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Summer may be coming to a close, but there’s still a chance to get out and enjoy the sunshine–at least through Thursday, in Seattle. Why not take in that sun along the water, at one of the City’s Shoreline Street Ends? Maybe watch the weather from Weather Watch Park, at SW Carroll St?

These locations where a roadway meets a waterfront are designated and often enhanced portions of public right of way, offering the opportunity to experience Seattle’s shoreline!

142 possibilities…

We have 142 shoreline street ends, with many of them now more accessible. Check out some recent efforts at E Allison St; 1st Ave Br N (S River St); and 1st Ave Br S (SW Michigan St).

Partner to enhance an SSE!

We love to partner with Seattle residents and community groups to create these neighborhood amenities. At any time, a group of neighborhood residents may request permission to make improvements to a shoreline street end for public use. Ready to propose a new SSE? Check out our Work Plan document here.

The shoreline street ends program has great potential to engage more people; work in partnership to open up more street ends; increase community stewardship; and support innovative, new designs that accomplish multiple goals and adapt to changing conditions.

SSE History…

In 1889, when Washington became the 42nd state in the union, Washington also became responsible for more than 3,000 miles of shoreline!! To generate revenue for the state, Washington sold much of this public land. By 1971, the state of Washington owned only about 40% of these original public lands accessing waterfronts. To provide better access for everyone to visit these beautiful shoreline locations, we passed a resolution in 1996 designating street ends for public use and enjoyment!

Our interactive Shoreline Street End Use map helps you find the designated shoreline street ends property. Look for one in your neighborhood, or venture out and explore a new neighborhood to discover a favorite relaxation spot! Get a feel for the options when you read this 2015 The Stranger article: All of These Secret Seattle Beaches and Parks Belong to You – Use Them!

Friends of Street Ends.

We partner with community groups and other city departments to identify areas to be designated as street ends. Learn about the Friends of Street Ends community group and the work they do to advocate for public access throughout the city. Improving street ends could not be done without input from the community – thank you all for your passion in creating publicly accessible and beautiful locations for people around Seattle to visit!

If you have any questions about our Shoreline Street Ends program, please contact Brian Henry at brian.henry@seattle.gov.