Is North Admiral part of West Seattle?

Yes. North Admiral, often called Admiral or the Admiral District, is the oldest neighborhood in West Seattle.

Why is it called North Admiral?

The name combines its location north of the Junction at SW Alaska Street and California Avenue SW with Admiral Way SW, the main street crossing California there.

How big is Schmitz Preserve Park?

Schmitz Preserve Park covers 53.1 acres of old-growth forest with about 1.7 miles of hiking trails.

What landmarks are in North Admiral?

The Admiral Theater is City of Seattle Landmark No. 173, and the West Seattle Library is Landmark No. 241. Other protected sites include Bloss House and the Hainsworth/Gordon House.

How many people live in North Admiral?

U.S. Census estimates put the area's population at roughly 22,241.

North Admiral, Seattle: Parks, Landmarks and History

Old-growth forest laced with hiking trails shares this corner of West Seattle with a cluster of protected landmarks. North Admiral in Seattle, known locally as Admiral or the Admiral District, is the oldest neighborhood in West Seattle, and it rewards you with those trails, a viewpoint park the city bought in 1914, and standout buildings such as the Admiral Theater and the West Seattle Library.

Finding Your Way Around North Admiral

The name can puzzle newcomers, because Admiral Way SW actually runs east and west rather than north and south. You will find the heart of the neighborhood where Admiral Way crosses California Avenue SW, a crossing that lies north of the Junction, the major intersection at SW Alaska Street and California.

So the name blends two ideas: the neighborhood's position north of the Junction and the main street that cuts through it. Roughly 22,241 people call the area home, according to U.S. Census estimates. Use California Avenue SW as your spine, since several of the key stops line up along it.

Read the full North Admiral guide

Where West Seattle Began

Admiral was settled before the rest of West Seattle, and in the early 1900s ferries and a cable car tied it to the rest of the city. Picture paddle steamers named City of Seattle and West Seattle carrying passengers across the water.

That early start is why so many historic buildings stand within a few blocks of each other here. Beyond the theater and library, city records list landmarks including Bloss House, the Hainsworth/Gordon House and a former Sixth Church of Christ, Scientist, so keep an eye out as you wander.

Forest Trails and Green Space

Schmitz Preserve Park

Head here first if the outdoors is calling. Schmitz Preserve spreads across 53.1 acres of old-growth forest, a rare sight inside city limits. Follow about 1.7 miles of hiking trails for an easy walk beneath very old trees.

Hamilton Viewpoint Park

Seattle acquired this 16.9-acre park on California Avenue SW back in 1914, and it honors Rupert L. Hamilton, a figure in the West Seattle community. Before you go, read up on Hamilton Viewpoint Park and its history.

Hiawatha Playfield

Right beside West Seattle High School, Hiawatha Playfield is home to the oldest community center west of the Mississippi, a notable claim for a neighborhood playfield. If you want more greenery, seek out the smaller spaces nearby: Belvedere Park, Nantes Park, California Place and the College Street Ravine.

Landmarks Worth a Stop

Admiral Theater

Look for the Admiral Theater on California Avenue SW, the most recognizable historic building in the district. It became City of Seattle Landmark No. 173 in 1993. For the backstory, browse our guide to the Admiral Theater landmark.

West Seattle Library

The library building at 2306 42nd Avenue SW was designated City of Seattle Landmark No. 241 in 2003, and it still welcomes the public as the Seattle Public Library's West Seattle Branch. Learn about the library's landmark status, or check the West Seattle Branch details for current hours, which can change.

Spend a Half Day in Admiral

Start your morning on the Schmitz Preserve trails, then spend the afternoon along California Avenue SW. Stop at Hamilton Viewpoint Park, stroll past the Admiral Theater, and finish at the library, with several other landmarks just a short walk away.

Park hours, library schedules and theater showings vary, so confirm the details with Seattle Parks and Recreation and the Seattle Public Library before you head out.