'Tis the Season

A Holiday-Themed Itinerary for Your Seattle Southside Visit.

The holidays are almost here! There are plenty of gifts to be bought, delicious meals to be eaten and fun to be had in Seattle Southside. Get holly and jolly with this holiday-themed itinerary for a weekend vacay or staycay.

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Day 1

Check in to your hotel and drop your bags off at your room. If you've had a long day of travel, you'll likely be hungry after checking in. Nestled 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. This is a dining experience the whole family will enjoy, especially when you order a slice of the six-layer motherlode cake for dessert.

After dinner, you might just want to head back to the hotel for a night in. You’ve got a big day ahead of you…

Day 2

Wake up and enjoy a quick breakfast at your hotel. No matter which hotel you’re staying at, you really can’t go wrong with the restaurants around here. Or, if you're looking for a fun diner experience, Pancake Chef is a great option for classic breakfast fare in a diner-style setting. After breakfast, take a trip to the largest independent non-profit air and space museum in the world, The Museum of Flight! There's plenty to see in this enormous, well-curated campus. You’ll have a blast at the museum exploring WWI and WWII fighter planes, flight simulators, and an original Air Force One, and be sure to check out the new moon landing exhibit, focusing on the moon landings. Don't forget to check out the gift shop before you head out.

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. Think of your mom’s chicken noodle soup…10x.

Pictured: Arashi Ramen in Tukwila, Washington

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. Here you’ll find dozens of boutique and big box stores, 50+ restaurants & eateries, an AMC theater, and plenty of holiday cheer. Not everybody enjoys shopping, however, so they can head upstairs to Round 1 Entertainment for some bowling and video games.

Finally, enjoy a tropical dinner at Bahama Breeze. Hey, Santa comes to the Caribbean too! There will be plenty of coconut shrimp, bahamaritas, and jerk chicken to go around; and if you’re lucky, you might even get some live Christmas carols with an island twist.

Westfield Southcenter Interior Shops
Westfield Southcenter Mall in Tukwila, Washington State's largest shopping mall.

Day 3

Start your final day off on a relaxing note at the Spa at Cedarbrook Lodge. Try a massage, facial or pedicure to ease into your final day in Seattle Southside. After your luxurious spa treatment, head down to Des Moines Beach for a little retail therapy at Marina Mercantile, which offers delightful gifts, deli items, and wine tasting.

If you happened to notice the elegant restaurant at the Cedarbrook Lodge before or after your spa treatment, you might have been interested enough to return for dinner. A wise choice. 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 Applewood smoked sablefish. They too, have the lodge feel with a giant fireplace in the middle of the restaurant. Dinner and dessert here will put an elegant cap on your holiday getaway.

Looking for even more inspiration? Check out our Holiday Dining Guide!

Once you’re full, head on over 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). You’ll enjoy the fresh air and views of Puget Sound, plus nothing beats a walk along the beach, no matter the season.

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FAQs for Holiday Shopping in Seattle

Q: What are some festive dining options in Seattle Southside for the holiday season?

A: Indulge in comfort food and holiday treats at Claim Jumper, warm up with delicious bowl of steaming hot ramen at Arashi Ramen, and savor tropical flavors at Bahama Breeze.

Q: Where can I shop for holiday gifts and enjoy entertainment in Seattle Southside?

A: Explore the diverse offerings at Westfield Southcenter Mall, from boutique stores to big box retailers, and enjoy bowling and video games at Round 1 Entertainment.

Q: What are some unique holiday activities to do in Seattle Southside?

A: Experience the wonder of flight at The Museum of Flight, enjoy a rejuvenating spa treatment at Cedarbrook Lodge, and stroll along Des Moines Beach Park for breathtaking winter views.

Q: Are there any special dining experiences for celebrating the holidays in Seattle Southside?

A: Treat yourself to a farm-to-table feast at Copperleaf Restaurant in Cedarbrook Lodge, offering Northwest-inspired dishes in an elegant setting.

Q: Where can I find delightful holiday gifts and enjoy wine tasting in Seattle Southside?

A: Discover charming gifts and deli items at Marina Mercantile in Des Moines Beach, and enjoy wine tasting while browsing for the perfect holiday presents.

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Des Monies Beach Pier

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