Secluded and surrounded by natural beauty, Magnolia is one of Seattle’s oldest and largest neighborhoods, offering a small-town feel within the big city. Only accessible by three bridges, the quaint and quiet community sits just northwest of downtown on a hilly coastal peninsula. Home to Discovery Park, a thriving commercial district, family-friendly activities, and incredible outdoor amenities, Magnolia continues to attract new residents, locals, and tourists to enjoy its myriad offerings and lifestyle.
PARKS & RECREATION
The crown jewel of Magnolia is Discovery Park, Seattle’s largest park encompassing 534 acres with miles of trails that loop through meadows, streams, forests, and historic relics. Take in views of Puget Sound and Olympic Mountains from the upper bluff or down on the beach, which wraps around to West Point, the westernmost point in Seattle. Trails here lead to the legendary West Point Lighthouse, which helps to guide ships into Elliott Bay.
Other Magnolia parks to visit include the Ursula Judkins Viewpoint as well as Magnolia Park, which overlooks the Puget Sound, Mount Rainier, and city skyline, and features a picnic area and tennis courts.
Open May through September, Mounger Pool is a great place for the family to cool off during Seattle’s summer months. Featuring both a 25-foot big pool with a 50-foot corkscrew slide and a little pool for relaxation and smaller children, the facility offers lap swimming, water-exercise classes, family swim and playtime, and a summer swim league.
The Salmon Bay Wildlife Corridor is where Seattle’s fresh water lakes meet the ocean, named after the great salmon migration that happens each year. There are public access points along the corridor, which starts at Discovery Park and winds past Kiwanis Ravine, ending at the Hiram Chittenden Locks and Golden Gardens in Ballard.
FOOD & DRINK
Featuring one of the best views in Seattle, Palisade is an outstanding date night or special occasion option. As you dine you can look across Magnolia’s Smith Cove and the Elliott Bay Marina and see the Space Needle, downtown skyline, and Mount Rainier. The 25-year-old restaurant is known for its exquisite seafood, and also dishes up an elaborate weekend brunch buffet.
Whether you’re heading to the park or need a quick pick-me-up, Discovery Espresso & Juice serves exceptional smoothies, quality coffee, and breakfast sandwiches. Another popular Magnolia coffee shop is The Blue Heron, which offers a drive-thru window and superior sandwiches for breakfast and lunch.
For sinfully delicious Irish comfort food served in a cozy atmosphere, head to Mulleady’s Irish Pub. Darts and board games can be found upstairs, and the classic Irish pub is also a great brunch spot for the weekend.
MAGNOLIA VILLAGE
Magnolia trees line the Magnolia Village business district, simply referred to as “the Village,” which plays host to many more of the neighborhood’s restaurants as well as a variety of retail shops and services.
For a more upscale experience, head to the intimate Oliver’s Twist, a bar featuring handcrafted cocktails and inventive small plates. On game day (Go Seahawks!), visit local favorite Magnolia Village Pub, the area’s only sports bar.
Vixen Day Spa provides all your beauty and pampering needs delivering waxing and facial services, massage, hair, lashes, nails, and botox. The shop also has a curated selection of clothing and accessories.
For the seasoned or aspiring at-home gardener, look no further than the Magnolia Garden Center, a helpful store with an abundance of plants, flowers, and seeds, as well as a stylish pottery collection.
MORE HIGHLIGHTS
The award-winning design of the Magnolia Public Library highlights gorgeous wood interiors; intricate 1960s architecture; and custom artwork in the form of abstract paintings, statues, and sculptures. It’s a welcoming space and a nice quiet spot to spend an afternoon reading or working.
The Daybreak Star Cultural Center is an event, conference, and gallery space, which features permanent and rotating exhibits and works of art by local and national Native American artists. The center, built in traditional Pacific Northwest native architecture style, boasts a rich indigenous history and is a community treasure.