Des Moines

Des Moines, Washington, offers waterfront parks, top-notch restaurants, and a quaint small-town feel—all just 30 minutes south of downtown Seattle and 15 minutes from SEA Airport.

Located along the shores of Puget Sound, this beach community is often called "The Boating Capital of the Pacific Northwest," thanks to its popular full-service marina with 1,500 feet of transit moorage and fuel services. Along the shore, you'll see locals and visitors picnicking, beachcombing, strolling, cycling, and even scuba diving.

Just a short drive from the shore, you'll find a walkable shopping and dining district with numerous restaurants and cafes, locally owned shops, and truly unique attractions and public art.

A Historic Beach Community

Perched on the eastern shore of scenic Puget Sound between Seattle and Tacoma, Des Moines traces its roots to settlers from Des Moines, Iowa. The city's sweeping water views, gentle hillsides, and shoreline access made it a beloved getaway in the early 20th century. As the community grew during and after World War II, Des Moines evolved into a thriving city. It officially incorporated in 1959 and later added the marina and pier that remain central to its waterfront character today.

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Outdoor Recreation Galore

Today, Des Moines continues to be a year-round destination for visitors, who flock to places such as:

Des Moines Beach Park and the adjacent Des Moines Marina, where you can stroll onto a long pier, explore the beach, lounge on a grassy meadow, or walk up the Des Moines Creek Trail.
Redondo Beach & Pier, which has a boardwalk for seaside strolls. It's also home to the MaST Center Aquarium, which is free and open to the public on Saturdays.
Saltwater State Park, a rugged, beautiful waterfront park with forested trails and a large beach.

Popular outdoor activities at Des Moines' parks include:

Featured Attractions

The Des Moines Waterfront Farmers Market

On Saturdays during the summer, the Des Moines Marina comes alive with the Des Moines Farmer's Market. Arrive any time after 10 a.m. to discover a bustling scene of stands showcasing locally grown fruits and vegetables, crafts, honey, wine, and assorted prepared food to buy. There is often live music to add to the vibe, as well as food trucks and special themed days (check the market's website for the schedule). It's a perfect outing for friends and family to explore, indulge, and take in the scenery while supporting local farmers and artisans. After shopping, you can take a walk on the beach, down the long pier, or up the Des Moines Creek Trail without even having to get back in your car.

Locally Owned Shops

There are several quaint, locally business in downtown Des Moines. Carriage Country Quilts, a quilting shop in a storybook-like yellow house, stocks 19th-century print reproductions with hand-dyed wools, penny rug kits, quilt kits, and all of your embroidery needs. Nearby, All Points Yarn has a truly impressive selection of knitting, crocheting, and sewing supplies. The owner also offers one-on-one classes on a variety of topics on request. (See the business website for details.) And a short drive away, you'll find Zenith Holland Nursery & Gift, a delightful plant shop with a surprisingly large gift shop where you can find everything from stylish home decor and kitchen supplies to toys and baby gifts to high-end accessories and clothing. Fun fact: it was established in 1907, making it the oldest continually operating business in Des Moines.

The MaST Center Aquarium

One of the most exciting attractions in Des Moines is Highline College's Marine Science and Technology (MaST) Center. The aquarium is free and open to the public on Discovery Days, typically Saturday from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. year-round.

There are 11 aquariums, which all feature native marine animals such as jellyfish, eels, and even small octopi, and two touch tanks with bright anemones. Volunteers enhance the experience by educating visitors about the animals and their environment.

Food for Every Mood

From laid-back vibes at Quarterdeck, which has a large outdoor area right near the marina to elevated dining and fresh seafood at Anthony's HomePort and Lower Deck to Mexican comfort food at Arturo's or wood-fired pizza at via Marina, there's something for everyone in Des Moines.

Browse our Food & Drink Directory for a full list of restaurants and cafes in Des Moines. You can filter by cuisine, attributes, and location.

Explore Our Cities

Seattle Southside consists of Tukwila, SeaTac and Des Moines, three hidden gems that have a lot to offer.

SeaTac

Surrounding the airport, the City of SeaTac is a great place to lay your head and get a bite to eat. With over 30 hotels to choose from, you'll be able to find the perfect accommodation to fit your needs.

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Tukwila

This community features more than five million square feet of shopping, ranging from high-end buys, discount steals and household goods to boutique finds, beauty trends and outdoor gear.