Attending Camp Craftaway? Here's Your Guide to Exploring Seattle Southside.

Last Updated: June 11, 2026

Camp Craftaway is located in Seattle Southside, a region full of hidden gems, culturally diverse food, and locally owned shops.

Encompassing the cities of Des Moines, Tukwila, and SeaTac, the area is home to hundreds of places to shop, eat, and explore. Just a few blocks east of Camp Craftaway is a walkable downtown, centered on Marine View Drive. With a friendly, small-town vibe and a variety of global cuisines, you'll want to book another visit just to try it all.

Read on to find a curated list of things to do, eat, and see while you’re in the area.

Pictured: Des Moines Beach Park
Sips & Bites
Shopping

Make it a Staycation

There are dozens of hotels within 10 minutes of Camp Craftaway, including Four Points by Sheraton Seattle Airport South and Marina Inn in Des Moines, and Cedarbrook Lodge in SeaTac, among many others. You can use Explore Seattle Southside's Hotel Directory to search for hotels based on amenities like dog-friendly, outdoor pools, and more.

Places to Eat & Sip Near Camp Craftaway

All the suggestions below are approximately a 5-minute drive (or less than a 20-minute walk) from Des Moines Beach Park Event Center.

Breakfast & Lunch

Quarterdeck, located right next to the Des Moines Marina (a short walk from Camp Craftaway), is a local go-to for espresso and small bites.

Second Love Coffee is a Seattle-style cafe known for its locally roasted beans, great music, sandwiches, and fresh baked goods.

Auntie Irene's has both a drive-thru window and a cozy interior. Along with beverages, it serves sandwiches, pastries, and ice cream.

Alina's Cafe offers a great brunch and lunch menu, including baked eggs and a Green Goddess Quinoa Bowl.

Pictured: Philip Mendoza, co-owner of Second Love Coffee in Des Moines, serves a classic latte.

Teacup is your go-to for bubble tea, matcha, and fresh banh mi (Vietnamese sandwiches).

Pizza Locas is a pizza stand known for unique, Mexican-inspired toppings. There is no indoor seating, and you cannot get pizza by the slice, but it’s a great place to pick up a pie to go.

Sweet D’licias is more of a snack or dessert spot, but it is worth a visit if you’re craving Mexican-style sorbet and ice cream or esquites and other street food.

Dinner

Blue Fish Sushi, which just opened this spring, offers fresh rolls (prepared at a traditional sushi bar), along with ramen, udon, and other Japanese classics.

PortoVino serves authentic Italian dishes in a refined setting. It has a nice, sunny patio open during the summer.

via Marina specializes in wood-fired pizza, pasta, and other Italian dishes. With a casual, welcoming dining area, it’s popular with locals.

Anthony’s HomePort & Lower Deck is another classic spot near Des Moines Beach Park, famous for its fresh seafood, waterfront views, and fine dining ambience. The Lower Deck is more casual, and offers a great happy hour.

Bars & Nightlife

In addition to coffee, Quarterdeck also serves craft beer, wine, or mimosas (available as a flight!) in the spacious outdoor area. On many evenings, there is live music from local bands.

Jamar’s Sports Bar and Grill is a lively, locally owned spot that features multiple TVs for watching live sports, pool and darts, and comfort-food favorites, including wings, burgers, and catfish. Check the bar’s Instagram page for special themed nights like trivia and karaoke.

All-Star Sports Bar is a traditional sports bar with 20 big-screen TVs, pool tables, and standard bar food like burgers and nachos.

Just a bit further away: Tandoori Slice, a popular restaurant and bar serving Indian fusion pizza, is just a short drive from downtown Des Moines. There’s a nice seating area and a full bar featuring unique cocktails.

Pictured: One of the signature cocktail at Tandoori Slice.

Shopping

Browse locally owned shops for unique craft supplies and decor.

All Points Yarn: A Knitter's Paradise

All Points Yarn is a locally owned shop in Des Moines that stocks more than 10,000 items in-store and online. Find everything from luxurious merino wool to eco-friendly cotton, as well as unique needles, hooks, buttons, and beautiful crochet kits and patterns.

Want to improve your knitting skills? Book a private class with the owner and dive into crocheting, needlepoint, embroidery, felting, or dying. You could even design and create your own unique sweater pattern! Classes are typically two hours long. Check the store’s website for available class times and topics.

Country Carriage Quilts: A Shop Straight from a Storybook

Country Carriage Quilts is a charming, locally owned quilting and craft shop is inside an old yellow house, adding to its appeal. You'll feel like you're stepping inside a friendly neighbor's home filled with fabrics, patterns, and kits for quilting, embroidery, and wool applique. Browse seasonally themed rooms to get in the spirit for upcoming holidays and seasons. In addition to a wide variety of fabrics, you'll find hand-dyed wool made right at the shop.

Iris & Peony: Florals and Gifts

Iris & Peony is a local florist specializing in beautifully crafted floral arrangements and thoughtfully curated gifts, including skincare, home and garden decor, elegant candles, and more. The friendly owner is known for her attentive service and attention to detail.

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