Discovery Park
- Trevor
- March 15, 2021
- Last Updated: September 12, 2023
Location
Seattle, WA 98199
Facebook
Twitter
Email
Description
Welcome to Discovery Park! Looking for a quick escape from city living without venturing too far? Look no further than Seattle’s largest park. Boasting 534-acres of hiking and walking trails, incredible views, picturesque photo spots, rich history, and even a playground for the kiddos, there’s something for everyone here. Need some nature therapy? We’ve got you covered. Discovery Park provides ample open spaces away from the bustle of city life, serving as a sanctuary for wildlife and an outdoor classroom to learn about the natural world.Â
With its two miles of protected tidal beaches, dramatic sea cliffs, forest groves, and streams, Discovery Park is a nature lover’s paradise with no shortage of beauty. Come see for yourself why this is a top pick for family photo shoots. Just a heads up, dogs aren’t allowed on the beach.
Photo by Eunice Choi on Unsplash
Photo by RonGreer.Com / Shutterstock
Where Can I Park At The Discover Park?
There are a number of places to park along the street outside the park or in the East, South, and North parking lots near the entrances. The East Parking Lot is closest to the Visitor Center, the South Parking Lot is a tad closer to the bluffs and the North parking lot will get you close to the Daybreak Star Indian Cultural Center and North Beach scenic spot.
Walk the Discovery Park Trails
Looking for a beautiful hike with stunning views? Come explore the Discovery Park’s most popular trail, the 4.5 mile loop that passes by the iconic West Point Lighthouse! With interpretive signs and historical information found throughout the trail, you’ll learn as you hike. This easy trail with only 140 feet of elevation change is perfect for children, plus, dogs are welcome on a leash! Begin your adventure at the visitor’s center, equipped with an indoor public restroom. Don’t forget to check out the other trails to North Beach, South Beach, and West Point with the West Point Lighthouse at the tip of the park. And be sure to take a look at the Historic District, where you’ll discover what remains of Fort Lawton.
Explore the Discovery Park Visitor Center
The Discovery Park Environmental Learning & Visitor Center is your go-to place for incredible environmental education programming throughout the year! Bring your friends, family, or even just yourself and enjoy the hands-on experiences that employ games, props, and activities to enhance the learning adventure.Â
Additionally, the Visitor Center can assist with navigating the park and surrounding environment. Don’t forget to take advantage of the grassy area outside the center, perfect for enjoying a picnic. Come and explore!
Explore the Daybreak Star Indian Cultural Center
Daybreak Star Indian Cultural Center is a beautiful and important community center for Native Americans in the Seattle area. Situated on 20 acres of stunning land in Discovery Park, Seattle’s Magnolia neighborhood, it serves as United Indians’ headquarters. This incredible center owes its existence to the dedication and passion of Native American activists, including the visionary Bernie Whitebear. Through a powerful and non-violent takeover, Whitebear and the Indian community claimed the land in 1970 after most of the Fort Lawton military base was declared surplus by the U.S. Department of Defense. Since then, the center has become an essential hub for the local Native American community.
Nature Kids Preschool
Did you know Discovery Park has a Nature Kids Preschool?! Their program is designed for children ages three to five, and they take great pride in creating an enriching, fun, and child-centered environment. Their goal is to help children grow emotionally, socially, physically, and academically by providing hands-on experiences both inside the classroom and outside in nature. Rain or shine, Nature Kids go outside everyday to explore and discover the wonders of nature in the amazing preschool’s Discovery Park backyard.
Discovery Park Playground Photos
Note to Self
- It’s about a three-mile round trip trail. The Discovery Park & Lighthouse Loop trail is roughly 4.5 miles.
- The tide pools have marine life including barnacles, sea anemones, and baby mussels.
- You can even get a glimpse of orca whales if you’re lucky.
- There are also plenty of wildlife, including bunnies, ducks, and sometimes you will see sea otters!
- There is a sandy play area.
- Very dog friendly.
- Strollers can navigate paved areas.
Welcome to That Sounds Awesome
Four cousins on their journey to enjoy life. We spend our days exploring Seattle, Washington, surrounding areas, and the world to find the best things to do, eat, and see.
Disclosure
If you like what you see, please consider supporting us by using our affiliate links (if you make a purchase through these links, we may earn a commission with no additional cost to you).
Advertisement
Nearby Outings
Recent Posts
Get Curated Post Updates!
Sign up for my newsletter to see new photos, tips, and blog posts.