New Bubble Tea Trail Stirs Up Something Sweet in Seattle Southside

Bubble (or boba) tea, the delightful Taiwanese creation that has won hearts and tastebuds the world over, blends together tea, milk, delicious flavorings, and toppings with chewy tapioca pearls for an irresistible treat. Across the United States, the love for bubble tea is evident, with over 5,500 dedicated shops catering to its fans. Within this burgeoning scene, Washington State has emerged as a top destination, ranking fifth highest in the nation for our number of bubble tea shops.

Seattle Southside, in particular, boasts an impressive cluster of these—nearly 10% of the state’s total—making it a premier hub for bubble tea enthusiasts. It only follows that Seattle Southside should be the first in the state—and one of the few in the nation—to launch an experience that highlights the Bubble tea scene.

These bustling hubs of community life are a testament to the area's cultural diversity and economic prosperity. With over 85,000 residents and an influx of more than 100,000 daily visitors, including those traveling through or working in the region, each shop contributes to the vibrancy of our local economy. The launch of the Bubble Tea Trail isn't just about experiencing all the flavors; it's also about celebrating the entrepreneurial spirit that thrives in Seattle Southside. Spotlighting nearly two dozen local businesses within three miles of SEA airport, this new trail underscores the pivotal role that travel and tourism play in energizing our region's markets and affirming that Seattle Southside is a place where cultures converge and businesses flourish.

“Our Bubble Tea Trail is all about the experience and our community,” says Ashley Comar, Explore Seattle Southside Senior Vice President of Marketing & Communications. “We’re excited to welcome visitors and locals to try out the trail. Seattle Southside has some of the nation's top boba chains and a lot of beloved locally-owned hangouts. The Bubble Tea Trail is a passport to discovering new favorite spots and flavors, connecting with friends, and winning some sweet swag along the way. Get ready to pop in, check in, and drink in the very best bubble tea around—it’s a perfect microadventure for your taste buds!”

Here’s the scoop on the trail pass and how to embark on Seattle Southside's Bubble Tea Trail:

1. Get Your Pass: Sign up for this mobile-exclusive passport to chart your course through the region’s most delightful tea shops.
2. Receive A Text: Instantly get your passport via text and email, ready for use without any app download needed. Save it to your phone for easy sipping access
3. Check In & Win: Visit the bubble tea spots, check-in, and rack up points to win exclusive Explore Seattle Southside Bubble Tea swag—a T-shirt after 4 stops, and a one-of-a-kind Bubble Tea Cup once you’ve hit all 22.

For more information and to receive the free Bubble Tea Trail Pass, visit: www.seattlesouthside.com/bubble-tea-trail/

About Explore Seattle Southside:
Explore Seattle Southside (Seattle Southside Regional Tourism Authority) has a bold vision to reimagine the way people travel. Established nearly 25 years ago in 1999, Explore Seattle Southside is the destination marketing organization for the cities of SeaTac, Tukwila, Des Moines, and most recently, the Southside of the Moon. Also known as the curiously wonderful destination for exploring the Pacific Northwest, Explore Seattle Southside showcases the Seattle Southside region with pride and imagination as an ideal travel destination for leisure and business travelers to explore Western Washington and as an idyllic place for meeting and event planners to hold their events. Explore Seattle Southside is funded by a Tourism Promotion Area (TPA) assessment and was recognized in 2023—thanks to a commitment to empowering employees and an ambitious vision for the future—as one of Washington State’s Top 100 Best Workplaces.