Seattle bachelor party ideas - beachside clambaking?

September 6, 2013 11:22 AM

I am getting married in Seattle in late September. I will have about a dozen friends and spouses in town for the event. I have a vision in my head of a low-key bachelor party, sitting in lawn chairs on the Sound somewhere grilling or doing a clam bake thing, within a half hour's drive from Seattle. Advice for making the vision a reality?

I live in Seattle and am reasonably familiar with the area. My friends will be coming in from other parts of the country. Weather permitting, I'd love to show them a nice evening sitting around on a beach somewhere. A bonfire would be amazing but if that can't be arranged, not a huge deal. Though I'd like at least to be able to bring or use a charcoal grill. Even better if we won't be chased away for having a beer.

My understanding is that Alki and Golden Gardens as the only bonfire permitted beaches in Seattle proper. Will they still be super crowded in late September? I don't want to have to stake out a fire pit for hours and hours. I think other less popular areas would probably be better, especially if they have or permit grills.

Thanks for your suggestions!

posted by bepe to Travel & Transportation (9 answers total)

There will be people at Golden Gardens, but not too crowded. However, as the weather changes over to the usual gloom, consider that it could be quite windy, which will make a bonfire a bit smoky, ashy and unpleasant for guests. You might bring a grill, if weather goes a bit sour.
posted by Blazecock Pileon at 11:36 AM on September 6, 2013 [1 favorite]

Will they still be super crowded in late September?

It'll be like going to the moon unless the sky is completely clear and it's sunny(which is a distant possibility, but it could be like 68 and sunny, who knows). Otherwise you might see like two other people the entire time and maybe a hobo or two if you're at golden gardens.

Golden gardens has shelters with built in grills back near the parking area, but still close to the beach. No one will care if you have beer, especially when it's not the middle of summer and the place is packed.

You definitely won't have to stake anything out. You'll walk up and get a fire pit. Even one of the nice close to the water ones, or the closest one to the little shelter with the grill you're using. DO NOTE you're only allowed to burn like, the firewood you got from 7/11. Or real chopped up logs you got from somewhere. No lumber or any processed wood.

Have a good plan b in case the weather is nasty, which I'd base my plan around assuming it would be a total dice throw this time of year. Like to the point(as someone else who lives in town) if I got invited to a party late this month down there'd I'd be going "whose house is it at if its awful out?" To whoever invited me.
posted by emptythought at 12:22 PM on September 6, 2013 [1 favorite]

I think Golden Gardens is a solid plan. I know you can formally reserve the picnic shelters but not sure about the firepits. The nice thing about Golden Gardens is that there are many bars/restaurants in Ballard if you get rained out.
posted by stowaway at 12:49 PM on September 6, 2013 [1 favorite]

In late September, you're looking at a ~40% chance of rain and nearly 80% chance of clouds. Add a few percentage points to each data point since you'll be on the Sound. Probably best to rent a large shelter in case of drizzle -- here's a map of beachfront parks with shelters.

Another option you might consider is to rent a beachfront house for the day/night--you can find affordable options on VRBO.com (example: this house on the beach for less than $250). Even if you don't spend the night, it's not a bad deal to ensure a comfortable, private place to spend the day with friends and family.
posted by prinado at 2:01 PM on September 6, 2013 [2 favorites]

It's going to be cold - maybe get fleece jackets, hats, and gloves for every participant, custom embroidered with some slogan to commemorate your wedding.
posted by matildaben at 2:37 PM on September 6, 2013 [1 favorite]

You might consider Shelter #3 at Lincoln Park, the furthest south along the beach. It's got a fireplace under cover, BBQ grills just outside, and it's right on the beach where you can watch the ferries trundle back and forth.
posted by lantius at 2:40 PM on September 6, 2013 [1 favorite]

Response by poster: Thanks all! Great advice. I am probably being way optimistic with regard to late September weather (that weatherspark page is amazing!), so advice to get a shelter is well taken.
posted by bepe at 2:59 PM on September 6, 2013

I applaud anybody who has a "non conventional" bachelor party. Good luck with this fun sounding idea. I first thought of a large shelter, but we were trapped in one during a downpour years ago for hours. The park basically flooded in what the weather report said was to be afternoon showers. Renting a house on VRBO, or similar, sounds like a safe (and dry) way to go, rain or shine.

I had a video game LAN party for my bachelor party. Wouldn't trade it for anything...
posted by Leenie at 3:18 PM on September 6, 2013 [1 favorite]

If you want to reserve a shelter or picnic table (which is a way of reserving the grills next to them) here's the price list for shelters and picnic tables. And you are correct that only Alki and Golden Gardens have firepits, but most areas that have picnic tables will also have grills. (And lantius is right about Lincoln Park -- it's a lovely place to be.)

I think if you're prepared for it to be 60 and windy, complete with extra layers for people, that this will be a lot of fun no matter the weather. If you don't have enough fleece of your own to lend out, you could run by a few thrift stores and then donate it back after the wedding.
posted by Margalo Epps at 3:51 PM on September 6, 2013 [1 favorite]