Things To Do
in SeaTac
SeaTac is a small, service-oriented city in King County, Washington, best known as the home of Seattle–Tacoma International Airport (SEA). The city is a convenient gateway for travelers connecting to the Seattle metro area and Puget Sound destinations. Beyond the airport, SeaTac offers neighborhood parks, diverse dining reflective of the region's immigrant communities, and easy access to urban and natural attractions.
It's practical for short stays and great as a base for nearby Seattle, Tacoma, and outdoor day trips.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the SeaTac Historical Society Museum, where you can dive into the rich history of the area. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at a nearby café, sampling local pastries and coffee while soaking in the quaint atmosphere. Afterward, take a stroll through the surrounding parks, appreciating the beautiful landscaping and public art installations.
In the afternoon, head to Angle Lake Park, where you can enjoy a picnic by the water or rent a paddleboat to explore the scenic lake. The park also features walking trails, so take a leisurely hike to admire the local wildlife. Don't forget to visit the nearby SeaTac Community Center for various recreational activities and events.
As the sun sets, treat yourself to dinner at a local restaurant specializing in Pacific Northwest cuisine. After your meal, catch a live performance or music event at a venue in the area, immersing yourself in the local arts scene. Wrap up the evening with a peaceful walk around Angle Lake, taking in the serene surroundings under the stars.
Kick off your morning with breakfast at a beachfront café, enjoying a meal with stunning views of Puget Sound. Afterward, spend some time at Des Moines Beach Park, where you can relax on the sand or take a refreshing swim in the water. For the adventurous, consider renting a kayak or stand-up paddleboard to explore the coastline.
In the afternoon, enjoy a leisurely lunch at one of the nearby seafood shacks, sampling the freshest catches of the day. Following your meal, join a guided whale-watching tour, where you can spot orcas and other marine life in their natural habitat. The breathtaking views of the surrounding islands will leave you in awe as you sail across the water.
After returning from your tour, unwind with a sunset picnic on the beach, savoring the beautiful colors of the sky as the sun sets over the water. Later, head to a beach bonfire if available, sharing stories and marshmallows with friends or fellow travelers. Conclude your day by stargazing, enjoying the tranquil sounds of the waves lapping at the shore.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $12-18 |
| ☕Coffee (regular) | $3-5 |
| 🚕Short taxi/ride-share (5–10 miles) | $15-35 |
| 🛏️Mid-range hotel (per night) | $110-200 |
| 🚌Public transit day pass / ORCA | $3-9 (single / variable monthly passes) |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Immediate access to a major international airport (SEA) and excellent regional connections.
- Close to both urban attractions (Seattle, Tacoma) and natural areas (Puget Sound, nearby hiking).
- Diverse food options reflecting many immigrant communities.
- Limited traditional "tourist town" atmosphere—area is service- and transit-oriented.
- Weather is often rainy and overcast outside of summer months.
- Some neighborhoods can feel transient due to airport-related businesses and hotels.
Places to Visit in SeaTac
Visit one of these nice places.
Calm lake with a park, pier and paddle access—great for sunrise/sunset reflections, family portrait sessions, and birdlife photography.
Coastal cliffs, tidepools and rocky shorelines provide dramatic compositions of Puget Sound, rugged coast textures and intertidal life.
Marina views with boats, piers and a boardwalk—excellent for golden hour and waterfront skyline shots toward downtown Seattle on clear days.
Short trips into Seattle reward you with iconic skyline shots, particularly at dusk when city lights contrast with the Sound.
Historic aircraft hangars and outdoor displays make striking images—excellent for aviation and industrial photography.
Food in SeaTac
SeaTac Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Fresh Pacific Northwest seafood stews and grilled salmon are common—look for local salmon or halibut dishes at nearby seafood restaurants and hotel eateries.
Must-Try!
Vietnamese pho and other noodle soups are widely available and warming on cool, rainy days—try family-run shops in SeaTac and neighboring Tukwila.
Korean restaurants near the airport serve BBQ, bibimbap and banchan; they're popular for groups and late dinners.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Nearby neighborhood farmers markets (Tukwila, Des Moines, and SeaTac-area pop-ups) offer seasonal produce, baked goods and prepared foods—visit in summer for berries, corn and artisan foods.
A must-visit if you travel into Seattle — iconic fish-throwing, fresh seafood, local specialties, and many stalls serving ready-to-eat foods.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
People value personal space and polite distance; casual friendliness is common but direct proselytizing or intrusive questions are discouraged.
Forming orderly lines and waiting your turn is expected in stores, transit stops and service counters.
Pack out trash, follow trail rules, and avoid disturbing wildlife—outdoor stewardship is an important local value.
Dress is generally casual; business is less formal than some regions but wear smart clothes for nicer restaurants or events.
Safety
Tipping in SeaTac
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is customary in the U.S.: 15–20% at full-service restaurants, $1–2 per drink at bars, and $2–5 for hotel porters or housekeeping per night. Taxi and rideshare drivers often expect rounding up or a small tip for luggage help or exceptional service.
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted; contactless payments (Apple Pay, Google Pay) are common. Carry a small amount of cash for markets or tips, but most places accept cards.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild temperatures, increasing daylight, and frequent light rain—flowers and parks come alive. Pack a light rain jacket and layers; some trails can be muddy.
Warm, relatively dry and pleasant—best time for outdoor activities, beaches and hiking. Expect more tourists on weekends and long daylight hours; sunscreen and a light jacket for evenings are recommended.
Cooling temperatures, crisp air and colorful foliage in parks and wooded areas. Rain returns gradually—great for photography and fewer crowds after Labor Day.
Cool, wet and overcast most days; occasional snow or freezing conditions inland and at higher elevations. Pack waterproof shoes, warm layers and allow extra travel time for icy roads.
SeaTac at Night
Hiking in SeaTac
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Short coastal trails with cliff-top views, beach access and tidepooling—the park is minutes from SeaTac and ideal for half-day exploration.
Network of forested trails, mountain biking routes and viewpoints about 20–30 minutes east—good for moderate hikes and nature immersion.
Popular 4-mile round-trip hike near North Bend with a dramatic overlook—about 45–60 minutes' drive; expect crowds on weekends but excellent views of Rattlesnake Lake and the Cascades.
Iconic alpine hiking and scenery about 1.5–2 hours' drive; plan for weather changes, possible snow at higher elevations, and longer travel time.
Airports
How to reach SeaTac by plane.
Primary airport serving the Seattle metro area; located within SeaTac city limits with extensive domestic and international flights, ground transportation, car rentals and light rail access to downtown Seattle.
Smaller airport south of downtown Seattle used for general aviation, some cargo and charter flights; useful for certain private or specialty services, about a 20–30 minute drive depending on traffic.
Smaller regional airport serving general aviation in the Tacoma area; around 25–45 minutes' drive depending on route and traffic.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Due to the airport, SeaTac hosts many service workers, business travelers and transient populations connected to aviation and hospitality.
Significant Asian communities, including Korean, Filipino, Vietnamese and other East/Southeast Asian groups that influence local businesses and cuisine.
A mix of families and individuals from varied ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds, contributing to the area's cultural diversity.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
NFL team with passionate regional following; game days fill stadiums and pull visitors across the metro area.
MLB team with summer home games; attending a game is a classic Seattle experience.
MLS team with a strong fan culture; matches are lively and well-attended.
While not a "sport team," outdoor recreational activities are extremely popular among locals year-round.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting SeaTac.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are widely available: many cafés offer salads, grain bowls and veggie sandwiches; Asian restaurants often have tofu-based dishes; ask about fish-based broths in some soups. Seattle-area markets and chains also clearly label vegetarian and vegan options.
Gluten-free menus are common at many restaurants; ask staff about soy sauce (contains wheat) in Asian dishes and request gluten-free substitutions where available.
Halal and kosher options are more limited but available in the greater Seattle area; specialized groceries and restaurants can be reached with a short drive into neighboring cities.