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Seattle, Washington / Parks and outdoors

Discovery Park

Explore Seattle's largest urban park, a 534-acre sanctuary in the Magnolia neighborhood featuring rugged sea cliffs, protected tidal beaches, and over 11 miles of scenic walking trails along Puget Sound.

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Discovery Park
www.seattle.gov, website_hero_img_www.seattle.gov

What is Discovery Park known for?

Discovery Park is Seattle's largest urban park, spanning 534 acres of natural area that includes forests, meadows, bluffs, sea cliffs, and two miles of protected tidal beaches.

What are the hours?

The park's posted hours are 4:30 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Is it free?

Yes, the park has no admission fee.

Where is it located?

It is located in Seattle's Magnolia neighborhood at 3801 Discovery Park Blvd, Seattle, WA 98199, on the shores of Puget Sound.

What is the history of the park?

The land was originally named PKa'dz Eltue and inhabited by Indigenous Coast Salish peoples. It later became the site of Fort Lawton before legislation was introduced in 1965 to transfer the land to Seattle for a city park.

What should I check before going?

Use Gyde for context, then check official sources for current hours, tickets, construction, and closures.

What to know

Discovery Park is the largest park in Seattle, spanning 534 acres of diverse natural landscapes in the Magnolia neighborhood. The park is a mosaic of forests, meadows, and bluffs, highlighted by two miles of protected tidal beaches along the shores of Puget Sound. Visitors can explore the expanse via 11.81 miles of walking trails that weave through the wilderness. The land has a deep history, originally named PKa'dz Eltue and inhabited by Indigenous Coast Salish peoples since time immemorial. In more recent history, the site served as Fort Lawton. The transition to a public space began in 1965 when Congressman Brock Adams introduced legislation to transfer the land to the city, leading to the official Discovery Park proposal published in 1972. Central to the park's design was the Kiley Plan, which envisioned a massive open recreation space where residents could escape the urban environment. This vision was intended to connect Seattleites with the natural landscape. Today, the Friends of Seattle’s Olmsted Parks note that the site substantially fulfills the original Olmsted vision as a primary anchor for the citywide park system. Located at 3801 Discovery Park Blvd, the park remains a free destination for the public. While the park is open daily from 4:30 a.m. to 11 p.m., guests should note that the Discovery Park Visitor Center is currently closed until summer 2027.

Visitor tips

  • Plan your visit between 4:30 a.m. and 11 p.m. to align with official park hours.
  • Avoid parking at the beach level unless you have a permit or ADA placard to avoid towing.
  • Wear sturdy walking shoes to navigate the 11.81 miles of available trails.
  • Note that the Visitor Center is closed until summer 2027, so bring your own maps or guides.

Nearby context

Situated in the Magnolia neighborhood, Discovery Park serves as a massive green anchor for the community and provides a stark natural contrast to the nearby urban density of downtown Seattle.

Sources

Evidence and links