For the sixth consecutive year, Seattle Parks and Recreation has implemented early closing times for Alki Beach (along with Golden Gardens) to manage late-night activity and improve public safety.
As of May 3, 2026, the “Summer of Safety” schedule is officially in effect.
2026 Summer Schedule & Rules
Operating Hours: From May 1 through September 30, 2026, Alki Beach is open from 4:00 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. daily.
Off-Season Comparison: During the rest of the year (October through April), the park typically remains open until 11:30 p.m.
Beach Fire Season: Designated fire pits will be available starting Friday, May 22, 2026 (Memorial Day weekend).
Fire Curfew: All beach fires must be extinguished by 10:00 p.m. to allow the park to be cleared by the 10:30 p.m. closure. Staff will be on-site to assist with dousing fires at that time.
+1
The “Summer of Safety” Initiative
This year, the city has expanded its safety strategy, starting restricted hours earlier (May 1) and ending them later (September 30) than in previous cycles.
Increased Patrols: Seattle’s 31 park rangers are working staggered shifts between 9:00 a.m. and midnight, supported by the Seattle Police Department and Animal Control.
Enhanced Lighting: In late April 2026, Seattle City Light finished installing 20 new pedestrian lights along the Alki Ave sidewalk to improve visibility after sunset.
Private Security Pilot: While the city is testing private security at Golden Gardens and Magnuson Park this summer, Alki community leaders have actively lobbied for similar measures due to recent drive-by shootings and “snatch and grab” incidents in the neighborhood.
Context for the Closure
The early closure policy began in 2021 following a surge in violent crime, illegal street racing, and rowdy late-night gatherings. While the 10:30 p.m. curfew remains controversial—with some residents calling it “Draconian” and others seeing it as a necessary deterrent—city data from 2025 indicated a slight decrease in late-night disturbances during the restricted months.
Are you planning a bonfire for the upcoming Memorial Day weekend, or are you just trying to navigate the neighborhood traffic during these peak hours?
