Discovery Park
Overview
Expert Summary
Detailed Insights
Discovery Park offers a unique natural escape in Seattle, featuring breathtaking panoramic views of the Puget Sound, Olympic, and Cascade Mountains, diverse landscapes including lush forests, grassy meadows, sandy beaches, and dramatic bluffs, centered around the iconic West Point Lighthouse. It's ideal for those seeking tranquil nature walks, outdoor exploration, and opportunities for rock skipping and finding seaglass, providing a peaceful haven away from city life.
Key Highlights
- ✓Breathtaking panoramic views of Puget Sound, Olympic, and Cascade Mountains.
- ✓Diverse landscapes including lush forests, grassy meadows, sandy beaches, and dramatic bluffs.
- ✓Iconic West Point Lighthouse accessible via trails.
- ✓Opportunities for rock skipping and finding seaglass on the beach.
- ✓Variety of trail options, including a loop trail with beautiful views.
- ✓Relatively quiet and secluded ambiance, described as a peaceful haven.
- ✓Ability to see mushrooms and moss along the trails, especially noted for nature lovers.
Standout Features
- ⭐Stunning views of the Puget Sound from various viewpoints.
- ⭐Iconic West Point Lighthouse as a key destination.
- ⭐Diverse natural environments for varied exploration.
- ⭐Opportunities for active outdoor pursuits like hiking, rock skipping, and beachcombing.
- ⭐Accessibility via public bus (Route 33 from downtown Seattle).
Perfect For
Ideal For
💡Pro Tips from Reviews
- →Come well-equipped with water, snacks, and appropriate gear due to limited on-site facilities (restrooms, shelter).
- →Wear sturdy, waterproof footwear, as trails can be muddy and include uphill sections.
- →Be prepared for steep uphill walks, especially when returning from the lighthouse and beach.
- →Consider taking public transit (Number 33 Magnolia bus from downtown Seattle) to avoid parking difficulties.
- →Bring a leash if bringing a dog, as it's a popular spot for dog walking.
- →Allow ample time for exploration, especially if planning to walk to the lighthouse and beach.
Things to Consider
- ⚠Visitor center is currently closed due to flood damage.
- ⚠Limited parking availability, especially in the small lot near the beach on sunny weekends.
- ⚠Limited restrooms and shelter on site, requiring visitors to come well-equipped.
- ⚠The walk back from the lighthouse to the main park is described as quite steep and tiring.
- ⚠Loop trail also has some elevation, making it physically demanding in parts.
- ⚠Trails can be muddy, requiring appropriate footwear.
Price & Value
No admission fees or specific pricing mentioned, indicating free access to the park and its trails.
♿Accessibility & Special Needs
- •Accessible by car and public bus (Number 33 Magnolia bus from downtown Seattle).
- •Features trails described as 'suitable for all skill levels', but also notes 'steep' sections and 'muddy' conditions, suggesting varied accessibility across the park.
- •Limited information on specific accommodations for special needs; limited restrooms imply potentially limited accessible facilities.
🍎Food & Drink Policy
- •No explicit food policy mentioned, but 'scenic picnic' is suggested, implying outside food is permitted.
🚗Parking Info
- •Limited parking generally available.
- •A small parking lot near the beach exists, but it can be difficult to find a spot on sunny weekends.
- •Accessible by car, but be prepared for potential parking challenges.
👥Crowd Levels
- •Generally described as having a 'relatively quiet and secluded ambiance'.
- •Can be a popular place for walking dogs and running, especially on weekends.
- •Beach parking lot can be difficult to find a spot on sunny weekends, implying higher crowd levels in those specific areas/times.
🛡️Safety Features
- •Park is described as 'well kept'.
- •No specific safety measures like staff supervision, first aid, or wristbands are explicitly mentioned in the reviews.
⏰When to Avoid
- • If you have mobility issues that prevent navigating steep, muddy, or uneven trails.
- • If you require on-site amenities like easily accessible restrooms or a visitor center (it's closed).
- • If you are looking for a purely flat or paved walking experience.
- • Driving directly to the beach parking lot on sunny weekends if you wish to avoid difficulties finding a spot.
