Seattle Birthplace Monument Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Travel Guide

Date: 04/07/2025

Introduction

Nestled at scenic Alki Point in West Seattle, the Birthplace of Seattle Monument is a pivotal historical landmark commemorating the exact site where the Denny Party—Seattle’s first non-Indigenous settlers—landed on November 13, 1851. This granite obelisk stands not only as a marker of the city’s founding moment but also as a symbol honoring the region’s Indigenous heritage, particularly that of the Duwamish and Suquamish peoples, who inhabited the area for millennia. With sweeping views of Puget Sound, the Olympic Mountains, and the Seattle skyline, the monument offers visitors both rich history and natural beauty. Open year-round and free to the public, it is a hub for educational programs, community events, and guided tours, making it a must-visit for both history enthusiasts and casual travelers.

For the latest information on events and planning your visit, consult resources from Seattle’s heritage organizations and tourism offices (Seattle History, Visit Seattle, West Seattle Chamber).

Table of Contents

Historical Background and Significance

Indigenous Heritage

Long before the arrival of European settlers, the Alki Point area was home to Coast Salish peoples, notably the Duwamish and Suquamish tribes. Archaeological evidence points to continuous habitation for over 4,000 years, with the area known to the Duwamish as “sbaqʷabqs” or “prairie point.” These communities relied on the abundant resources of Puget Sound and maintained vibrant cultural traditions that remain integral to Seattle’s identity today.

The Denny Party and Seattle’s Founding

On November 13, 1851, the Denny Party, a group of 24 settlers from Illinois, landed at Alki Point aboard the schooner Exact. Leaders included Arthur A. Denny, Carson Boren, Mary Low, and David Denny. Initially, the settlement was called “New York Alki,” using the Chinook Jargon word “Alki” meaning “by and by,” expressing hopes for growth. However, after enduring a harsh winter, most settlers relocated to Elliott Bay in April 1852, forming the core of present-day downtown Seattle. Alki Point, though, remains the symbolic birthplace of the city.

Monument Dedication and Symbolism

The granite Birthplace of Seattle Monument was dedicated on November 13, 1905, the city’s 54th birthday. Over 1,000 people attended the ceremony, including three surviving members of the original landing party. Originally, the monument listed only male settlers’ names, referring to their wives as “And Wife.” During the city’s sesquicentennial in 2001, a new plaque was added to honor the pioneer women by name, recognizing their foundational role. Today, the monument stands as a symbol of Seattle’s origins and the intertwined histories of Indigenous peoples and settlers.


Visitor Information

Location and Access

The monument is situated at the intersection of Alki Avenue SW and 63rd Avenue SW within Alki Beach Park, West Seattle (Seattle Parks and Recreation). It is easily accessible by car, public transit, bicycle, or on foot.

  • By Car: Take the West Seattle Bridge, follow signs to Alki Avenue SW. Street parking is available but limited during peak times.
  • Public Transit: King County Metro routes 50 and 128 provide access from downtown Seattle. The RapidRide C Line and the West Seattle Water Taxi (connecting via the Alki Trail) are also convenient options (King County Metro).
  • Cycling/Walking: The Alki Trail is flat, paved, and popular among cyclists and pedestrians.

Visiting Hours and Admission

  • Hours: Open daily from dawn to dusk.
  • Admission: Free and open to the public year-round; no tickets required.

Accessibility

  • The monument plaza and surrounding paved paths are wheelchair-accessible, with curb cuts and ramps throughout the area.
  • Accessible restrooms and designated parking are available nearby.

Guided Tours and Special Events

  • While there is no permanent visitor center, local organizations offer guided historical walking tours seasonally, often including the monument.
  • The annual Founders’ Day event on November 13 features ceremonies and educational programs.
  • The nearby Alki Point Lighthouse offers free guided tours on summer weekends (Seattle Parks and Recreation calendar).

Travel Tips

  • Visit during weekdays or early mornings to avoid crowds.
  • Bring comfortable walking shoes, layered clothing, and a camera for waterfront and skyline photos.
  • Consider combining your visit with other attractions like the Log House Museum or the Alki Point Lighthouse.

