Only 15 minutes south of downtown Seattle and 20 minutes north of Tacoma, Seattle Southside is a happening hub that’s perfectly situated between urban attractions and natural wonders (not to mention near Seattle-Tacoma International Airport). Seattle Southside, made up of the cities of Des Moines, SeaTac and Tukwila, is the perfect home base for a Washington vacation. It’s a convenient, affordable and fun place where you’ll find sports, shopping, nature—whatever you’re into! Select a sample itinerary to start exploring Seattle Southside and the Pacific Northwest on the map below.
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Foodie Fanatic
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Trek Around the Northwest!
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Family Fun
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Discover the Great Outdoors
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Sports Lover
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'Tis the Season
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Game Day - Football Fanatics
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Autumn Adventure
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Thrills and Chills
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Retail & Relaxation
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The Ultimate Kids' Vacation























































































Experience International Dining at Westfield Southcenter
The first day of this grand food tour starts at Westfield Southcenter, the shopping epicenter of Seattle Southside. In addition to boutique shops and major retailers, Westfield is home to some of the hottest international restaurants, bakeries, and...
Indulge at 13 Coins
Day two begins with an extravagant brunch at a Seattle classic. 13 Coins has been serving the Seattle area with 24 hours of breakfast, lunch, and dinner since 1967.
Seattle Chocolates Factory Tour
The day only gets better, as your next stop should be Seattle Chocolates for their Experience Chocolate factory tour. The favorite purveyor of delectable delights provides factory tours. You’ll get to see how the chocolate is made from start to...
Stock up on Freshness at Des Moines Farmers Market
Start your third day off at the Des Moines Farmers Market, checking out some of the best local produce vendors in the region. In addition to fresh goods, enjoy live music, some of the trendiest local food trucks, and the beautiful Des Moines Marina.
Eco-Friendly Cedarbrook Lodge & Spa
After you’ve purchased all your fruits and veggies, head to the beautiful and eco-friendly Cedarbrook Lodge and Spa to experience an orange peel purifying facial, chai spice & vanilla body polish, or a hydrating honey, lemon, and eucalyptus hand and...
Learn about Downtown Seattle
It’s your first day in Seattle Southside. Surely, you’re going to want to see the sights in downtown Seattle. Fortunately, Seattle Southside has a few different tours to choose from that pick up guests from Seattle Southside hotels.
To the Top of the Space Needle
After you’ve gained a basic knowledge about Seattle from your tour, be sure to visit the iconic Space Needle. Unveiled at the 1961 World’s Fair, a trip to Seattle wouldn’t be complete without an elevator ride to the observation deck!
Must Do: Pike Place Market
By now you will be famished, so head down to one of the oldest public farmers markets in the United States and snack your way through the booths. There’s so much to do at Pike Place Market, it would be hard to see it all.
Dinner on the Waterfront
Grab dinner on the waterfront and enjoy the views of the Seattle Great Wheel and the ferry boats coming and going and then hop on the light rail back to your Seattle Southside hotel for a good night’s rest. You’ll need it for Day 2!
Majestic Mount Rainier
You saw it when you flew (or drove) in, and yes, it’s pretty much snow-covered all year-round; but visiting Mount Rainier National Park is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Dine in Elegance at Copperleaf Restaurant & Bar
When you get back in town, enjoy a relaxing evening of elegance and deliciousness at Copperleaf Restaurant & Bar. Nestled restored wetlands and attached to Cedarbrook Lodge, this eco-friendly, intimate dining venue is perfect for a romantic dinner.
Take Flight at iFLY Indoor Skydiving
Just across the street from Westfield Southcenter sits a thrill-seekers dream, iFLY Seattle. iFLY features a 10-story vertical wind tunnel, designed to create the perfect indoor skydiving experience.
Westfield Southcenter for Lunch and Fun
After the museum, head down the street to Westfield Southcenter, the biggest shopping center in the Pacific Northwest. Have a delicious seafood lunch at Duke’s Chowder House.
Explore The Museum of Flight
You’re already staying here so why not spend your final day locally and get the authentic Seattle Southside Experience? Start at The Museum of Flight, where you can explore the history of aviation and spaceflight.
