Alki Beach Park, Seattle

This two-and-a-half-mile strip of sandy beach is one of the most popular beaches in the area, and it was also where Seattle's first non-Native American settlers spent their first winter. In warm weather, Alki Beach is crowded with sunbathers, swimmers and families. For athletic types, there are volleyball games. The beach is also lined with a path, great for walking, jogging, biking and skating. Across the street there are several cafes and restaurants where you can stop in for a bite after a day in the sea air.