There's something about the Pacific Northwest coastline in summer, the long evening light, the smell of saltwater, the way the Olympic Mountains turn soft purple right before sunset. If you've been thinking about booking a beach photo session, this is the season to do it.
Here's a look at some of the most beautiful beaches around Seattle, and why a beach session might be exactly what your family, your couple, or your milestone moment deserves. Whether you're looking for a Seattle maternity photography session, an Everett maternity photography session, or you're based closer to Bothell or Lynnwood, there's a beach on this list that's a short drive from you.
Why Book a Beach Session?
A beach gives you something a studio or a city backdrop can't: movement and mood. Waves rolling in, kids chasing seagulls, hair caught in the breeze, golden light bouncing off the water, these little unplanned moments are often the ones that end up being everyone's favorite photos. Beaches also flatter every kind of session, playful and candid for families, romantic for couples, relaxed and timeless for seniors and maternity. And in Seattle, you get a bonus most beach towns can't offer: mountains, evergreens, and a skyline all within view of the sand.
Why I Personally Love Shooting Beach Sessions
Every great photo really comes down to three things: light, movement, and emotion. A beach gives you all three, naturally, without much effort. The light bounces off the water and wraps around everyone in the softest way. The waves and breeze keep things moving, so nothing feels stiff or staged. And because everyone's relaxed by the water, real emotion just shows up on its own.
I especially love how romantic a sunset can be, and the way a couple's real emotions just flow across their faces once the light goes gold. Simple, flowy dresses are my favorite for these sessions too, they're a go-to for maternity photography in particular, since they move in the wind and turn into these beautiful, genuine little moments without anyone trying too hard.
I also love shooting families with little ones here, because the beach gives kids room to actually play, splashing, chasing waves, digging in the sand and that's when the best, most candid laughter happens.
And honestly, this is the session I recommend most for people who feel a little camera-shy. There's less pressure to "perform" for the camera. You can just enjoy your time at the beach, and the best photos happen while you're not thinking about the camera at all.
The Best Beaches Around Seattle for Photos
Alki Beach (West Seattle)
Alki Beach offers a breathtaking vista with white sandy shores, an antique lighthouse, and views of the Space Needle and city skyline. It's a favorite for couples and families who want that classic "Seattle by the water" look, especially at sunset when the light turns golden over Elliott Bay and one of my top picks for a Seattle maternity photography session.
Golden Gardens Park (Ballard)
Golden Gardens is perfect for beach sessions thanks to its long sandy beaches, tall lush grass, and gorgeous sunsets. The soft, beautiful sand here is some of the nicest in the city, and the dune grass adds lovely depth and texture to photos. It's also a great pick if you're coming from the Everett side - it's noticeably closer to reach than some of the beaches further south, so you get a stunning session without the longer drive. This is one of my favorite spots for an Everett maternity photography session for exactly that reason.
Richmond Beach Saltwater Park (Shoreline)
Just north of the city, Richmond Beach offers breathtaking views of Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains, with a peaceful atmosphere, sandy shores, and dramatic sunsets. It feels a little quieter and more tucked away than Alki, which makes it great if you want a more intimate, low-crowd session.
Discovery Park (Magnolia) or Light House
One of the most versatile spots on this list. Beyond the beach, Discovery Park has wide open fields with green grass and wildflowers that turn golden in the summer light, along with wooded trails and the historic West Point Lighthouse. You can start in the wildflower fields and end on the beach in the same session, giving you two completely different looks in one shoot. It also actually has two distinct beach areas — North and South Beach — so even a return visit can feel like a brand-new location.
Edmonds Beach
North of the city and easy to reach, this stretch is a favorite for anyone wanting mountain views across the Sound paired with a laid-back, small-town beach feel. It's a convenient pick for a Lynnwood maternity photography or Bothell maternity photography session, since it's just a short drive from either.
Mukilteo Lighthouse Park
One of the most beautiful spots on this list. Home to the iconic red-and-white Mukilteo Lighthouse, this spot has scenic waterfront views, a working boat launch, and driftwood-lined sand that's great for beach combing shots. Between the lighthouse, the water, and the ferries passing by, it has a true "coastal town" charm that's hard to find elsewhere in the area.
Carkeek Park (Broadview)
A hidden gem with tall evergreens meeting a driftwood-strewn beach — and noticeably fewer crowds than Golden Gardens. There's even a train that passes by occasionally, which kids tend to love.
Lincoln Park (West Seattle)
Old-growth forest meets a rocky, driftwood-strewn beach along Puget Sound here, with a mile-long beachfront path connecting the shoreline to the bluff trails above. It's a favorite for families who want both woodsy and waterfront shots in one session.
Tips for Planning Your Session
Chase the golden hour. The hour before sunset gives the softest, warmest light and it's when the beach crowds start to thin out too.
Watch the tide. A lower tide means more exposed sand, driftwood, and tide pools to play in. It's worth checking a tide chart before you book your time slot.
Dress for movement. Flowy fabrics, layers, and bare feet all photograph beautifully with a breeze. Skip anything too stiff or precious that you'll worry about getting sandy.
Bring a windbreaker. Even in July & Aug, Puget Sound evenings can turn cool once the sun dips, a light jacket keeps everyone comfortable so smiles stay genuine.
Leave room for real moments. Some of the best shots happen in between poses, dancing, walking, kissing, hugging, splashing, laughing at something silly. Give yourselves time to just be there.
Ready to Book Your Summer Beach Session?
Summer evenings on the water don't last forever, the golden-hour window gets earlier as fall approaches, so now's the time to grab a date. Reach out and let's pick the perfect beach and the perfect light for your session.
