West Seattle’s illusory remoteness (it actually lies only a few minutes from downtown) has encouraged a beach-inspired lifestyle, both in pleasant residential neighborhoods and compact business districts such as The Junction and Admiral district. With its many restaurants, Alki offers visitors and residents the opportunity for great dining year round, and sports enthusiast can enjoy rollerblading, cycling, volleyball. Sunsets, bonfires, beach combing and sand castles are all enjoyed from this scenic spot, crowned by the ubiquitous Alki lighthouse.