Next Stop: Urban Adventures

Explore Seattle Southside by Light Rail

Last Updated: November 9, 2025

Love discovering under-the-radar destinations on foot? This one is for you.

While many people take Link Light Rail to and from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) and downtown Seattle, there's plenty more to see along the 1 Line. If you're up for a bit of an adventure (or as we call it, a microadventure), get off at one of the stops in Seattle Southside to discover global eats, mountain views, and parks and trails that feel like local secrets. Beat the traffic, save money, and have a blast while doing it.

Angle Lake Station
SeaTac / Airport Station
Tukwila International Boulevard Station

What to Do Near the Angle Lake Light Rail Station

The Angle Lake Station, one stop south of the airport, might just be the most underrated stop on the 1 Line. For starters, there's a performance venue—The Roadhouse—right at the station, so you don't even have to leave to catch live music or comedy (more on that below). It features a delightful piece of public art called The Cloud. And it's the gateway to two nature escapes:

Route 1: Walk 10 minutes up International Blvd to Angle Lake Park, a lush, lakefront park where you'll find a grassy lawn, a shaded playground, covered picnic tables, and a sandy beach along a freshwater lake. Each season offers unique delights, from swimming and fishing in the summer to cherry blossoms in the spring to bright foliage in the fall.

Route 2: Walk 10 minutes downhill on S 200th St. to the trailhead of the Des Moines Creek Trail. It will be on your left, and you'll see a sign and a picnic table. A paved, tree-lined path runs just over two miles all the way to Des Moines Beach Park, which hugs Puget Sound. Along the way, you'll pass a babbling creek where salmon run during the fall. At the end, you'll find a rocky beach where you can take in stunning views of the ocean and the Olympic Mountains in the distance. Take a stroll down the long pier or go tidepooling on the rocky beach. (Read our Urban Hiking Guide for more tips on this route).

Note: You can also take a 10-minute bus ride to the Marina District and walk down to the beach. The bus picks up just outside the station, on S 200th St. & 28th Ave. S, and passes by many cute cafes and restaurants on the way.

Angle Lake Park

A Lakeside Escape at Angle Lake Park Angle Lake Park, located in SeaTac, Washington, is a delightful urban oasis that offers a perfect blend of…

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Des Moines Creek Trail

A Scenic Escape Through Lush Woodlands: Explore Nature’s Beauty in the Heart of Seattle Southside Des Moines Creek Trail offers a peaceful retreat for walkers…

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The Roadhouse

A Hub for Arts and MusicThe Roadhouse offers a unique blend of music, culture, and community spirit. This live performance space, situated at the architecturally…

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What to Eat Near Angle Lake Station

Within a short walk of the station are several places to grab global eats. For a quick bite to go, pick up fresh Mexican baked goods at Las Delicias Panderia Y Antojitos, takeout at Bob's Burgers & Teriyaki, a Tandoori Paneer Pizza at Pizza Time, or tacos at Taqueria Jacarandas Mexican Food.

If you'd like to sit down for a meal, check out Las Palmas Restaurant Bar & Nightclub, where you can enjoy a traditional Salvadoran lunch or dinner. Snack on pupusas (thick corn tortillas stuffed with various savory fillings), or fill up on a hearty meal of carne asada or chicken with creamy chipotle. In the evenings, you might catch live music.

Pictured: Conchas at Las Delicias Panaderia Y Antojitos
Credit: Sara Anfuso

Pizza Time

Pizza Time in SeaTac is the kind of local gem that proves you don’t need frills to serve up big flavor. Founded in 1985, this…

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The Roadhouse: Live Music and Events Right at the Station

Imagine hopping on the train and popping out right at a concert. The Roadhouse at Angle Lake Station is a community-focused performance space that showcases a diverse range of music from around the world, jazz, comedy, DJs, and karaoke nights. It's also the site of annual night markets where you can shop for unique local wares. The schedule is constantly changing, so check our Event Calendar and The Roadhouse's social media pages to see what's coming up next.

Pictured: The Roadhouse at the Angle Lake Link Light Rail Station

What to Do Near SeaTac / Airport Station

The SeaTac / Airport Station is where you'll get off if you're going to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA). It's also surrounded by dozens of hotels at every price point, many places to rent a car, and some fantastic restaurants and bars. Directly across from the station is Spencer's For Steaks & Chops, located inside the Hilton Seattle Airport & Conference Center, which serves classic American cuisine from morning until night. A few minutes south on International Blvd., you'll find 13 Coins Restaurant, a storied Seattle-area institution beloved since 1967. This timeless spot is open late, serves all-day breakfast, and often hosts live music, giving it a classy, nostalgic vibe. Venture a bit further south to Sharps RoastHouse, another local favorite specializing in slow-roasted meats and sourdough pasta made from scratch.

Alternatively, rather than walking down International Blvd., you could cross the street from the station and walk just a few minutes north to Reflections Grill, inside the Skybridge Seattle Airport Hotel. Or, head uphill on S 176th St to the Seattle Airport Marriott for a meal of fresh Northwest fare and a cocktail at Aqua Terra.