Nearby Attractions

  • Alki Beach: A sandy, family-friendly beach with walking and biking trails, picnic areas, volleyball courts, and fire pits.
  • Alki Point Lighthouse: Built in 1913, this historic lighthouse offers free weekend tours in summer.
  • Log House Museum: Explore exhibits on West Seattle’s history, maritime culture, and Indigenous heritage.
  • Public Art: Nearby, the Statue of Liberty replica and other sculptures celebrate Seattle’s diverse heritage.
  • Dining and Shopping: Alki Avenue SW features cafes, seafood restaurants, bakeries, boutiques, and rental shops for bikes and watercraft.

Community and Cultural Insights

The Alki Point neighborhood is renowned for its inclusive, diverse, and community-oriented atmosphere. The area hosts year-round events, including summer concerts, art walks, and cultural festivals that celebrate Seattle’s multicultural identity.

  • Indigenous Recognition: The nearby Duwamish Longhouse & Cultural Center offers exhibits and workshops honoring the Duwamish people (West Seattle Chamber).
  • Public Art: Installations like “Sentinels of the Sound” and the “Avenue of Stars” art project highlight environmental themes and local history.
  • Community Events: Seasonal festivals, beach cleanups, and storytelling sessions foster civic engagement and awareness of environmental stewardship.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are the monument’s visiting hours?
A: The Birthplace of Seattle Monument and Alki Beach Park are open daily from dawn to dusk; the monument itself is accessible 24/7.

Q: Is there an admission fee?
A: No, the site is free to visit and does not require tickets.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Guided walking tours are offered seasonally by local organizations. The nearby Alki Point Lighthouse offers free tours on summer weekends.

Q: Is the site wheelchair accessible?
A: Yes, the paved pathways and public facilities are wheelchair-friendly.

Q: Are pets allowed?
A: Dogs are allowed on-leash in park areas but not on the sandy beach.

Q: What other attractions are nearby?
A: Alki Beach, Alki Point Lighthouse, Log House Museum, public art installations, and a variety of dining and recreation options.


Visuals and Media Resources

  • High-quality images, maps, and virtual tours are available on official Seattle tourism websites.
  • Interactive maps and event calendars can be accessed through Seattle Parks and Recreation.
  • For further inspiration, explore public art and photo galleries on the West Seattle Chamber page.

Conclusion and Call to Action

Visiting the Birthplace of Seattle Monument is a unique opportunity to engage with the city’s origins and reflect on its blended legacy of Indigenous culture and pioneering resilience. With free year-round access, robust accessibility, and a wealth of nearby attractions, the monument is a cornerstone of Seattle’s historical and cultural landscape.

Ready to explore Seattle’s heritage? Download the Audiala app for personalized travel guides, the latest event updates, and insider tips. Follow us on social media, and explore related articles to plan your perfect itinerary. Make your journey to Alki Point and experience where Seattle’s story began.


