Discovery Park in Seattle
Maintained trails provide access to the beach at low tide when it’s possible to walk out 100 yards onto tidal flats or more. Parking: Free parking is available throughout Seattle’s Largest Natural Park – Discovery Park along Alki Beach on Marine Drive S in West Seattle with overflow parking off W Emerson Street near Fort Lawton military base (now a City of Seattle park) and in the Playground parking lot of the W Seattle YMCA.
Discovery Park is a former U.S. Army installation that was the site of coastal artillery batteries, barracks, and a large military hospital constructed in 1904 along with Fort Lawton at Discovery Park’s West Point, where on-post housing for officers once stood. The park occupies most of the former 54 acres (42 ha) United States Army post.
History of Discovery Park
Discovery Park is located in Magnolia on the west side of Seattle. It is an old military installation that was transformed into a natural park. This large stretch of land covers over 500 acres and has many different trails for hikers, ramblers, bikers, and runners alike! There are also beach access points along five miles worth of beaches and picnic areas throughout this expansive green space. If you enjoy boating, there is plenty of room here to dock your boat or launch it from one of the marinas down by West Point Lighthouse, which lies on Maury Island just offshore in Puget Sound, so no matter what time of day you like to get out on the water you can enjoy your time surrounded by nature.
Things To Do At Discovery Park
Hike trails with stunning views or visit Picnic Point for a picnic lunch. You can also enjoy various activities at Camp Long, which includes an 18-hole golf course as well as a driving range that is available year-round! The park is also famous for kite flying during windy days. There’s even logging going on here, so don’t forget your camera. Sure to stop by Golden Gardens Park and enjoy a beautiful sunset over the Puget Sound.
In conclusion, Discovery Park in Seattle has so much to offer for everyone who visits! There are always fun things to do here year-round, whether you are looking for outdoor activities or want a peaceful day at the beach enjoying nature’s beauty.
Facts about the Discovery Park
Discovery Park is the largest natural park in Seattle. It occupies more than 500 acres of land and offers some breathtaking views of Puget Sound, Olympic Mountains, Mount Rainier & Mt. Baker from various locations within the park.
People can enjoy biking, picnicking, or hiking on what used to be a military installation.
The park has a rocky intertidal beach area and forested areas where visitors can observe nature. Visitors will find two trails that lead them to the park’s highest point, which is known as West Point Lighthouse & Fire Lookout. This tower offers an excellent panoramic view of Puget Sound, Seattle to the west, and the Cascade Mountains.
The park is home to a wide range of animal species such as deer, foxes & bald eagles, among others. One can spot smaller birds throughout the year, but it’s best to visit between September and March when more migratory visitors are in this area.
At the top of Discovery Park, you can find a 100-foot tall hill, and at its base is a beautiful beach.
Activities to do in Discovery Park
Hiking trails: There are more than 16 hiking trails that cover over 60 acres.
Bird watching: Take advantage of this excellent birding spot down by the waterway at “E Island.” This island provides habitats for all kinds of wildlife, especially birds.
Kayaking Kayak: rentals are available near the beach in the harbor. Grab a kayak and enjoy an evening paddle on Puget Sound.
Biking: it is allowed along most of the trails, but not everywhere-
Picnics: Pack your lunch or grab something delicious at “Starbucks” to eat at one of the picnic tables located throughout Discovery Park Seattle!
Swimming: The park also has three large freshwater lakes which allow for fishing, boating (with a permit). The dog-friendly beach is located on the western end of the park. Visitors can enjoy views from this natural area that is close to downtown Seattle!
The city features many miles of paths for joggers, bicyclists, rollerbladers, or pedestrians to explore. Discovery Park is among Seattle’s most popular parks, with more than two million visitors every year enjoying the park’s scenic beauty and a wide variety of wildlife such as harbor seals that can be seen on occasion playing in Puget Sound waters near West Point. A highlight at this natural oasis in urbanity includes magnificent vistas overlooking Elliott Bay toward downtown Seattle, Magnolia Bluff, and Cove Island, home to an abundance of bald eagles that can be seen perched in the large trees along Discovery Park trails. The park is also located within a five-minute drive from Golden Gardens Park, where visitors can enjoy sunsets over the Puget Sound.
Location of Discovery Park
Discovery Park is located at the far west end of Seattle, WA, on West Point (the westernmost point in the city). 3801 Discovery Park Blvd, Seattle, WA 98199, USA.
Fees: Adult: $16.95. Child: $12.95.
There are two main entrances to Discovery Park. One is off of West Point Lighthouse Road and 52nd Ave W, which has a large parking lot and access to four different trails throughout the park east-west, north-south, or along Discovery Bay. The other entrance is from 38th Street SW south of Fauntleroy Ferry Dock, where there is also plenty of room for cars though this area does not have any public restrooms available. There are a $30 vehicle fee to park outside Alki Beach day-use area and free shuttle bus service charges for some locations in West Seattle, including Alki Beach.
Address: 3801 Discovery Park Blvd, Seattle, WA 98199, United States
Hours:
Monday 4am–11:30pm
Tuesday 4am–11:30pm
Wednesday 4am–11:30pm
Thursday 4am–11:30pm
Friday 4am–11:30pm
Saturday 4am–11:30pm
Sunday 4am–11:30pm
Phone: +1 206-386-4236
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