Get your TAN on, Seattle style

Alki Beach – known as Seattle’s ONE true beach (though diehards can hardly call it that). Located in West Seattle, it is the longest stretch of sand available for some excellent sun and fun.

Unless you’re wanting to tan with the tots, don’t bother coming on the weekend when everyone AND their mothers stop by. If you stay long enough into the afternoon and evening, grab happy hour at Cactus before crashing a bonfire on the beach.

Not many people realize the sunning potential of Discovery Park. Stroll down to the beach (you might need a map just to figure out how to get down there) and you’ll find yourself fairly secluded, yet more than able to soak in the rays.

Key point of interest here: if you’re looking for seclusion, this would be a good spot to go.

Not everyone thinks of the Arboretum when looking to sun, but you’d be surprised. Hike out to the north end of the Arboretum (it isn’t really a hike) and you’ll find wide open spaces ideal for laying out and relaxing. Surprisingly enough, the area is secluded enough that many people go sans swimsuit in order to minimize their tanlines.

Warning, the Arboretum can border on the cruisy side for the gay boys, so don’t be surprised if you start seeing guys wander into the woods…

Hardly considered part of Seattle, but still a good beach. Nestled north of Kirkland, Bikini Beach is an ideal place to tan for those of you outside of the city limits not willing to travel. Again, this beach is very family friendly come weekends and holidays, so try to avoid it at those times.

Just west of Ballard, Golden Gardens is another ideal location for getting your tan on. The Gardens are large enough that you nearly never have to worry about getting a place on the beach. Be forewarned, since Golden Gardens is on Elliott Bay, the water will be most definitely frigid.