Short on Time, Long on Fun

An Hour or Two to Explore

Last Updated: January 6, 2023

What can attendees do with an hour or two of free time in Seattle Southside? From attractions to retail and relaxation, here are some experiences to help generate ideas for that time in between sessions.

Microadventures
SeaTac
Tukwila
Des Moines

Microadventures

We've got a ton worth exploring here in Seattle Southside, and a lot of it can be done with a minimal investment of time, money, and effort! These microadventures (as we're calling them) have all the epic adventure fun without that epic adventure hassle. From delicious eats to cute shops and incredible things to experience, all of these microadventures are perfectly suited to filling in an hour or two in your attendees' schedule gaps.

SeaTac

See what attendees can get into just minutes from SeaTac’s prime areas.

Explore 11 acres of tranquil gardens

If you’re meeting at the SeaTac Community Center, then you’ll find one of the area’s most serene landscapes less than 500 feet away. The Highline SeaTac Botanical Garden is a treasured oasis featuring relaxing paths, beautiful fountains and stunning themed gardens—the perfect setting for a decompressing stroll in between sessions. Located in the heart of Seattle Southside’s hospitality community and only eight minutes from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, attendees can stop and smell the roses (and the thousands of other flowers), even right before their flight.

Taste the flavors of Thailand

As a mainstay in the SeaTac community, Chontong Thai Cuisine has been considered by many as some of the best Thai food in the Pacific Northwest. The restaurant features a modern take on classic dishes and is known for its fresh ingredients, so for anyone seeking authentic Thai food, this is the stop. Located next to the airport, Chontong will help attendees make the most of the time they have right after they land or before they take off.

Tukwila

Explore Seattle Southside’s retail and entertainment community.

Tour the largest private air and space museum in the world

Located in Tukwila and just 10-15 minutes from the airport, attendees can experience one of the area’s top sites for aviation enthusiasts. The Museum of Flight includes more than 175 air and spacecraft, the original Boeing Aircraft factory, flight simulators and more. This is a world-renowned attraction and one of the most unique experiences in Seattle Southside (with nearly 10,000 five-star Google reviews to back it up!).

Squeeze in a retail therapy session

Tukwila features more than five million square feet of shopping, ranging from high-end buys, discount steals and household goods to boutique finds, beauty trends and outdoor gear. So, it’s no wonder the area is known as Seattle Southside’s retail and entertainment community. Located only four miles (or about a 15-minute Link ride away) from the airport is one of the largest retail destinations in the Pacific Northwest, Westfield Southcenter. For some last-minute souvenirs for the family or a little indulgence in between sessions, this stop is a must. Even better, a free shuttle is available to Southcenter from many SeaTac hotels.

Des Moines

Seattle Southside’s beach community is closer than you think.

Walk on the shores of Puget Sound

Attendees might want to block off an hour or two to explore Des Moines Beach Park. This uncrowded natural gem is less than 20 minutes away from the airport but full of breathtaking views. Take in the beautiful surroundings, explore the tide pools and go beachcombing to uncover unique pebbles and shells, mini crabs, and natural wonders.

Get to know the sea critters at MaST Center

Five miles from Des Moines Beach Park, attendees can see more than 250 native Puget Sound marine species at the Marine Science and Technology (MaST) Center. Holding over 3,000 gallons of water in various tanks, the Aquarium features two large touch tanks, two octopus tanks, various jellyfish life-stage tanks, a schooling fish tank, and more. If you’re curious about what’s in store for attendees, this video will give you an idea of what they can expect.

There’s plenty for attendees to uncover in Seattle Southside, whether it’s in 60 minutes or less or extended stay options. Reach out to our team for more ideas or browse all of our itineraries for some online self-exploration.

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