- Distance and Travel Time (from downtown Seattle) : 6.5 miles (21m)
- Parking
Parking lot at the visitor center (east parking lot) or at the north or south parking lot
- When to Go
Anytime of year (Good park to enjoy year round but can be chilly on windy days)
- Things to Do
Stroll along the loop trail to the beach and lighthouse, enjoy the walk through the forest, tidepooling on the beach, look for sea creatures, bird watching, etc.
- Tips
1) In the summer season (late May to early Sept – check website for exact dates) a free shuttle bus to and from the beach to the visitor center is provided on weekends.
2) The loop trail (2.8 miles) may be too long for younger kids, but if you park at the visitor center and walk the trail one way to the beach (about 1 mile), then take the shuttle on the way back, it will make the trip better for the whole family.
3) Take along some beach toys (small shovel and bucket) for the kids. They can use them either at the sandy area on the trail or at the beach.
4) Rainboots can be useful at the beach when exploring tide pools and looking for sea creatures on the wet shore.
5) Take along some extra shoes (maybe clothes too) just in case so everyone can change and be more comfortable after the fun.
Discovery Park Visitor Center(Environmental Learning Center)
Children's Play Room inside the Visitor Center
Discovery Park Loop Trail
Berries along the Trail
Sandy area of the Trail
Trail beyond the Sandy area towards the Beach
South Beach at Discovery Park
Free Shuttle Bus from Visitor Center to South Beach