Fall Foliage
in Seattle Southside
Best Spots To Grab a Bite after Seeing the Colors of Fall in Seattle Southside
Break out the sweaters and cozy up with a mug of something warm, it's finally autumn! Even though we think of summer as the traditional time to get outside in Seattle Southside, the fall is a great time of year to go for a scenic hike or just to watch the leaves fall.
Brisk breezes and beautiful autumn colors make any walk through the autumn leaves a joy, but where do you go to see the best autumn leaves and fall foliage in Seattle Southside? And, almost as importantly - where do you go afterwards to refuel and warm back up? We've paired some of our favorite places to see the beautiful fall colors with a place nearby to grab a bite to eat.
Saltwater State Park & Anchor Cafe
A sandy beach getaway on the edge of Washington's largest urban area, and the park is only 2 miles from I-5. Set on a stretch of shoreline between Tacoma and Seattle, Saltwater is one of the most popular Washington state parks. While you won't often have the beach to yourself on a warm summer day, Saltwater State Park is ideal in the fall when crowds dwindle and the colors of fall come out in full display.
Afterward, warm up with a cozy cup of hot chocolate, seasonal specials, and hearty sandwiches at Anchor Cafe, where they are dedicated to bringing you the highest quality in town. It's the perfect place to sit back and relax.
Des Moines Beach Park & Wally’s Chowder House
Des Moines Beach Park is a great place for a picnic or a stroll along Puget Sound during the summer months, but don’t underestimate the beauty of the park during fall (or even winter). The cool, crisp air and the walking path through the dense forest along the Des Moines Creek Trail makes for a delightful autumn day. Just up the street from the park sits TripAdvisor’s #1 restaurant in all of Des Moines: Wally’s Chowder House. Don’t leave Des Moines without trying some of their rich, delicious clam chowder. Trust me on this, it’s even better on a cold day.
Highline SeaTac Botanical Garden & Sharp’s Roasthouse
The Highline SeaTac Botanical Garden is a hidden gem among hidden gems. It’s a quiet, peaceful oasis; something that you’d never expect to find in the land of parking lots and airplanes. Soothe your soul in the landscaped gardens and relax near the running waters of the artificial river. Find your Zen in the beautiful, Japanese Seike Garden, which may be even more beautiful in full, fall color. After your meditation session, head down the street to Sharp’s Roasthouse for a bowl of clam and smoked bacon chowder or oven roasted tomato soup.
Seahurst Park & Smarty Pants Garage
The drive to Seahurst Park is an experience in and of itself. The lush, green (or in this case, orange, red, & yellow) forest creates somewhat of a natural tunnel, which opens up to a beautiful scene on Puget Sound. Walk along the beach and enjoy a true Pacific Northwest sensation. You’ll see the Fauntleroy ferry shuttling passengers to and from Vashon Island, wildlife like the great blue heron, smell the salt and fresh water converge, and feel the cool breeze coming inland. When you’re ready to warm up, drive out to local favorite and motorcycle racing themed restaurant, Smarty Pants Garage. They’re known for their sandwiches (and they’re all amazing), but don’t underestimate their homemade soups, including their veggie and meat chilis. Delicious.
Fort Dent Park/Interurban Trail & Arashi Ramen
The former site of a Civil War-era military installation is now the destination for a leisurely stroll or a soccer match. Walk alongside the soccer fields of Starfire Sports and onward to the Interurban Trail, where you’ll cross bridges over the Green River and see plenty of fall color on your way. If you were to walk a couple miles, you might just find yourself at one of the international culinary hot spots of Seattle Southside, Arashi Ramen. The rich pork broth and thick noodles have been a staple of dining guides and itineraries for some time now. On a cold, fall day, you just can’t beat a bowl of authentic, Japanese ramen for lunch.
Angle Lake Park & 13 Coins
Enjoy the crisp fall air and the view of the trees and homes surrounding Angle Lake. Afterwards, warm up at 13 Coins with a bowl of their hearty French onion soup and cozy up in the high back booths.
Des Moines Creek Trail & Anthony's HomePort
The creek rushes by as you stroll along in the crunchy leaves on Des Moines Creek Trail. Warm up at nearby Anthony's HomePort with the Award-Winning Clam Chowder: New England style clam chowder with potatoes and bacon.
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