Pro Tip: Both 13 Coins and Aqua Terra are on the Explore Seattle Southside Happy Hour Trail, a free trail spotlighting all the best deals in town. Sign up, check in, and win fun prizes!

13 Coins Restaurant

Discover the Timeless Charm of 13 Coins Restaurant in SeaTac13 Coins Restaurant offers a unique dining experience that's both classic and contemporary. With its rich…

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Aqua Terra

Located inside the Seattle Airport Marriott in SeaTac, Aqua Terra offers a refined yet approachable dining experience. This stylish hotel restaurant makes an impression with…

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Reflections Grill

Located inside the Skybridge Seattle Airport Hotel (formerly the Crowne Plaza), right across from SEA Airport, Reflections Grill blends convenience with elevated comfort, offering travelers…

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Sharps RoastHouse

Sharps RoastHouse stands out for its scratch-made menu and immersive dining experience. Located minutes from the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA), this beloved establishment has carved…

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What to Do Near the Tukwila International Boulevard Station

The Tukwila International Boulevard Station, located one stop north of the airport, provides access to public art, international cuisine, and a convenient connection to a central shopping district. One option is to walk north on International Blvd to a small business district. You can shop for South Asian groceries and snacks (including fresh-baked gulab jamun) at Boulevard Market, or grab a latte at Kappa Espresso. This cherry-red coffee shop features locally roasted, single-origin Ethiopian beans, and the case is stocked with fresh sandwiches and treats. If you're looking for a seated meal, try Zain Restaurant & Bakery Café for hearty Somali and Mediterranean dishes and expertly baked pastries.

Alternatively, walk about 13 minutes south on International Blvd to Urban Tapri for Indian-style street food (including many vegetarian options, such as the noodle burger). Across the street are more global eats. Fill up on spicy curry at Chontong Thai Cuisine or share a platter of Ethiopian food at Star Coffee.

An Easy Connection to a Major Shopping District

For even more stores and restaurants, hop on a bus right at the Light Rail station and ride just 10 minutes to Westfield Southcenter, the largest shopping center in the state. The F Line to Renton Landing Southcenter comes every 15 minutes. To pay, you can use your ORCA Pass, buy a ticket on the Transit GO app, or pay with cash. (More info). Once there, you'll find hundreds of popular stores, many full-service restaurants, a bowling alley, and a movie theater.

Zain Restaurant & Bakery Café

Zain Restaurant & Bakery Café is a hidden gem, serving up delicious East African dishes in addition to fresh-baked pastries, sandwiches and more. This family-owned…

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Kappa Espresso

Kappa Espresso is an independent cafe in SeaTac known for its high-quality drinks made from single-origin, locally roasted Ethiopian coffee beans. You’ll find a full…

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Urban Tapri

Urban Tapri in SeaTac offers a taste of India’s bustling street food culture. This family-owned business, located just minutes from SEA airport, is perfect when…

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Chontong Thai Cuisine

Chontong Thai Cuisine is a full-service restaurant offering flavorful Thai fare in a welcoming atmosphere. Just a five minute drive from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA)…

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Westfield Southcenter

Come Shop at the Largest Mall in the Pacific Northwest! Westfield Southcenter, located just minutes from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA), is an expansive indoor mall…

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Public Art

The Tukwila International Boulevard Station boasts several large-scale sculptures. As you ride down the escalator, you'll move towards a giant, playful raindrop suspended overhead. This is A Drop of Sustenance by Tad Savinar, who also designed A Molecule of the Region, a colorful hanging sculpture, and Voices of Tukwila, a series of engraved pavers—both incorporating reflections from locals.

Down on street level, stop to admire Soundings, a metal sculpture by Clark Wiegman that depicts a large hazelnut split in half, a reference to the Duwamish name for Tukwila, k’ap’uxac (“place of hazelnuts”). One side of the hazelnut doubles as a medicine rattle (a sacred instrument used in many Native American cultures), with a jagged line representing the historic path of the Duwamish River.

A few blocks from the station, you can find Dynamic SEAs, a vibrant mural by local artist Toka Valu that pays homage to the region's hospitality workers, whose hard work is the beating heart of our airport and hotels.

A Drop of Sustenance

Every public transit commuter in the Greater Seattle Area knows the all-too-familiar feeling of rain overhead, so it’s only fitting we’d pay homage to our…

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Soundings

The Tukwila International Boulevard Station boasts several intriguing pieces of public art. At the base of the escalator entrance is Soundings by Clark Wiegman, a…

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Dynamic SEAs

Dynamic SEAs by local artist Toka Valu is a vibrant tribute to the often-unsung workers who keep the City of SeaTac and the Seattle-Tacoma International…

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Molecule of the Region

Suspended above the mezzanine of the Tukwila International Boulevard Light Rail Station, A Molecule of the Region by Ted Savinar captures the vibrancy and imagination…

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Annie Atherton

Author

Annie Atherton

Senior Content Writer

Annie Atherton is the Senior Content Writer at Explore Seattle Southside. As a (mostly) lifelong resident of the Seattle area, she is very proud to call the region home and to talk it up to all who will listen.