Outdoor Lover's Itinerary

There’s nothing quite like the great outdoors in the Pacific Northwest.

Western Washington is filled with the soothing serenity of Puget Sound, walkable parks, and lush, green trails.

Seattle Southside has it all, with the added benefit of many of the parks and trails being more “off the beaten path” or “hidden gems,” that the crowds haven’t discovered yet. Time to get outside and explore more!

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Day 1

Start your day off with a leisurely stroll through the beautiful Highline SeaTac Botanical Garden. Here you will find plenty of roses, lilies, and fuchsias, not to mention a beautiful, traditional Japanese garden with an amazing backstory. This natural wonderland is only a few blocks away from the airport, but you wouldn’t think so while basking in the sun next to the babbling brook. Docent-guided tours are available upon request for groups. The minimum fee for a docent-guided tour is $70.

After the botanical garden, stop by Bob’s Burgers and Teriyaki and pick up a bacon cheeseburger or some delicious yakisoba. There's also Sharps Roasthouse as an option. A classic American Roast House, Sharps features over 10 fresh roast varieties daily coming from it's one-of-a-kind 25-foot Roasting Works. Diners even get a free souvenir of Meat Smoking Chips complete with a two-day herb chicken recipe! Sharps has a private dining area that will hold groups of up to 40 guests. They also can accommodate groups up to 16 in their general dining room with reservations.

With your appetite satisfied, head over to Starfire Sports to catch a Seattle Seawolves match. The Seawolves are two-time Major League Rugby champions. Join the hunt as they go for championship number three! As dinner approaches, your group can grab a popular pie fold “pizza sandwich” and a local cider at the Watershed FC located on-site. Group ticket packages are available for groups of 15 or more. Various exclusive group experiences include High Five Tunnel, Benchwarmers, Dream Team, National Anthem, Half Time Performances, Player Meet and Greet, and VIP Access.

If sports aren't really your game, then head to Angle Lake Park for a picnic and a dip in the lake! This park is great for kids; in addition to the swimming areas on the lake, there’s also a playground, a wacky spray park, and plenty of room to run around. It’s also quite easy to get here since the Link Light Rail Angle Lake Station recently opened in 2016. If you have any energy left, take a bike (or rollerblades/longboard/running shoes) to the Interurban Trail where an interweaving 14.7-mile natural landscape trail connects multiple cities. From Auburn to Tukwila, you’ll enjoy the fresh air and paved trail which leads right to the Southcenter shopping area, where you can get a much-deserved meal after all that exercise.

Day 2

Day two starts at the true “hidden gem” of Seattle Southside, Des Moines Beach Park. The park itself is a favorite among the locals, but it’s seldom overcrowded. This means you’ll have plenty of space to walk on the shores of Puget Sound, see breathtaking views, go beachcombing, and explore the tide pools, watch the native Northwest birds, and maybe even catch a glimpse (from a safe distance, of course!) of a local otter or seal.

The beaches in the Northwest are not your typical sandy beaches. Here, your group will find pebbles and shells of all shapes and sizes, mini crabs, and clams spouting water in the air from underneath the sand. Arrange for a tour led by a nature guide and learn what’s in the tide pools and waters of the Pacific Northwest!

There’s so much to do at Des Moines Beach Park, you just might want to spend the whole day there. But after the sun sets, you should head to the Des Moines Marina and get some fresh seafood at Anthony’s HomePort.

On Wednesdays and Saturdays from May to October, your group can enjoy the morning eating local bites at the Des Moines Farmers Market. This farmers market is right on the waterfront and features fresh produce, colorful flowers, local crafts, and live music while overlooking Puget Sound.

Day 3

Your group’s final day in Seattle Southside brings them back to the waters of Puget Sound, but this time, underneath with a guided scuba diving tour with Seattle Dive Tours at Saltwater State Park.

Before the dive, schedule some time to relax and enjoy the sights and sounds of Saltwater State Park. There are picnic benches for snacks and lunch and great views all around. Your group will want to walk along the beach, breathe in the fresh air of the Pacific Northwest, and enjoy!

Seattle Dive Tours has everything your group will need to have a great Puget Sound diving experience. They will be guided to artificial reef structures, which make great homes for all sorts of marine life. Your group may see Copper and Black Rockfish, Plumose Anemone, wolf eels, or even a Giant Pacific Octopus. They can even rent an underwater camera to capture every moment of their underwater journey!

After an amazing underwater adventure, your group can dine at Wally's Chowder House, a hidden gem on the Puget Sound waterfront. Your group will experience kitschy nautical decor while dining on award-winning Northwest seafood and with impeccable service.

You can also opt for a bit of a mini-road trip for the final day of your outdoor adventure. About 45 minutes east of Seattle Southside sits Western Washington’s most famous waterfall, Snoqualmie Falls. The 270-foot waterfall welcomes over 1.5 million visitors each year and for good reason. The observation deck provides the perfect opportunity for breathtaking photos, which should be posted directly to your Instagram account (don’t forget to tag us and use #seattlesouthside!).

Only a few miles down the road from Snoqualmie Falls, Mount Si features one of the best hiking trails in the Pacific Northwest. The eight-mile hike can be a bit strenuous, but the views from the top are worth every arduous step (and every calorie burned!). If an eight-mile hike sounds a bit too difficult, the far more moderate 4.7-mile Little Mount Si hike also boasts some incredible views and is fantastic for families!

After a great day of hiking, head back to Seattle Southside and get some dinner at the iconic Italian restaurant, Grazie Ristorante. With a classic Italian atmosphere and plenty of delicious pasta and spiced meats, there’s arguably no better restaurant in Seattle Southside for a good carb-loading session.

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FAQs for Seattle Outdoor Lovers

Q: Where can I enjoy the serene beauty of botanical gardens near Seattle Southside?

A: Take a leisurely stroll through the Highline SeaTac Botanical Garden and explore its colorful displays of roses, lilies, and fuchsias, including a traditional Japanese garden with a fascinating backstory.

Q: What outdoor activities are available for groups near Angle Lake Park?

A: Enjoy a picnic and a dip in the lake at Angle Lake Park, featuring swimming areas, a playground, and a wacky spray park. Nearby, explore the Interurban Trail for a scenic bike ride or stroll connecting multiple cities.

Q: Where can I experience the tranquility of Des Moines Beach Park away from the crowds?

A: Discover the hidden gem of Des Moines Beach Park, offering spacious shores along Puget Sound for beachcombing, tide pool exploration, and birdwatching, followed by fresh seafood dining at Anthony's HomePort.

Q: What underwater adventures await at Saltwater State Park?

A: Embark on a guided scuba diving tour with Seattle Dive Tours at Saltwater State Park, exploring artificial reef structures teeming with marine life, then unwind with award-winning Northwest seafood at Wally's Chowder House.

Q: Looking for a scenic outdoor excursion near Seattle Southside?

A: Take a mini-road trip to Snoqualmie Falls for breathtaking waterfall views, followed by a hike at Mount Si offering stunning vistas. Conclude your adventure with a carb-loading session at Grazie Ristorante, indulging in classic Italian cuisine.

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