TRIP ITINERARIES TO MAKE YOURSELF AT HOME IN RENTON
There is plenty to see and experience from the comforts of Renton, Washington. Whether you want to explore the great outdoors, sample an abundance of local flavors, or enjoy exceptional PNW attractions in the area, there’s an itinerary for you.
Below are just a few trip ideas:
Renton is centrally located:
- Renton to Seattle: 20 minutes
- Renton to Mt Rainier National Park: 2 hours
- Renton to Vancouver, BC: 3 hours
- Renton to Portland, OR: 3 hours
- Renton to Tri-Cities, WA: 3.5 hours
- Renton to Coeur d’Alene, ID: 4.5 hours
Renton's Great Outdoors
If You Have 48 Hours
- Explore Lake Washington
- Gene Coulon Memorial Park is 57 acres of land, shoreline and trails. Walk along the water for a serene view. In the warmer months, swim at the sandy beach. Rent kayaks and more from Renton Rowing Center.
- Golf with Mount Rainier
- Maplewood Golf Course consistently ranks among the Seattle area’s best public golf courses. Play this full course or take a swing at the driving range—with epic views of Mount Rainier. Tip: If you want to see the mountain even closer, take a 2-hour drive to the National Park.
- Field Trip Fun
- Take the kiddos to SHADOW Lake Nature Preserve. This bog is a unique ecosystem with rare mosses, fungus and animal life. Take online school into real life for a family-friendly field trip.
- Cedar River Trail
- Walk, run or bike along this iconic trail system. Access the trail within the city and take it right into downtown. Or explore the bigger trail system, weaving through nearby cities up to Seattle. Tip: In the fall you can watch salmon spawn in the Cedar River. Talk with park rangers and learn about the history of salmon in our region.
If You Have 24 Hours
- Cougar Mountain Regional Wildland Park
- Find out why locals call this area the “Issaquah Alps.” Explore 5,000 acres of trails, forests and mountains. Flat trails are great for the kids or increase your elevation for views of Seattle, Bellevue and the whole Puget Sound. Then refuel in Renton after your day of exploring.
- Riparian Forest
- The Black River Riparian Forest and Wetland is as mysterious as it sounds. It’s home to one of the largest blue heron colonies in the region—and 50 other bird species.
Renton's Food Scene
If You Have 48 Hours
- Downtown
- Start your day with Boon Boona Coffee. This hip café works with several African roasters from around the continent and brings the best back to Renton. A must-visit.
- Grab a bite from Naan-N-Curry. Get a jump on the lunch rush by going a little early or late.
- For happy hour, take a mini-pub crawl and visit Dubtown Brewing and Four Generals Brewing.
- Dine at Blossom Vegetarian. Their hefty menu packs a punch, while leaving you ready for dessert. Even skeptic meat eaters will be pleasantly surprised. Tip: Review a full list of downtown Restaurants as you make your plans
- Lakeside
- Start your day with a trip to the shops at The Landing in Renton. Find good eats among major chains and local gems, all while perusing the latest fashion trends.
- Munch with a view at Dock and Drink. It’s Renton’s best patio, right along Lake Washington. Simple pub fare and pooch-friendly. For fine dining, head upstairs to Water’s Table.
- A trip to the PNW requires a stop at Ivar’s. Slurp clam chowder with lakeside views and then walk it off at Gene Coulon Memorial Park.
- Say oui to Peyrassol Café. This French-Italian inspired restaurant is a taste of Europe, without the plane ticket. See why Seattleites travel south for a table.
- More Favorites
- Enjoy your meatballs with a side of home furnishings at Renton’s IKEA. We’re home to the state’s only Swedish superstore. Get a plate to refuel a day of shopping.
- During the summer months, Renton’s Farmers Market is in full swing. Buy fresh from Washington farmers and grab lunch from local food trucks.
If You Have 24 Hours
- Dive into the Szechuan fried chicken sandwich from Yummy Meats and Deli. Crispy, crunchy and slightly sweet. Pick your preferred spice level and bring an extra set of napkins. Then wander around Downtown and take a tour of Renton’s public art.
- Try local favorite Melrose Grill for dinner. You can get affordable surf and turf, served with a smile.
Renton's Outskirts
If You Have 48 Hours
- Seattle
- Renton is just a quick drive from the big city. See Pike Place Market, the Seattle Waterfront, Space Needle, Museum of Pop and so much more. Wander quirky neighborhoods like Fremont, Ballard and Capitol Hill.
- Mount Rainier
- Explore the jewel of the Pacific Northwest. Drive a few hours south of Renton and explore Mount Rainier National Park. There’s plenty of hiking within the park and surrounding areas. Find fresh air and plenty of space.
If You Have 24 Hours
- Snoqualmie Falls and Mount Si
- Take a short drive east and revel in the rushing water at Snoqualmie Falls. Perfect for a quick outdoor getaway and it’s family-friendly! If you want more of a physical challenge, hike nearby Mount Si for impressive views of Mount Rainier.
