Discovery Park in Seattle, Washington

Discovery Park is beloved among travelers who love to seek out green spaces while on vacation. Located in the Magnolia neighborhood of Seattle, northwest of downtown and Seattle Center, this is the largest public park in the city, covering 534 acres. Whether you’re an avid birdwatcher or just looking for a place in Seattle to get in a morning jog, Discovery Park will be the perfect spot. First-time visitors to Seattle will soon learn that this is a city that takes its parks seriously. Green space and being conscious of the environment is something Seattle is known for across the country. Once you see the beauty of Discovery Park Seattle, you’ll understand why.

One reason travelers—especially families—love Discovery Park is for its wildlife. While the birds are incredible and diverse, with more than 200 species spotted in the park, the real wildlife attraction is harbor seals and sea lions. Calling the bay home, these incredible creatures are fascinating to see in their natural environment. The best way to enjoy Discovery Park Seattle is to hike the Loop Trail which includes forest, meadows, and offers incredible views of Puget Sound. The park is also known for its beaches, which are perfect for a picnic on a sunny day.

Discovery Park is also popular for locals and visitors with a fitness focus. The park offers almost twelve miles of walking trails. If you hate jogging in a circle, this is the park in Seattle for you. It also contains some beautiful historic attractions that you might encounter on a jog, including the West Point Lighthouse. Both for leisure and fitness, this park is a beautiful place to spend a few hours during a visit to Seattle. Don’t leave without seeing the dramatic sea cliffs—they are definitely a highlight of this destination.

Seattle is full of urban pleasures, from museums to fine dining to two giant sports stadiums. However, a trip to this city might not be complete without experiencing the natural side of the city. A visit to Discovery Park Seattle allows you to take in all the different local landscapes. From a hike through the fragrant forest to sinking your toes into the sand on the beach, this park offers many pleasures of the great outdoors. If you’re traveling on a budget and looking for free things to do in Seattle, you can’t beat a visit to Discovery Park. The Magnolia neighborhood also has great restaurants, many of which are budget-friendly, so you can pick up a cheap lunch at the local Greek deli or sandwich shop and bring it out the park for a picnic.

While Seattle is known for its rain, that doesn’t stop locals from enjoying Mother Nature. If your idea of a trip to Seattle is filled with sunshine, plan your trip during the summer months. This season is also when Seattle offers a wide range of festivals and events. Not only will you have the excellent weather to enjoy a bike ride through Discovery Park, but you can also go to a food festival, go kayaking on the lake, or explore the Woodland Park Zoo. While Seattle is a great destination at any time of the year, it really shines during the summer months when attractions like Discovery Park are at their peak.