So, it’s your turn to host and your friends and family are coming to town. You’ll be expected to show everybody the touristy spots and keep everyone entertained during their stay.
Where should you go? Well, if you live in Seattle Southside, you’ve got plenty of options.
First of all, if you need to find somewhere other than your house for your guests to stay, there are plenty of inexpensive hotel options around the airport. The hotels in Seattle Southside are typically priced 20-30% less than their downtown counterparts and the prices are even better in fall and winter. Speaking of fall, the newly launched Autumn Adventures page will give you plenty of ideas on how to make the most of your fall family/friends visit, so be sure to check that out.
If your guests want to see some of the famous sights in downtown Seattle, like the Space Needle, Pike Place Market, Seattle Center and the waterfront, it’s fairly easy to see it all when you hop on the Link light rail. Park your car at the Angle Lake or Tukwila International Boulevard station (for free) and ride the stress-free train all the way to downtown Seattle. The University street stop will get you to Pike Place and the waterfront, and if you want to check out the Space Needle and all the museums at Seattle Center, get off at Westlake and hop on the monorail.
After you’ve hit the iconic Seattle sights, you should spend some time in your own backyard! There’s a wide variety of popular and underrated attractions and restaurants in Seattle Southside. Start by taking a tour of the Seattle Chocolate factory on the Experience Chocolate tour. You’ll learn about their sustainable sourcing, see the chocolate being pressed into truffle bars, and snack on plenty of delectable samples.
Check out the great outdoors
If you think your family/friends would enjoy some outdoorsy activities, head down to Des Moines and spend a day at Des Moines Beach Park. You can stroll along the beach, barbecue, play catch in the park and take a walk down the Des Moines Creek Trail. You could choose to head a little further south to Redondo Beach, rent a kayak or paddle board from the Olympic Outdoor Center and take to the Sound. If it’s Saturday, the Marine Science & Technology Center (MaST) is open to the public at no cost and features tons of live, local aquatic creatures and interesting exhibits. Wrap up your day of outdoor adventures with a tranquil walk through the beautiful Highline SeaTac Botanical Gardens.
If you haven’t been to The Museum of Flight in a while, it’s well worth a visit. The museum has grown exponentially over the years and the presentation of their impressive collection is spectacular. If you’re hungry after all the activities, try international delicacies like xiao long bao (soup dumplings) at Din Tai Fung, tan tan men (savory ramen) at Arashi Ramen, or gai hor bai toey (pandan leaf wrapped chicken) at Bai Tong.
When it comes to activities, events and dining options in Seattle Southside, the options are endless. If you want to follow an itinerary or plan your own adventure, go to seattlesouthside.com for all the information you’ll need. Otherwise, stop by the Seattle Southside Visitor Center in SeaTac for brochures, pamphlets and other reading materials. Have fun!
P.S. — Save money and experience more of the area’s hottest attractions by signing up for the Do More – Save More Passport to Savings!
If you’re looking for some outdoorsy activities to share with your visiting family or friends, Des Moines Beach Park is a great option, with lovely beach strolling areas, a peaceful park environment and hiking along the Des Moines Creek Trail. Photo by Roger Paperno
A meal of gai hor bai toey at Bai Tong can be a delicious addition to your time spent in Seattle Southside.
