Nestled in the northwest corner of Shoreline, Richmond Beach, WA is a friendly seaside neighborhood that offers small-town charm just minutes from Seattle. Perched on wooded bluffs overlooking Puget Sound, Richmond Beach welcomes visitors with stunning views of the water and Olympic Mountains across the Sound. This community is known for its scenic Shoreline beaches, vibrant local events, and laid-back coastal lifestyle. Whether you're a prospective resident or a day-tripper searching for things to do in Richmond Beach, this definitive guide will introduce you to the neighborhood's history, parks, recreation, and more – all in an inviting, easy-to-read way.
Richmond Beach's story stretches back over a century, giving it a rich historical character. The area's forested hills and abundant shoreline were originally home to Coast Salish peoples (including Duwamish and other tribes) who foraged and fished along these shores. Non-native settlement began in the late 1800s – in 1889 a settler named C.W. Smith purchased nearly 100 acres here and envisioned a new town. By 1891, the Great Northern Railroad had laid tracks along the coast and a small village called "Richmond" took root, complete with a post office and a hotel for rail workers. Early residents found the soil ideal for farming, and the town became known for its strawberry farms and orchards that shipped produce to Seattle.
By the turn of the 20th century, Richmond Beach was a thriving little town of about 150 people. It boasted a one-room schoolhouse and even one of the region's first lending libraries (founded in 1899), reflecting the community's strong civic spirit. In the 1910s, locals could shop at several general stores, visit a barber or hardware shop, and even stay at one of a few small hotels in town. A dance hall above the general store hosted lively Saturday dances where folks from nearby areas would gather and celebrate until the early morning. Down by the water at a spot called Point Wells, a shingle mill and later a Standard Oil fuel depot provided jobs alongside a small shipyard. By 1917, a bus service (the Yost motor bus) ran from Richmond Beach to downtown Seattle – fare was 60 cents round-trip, hinting at the area's early connections to the city.
Over time, Richmond Beach grew from a remote village into an integral part of the suburban Shoreline community. The Richmond Beach Community Association was formed as early as 1908 (originally as a social club) and remains active today. Through the decades, neighbors banded together to improve the area, eventually becoming part of the City of Shoreline when the city incorporated in 1995. Today, Richmond Beach is a cherished neighborhood of about 3,300 residents (roughly 2,700 households as of the 2020 census). Strolling through the quiet streets, you'll see historic cottages alongside modern homes – each with a story to tell in this long-established beach town.
Richmond Beach's geography is defined by its breathtaking Puget Sound setting. The neighborhood sits on a bluff and hillside that slope westward to meet the water's edge. These hills were carved by ancient glaciers, creating the dramatic coastline and upland views residents enjoy today. Because of this terrain, many homes perch on hillsides with panoramic westward vistas – offering sightlines to snowy Olympic Mountains on clear days and front-row seats to gorgeous sunsets over the Sound. The community's western border is a stretch of Puget Sound shoreline itself, giving Shoreline one of its only accessible beach areas here.
Notable natural features include Richmond Beach Saltwater Park (the area's crown jewel park along the shore, described more below) and wooded ravines that frame the neighborhood. To the south lies the wooded Innis Arden Reserve and Boeing Creek ravine, and to the north, Richmond Beach borders Point Wells (historically an industrial site at the county line). A railway line (the historic Great Northern route, now BNSF) still runs along the waterfront, and you can often see trains snaking along the base of the bluff – a reminder of the area's past and present connectivity.
Despite being within a major metropolitan area, Richmond Beach retains pockets of natural habitat. Towering fir and cedar trees shade many streets. Wildlife thrives here too: it's not uncommon to spot bald eagles soaring overhead or perched in shoreline trees. Harbor seals and sea lions occasionally pop up offshore, and during winter months you may even catch sight of orca whales in the distance – Richmond Beach is a noted spot on The Whale Trail for observing resident orcas passing through Puget Sound. Tide pools on the beach reveal sea stars, crabs, and other marine creatures at low tide, making the shoreline a small ecological treasure for nature enthusiasts.