Sources

Visit The Most Interesting Places In Seattle

1000 Second Avenue
1000 Second Avenue
1120 Denny Way
1120 Denny Way
1201 Third Avenue
1201 Third Avenue
1600 Seventh Avenue
1600 Seventh Avenue
5Th Avenue Theatre
5Th Avenue Theatre
7Th & Jackson
7Th & Jackson
970 Denny Way
970 Denny Way
Adjacent, Against, Upon
Adjacent, Against, Upon
Alaskan Way Viaduct
Alaskan Way Viaduct
Amazon Spheres
Amazon Spheres
Amazon Tower I
Amazon Tower I
|
  Andy'S Diner
| Andy'S Diner
|
  Angie'S Umbrella
| Angie'S Umbrella
Annapurna Cafe
Annapurna Cafe
Antioch University Seattle
Antioch University Seattle
Arthur Foss
Arthur Foss
Artusi
Artusi
Benaroya Hall
Benaroya Hall
Benson Hall
Benson Hall
Birthplace Of Seattle Monument
Birthplace Of Seattle Monument
Boeing Plant 2
Boeing Plant 2
Broken Obelisk
Broken Obelisk
Burke Museum Of Natural History And Culture
Burke Museum Of Natural History And Culture
Cal Anderson Park
Cal Anderson Park
Camlin Hotel
Camlin Hotel
Capitol Hill Branch Library
Capitol Hill Branch Library
Capitol Hill Mystery Soda Machine
Capitol Hill Mystery Soda Machine
Carl S. English, Jr., Botanical Gardens
Carl S. English, Jr., Botanical Gardens
|
  Cc'S
| Cc'S
Central Saloon
Central Saloon
Chief Of The Suquamish – Chief Seattle
Chief Of The Suquamish – Chief Seattle
Chief Seattle
Chief Seattle
Chris Cornell Memorial Statue
Chris Cornell Memorial Statue
Cirrus
Cirrus
City University Of Seattle
City University Of Seattle
Climate Pledge Arena
Climate Pledge Arena
Coast Guard Museum Northwest
Coast Guard Museum Northwest
Colman Dock
Colman Dock
Columbia Center
Columbia Center
Condon Hall
Condon Hall
Conibear Shellhouse
Conibear Shellhouse
Copacabana Restaurant
Copacabana Restaurant
Cuff Complex
Cuff Complex
Daybreak Star Cultural Center
Daybreak Star Cultural Center
Denny Hall
Denny Hall
Discovery Park
Discovery Park
Docusign Tower
Docusign Tower
Double Header
Double Header
Dr. Mark A. Matthews
Dr. Mark A. Matthews
Drumheller Fountain
Drumheller Fountain
Duwamish
Duwamish
Eagle
Eagle
Egyptian Theater
Egyptian Theater
Fairmont Olympic Hotel
Fairmont Olympic Hotel
Fallen Firefighters Memorial
Fallen Firefighters Memorial
|
  Fat'S Chicken And Waffles
| Fat'S Chicken And Waffles
Federal Reserve Bank Building
Federal Reserve Bank Building
First Methodist Protestant Church Of Seattle
First Methodist Protestant Church Of Seattle
Freeway Park
Freeway Park
Frye Art Museum
Frye Art Museum
Gas Works Park
Gas Works Park
George Washington Memorial Bridge
George Washington Memorial Bridge
Grand Army Of The Republic Cemetery
Grand Army Of The Republic Cemetery
Gum Wall
Gum Wall
Harbor Island
Harbor Island
Harvard Exit Theatre
Harvard Exit Theatre
Hec Edmundson Pavilion
Hec Edmundson Pavilion
Henry Art Gallery
Henry Art Gallery
Henry M. Jackson
Henry M. Jackson
Henry M. Jackson Federal Building
Henry M. Jackson Federal Building
Hiram M. Chittenden Locks
Hiram M. Chittenden Locks
Historic Chinatown Gate (Seattle)
Historic Chinatown Gate (Seattle)
Holy Names Academy
Holy Names Academy
Honeyhole Sandwiches
Honeyhole Sandwiches
Howe Street Stairs
Howe Street Stairs
Husky Stadium
Husky Stadium
International District / Chinatown
International District / Chinatown
Interurban Building
Interurban Building
Iron Horse
Iron Horse
|
  Jack'S Fish Spot
| Jack'S Fish Spot
Kenyon Hall
Kenyon Hall
King County Courthouse
King County Courthouse
Kobe Bell
Kobe Bell
Lady Rainier
Lady Rainier
Lake View Cemetery
Lake View Cemetery
Lake Washington Ship Canal
Lake Washington Ship Canal
|
  Living Computers: Museum + Labs
| Living Computers: Museum + Labs
Lotus (Motor Vessel)
Lotus (Motor Vessel)
Louisa Boren Park
Louisa Boren Park
Lumen Field
Lumen Field
Made In Usa
Made In Usa
Magnuson Park
Magnuson Park
Maíz
Maíz
Maneki
Maneki
Market Theatre
Market Theatre
Marmite
Marmite
Maynard Building
Maynard Building
Mccaw Hall
Mccaw Hall
Mcgraw Square
Mcgraw Square
Mckenzie (Seattle Apartment Building)
Mckenzie (Seattle Apartment Building)
Memorial Stadium
Memorial Stadium
|
  Merchant'S Cafe
| Merchant'S Cafe
Momiji
Momiji
Moore Theatre
Moore Theatre
Museum Of History & Industry
Museum Of History & Industry
Museum Of Pop Culture
