Seattle is full of beautiful neighborhoods, but I consider Magnolia to be amongst the most scenic.
It's only 10 minutes from downtown, but sits on a spectacular peninsula that can only be accessed across three bridges. It feels like an island to me, with jawdropping views across Puget Sound from its blufftop homes.
Magnolia also boasts Seattle's largest urban park, Discovery Park, with miles of forested trails and a lighthouse.
Magnolia's downtown has a welcoming, small town feel. Locals meet in the coffee shops and restaurants along West McGraw Street, or visit the Saturday Farmer's Market in summer.
The nearby Magnolia Playfields are always busy throughout the year, with families taking their kids to baseball and soccer games, or visiting the popular playground. One of the best places to be in summer is the outdoor Mounger Pool, with a water slide and lifeguards on hand. The pickleball and tennis courts are also popular amongst the locals.
The biggest event of the year is the three day Magnolia Summerfest on the playfields in early August, with live music, a beer garden, bouncy houses and stalls. The Magnolia Village Car Show is in late August, and Vino in the Village is in September where you can sip wines at local businesses.
10 best things to do in Magnolia Seattle
1. Discovery Park
I'm always in awe of the stunning beauty of Magnolia's Discovery Park. This 534-acre park is Seattle's largest urban park, and has a network of forested trails and meadows that lead to sandy beaches and dramatic bluffs. The soaring views always take my breath away.
My first stop is always the Visitor Center to pick up a map. I then take my kids to the nearby adventure playground, nestled amongst the trees.
My favorite walk is from the south entrance of Discovery Park, passing a well preserved row of 19th century military buildings from Fort Lawton. From here I follow the path through coastal forest down to the West Point Lighthouse for incredible views of Puget Sound.
2. West McGraw Street
I love the small town feel along Magnolia's main shopping area on West McGraw Street. It's only one block long, but everything I need is here. This charming, tree-lined street is a great place to escape the hustle and bustle of the rest of Seattle.
West McGraw Street is at the heart of Magnolia, and is lined with shops and restaurants. There’s also a bookstore, a lovely garden center, chic furniture store, trendy clothing boutique, and upscale consignment store. Petit Pierre Bakery (above) is super popular on weekends, with lines out the door to purchase coffee and pastries.
I love the choice of three coffee shops at the intersection of McGrath and 33rd. Starbucks and Uptown Expresso have lots of tables for locals to hang-out, and Serendipity is my go-to for a delicious, cooked breakfast with my coffee.
The restaurant selection along McGrath isn't huge, but there are some solid options including Ichiro Sushi, Pink Salt (Peruvian), Queen Margherita Pizza, and Mondello Italian Restaurant.
Kids will beg to be taken to yummy Nutty Squirrel Ice-cream, or you can take them to the children's section at the excellent Magnolia Bookstore.
3. Magnolia Farmer’s Market
My other favorite activity along McGraw Street, is to visit the Magnolia Farmer's Market on Saturdays in summer. This lovely market is the perfect community gathering space, with loads of fresh produce and flowers, and vendors selling delicious meals.
4. Magnolia Summerfest
The highlight of Magnolia's social calendar is the super fun Magnolia Summerfest. This 3-day event takes place in early August in the heart of Magnolia.
The Magnolia Playfield is a block from McGraw Street, and is transformed with bounce houses, dozens of food and craft stalls, and a stage for this festival. The atmosphere is most electric at night when neighbors hang out at the beer garden, and watch bands up on the stage. There's plenty of dancing and everyone has a great time!
5. Mounger Pool
I recently learned that there are only two outdoor community pools in Seattle! Fortunately Magnolia is home to one of them, with the hugely popular Mounger Pool. Visitors have a choice of two open-air pools at Mounger. The kiddy pool is maintained at 94 degrees, and a larger pool with water slide is always 85 degrees. Kids can also take advantage of swim lessons during summer.
6. Magnolia Boulevard
Magnolia Boulevard has some of the best views in Seattle, and is situated on the neighborhood's western bluff.
The combination of the soaring views over Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains, and historic, well manicured properties, make this an incredibly picturesque spot. It's no wonder so many car commercials have been filmed along this stretch of road. I enjoy strolling along the pedestrian path that flanks Magnolia Boulevard, and soaking it all in.
On a clear day I can also look south towards snow capped Mt Rainier.
I recommend you start at the Magnolia Viewpoint, where you're likely to see some tour buses. Continue walking north from here for incredible views!
There's a small parking lot at the Magnolia Viewpoint.
7. Ella Bailey Park
Another of my favorite viewpoints is Ella Bailey Park on Magnolia's southeast corner, with soaring vistas of Mount Rainier, downtown Seattle, and the Space Needle. The views get even better at night when I can see the twinkling city lights.
The other reason to visit Ella Bailey Park is the modern amenities, like the fabulous playground, open grassy area for sports, and two hoop half courts for basketball. I also enjoy walking around the paved track that encircles the park. Bring your lunch here and sit at one of the picnic tables to take in the views!
8. Magnolia Playfields
There's a lot of green space in the heart of Magnolia in the expansive Magnolia Playfields, one block from McGraw Street. Families spend of lot of time here during the baseball season or fall soccer, then head into the village for ice-cream and treats. There's also lots of room to kick a ball, or run around.
The western end of the Magnolia Playfields is home to a popular playground. Pickleball has really taken off here in recent years, and there are lots of pickleball and tennis courts. The adjacent Community Center also hosts summer camps and regular community classes.
9. Other Magnolia playgrounds
I've discovered a total of five different playgrounds in Magnolia!
The best views are from the Ella Bailey playground, but the playground at Magnolia Playfields always seems the busiest due to its proximity to the village.
I love visiting the Discovery Park adventure playground near the visitor center, with it's own zipline and climbing tower! The forested setting is absolutely idyllic.
Some other great choices in Magnolia are the modern playground at Lawton Elementary with elaborate climbing nets, and the quieter Bayview Playground with a merry-go-round.
10. Breweries in Industrial Area
The north-eastern edge of Magnolia is typically known as an industrial area full of marine companies. However, today it's become an emerging hub for popular breweries like Figure Head Brewing, Bizarre Brewing and Dirty Couch Brewing. Each of these has a lovely patio, and is within a short distance from the popular Fisherman's Terminal.
Figurehead Brewing is perfect for cooler days, with a cosy, inviting interior.
Bizarre Brewing is great for larger groups, with a huge indoor space.
11.Waterfront dining at Elliott Bay Marina
I love driving to the south end of Magnolia to savor some of Seattle's best waterfront dining. If I'm looking for a more upscale option, I book a table at the elegant Palisades Restaurant with 180 degree views of Downtown Seattle and Elliott Bay. The more casual Maggie Bluff's is directly below this restaurant, and enjoys equally amazing views! The patio is one of the best places to be on a summer's day.
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