Southwest Bronson Way Street End provides shoreline access in West Seattle where Bronson Way meets Elliott Bay along Harbor Avenue Southwest. Originally named Beach Way when created in 1900 as part of the Replat of the West Seattle Land and Improvement Company's Third Plat, the street was renamed Bronson Way in 1907 when Seattle annexed West Seattle. The street honors Ira Hull Bronson (1868-1930), attorney for and vice president of the West Seattle Land and Improvement Company, who served as president of the American Bar Association and was described as a pioneer Seattle attorney and leader in admiralty circles who founded the Inland Navigation Company that became Puget Sound Navigation Company. Though the right-of-way begins further inland, Southwest Bronson Way physically exists only between Harbor Avenue Southwest and Elliott Bay, stretching approximately 180 feet long and nearly 90 feet wide, essentially serving as a public parking lot with unobstructed city views. This shoreline street end ranks as number 10 among West Seattle's designated waterfront access points.
Kayaking and paddleboarding launch from the beach access into Elliott Bay for paddling exploration along West Seattle's waterfront with routes toward Alki Beach, views of downtown Seattle's skyline across the bay, and opportunities to observe maritime traffic. Beachcombing along the shoreline reveals smooth stones, driftwood, beach glass, and shells deposited by tides. Wildlife watching includes harbor seals hunting near shore, great blue herons stalking shallows, cormorants diving for fish, bald eagles soaring overhead, and gulls utilizing the urban waterfront. Views capture downtown Seattle's skyline rising dramatically across Elliott Bay, the Space Needle visible among skyscrapers, ferries crossing between Seattle and Bainbridge Island, cargo ships navigating shipping lanes, and the Olympic Mountains forming a western horizon beyond the sound. The generous width of the street end creates ample public waterfront space with parking accommodating beachgoers and waterfront visitors.
West Seattle dining offers diverse waterfront options near Southwest Bronson Way. Marination Ma Kai serves Hawaiian-Korean fusion including Kalua Pork Sliders, Kimchi Fried Rice, Korean Tacos, and shave ice from an outdoor patio overlooking Alki Beach and Seattle skyline. Salty's on Alki Beach features award-winning Pacific Northwest seafood, seasonal preparations, and stunning Elliott Bay panoramas with every table offering water views. Duke's Seafood West Seattle creates sustainably caught halibut and salmon, chowder, fish and chips, oysters, and casual waterfront atmosphere. Jak's Grill West Seattle serves aged Nebraska steaks, fresh local seafood, their award-winning half-pound burger, and neighborhood steakhouse dining. Sunfish provides flaky battered cod, Greek-spiced fried oysters, fish and chips, and beachfront patio seating during warmer months.
