Counting the waves…
Counting the waves…
A refined fusion of water purity, environmental stability, and communal vibrancy for Seahurst Beach.
View MethodologyAnalyzed via live sensors and environmental data.
Wave height, wind, and atmospheric stability.
Live footfall and crowd balance metrics.
Community reviews and curated sentiment.
“You'll kick off your shoes on smooth, gray pebbles still damp from the receding tide, breathing in Douglas fir and kelp. This 178-acre marine park stretches along Puget Sound with driftwood logs big enough to climb,…”
Limited recent visitor reports — live OBI telemetry is your best guide for current conditions.
Seahurst Beach unfolds at the edge of Burien where a wooded ravine spills onto a mile of rocky shoreline. You'll descend through stands of alder and maple, their canopy filtering the soft Pacific Northwest light, before emerging onto a beach composed entirely of stones—smooth ovals worn down by centuries of tidal churning. At low tide, the water retreats a hundred yards, revealing boulders draped in ochre rockweed and tide pools where hermit crabs scuttle between mussels.
The 340-foot fishing pier extends into deeper water, its planks weathered silver-gray and studded with anglers casting for salmon and flounder. Families spread picnic blankets on the grassy bluff above, where madrone trees twist their cinnamon-peeling trunks toward the sound. In winter, you might spot harbor seals bobbing offshore; in summer, the water warms just enough for wading, though the Salish Sea never loses its bracing chill.
Crystal lagoon with rocky outcrop
White cliffs over a desert beach
Two miles through second-growth woods
Sea stars cling to boulder gardens
Paddle to Vashon Island views
Where it is
Seahurst Beach
Burien, Washington, USA
47.470500°, -122.387700°
Weather
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Swell
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Temp
Warm · Restorative
UV Index
Moderate
Wind
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Tidal State
Last known
Max Sunlight
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Ideal Shade
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May - Sep (Peak)
Jan - Dec (Off-season)
Historical data suggests peak visibility and stable sea temperatures occur during the prime visitation window.
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Seahurst Beach is generally safe for wading and playing in shallow water, but swimming isn't recommended year-round. The water is quite cold (typically 45-55°F), even in summer, and strong currents can occur during tidal changes. There are no lifeguards on duty. The beach is better suited for beachcombing, tidepool exploration, and shoreline activities. Always supervise children closely near the water, check tide schedules before visiting, and be cautious of slippery rocks and driftwood.
Seahurst Beach is enjoyable year-round, each season offering different experiences. Summer (June-September) brings the warmest weather and lowest tides, ideal for families and tidepooling. Spring and fall offer fewer crowds and excellent beachcombing after storms. Winter provides dramatic views and opportunities to spot migrating birds and marine life. For the best tidepooling, visit during low tide periods, which vary daily. Mornings tend to be calmer and less crowded. Check local tide charts before planning your visit to maximize your experience.
Seahurst Beach is located in Seahurst Park, just off SW 144th Street in Burien, about 15 miles south of downtown Seattle. Take I-5 or Highway 509 and follow signs to the park. Free parking is available in the main lot near the beach entrance, with approximately 80 spaces. During summer weekends and holidays, parking fills quickly, so arrive early. The park is also accessible via King County Metro bus routes. A paved pathway leads from the parking area down to the beach.
Seahurst Beach has basic amenities including restrooms, picnic tables, and barbecue grills in the park area, but no food vendors on-site. The nearby Burien business district, about 2 miles away, offers various restaurants, cafes, and grocery stores. It's recommended to bring your own food and drinks for a beach picnic. The park has covered picnic shelters available for reservation. For lodging, several hotels and motels are located in Burien and nearby SeaTac, within a 10-15 minute drive of the beach.
Yes, Seahurst Beach offers beautiful views of the Seattle skyline across Puget Sound, making it a popular spot for photography. On clear days, you can see downtown Seattle's buildings, the Space Needle, and even Mount Rainier to the southeast. The beach also provides views of Vashon Island and occasional ferry traffic. Sunset is particularly spectacular here, with the Olympic Mountains as a backdrop. The west-northwest orientation makes it an excellent location for evening photography and peaceful waterfront scenery throughout the year.
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