One of the biggest draws of Richmond Beach is its abundance of parks and outdoor recreation options. Chief among them is Richmond Beach Saltwater Park, a 40+ acre coastal park that offers something for everyone. This park features a long, L-shaped beach (nearly a quarter-mile of sandy and pebbly shore) where visitors love to comb for shells, build driftwood forts, or just relax and listen to the gentle waves. A pedestrian bridge over the railroad tracks provides safe access from the upper park down to the beach. Once on the sand, you can enjoy beach strolls with panoramic water views – and on clear days, the Olympic Mountains seem to float on the western horizon. It's a picture-perfect spot for flying kites, launching a kayak or paddleboard, or watching the sun dip into the sea at day's end (sunsets here are truly magical).
Aside from the beach itself, Saltwater Park includes trails and upland areas to explore. Winding paths lead up the bluff through natural vegetation, providing exercise and excellent viewpoints. A landscaped terrace on the hillside has picnic tables overlooking the water – a popular venue for summer picnics and even occasional outdoor concerts or community events. Kids adore the playground near the beach, and parents appreciate the convenient restrooms and rinsing showers nearby. From November through March, a designated off-leash dog area opens on a section of the beach, giving pups a chance to romp in the sand and saltwater when crowds are lighter. Year-round, you'll find locals walking their dogs (leashes on in other areas) and families strolling the park's loop trails, enjoying the mix of forest and shore. Richmond Beach Saltwater Park truly is the heart of outdoor life here – a place to recharge in nature's beauty, just steps from home.
Richmond Beach offers more than just the big Saltwater Park. Tucked along Richmond Beach Drive is Kayu Kayu Ac Park, a small neighborhood park with an intriguing name. "Kayu Kayu Ac" (pronounced "ky-YOO ky-YOO atch") comes from a Lushootseed phrase, connecting to the area's Native heritage. This pocket park has a grassy lawn, a tiny playground for young children, and a viewing platform where you can watch passing ships on the Sound. It's separated from the beach by the railroad, but still makes a peaceful picnic stop with water views. Richmond Beach Community Park is another local green space – a hilltop park adjacent to the library (on the old school grounds) that hosts community events. It's home to a children's play area and open lawn, and every June it comes alive as the site of the annual Strawberry Festival. Nearby, nature lovers can also venture a bit further to Boeing Creek Park (just east of Richmond Beach) for hiking trails through dense woods and a hidden stream-fed pond. In short, if you enjoy the outdoors, Richmond Beach delivers a blend of seaside recreation and leafy parks that belies its modest size.
One thing that makes Richmond Beach special is its strong sense of community. Despite being part of a larger city, the neighborhood feels like a small town where neighbors know each other and come together often. The Richmond Beach Community Association (RBCA) plays a big role in organizing events and keeping that community spirit alive. All year long, Richmond Beach hosts popular events that bring residents of all ages together in fun and festive ways.
In the spring, the community holds a neighborhood-wide Garage Sale day and a local Garden Tour, where residents show off beautiful backyard gardens in bloom. Come early summer, excitement builds for the signature Strawberry Festival, an event with deep roots – the tradition began over a century ago, with the first Strawberry Festival held in 1913! Today's festival is a full-fledged celebration held every June at the community park, featuring live music, a quirky community parade, kids' activities, and of course plenty of strawberry shortcake for all. Neighbors spread out picnic blankets, children line up for face-painting and bouncy houses, and local bands entertain the crowd. It's a day of old-fashioned fun that really captures the friendly, family-oriented vibe of Richmond Beach.