Museum Of Pop Culture
Mutual Life Building
Mutual Life Building
Myrtle Edwards Park
Myrtle Edwards Park
National Nordic Museum
National Nordic Museum
Neukom Vivarium
Neukom Vivarium
Northwest African American Museum
Northwest African American Museum
Northwest Seaport
Northwest Seaport
Occidental Park
Occidental Park
Odegaard Undergraduate Library
Odegaard Undergraduate Library
Off The Rez
Off The Rez
Ok Hotel
Ok Hotel
Olympic Sculpture Park
Olympic Sculpture Park
Pacific Place
Pacific Place
Pacific Science Center
Pacific Science Center
Padelford Hall
Padelford Hall
Paramount Theatre
Paramount Theatre
Pike Place Market
Pike Place Market
Pike Street Hill Climb
Pike Street Hill Climb
Pioneer Square
Pioneer Square
Pioneer Square Pergola
Pioneer Square Pergola
Pioneer Square Totem Pole
Pioneer Square Totem Pole
Playhouse Theatre
Playhouse Theatre
Pony
Pony
Port Of Seattle
Port Of Seattle
Prefontaine Fountain
Prefontaine Fountain
Queen Anne Columbarium
Queen Anne Columbarium
Rainier Tower
Rainier Tower
Red Square
Red Square
Roy Vue
Roy Vue
Russell Investments Center
Russell Investments Center
Safeco Plaza
Safeco Plaza
Seattle Art Museum
Seattle Art Museum
Seattle Asian Art Museum
Seattle Asian Art Museum
Seattle Center
Seattle Center
Seattle Central Library
Seattle Central Library
|
  Seattle Children'S
| Seattle Children'S
|
  Seattle Children'S Museum
| Seattle Children'S Museum
Seattle Cinerama
Seattle Cinerama
Seattle Convention Center
Seattle Convention Center
|
  Seattle Fishermen'S Memorial
| Seattle Fishermen'S Memorial
Seattle Opera
Seattle Opera
Seattle Pacific University
Seattle Pacific University
Seattle Public Library
Seattle Public Library
Seattle Repertory Theatre
Seattle Repertory Theatre
Seattle University
Seattle University
Seattle Yacht Club
Seattle Yacht Club
|
  Sick'S Stadium
| Sick'S Stadium
Smith Tower
Smith Tower
|
  St. Mark'S Episcopal Cathedral
| St. Mark'S Episcopal Cathedral
Starbucks Reserve Roastery
Starbucks Reserve Roastery
State Route 99 Tunnel
State Route 99 Tunnel
Statue Of Leif Erikson
Statue Of Leif Erikson
Statue Of Liberty
Statue Of Liberty
Suzzallo Library
Suzzallo Library
Swedish Medical Center
Swedish Medical Center
Swiftsure
Swiftsure
Sylvan Grove Theater And Columns
Sylvan Grove Theater And Columns
T-Mobile Park
T-Mobile Park
Taipei Economic And Cultural Office In Seattle
Taipei Economic And Cultural Office In Seattle
Taku
Taku
The Crocodile
The Crocodile
The Electric Lady Studio Guitar
The Electric Lady Studio Guitar
The London Plane
The London Plane
The Mitt
The Mitt
The Penthouse
The Penthouse
|
  The People'S Wall
| The People'S Wall
The Triple Door
The Triple Door
The Wildrose
The Wildrose
Theodor Jacobsen Observatory
Theodor Jacobsen Observatory
Times Square Building
Times Square Building
Town Hall Seattle
Town Hall Seattle
Unicorn
Unicorn
Union Square
Union Square
Union Station
Union Station
United Confederate Veterans Memorial
United Confederate Veterans Memorial
United States Courthouse
United States Courthouse
University Of Washington
University Of Washington
University Of Washington Clean Energy Institute
University Of Washington Clean Energy Institute
University Of Washington Libraries
University Of Washington Libraries
University Of Washington Medical Center
University Of Washington Medical Center
University Of Washington Quad
University Of Washington Quad
University Unitarian Church
University Unitarian Church
Urban Garden
Urban Garden
U.S. Bank Center
U.S. Bank Center
Uw Tower
Uw Tower
Virginia V
Virginia V
Volunteer Park
Volunteer Park
Volunteer Park Conservatory
Volunteer Park Conservatory
Warren G. Magnuson Health Sciences Building
Warren G. Magnuson Health Sciences Building
Waterfall Garden Park
Waterfall Garden Park
Waterfront Park
Waterfront Park
Westin Building
Westin Building
Westlake Center
Westlake Center
Westlake Park
Westlake Park
William H. Gates Hall
William H. Gates Hall
Wind Cradle
Wind Cradle
Wing Luke Museum Of The Asian Pacific American Experience
Wing Luke Museum Of The Asian Pacific American Experience
Woodland Park Zoo
Woodland Park Zoo
Zeitgeist Coffee
Zeitgeist Coffee
Zig Zag Café
Zig Zag Café