Put the backyard barbecue to rest and zip on over to West Seattle for a summer excursion, including a meal at Zippy’s Giant Burgers and a scenic ride along Alki beach.

On the exterior, Zippy’s looks unimpressive, and the location is not central to other activities in the West Seattle neighborhood. Parking outside the restaurant is very limited, but there is plenty of street parking nearby, with a walk that can help burn off some of the calories from a Zippy’s meal.

The restaurant is small, offering two tables and counters with bar stools, but has a cozy vintage feel because of the retro memorabilia on the walls. There is usually a line trailing out the door, but you know the saying: “Good things come to those who wait.” A burger from Zippy’s is a very good thing.

Zippy’s grounds their patties everyday from 100 percent meat that is sandwiched between soft buns from a local supplier, making each bite fresh.

I ordered the Lil Zip, which is about 3 ounces. It’s the perfect size if you want to avoid a massive food coma or are trying to stay fit for the summer, but the 5-ounce Zip is manageable as well. However, only those with severe self-control can resist upgrading to the Zip Royale that has two patties, or the nearly 1-pound Big Mouth with three patties when the prices are so cheap.

I personally suggest skipping the fries and onion rings, as they were bland and are the only items on the menu that are frozen. I enjoyed a delicious chocolate shake, which comes with hand-scooped ice cream. Zippy’s has a fun selection of more than 20 vintage carbonated drinks. From peach soda to seven different kinds of root beer, customers can walk up to the refrigerator and choose the bottle they desire, which is later recycled by the restaurant.

I have heard that the homemade black-bean burger is the best veggie burger in town, but I wasn’t about to opt for the vegetarian option during my first visit to Zippy’s.

Zippy’s is also known for their No. 11, a spicy burger named after the fire station across the street, that is piled with Mama Lil’s sweet-hot, goathorn peppers, housemade-chipotle mayo and jack and smoked cheddar cheese.

The staff is friendly and does their best to accommodate; just ask if you want something not offered on the menu, like grilled onions, but don’t ask how they make the secret sauce.

Although Zippy’s is a bit far from other entertainment in West Seattle, a good burger is worth the detour.

After the tasty meal, enjoy the rest of the summer day with some outdoorsy activity at Alki Beach. Zip off the calories at Wheel Fun Rentals, where they have unique bicycles for rent, such as surreys, a four-wheeled carriage for groups and various types of bicycles for single riders. Free helmets are provided with a rental. Take advantage of the warm, sunny weather now, as Wheel Fun Rentals is only open from May to September.

Down the street, Alki Kayak Tours offers kayaks, inline skates, fishing boats and longboards for rent. Their sea kayak tours include day trips, sunset floats and overnight tours. Whether you are on the water or the boardwalk, the perk of Alki is the view of Elliott Bay and the Seattle skyline along the 2.5-mile strip.

From famous burgers to outdoor adventures at Alki Beach, West Seattle is a great location for summer dates or having fun with a group of friends.

Reach reporter Carolyn Yuen at arts@dailyuw.com.