Seattle is full of beautiful neighborhoodsbut I consider Magnolia to be amongst the most scenic.

It's only 10 minutes from downtownbut sits on a spectacular peninsula that can only be accessed across three bridges. It feels like an island to mewith jawdropping views across Puget Sound from its blufftop homes. 

Magnolia also boasts Seattle's largest urban parkDiscovery Parkwith miles of forested trails and a lighthouse.

Magnolia's downtown has a welcomingsmall town feel. Locals meet in the coffee shops and restaurants along West McGraw Streetor visit the Saturday Farmer's Market in summer.

The nearby Magnolia Playfields are always busy throughout the yearwith families taking their kids to baseball and soccer gamesor visiting the popular playground. One of the best places to be in summer is the outdoor Mounger Poolwith 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 Augustwith live musica beer gardenbouncy houses and stalls. The Magnolia Village Car Show is in late Augustand 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 parkand 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 playgroundnestled amongst the trees.  

My favorite walk is from the south entrance of Discovery Parkpassing 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 longbut everything I need is here. This charmingtree-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 Magnoliaand is lined with shops and restaurants. There’s also a bookstorea lovely garden centerchic furniture storetrendy clothing boutiqueand upscale consignment store. Petit Pierre Bakery (above) is super popular on weekendswith 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-outand Serendipity is my go-to for a deliciouscooked breakfast with my coffee. 

The restaurant selection along McGrath isn't hugebut there are some solid options including Ichiro Sushi, Pink Salt (Peruvian)Queen Margherita Pizzaand 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 Streetis to visit the Magnolia Farmer's Market on Saturdays in summer. This lovely market is the perfect community gathering spacewith loads of fresh produce and flowersand 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 Streetand is transformed with bounce housesdozens of food and craft stallsand a stage for this festival. The atmosphere is most electric at night when neighbors hang out at the beer gardenand 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 themwith the hugely popular Mounger Pool. Visitors have a choice of two open-air pools at Mounger. The kiddy pool is maintained at 94 degreesand 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 Seattleand is situated on the neighborhood's western bluff.

The combination of the soaring views over Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountainsand historicwell manicured propertiesmake 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 Boulevardand 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 Viewpointwhere 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 cornerwith soaring vistas of Mount Rainierdowntown Seattleand 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 amenitieslike the fabulous playgroundopen grassy area for sportsand 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 Playfieldsone block from McGraw Street. Families spend of lot of time here during the baseball season or fall soccerthen head into the village for ice-cream and treats.  There's also lots of room to kick a ballor run around.

The western end of the Magnolia Playfields is home to a popular playground. Pickleball has really taken off here in recent yearsand 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 playgroundbut 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 centerwith 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 netsand 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. Howevertoday it's become an emerging hub for popular breweries like Figure Head BrewingBizarre Brewing and Dirty Couch Brewing. Each of these has a lovely patioand is within a short distance from the popular Fisherman's Terminal.

Figurehead Brewing is perfect for cooler dayswith a cosyinviting interior.

Bizarre Brewing is great for larger groupswith 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 optionI 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 restaurantand enjoys equally amazing views! The patio is one of the best places to be on a summer's day.

More photos of Magnolia