Find Your Way to Des Moines Beach Park
After a long day of fun, there’s no better way to end your Seattle Southside adventure than at Des Moines Beach Park. Nestled along Puget Sound, this hidden gem offers stunning views and a relaxing, peaceful setting. Walk along the beach or one of...
Start off at The Museum of Flight
Start your trip off right with a trip to the largest private air and space museum in the world! Everyone will find something to love and kids are no exception. In addition to the first jet-powered Air Force One, check out the Kid’s Flight Zone!
Suit up for iFLY Indoor Skydiving
Ever heard of indoor skydiving? iFLY Seattle has a vertical wind tunnel making indoor flight easy, fun, and safe for all ages. After a tutorial, get suited up for your turn in the tunnel.
Fill Your Need for Speed at Sykart Indoor Racing
Start your day off in the fast lane at Sykart. These state-of-the-art go-karts are built for speed and are typically for drivers wielding licenses. However, the weekend is for family and the Youth Track is open to kids 8 years of age and up.
Fuel up at Des Moines Dog House
With the adrenaline pumping, you might not have noticed just how hungry you were. Take the family down to the waterfront community of Des Moines for some hot dogs. While the kids enjoy classic corn dogs and chips, parents can try some of the...
Quench Your Thirst for Discovery at Marine Science and Technology Center
After lunch, head down to the MaST Center and discover a new world beneath Puget Sound! This aquarium is open for public viewing every Saturday and admission is FREE!
Dine with a View at Salty's at Redondo Beach
If the visit to the MaST Center got the family in the mood for some seafood, head next door to Salty’s Redondo Beach. With an extensive kid’s menu featuring not only fish and chips, but grilled cheese, hamburgers, and more, there will be plenty of...
Have a Blast at Family Fun Center
A true metropolis of fun activities, Family Fun Center is exactly that: FUN! With laser tag, bumper boats, batting cages, mini golf, bowling, and a whole lot more, you’ll find that kids will sleep quite well after a few hours here!
Shopping for Everyone at Westfield Southcenter
Just down the street from Family Fun Center sits the biggest shopping center in the Pacific Northwest. If the kids have any energy left, take them to the kid’s play place, Disney store, LEGO store, or Build-A-Bear Workshop.
Spend a Day in Downtown Seattle
After three days of exploring Seattle Southside, it’s time to catch the light rail to downtown Seattle. Head to the Stadium stop if there’s a game; University Street station for Pike Place Market; or get off at Westlake station and hop on the...
Stroll Around Highline SeaTac Botanical Garden
Start your day off with a leisurely stroll through the beautiful Highline SeaTac Botanical Garden. Here you will find plenty of roses, lilies, and fuchsias, not to mention a beautiful, traditional Japanese garden.
Picnic at Angle Lake Park
After the botanical garden, stop by Bob’s Burgers & Teriyaki and pick up a bacon cheeseburger or some delicious yakisoba, then head to Angle Lake Park for a picnic and a dip in the lake!
Explore Interurban Trail
If you have any energy left, take a bike (or rollerblades/longboard/running shoes) to the Interurban Trail where an interweaving 14.7-mile natural landscape trail connects multiple cities.
Explore the Wonders of Des Moines Beach Park
Day two starts at the true “hidden gem,” a favorite park among the locals, and seldom overcrowded. This means you’ll have plenty of space to walk on the shores of Puget Sound, explore the Des Moines Creek Trail, watch native birds, and even rent a...
Chow Down at Anthony's HomePort
There’s so much to do at Des Moines Beach Park, you just might want to spend the whole day there. But after the sun sets, you should head to the Des Moines Marina and get some fresh seafood Anthony’s HomePort.
Awe-Inspiring Snoqualmie Falls
The final day of your outdoor adventure requires a bit of a mini-road trip. About 45 minutes east of Seattle Southside sits Western Washington’s most famous waterfall, Snoqualmie Falls.
Hike Mount Si
Only a few miles down the road from Snoqualmie Falls, Mount Si features one of the best hiking trails in the Pacific Northwest. The hike can be a bit strenuous, but the views from the top are worth every arduous step (and every calorie burned!).
Grazie Ristorante
After a great day of hiking, head back to Seattle Southside and get some dinner at the iconic Italian restaurant, Grazie Ristorante. With a classic Italian atmosphere and plenty of delicious pasta and spiced meats, there’s arguably no better...
Play a round at North SeaTac Park
Get outside for the afternoon and play 18 holes of disc golf at this beautifully landscaped park.
Westfield Southcenter
You’ll find plenty of boutiques and big box stores here and if you need to gear up for the game, there’s a Seattle Team Shop with everything you need.