Pricing/Package/Events
Events & Schedule
Special Events(Last 2 months - Next 6 months)
Summer Shuttle Bus
Weekends between Memorial Day Weekend and Labor Day (seasonal)
Free, donation-supported
Usually operates in cooperation with ARC, connecting the North and East parking lots to the beach. 2025 service has ended, 2026 service not yet announced.
🛡️Safety Policy
- • Boating access is restricted to boats arriving by water only at 100' of shoreline north and 100' south of the West Point Lighthouse.
📅Booking Policy
- • Outdoor ceremony reservations are available through the outdoor ceremonies reservations site.
- • Picnic Site Reservations: (206) 684-4080, x 2; email sprevents@seattle.gov.
- • To apply for scholarships: online application is fastest (takes about 20 minutes) or submit a hard copy application (email scholarship.parks@seattle.gov for form). Requires income and household size documentation (e.g., 2024 1040 income tax document). Households/individuals must apply annually. Qualification process can take up to two weeks during peak times for complete applications. No retroactive scholarship funds available.
🚗Parking Information
- • 3 general-use parking lots:
- • - North Lot (Illinois Ave & Texas Way)
- • - East Lot (Discovery Park Blvd & 36th Ave W, next to the closed Visitor Center)
- • - South Lot (enter from 43rd Ave W & W Emerson St)
- • ADA-only parking at the Beach Lot (end of Discovery Park Blvd, by the lighthouse) requires an ADA placard.
- • Parking at the beach level without a permit or ADA placard is not allowed and may result in citation or towing (no beach parking permits issued while Visitor Center is closed).
- • Discovery Park Blvd allows car access through the interior of the park, but has no general parking past the East Lot.
- • Public transportation via King County Metro: Route #24 (southern boundary) and Route #33 (northeast corner, serves North Lot near Daybreak Star Indian Cultural Center).
What People Say
What's Great
- Fun and entertaining activities (mentioned in 2 reviews)
- Spacious play areas (mentioned in 2 reviews)
Areas for Improvement
- Parking can be challenging (mentioned in 6 reviews)
Recent Reviews
David Hong
a week agoThis picturesque and tranquil viewpoint provides an ideal spot to simply admire the breathtaking views, socialize with friends or family, or engage in meditation. Its relatively quiet and secluded ambiance makes it a peaceful haven. However, it’s essential to be prepared for limited parking, restrooms, and shelter, so come well-equipped. Conveniently accessible by bike and car, this hidden gem in Seattle offers a unique and enjoyable experience.
Brandon Brockbank
a month agoAmazing way to beat the gray by being outside and enjoying rock skipping and beautiful spring walks to reset yourself. Take your furry friend for a long walk, the kids to play Pokémon, or even a quiet solo stroll and snap the amazing vistas.
A. T.
4 weeks agoBeautiful park with different trail options, the loop trail has beautiful views of the puget sound. We walked down to the lighthouse and the beach, the beach is also very nice, there is a small parking lot near the beach but it could be difficult to find a spot on sunny weekends. Walking back is a bit tiring because you need to go uphill.
Catherine P
a month agoWhen visiting Seattle this park is a must if you like the outdoors. The visitor center is currently closed due to flood damage but the rest of the park is open and well kept. We took the public bus here and walked the loop trail and South Beach to the lighthouse. We found some seaglass on the beach near the lighthouse. The walk back up from the lighthouse is quite steep and the loop trail does have some elevation. Trails were muddy but manageable. We loved seeing all the mushrooms and moss along the trails. This seems to be a popular place for walking dogs and running.
bao tram nguyen
3 months agoIf you need a place to enjoy nature and watch the sunset in Seattle, go to Discovery Park. Take the number 33 Magnolia bus from downtown Seattle. With its diverse landscapes—including lush forests, grassy meadows, sandy beaches, and dramatic bluffs—the park provides a unique environment to explore. Highlights include the iconic West Point Lighthouse, panoramic views of the Olympic and Cascade Mountains, and a variety of trails suitable for all skill levels. Whether you’re visiting for a leisurely walk, a scenic picnic, or simply to take in the tranquility of nature.