An insider guide to Seattle’s spectacular shoreline
Looking for things to see in Seattle? With over 200 miles of beaches and coast, you'll get to know a whole other side of the city when you get out on the water
Water, as any local will tell you, is in Seattle’s soul and spirit. It gives it its unique character, influencing how locals spend their leisure time, and providing the super-fresh seafood served in its restaurants. With an astonishing 200 miles of shoreline, fishing isn’t just a vital industry for the residents of this Pacific Northwest city, it’s a way of life. Salmon is even a topic taught in its schools, with children raising fish from eggs before releasing them into the waters surrounding the city.
So who better to give us a tour than fishing guide Captain Paul Kim, whose childhood passion for fishing brought him to the city 25 years ago? Today, he shares his deep knowledge with visitors on his custom-welded catamaran, escorting families, couples, and friends on fishing adventures throughout the stunning Puget Sound.
“The entire Puget Sound, with its salt air and mountain backdrop, is wonderful to explore by boat,” says Captain Kim, who also advises heading to one of the city’s many waterfront beauty spots.
But of course, you don’t just have to be on a fishing boat to appreciate them: “At Alki Beach you can kayak and stand-up paddleboard, then rent a bike and explore the tidepools at low tide.” Golden Gardens Park is a great place to watch or join in wind-driven games, or jump into a friendly game of beach volleyball. “And Lake Washington, with views of Mount Rainier, is stunning in summertime.”
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Puget Sound is wonderful to explore by boat
Even if you’ve never fished before, Seattle is a thrilling place to give it a go. Admiralty Inlet, for one, will not disappoint: “The gateway from the ocean to the Puget Sound, it’s like a fish highway—one of the less-visited spots, it’s beautiful.”
“In summer and fall, you can’t beat salmon fishing near the Seattle skyline,” he adds. “For bottomfish like flounder, which are great for first-timers, it’s the cooler months. Or squid jigging, in summer and winter, where we use glow-in-the-dark squid jigs that mimic the movement of their prey. Every trip is a thrill.”
Alternatively, he says, just hop on board with him and relax. “You don’t even have to catch a thing. The joy of being on the water, witnessing nature and experiencing the wonderful scenery we have here is what brings me happiness. It’s magic for everyone.”
The Edgewater in Elliott Bay is the ultimate place to rest after a day on the water. The Beatles were snapped there in 1964, fishing out of their window.
Or check into the Inn at the Market, located inside Pike Place, Seattle’s original farmers’ market. “Watching the fishmongers toss salmon in the world-famous fish market is always a thrill,” says Captain Kim. “With a new waterfront park, you can explore the boardwalk and enjoy views of the Puget Sound and Olympic Mountains.”
South Lake Union is another waterside neighborhood to explore. Check out its houseboats—made famous in the 1993 movie Sleepless in Seattle—and spend a day cruising the lake in a rented hot tub boat, where the very first of its kind was developed back in 2011.
“There are so many incredible dining options,” says Captain Kim. “For casual dining, check out Seattle Fish Guys for daily fresh-made poke, hearty plate lunches, smoked salmon, and fresh crab. The nigiri sushi and sashimi prepared at Sushi Kappo Tamura by the James Beard-nominated sushi chef Taichi Kitamura, is fresh and delicious. Or push the boat out with a window table at Palisade in Magnolia. You can’t go wrong.”
Find the local fishing crowd at Ray’s Boathouse, an iconic fixture since the 1940s. “I’ll often grab a pint at the bar and watch the sunset. It’s a great local hangout.”
“Be sure to hop on the scenic 35-minute ferry to Bainbridge Island. Tour the shops, museum and art galleries,” suggests Captain Kim. “The journey back, with the Cascade Mountains against the skyline, is spectacular.
“Seattle Aquarium is great, and at Discovery Park you can explore the trails and lighthouse. Or drive out to the hikes of Mount Rainier National Park, Denny Creek, or Rattlesnake Lake and Ledge.”
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