Summer continues with a series of community gatherings. "SummerTime in Richmond Beach" brings outdoor movie nights and even Shakespeare in the Park performances at the community park during July and August. Families turn out with lawn chairs to watch films under the stars or enjoy a free theater performance, all sponsored by RBCA. Later in the year, autumn ushers in an Oktoberfest beer garden event for adults and a spooky Halloween Carnival that delights local kids each October. The festivities don't stop when the weather cools – residents also enjoy an annual Thanksgiving Turkey Day Fun Run and a cozy Holiday Tree Lighting ceremony in early December, complete with caroling and hot cocoa. From block parties to volunteer clean-up days, Richmond Beach's calendar is filled with activities that foster connection. No matter the season, there's likely something happening to bring a smile to your face and a chance to meet your neighbors. The strong community bonds here are often a pleasant surprise to newcomers and a source of pride for longtime locals.
If you're considering living in Richmond Beach, you'll find a variety of home styles and a highly desirable real estate market. The neighborhood primarily consists of residential streets lined with single-family houses, ranging from quaint century-old beach cottages to mid-century ramblers and striking modern view homes. Many properties are situated on hillsides or bluff tops, meaning water views are a common perk – it's not unusual to find homes with decks oriented toward the sunsets and sails on Puget Sound. Larger lot sizes and mature landscaping give parts of Richmond Beach a peaceful, almost rural feel, even though city amenities are close by. There are also a few townhomes and small condo complexes in the mix (particularly near the ridge along Richmond Beach Road), but the area maintains a low-density, neighborhood feel with no high-rise development.
Real estate in Richmond Beach is highly sought-after, and home values reflect that popularity. Houses here tend to command higher prices than the overall Shoreline average. For example, in 2025 the median listing price for a home in Richmond Beach was around $1.3 million – making it one of the priciest neighborhoods in the region. This reflects not only the stunning views and larger homes available, but also the limited supply (it's a relatively small community) and the general desirability of the location. Many homes have been updated or remodeled over the years, as owners invest to maximize views and modernize older structures. Still, the neighborhood's character shines through – you can find charming 1920s cottages tucked on side streets just blocks away from sleek new builds. Residents say the tranquility, scenery, and community feel are well worth the price tag. Richmond Beach, WA is often considered a "hidden gem" for those lucky enough to live here, combining waterfront serenity with convenience to Seattle.
Though primarily residential, Richmond Beach has a handful of local businesses that give it a distinct personality and provide everyday conveniences. At the heart of the neighborhood along NW Richmond Beach Road and nearby streets, you'll discover some beloved local establishments:
Beyond these, there are a few other eateries and services sprinkled around, often just a short drive away. You can find a highly rated Thai restaurant (Issaya Thai Cuisine), a new seafood spot (Bag O' Crab) and a Mexican grill (Santa Fe Mexican Grill) in the greater Richmond Beach vicinity. And if you hop over to nearby Edmonds or central Shoreline, even more dining and shopping options open up within a 10–15 minute drive. For everyday needs, residents are just minutes from grocery stores (a QFC supermarket lies just up the hill on Richmond Beach Road), pharmacies, and other retailers along NW 185th Street and Aurora Avenue North.
Key amenities within the neighborhood include the Richmond Beach Library, a branch of the King County Library System that has served the community for over 120 years. The current library building – located near Richmond Beach Community Park – is a treasured resource for families, offering books, community programs, and a quiet place to learn. There's also the Shoreline Fire Department's Station right nearby for emergency services. While Richmond Beach itself doesn't have big box stores or malls (and many locals prefer it that way), virtually everything you need is accessible with a short trip into the surrounding Shoreline area. And the trade-off is enjoying a peaceful residential enclave with quaint local businesses that remember your name.
Despite its tucked-away feel, Richmond Beach is well-connected when it comes to transportation. Downtown Seattle is only about 12–14 miles south of Richmond Beach, making for a fairly straightforward commute by car. In good traffic, you can drive to Seattle's city center in roughly 25–30 minutes via Highway 99 or I-5 (which are both easily reached from Richmond Beach by arterial roads). During rush hour, of course, commute times will lengthen (45 minutes or more isn't unusual in peak congestion), but many residents feel the serene evenings by the water are worth the commute. Heading north, it's an easy 10-minute drive to Edmonds (with its ferry to Kingston and the Olympic Peninsula), or about 30 minutes up to Everett.
