Seahurst Beach Park in Burien Washington| Pacific Northwest Coastal Beauty, Hiking, Sunset&Sea Life

Seahurst Beach Park – Burien’s Hidden Coastal Sanctuary Tucked along the eastern edge of Puget Sound in Burien, Washington, just 15 minutes south of Seattle, Seahurst Beach Park offers a remarkable blend of forest serenity, marine ecology, and sweeping ocean views. Spanning 178 acres, the park features a half-mile of saltwater shoreline, wooded trails, nature areas, and one of the best peaceful beach escapes in King County. Known for its rugged beauty and calm atmosphere, Seahurst is a top destination for families, hikers, beachcombers, and wildlife watchers year-round. 🌊 Oceanfront Views & Beach Access Facing west toward Puget Sound, Seahurst offers panoramic views of the Olympic Mountains, Vashon Island, and passing ferries. The beach combines sand and pebbles with driftwood-lined shores. At low tide, tidepools emerge, revealing sea stars, crabs, mussels, and barnacles. In summer, it’s a family favorite for sunbathing, walking, and wading. In winter, waves and dramatic skies attract storm watchers and photographers. 🌲 Forest Trails & Bluff Walks Beyond the beach, the park’s inland trails wind through dense Douglas firs, red alders, bigleaf maples, and lush underbrush. Trail highlights include: North Forest Trail – Leads uphill through quiet woodland South Bluff Trail – Offers filtered Sound views Shoreline Trail – A flat, ADA-accessible path ideal for all ages These trails form loops between the beach and bluff, offering serene forest experiences and peaceful nature immersion close to the city. 🐚 Tidepooling & Marine Life Seahurst’s intertidal zone supports diverse sea life. At low tide, tidepools reveal: Colorful sea stars Hermit crabs and shore crabs Mussels, limpets, and anemones Kelp, barnacles, and sand dollars Educational signs and seasonal naturalist programs teach visitors about marine ecosystems and responsible beach exploration. 🧒 Family-Friendly Amenities Seahurst is perfect for family outings, featuring: Two playgrounds with slides, swings, and climbing structures Picnic tables, BBQ grills, and open lawns ADA-accessible beach paths Restrooms and drinking fountains The northern playground is near the beach and main parking area. The southern playground offers quieter play space close to forest trails. Shaded picnic areas make it ideal for birthdays and group gatherings. 🧭 Environmental Education Center Home to the Environmental Science Center (ESC), Seahurst is a hub for hands-on environmental learning. The ESC offers: School field trips and classroom programs Guided tidepool tours and beach ecology classes Restoration workshops focused on salmon and native habitats The center promotes stewardship and connection to the Puget Sound ecosystem, especially among youth and schools. 🐾 Wildlife & Birding Wildlife is abundant in and around the park. Visitors often spot: Bald eagles, herons, and kingfishers Seals, sea lions, and the occasional orca offshore Woodpeckers, owls, and seasonal songbirds Raccoons, deer, and other small mammals in the forest Bring binoculars and a camera—sunrise and sunset are prime times for wildlife and epic sky colors. 🔥 Fires, Fishing & Fun While bonfires are not permitted at Seahurst (unlike some Seattle parks), the beach is still a hotspot for fishing and shore walks. Anglers cast for salmon, perch, and flounder. The wide beach is great for beachcombing, skipping rocks, and flying kites when the wind picks up. 🚗 Access, Parking & Info Address: 1600 SW Seahurst Park Rd, Burien, WA 98166 Hours: Daily, 8:00 a.m. to dusk Parking: Upper and lower lots (free); fills up on weekends Public Transit: Served by King County Metro; bike-friendly trails Dogs: Allowed on-leash only; waste stations provided Accessibility: Beach path is ADA-compliant and stroller-friendly ♻️ Restoration & Stewardship Seahurst Beach Park underwent a major restoration from 2002 to 2014, removing seawalls and regrading the shoreline to support salmon habitat, eelgrass beds, and native species. It’s now a model of urban ecological recovery. The city of Burien, along with community volunteers and King County Parks, continue to maintain and protect the area’s natural beauty. 🌅 Why Visit Seahurst? Seahurst Beach Park offers one of the most peaceful, diverse, and scenic park experiences in the Seattle area. From forest trails and marine life to educational programs and open beaches, it’s a place for reflection, exploration, and relaxation. Whether you’re hiking with family, watching eagles soar, digging in tidepools, or simply enjoying a quiet picnic, Seahurst Beach is a timeless reminder of the Pacific Northwest’s wild, coastal magic—right in Burien’s backyard.