Dinner at Cheesecake Factory
If you’re still hungry, take the Westfield shuttle one more time and grab some dinner at the Cheesecake Factory. Because nothing caps off a day of football like a slice of salted caramel or lemon meringue cheesecake.
Ride the Link Light Rail
On Sunday, wake up early and enjoy some breakfast at your hotel. After that, take the light rail north to the Stadium station.
Football Game at CenturyLink Field
Follow the crowd, and within a few minutes, you’ll find yourself in the glory of CenturyLink Field! A Seahawks game is an experience unlike any other.
Bowling and Gaming at Round 1
This entertainment megaplex offers a good time for everyone and it’s easy to spend more than you’d like trying to rescue the tsum tsums from their claw machine dungeon.
Lunch at Duke's Chowder House
After your race is over, head back to Westfield and enjoy some delicious, local seafood at Duke’s Chowder House.
Go-Karting at SyKart
After your shopping spree, it’s time for an adrenaline rush. Right down the street from Westfield sits a high-octane go-karting heaven, Sykart.
Sharp's Roasthouse
Fancy yourself a carnivore? Sharp’s Roasthouse in SeaTac is the place for you.
Dinner at Claim Jumper
Nestled perfectly between Tukwila and SeaTac sits a restaurant that’s perfect for a cold, winter night. Claim Jumper offers huge portions of comfort food, and a lodge-feel with their stone and cedar décor and massive fireplace.
Santa's Landing Party at the Museum of Flight
After breakfast, take a trip to the largest independent non-profit air and space museum in the world, the Museum of Flight! If you happen to be hear on the weekend of December 16th, you just might catch a glimpse of Santa’s Landing Party.
Lunch at Arashi Ramen
After your aerospace journey, head to Arashi Ramen for a lunch that’s sure to warm you up. Delicious pork broth and fresh noodles combine to create the perfect winter meal.
Holiday Shopping at Westfield Southcenter
You have to get your holiday shopping done eventually, why not enjoy it? Just down the street sits Westfield Southcenter, the largest shopping center in the Pacific Northwest.
Bowling and Gaming at Round 1 Entertainment
Not everybody enjoys shopping, however, so they can head upstairs to Round 1 Entertainment for some bowling and video games.
Dinner at Bahama Breeze
Finally, enjoy a tropical dinner at Bahama Breeze. Hey, Santa comes to the Caribbean too!
Dinner at Copperleaf Restaurant
Copperleaf Restaurant is the “quintessentially Northwest” farm-to-table restaurant that should be reserved for a special occasion. Their dishes range from bacon wrapped rabbit sirloin, to Lummi Island Poulet bleu, to sweet chili glazed Pacifici...
Stroll at Des Moines Beach Park
Once you’re full, take a short trip up to Des Moines Beach Park. The beach is a great place to be in the summer, but it’s stunning in the winter (especially if it’s snowing).
Holiday Brunch at Salty's at Redondo
After your luxurious spa treatment, head down to Redondo Beach for Salty’s holiday brunch. You haven’t truly had brunch until you’ve enjoyed fresh oysters, prime rib, manila clams, and eggs benedict at Salty’s.
Spa at Cedarbrook
Start your final day off on a relaxing note at the Spa at Cedarbrook Lodge. Try an Alaskan Glacial Mud Wrap or a Sea Salt Exfoliation and Rainwater Remedy to ease into your final day in Seattle Southside.
Foster Golf Links
Start your day off with some golf at Foster Golf Links. Nestled alongside the Duwamish River, this course has been around since 1925.
Bowlero
Finish the day with fun for everyone at this modern bowling alley. Featuring a 10-lane private bowling lounge, a 30-lane traditional bowling alley, an arcade, a billiards area, shuffleboard tables and a full-service restaurant, bar and lounge.
Seattle Game Day
Make it a game day Link Light Rail makes for a quick and easy commute to Seattle’s Stadium District. Before the game, explore you can explore the neighborhood and snag some sweet Seahawks, Sounders FC and or Mariners gear to wear back home.
iFLY Indoor Skydiving
Start the day flying high in this 10-story vertical wind tunnel. It provides the perfect indoor skydiving experience. Fun for ages 3 to 103.
Take the Light Rail to the Game
Day two starts with a trip on the Link Light Rail. You guessed it…you’re heading to SoDo for a Mariner, Seahawk, or Sounders FC game. The light rail has three stops in Seattle Southside: Angle Lake, SeaTac, and Tukwila International. It’s about a...
