Overview
Seahurst Park is Burien's largest public park and one of the most accessible stretches of natural Puget Sound shoreline on the south end of King County. Sitting on a bluff above the water with trails descending to a gravel-and-cobble beach, the park draws a steady mix of local families, hikers, birdwatchers, and anyone wanting an unobstructed view of the Olympic Mountain range across the Sound.
The park covers roughly 185 acres and is managed by the City of Burien. It contains a mix of second-growth forest, a seasonal creek, restored tideflat habitat, and open beach. Because much of the shoreline has been subject to ecological restoration work over the years, visitors will notice areas where invasive vegetation has been cleared and native plantings established — a visible, ongoing conservation effort.
Seahurst is not a destination built around amenities or attractions in the traditional sense. There is no admission fee, no resort infrastructure, and limited commercial development inside the park boundaries. Its appeal is genuinely natural: tide pools, Pacific views, forest quiet, and an easy escape from the denser urban fabric of Seattle's south suburbs.
Before You Go
Seahurst Park is a public city park and requires no advance booking or admission ticket for general access. Parking availability, however, can be limited on sunny weekends, particularly between late spring and early September — arriving before mid-morning is advisable during those months.
What to bring:
- Layered clothing year-round; Puget Sound weather can shift quickly, and the beach is exposed and often breezy even in summer
- Waterproof or sturdy footwear if you plan to explore tidal areas or forested trails after rain
- Drinking water and any food you want — concession services are not reliably available inside the park
- Binoculars if you are interested in birdwatching or scanning the Sound for marine wildlife
Know before you go:
- Dogs are permitted but must be kept on leash; verify current rules with the City of Burien's parks department, as policies can change
- Fires and overnight camping are not permitted
- Tidal zones are sensitive — check posted signage and Washington State shellfish/harvest regulations before collecting anything from the beach
- Cell coverage is generally good but can be patchy in the forested lower sections of the park
Getting There
Seahurst Park is located at the western edge of Burien, Washington, roughly 12 miles south of downtown Seattle. The park address is in the 13000 block of 13th Avenue SW — verify the current address on the City of Burien's official website before navigating.
By car: Most visitors arrive by car. From Seattle, take I-5 south to the Burien exits or use Highway 509 (Marginal Way) southbound, which traces the shoreline and connects to Burien's west side. Parking is available in the park's main lot off 13th Ave SW. The lot is free but capacity is limited; on peak summer days it fills early.
By transit: King County Metro serves Burien with multiple routes. The Burien Transit Center is a regional hub, but Seahurst Park itself is not directly adjacent to a high-frequency stop — check Metro's current route map at kingcounty.gov for the most accurate service options. The walk from Burien's town center to the park is roughly 1.5–2 miles.
By bike: Burien has a growing network of bike-friendly roads, and the park is reachable by bicycle from the Burien town core. Route quality varies; consult current city maps before cycling.
Getting Around
The park is entirely walkable. A network of forested trails connects the upper parking area and bluff to the beach below, with elevation changes that make some sections moderately steep. The beach itself is flat and easy to traverse on foot, though the cobble and gravel surface can be uneven.
Trails are unpaved and can be muddy from fall through spring. Most sections are accessible to reasonably fit walkers; portions of the steeper bluff trails are not suitable for strollers or wheelchairs. The beach-level areas and picnic facilities near the main access point are more accessible — verify current accessibility features with the City of Burien's parks department, as improvements may have been made.
Things to See & Do
Beach and Tidal Exploration
The gravel beach provides direct access to Puget Sound. Low tide reveals rocky tidal pools where visitors commonly observe sea stars, anemones, small crabs, and other intertidal life. Washington State regulates shellfish harvesting — do not collect marine life without first confirming current rules and any harvest closures through the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife.
Hiking the Forest Trails
The upper portions of the park contain forested trails through second-growth Douglas fir and western red cedar. These routes are relatively short — the park is not a backcountry destination — but they offer genuine forest quiet and connect to viewpoints above the Sound.
Wildlife and Birdwatching
Seahurst is a credible birdwatching location. Puget Sound shorebirds, waterfowl, raptors, and migratory species have all been recorded here. Marine wildlife including harbor seals and occasionally river otters have been observed offshore. Great blue herons are frequently seen along the shoreline.
Picnicking and Family Use
The park has picnic tables and sheltered areas near the main access point. It is a popular family destination and a reliable spot for a low-key outdoor afternoon.
Sunsets and Olympic Mountain Views
West-facing and relatively unobstructed, the beach at Seahurst offers clear sightlines to the Olympic Peninsula and, in good weather, striking sunset light over the water. This is one of the park's most noted features and does not require any special access.
Food & Drink
There are no restaurants or food vendors reliably operating inside Seahurst Park itself. Visitors should plan to bring food and water for any full-day visit.
Burien's downtown core, located roughly 1.5–2 miles east of the park, has a genuine restaurant scene for a city of its size — including locally owned cafes, a range of cuisine types, and grocery options. Burien has developed a more notable food and dining culture in recent years, with several well-regarded independent restaurants along SW 152nd Street and surrounding blocks. Specific restaurant recommendations should be verified locally or through current review platforms, as businesses open and close.
If you are planning a picnic at the park, Burien grocery stores and delis are a practical stop on the way in.
Practical Information
Restrooms: Restroom facilities are available in the park; their seasonal hours and specific locations are best confirmed with the City of Burien parks department before your visit.
Fees: General park access has been free; verify this has not changed via the City of Burien's official website before visiting, as municipal parks policies can be updated.
Emergency services: Burien is served by King County emergency services. In an emergency, call 911. The nearest hospitals are in the broader Seattle-area hospital network — verify the nearest facility with your accommodation or via local information.
Weather: Western Washington weather is famously variable. Even summer days can turn cool and overcast. Rain is common October through April. Always check a current forecast before visiting.
Leave No Trace: The park's shoreline restoration areas are ecologically sensitive. Stay on marked trails in designated zones, do not disturb tidal organisms, and pack out all waste.
Safety
Seahurst Park is a low-risk, family-friendly urban park. Standard precautions apply:
- Tidal awareness: The beach is subject to tidal fluctuation. Check tide tables before visiting if you plan to explore tidal areas, and do not turn your back on Puget Sound in areas where waves or wake from vessel traffic could be an issue.
- Trail conditions: Bluff trails can be slippery when wet. Wear appropriate footwear and stay on marked paths, particularly near bluff edges.
- Parking area: As with any busy park parking area, do not leave valuables visible in your vehicle.
- Water quality: Do not swim without first checking current water quality advisories from King County or the Washington State Department of Ecology — Puget Sound conditions can change due to runoff events.
