SeaTac Travel Guide

Explore the best things to do in SeaTac, from outdoor adventures to cultural attractions, food and drink scene, and transportation options. Read on this comprehensive guide and plan your trip today!


Introduction to SeaTac

SeaTac, a city in King County, is a hidden gem of the Pacific Northwest. Its charm comes from the perfect blend of natural beauty, cultural attractions, and vibrant food and drink scene. The city’s easy accessibility, being just five minutes away from the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, makes it a hub for travelers wanting to explore the surrounding areas.

In this comprehensive travel guide, we’ll take you on a journey to discover the best places to visit, activities to enjoy, local culture, and customs, and everything else you need to know to plan your trip to SeaTac.

List of Places to Visit in SeaTac

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Highline SeaTac Botanical Garden: This 10-acre botanical garden is a stunning oasis amid the concrete jungle of the city. It features a wide range of plants and trees that bloom in every season. The garden also has a charming pond, a waterfall, a stone bridge, and a bonsai collection.

Des Moines Marina: Located just south of SeaTac, the Des Moines Marina is an ideal spot for leisure activities, fishing, and boating. The marina features a boardwalk, a fishing pier, and several restaurants serving the freshest seafood.

Museum of Flight: If you’re an aviation enthusiast, the Museum of Flight is a must-visit destination. The museum houses over 175 aircraft and spacecraft from different eras, including the iconic Boeing 747 and the supersonic Concorde.

Natural Attractions of SeaTac: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Angle Lake Park: Located on the shores of Angle Lake, this park provides an idyllic escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. The park features a swimming beach, boat rentals, a fishing pier, and picnic areas.

Saltwater State Park: This 87-acre park is located on the Puget Sound and offers a wide range of recreational activities, including hiking, fishing, and camping. It also features a beach, picnic areas, and a playground.

Seattle Southside Regional Tourism Authority: If you’re looking for outdoor adventures, check out the Seattle Southside Regional Tourism Authority. They offer a range of outdoor activities such as hiking, whale watching, kayaking, and paddleboarding.

Hiking/Biking Routes of SeaTac

SeaTac has several hiking and biking routes that will take you through breathtaking sceneries. Here are some of the best ones:

Green River Trail: This 20-mile trail follows the Green River and offers stunning views of the river and the surrounding forests. The trail is perfect for hiking, biking, and horseback riding.

Des Moines Creek Trail: This 2.6-mile trail takes you along the Des Moines Creek and provides ample opportunities for birdwatching.

Airport Way Trail: This 17-mile trail takes you through the industrial area of the city and is perfect for bikers looking for an urban adventure.

Best Things to Do in SeaTac: Activities and Tours

Seattle Wine Tours: If you’re a wine lover, don’t miss out on Seattle Wine Tours. They offer half-day and full-day tours of wineries in Seattle, Woodinville, and Snohomish.

Wild Waves Theme & Water Park: This amusement park features thrilling rides, a lazy river, a wave pool, and several water slides. It’s perfect for families looking for a fun day out.

Emerald Downs: This horse racing facility is perfect for horse racing enthusiasts. It features several restaurants, so you can enjoy a meal while watching the races.

Week-Long Itinerary for SeaTac

Day 1: Visit Highline SeaTac Botanical Garden and the Museum of Flight.

Day 2: Explore the outdoor adventures at Angle Lake Park.

Day 3: Discover the cultural attractions at Des Moines Marina.

Day 4: Take a wine tour to Woodinville wineries.

Day 5: Visit Saltwater State Park and enjoy hiking and fishing.

Day 6: Spend the day at Wild Waves Theme & Water Park.

Day 7: Watch horse races at Emerald Downs.

Food and Drink Scene of SeaTac

Must-Try Dishes

Seafood: SeaTac is known for its seafood, and you can find some of the freshest and most delicious seafood in the area. Don’t miss out on the salmon, halibut, and crab dishes.

Burgers: When it comes to burgers, the local favorite is Dick’s Drive-In, a Seattle institution since 1954.