Soccer at Starfire Sports
Your final day in sports heaven begins at Starfire Sports. This 54-acre sports complex features twelve outdoor fields and two pitches. It’s also the practice field of Sounders FC and Sounders FC 2. So, depending on what day you go, you might be able...
Dinner at 13 Coins
If your game happened to run a little late, fear not. Just down the street from the SeaTac light rail stations sits 13 Coins, an elegant restaurant with a giant menu that just so happens to be open twenty-four hours a day!
Enjoy a breakfast feast at the Pancake Chef
For nearly 60 years, the Pancake Chef has been serving up delicious specialty pancakes, chicken fried steak, omelettes, and more. The classic atmosphere and savory and sweet breakfast combinations make this hidden gem one of the best breakfast...
Take a walk down the Des Moines Creek Trail
After breakfast, head down to Des Moines Creek Trail for a walk through the falling leaves.
Lunch at Wally's Chowder House
Warm up with a cup of Wally’s famous clam chowder and munch on their fresh and local fish and chips.
Indulge at the Cedarbrook Lodge
Ease into your evening with a spa treatment at the Cedarbrook Lodge.
Explore The Museum of Flight
The museum houses an original Air Force One, an SR-71 Blackbird, a NASA Space Shuttle Trainer and much, much more.
Lunch at Arashi Ramen
When the weather cools off and there’s a chill in the air, soup always seems to hit the spot, and authentic Japanese from Arashi Ramen is soup+.
The Haunted Factory Tour at Seattle Chocolate
If you’re visiting around Halloween, the tour gets completely transformed into a spooky, lights out experience with ghouls and goblins on the Haunted Factory Tour.
Dinner at Sharp's Roasthouse
They specialize in meats like their classic prime rib and cheddar dip, St. Louis ribs, Carolina gold BBQ, buttermilk fried chicken, and their prime-grade marbled beef “hamburgs.”
Seattle Dive Tours
Let the fun begin in Puget Sound on a scuba diving tour with Seattle Dive Tours! Swim around exploring the aquatic home of starfish, urchins, and rockfish on a half-day guided tour.
Lunch at Anthony's HomePort
The fish is fresh, and the view of the Des Moines Marina is spectacular.
Ski at the Summit at Snoqualmie
The Summit at Snoqualmie is the closest mountain ski resort to Seattle Southside and it’s great for winter sports like skiing, snowboarding, or tubing.
Explore The Museum of Flight
Just across the parking lot from The Museum of Flight, sits some rather striking red and yellow open-cockpit biplanes.
Experience iFLY Seattle
iFLY brings the euphoria of skydiving indoors, where there’s no threat of a malfunctioning parachute.
Go-Karting at SyKart
Once you’ve raced at Sykart, no other go-kart will ever compare!
Dinner at Mizuki Buffet
If your need for speed has been satisfied and you’re feeling hungry, stop by Mizuki Buffet for an Asian/American smorgasbord of flavor.
Westfield Southcenter
Gene Juarez Salon & Spa at Westfield Southcenter is a sanctuary of relaxation.
Relax and Dine at Cedarbrook Lodge
Cedarbrook Lodge is a sparkling Southside oasis with a warm, woodsy atmosphere.
Shop at the Des Moines Waterfront Farmers Market
The Des Moines Waterfront Farmers Market, June to September, showcases the best of the Northwest from fresh fruit, vegetables, flowers, and more.
Family Fun Center
Get the adrenaline pumping with a trip to the Family Fun Center.
Bowling and games at Bowlero
Choose a lucky ball from the rainbow of options and bowl a few strikes.
Game on at the Waterland Arcade
Waterland Arcade in Des Moines is a great mix of retro arcade games and carnival classics such as Skee-Ball and air hockey.
The Museum of Flight
Let your imagination soar! The Museum of Flight is a unique Northwest treasure.
Famous Dave's BBQ
You’ll have a chance to try several varieties of BBQ sauce on all sorts of meat including award-winning ribs, Georgia chopped pork, or beef brisket.
Westfield Southcenter
Keep the creative juices flowing with a visit to the LEGO Store at Westfield Southcenter.
Chocolate Tour at Seattle Chocolate
End the day by satisfying your your sweet tooth at the Seattle Chocolate Experience Chocolate Factory Tour (6 years and older; 6 and under are welcome in the gift shop).
Dinner at The Old Spaghetti Factory
Complete your day with dinner at The Old Spaghetti Factory.
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