For those using public transportation, King County Metro buses serve the Richmond Beach area. Route 348 is a key line that runs along Richmond Beach Road, linking the neighborhood to Shoreline's new light rail station at 185th as well as to the Northgate Transit Center and beyond. During peak hours in the past there were direct commuter buses (like the 301/304) to downtown Seattle; recent transit network updates have shifted those trips to connect with Sound Transit's Link Light Rail. The good news is that as of 2024, two Link light rail stations opened in Shoreline (at NE 185th and NE 148th Streets), giving Richmond Beach residents a reliable rapid transit option. A short bus ride or park-and-ride trip gets you to the station, and from there it's a quick train ride into Seattle or up to Lynnwood. This connectivity is only improving, making Richmond Beach feel not so far from the urban core after all.
Within the neighborhood, most people get around by car or on foot. Richmond Beach is hilly, but walking is pleasant for those who don't mind some elevation – you'll often see neighbors walking their dogs or kids riding bikes especially on nice days. The main thoroughfare (NW Richmond Beach Road) has sidewalks and bike lanes in parts, and quieter side streets make for safe strolling routes. Cyclists enjoy the challenge of the hills and the views at the top, though recreational riders often prefer the flatter Interurban Trail east of here for longer rides. Ride-share services (Uber/Lyft) are readily available in Shoreline if needed, and the community is about a 5-minute drive from the Ferry Terminal in Edmonds for those adventurous day trips to Kitsap County. In short, while Richmond Beach offers a tranquil remove from the city, it's by no means isolated – commuting and exploring the region from here is quite convenient whether you drive or use transit.
One of the joys of Richmond Beach is how easily you can connect with nature and witness Pacific Northwest wildlife up close. The scenic beauty of the coastline and wooded bluffs here is accompanied by a healthy assortment of wildlife, thanks to conservation-minded efforts by the community and city. At Richmond Beach Saltwater Park, the natural beach environment is carefully protected – driftwood is left in place to stabilize the shore, and dune grasses and native plants have been restored along the upper beach to prevent erosion. At low tide, volunteers and marine biologists often host tide pool walks, helping visitors discover the rich intertidal life (sea stars, anemones, crabs, and more) that thrives in the Puget Sound ecosystem. In fact, over three dozen species of marine invertebrates have been observed on the beach here, reflecting its environmental health. The city asks that beachcombers tread lightly and leave creatures where they find them, ensuring future generations can enjoy the same natural wonders.
From the park's trails and viewpoints, keep an eye out for bird life: great blue herons frequent the shallows looking for fish, and bald eagles are commonly seen soaring or roosting high in shoreline fir trees. Songbirds and woodpeckers fill the greenbelt areas, and sometimes a barred owl might make an appearance at dusk. Offshore, seals and porpoises occasionally surface – bring binoculars and you might spot the whiskered face of a harbor seal bobbing in the waves. During winter months (generally November through January), Richmond Beach becomes a haven for whale watchers. The park is part of The Whale Trail, and on lucky days you might see the dorsal fins of orca whales or even humpback whales as they follow salmon runs through Puget Sound. Local conservation groups sometimes set up spotting scopes when whales are in the area, creating impromptu viewing parties that remind everyone how special our marine neighbors are.
Environmental stewardship is a point of pride in the community. Neighbors participate in park clean-ups, remove invasive plants from natural areas, and support the city's conservation initiatives. There's a collective understanding that Richmond Beach's scenic beauty – from the driftwood-strewn shore at sunset to the quiet forested ravines – is something to treasure and protect. Whether you're enjoying a picnic with a view or quietly observing wildlife from a bench, you'll feel the restorative power of nature all around. Richmond Beach offers that rare combination of urban convenience and unspoiled natural charm, fostering an appreciation for the outdoors in all who spend time here.
Richmond Beach, WA may not be as famous as some Seattle neighborhoods, but that's exactly why it's worth a visit. Here are some tips to make the most of your time in this Shoreline coastal gem: