for birdwatching, rowing, and campus shoreline access.
Alki Bay
Bayfront along Alki Beach with sandy shores, protected swimming, and views of downtown and the Olympics. Popular for walking, picnics, kayaking, and seasonal events; public park facilities and nearby boat launches make it a community favorite.
Fauntleroy Cove
Small West Seattle cove anchored by the Fauntleroy ferry terminal and waterfront park. Serves local commuting ferries, offers beach access and community docks, and features shoreline trails with views across Puget Sound to nearby islands and peninsulas.