Coffee: Seattle is famous for its coffee, and SeaTac is no exception. Don’t forget to try the local coffee shops, such as Caffé D’Arte and Dilettante Mocha Café.

Local Beverages

Beer: The Puget Sound region is home to several breweries, such as Georgetown Brewing, Schooner Exact Brewing, and Elysian Brewing, to name a few.

Wine: Woodinville, just a short drive from SeaTac, is home to over 100 wineries. Don’t miss out on the award-winning wines from Chateau Ste. Michelle and Columbia Winery.

Where to Stay in SeaTac: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

SeaTac offers a range of accommodation options for travelers, from budget-friendly hostels to luxury hotels. Some of the best options include:

Marriott Seattle Airport: This hotel is located just a short drive away from the airport and offers a free shuttle service. It features a fitness center, a pool, and several restaurants.

Seatac Crest Motor Inn: This budget-friendly motel features free Wi-Fi, free breakfast, and a 24-hour front desk.

Coast Gateway Hotel: This hotel is located just across the street from the airport and features a fitness center, a pool, and a restaurant serving Pacific Northwest cuisine.

What to Buy in SeaTac: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

SeaTac T-shirts: Show off your love for SeaTac with a T-shirt from one of the local souvenir shops.

Seattle-made Crafts: Seattle is known for its arts and crafts scene. You can find several shops in SeaTac selling handmade pottery, jewelry, and other crafts.

Coffee and Tea: Seattle is famous for its coffee and tea. You can buy bags of coffee beans or loose-leaf tea as a souvenir.

Local Culture and Customs of SeaTac

SeaTac is a multicultural city, and its residents are proud of their diverse heritage. Visitors are encouraged to respect the local customs and embrace the diversity of the city.

Best Time to Visit SeaTac

SeaTac can be visited year-round, but the best time to visit is during the summer months, from June to September. The weather during this season is warm and sunny, and there are several outdoor activities and events to enjoy.

Do’s and Don’ts of SeaTac

Do:

  • Respect the local customs and traditions.
  • Explore the natural beauty of the city.
  • Try the local seafood, wine, and coffee.

Don’t:

  • Leave your valuables unattended.
  • Ignore the traffic rules.
  • Litter in the public areas.

Safety and Health

Safety in SeaTac

SeaTac is a relatively safe city, but visitors are advised to take the necessary precautions, such as:

  • Avoid walking alone at night.
  • Keep your valuables locked in your hotel room or car.
  • Follow the traffic rules.

Health in SeaTac

Visitors are recommended to have travel insurance and get vaccinated before traveling to SeaTac. In case of a medical emergency, there are several hospitals and clinics located in the city.

Getting to SeaTac: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near SeaTac

The Seattle-Tacoma International Airport is located in SeaTac, and it’s the main airport serving the Pacific Northwest region. The airport offers several transportation options, such as taxis, car rentals, and public transportation.

Bus Stations Near SeaTac

The city of SeaTac is served by several bus routes, operated by King County Metro, Sound Transit, and Community Transit.

Other Options

Visitors can also reach SeaTac by Amtrak and Greyhound, with several stops in Seattle.

How to Get Around in SeaTac

SeaTac is easily accessible, with several transportation options such as buses, taxis, and rental cars. Visitors can also explore the city on bikes or by foot.

Where to Go Next from SeaTac: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Seattle

Seattle, the Emerald City, is located just a short drive north of SeaTac. It’s a vibrant city that offers a range of attractions, from museums and art galleries to hip neighborhoods and food markets.

Bellevue

Bellevue, a city located just east of Seattle, is known for its luxury shopping, art galleries, and scenic parks. It’s a great destination for shopping, dining, and outdoor activities.

Tacoma

Tacoma, located south of SeaTac, is the third-largest city in Washington. It features several parks, museums, and art galleries, as well as a stunning waterfront.

Conclusion

SeaTac is a hidden gem of the Pacific Northwest, offering a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural attractions, and vibrant food and drink scene. It’s a perfect destination for families, nature lovers, and cultural enthusiasts. With this comprehensive travel guide, you have everything you need to know to plan your trip to SeaTac and make your visit unforgettable.