Start in Renton, Explore Everywhere
Welcome to Renton
Renton is one of the most diverse cities in the U.S. From this convenient location you can sample world cuisine, meet local makers and up your photo game among the natural scenery. It’s also an affordable home base for day trips to Seattle, Mount Rainier or Pacific Coast beaches.
ITINERARY TIPS TO START YOUR STORY
For itinerary inspiration, we turned to those who know the city best—the people who work, live and love Renton. Thank you to Renton Mayor Armondo Pavone, Mrs. Renton Jennifer Brothers and all the residents who offered their suggestions.
Discover where the locals go in Renton. Find travel inspiration with itinerary tips shared by locals (below) to plan your next chapter.
From Renton You Can Get to:
Seattle, WA
20 minutes
Mt. Rainier National Park
2 hours
Vancouver, BC
3 hours
Portland, OR
3 hours
Tri-Cities, WA
3.5 hours
Coeur d'Alene, ID
4.5 hours
SEE THE WORLD FROM RENTON
Global Cuisine
- Surprise your tastebuds with the Turkish specialties at Café Sabah. Halal cuts of beef, lamb and chicken are used in authentic dishes such as pide, gozleme, kebobs and lahmjoun.
- Brighten your spirits with a fun visit to La Michoacana Ice Cream Shop. You can see the fresh fruit in the popsicles, ice cream, snacks and drinks, all made daily with natural ingredients.
- Dig in to the loco moco, macadamia nut pancakes and other Hawaiian delights at Saimin Says. The robust kids’ menu makes it easy to bring the family.
- Check the Beana’s Hand Pies & Bakery website to find their next pop-up with hand pies made with Nigerian meat, Jamaican patties or Southern influences. Pro tip: pre-order online, as the handheld comfort food often sells out.
- Whisk away to Australia for the light and crispy fish and chips at Salty Blue. House-made chowder, burgers and hand-cut chips round out the menu.
- Sample the many entrees and bakery items at Pabla Indian Cuisine, Renton’s first kosher, Indian vegetarian restaurant. The business includes a market with vegetarian items to take home.
- Choose from 10 flavors of naan at the Himalayan Café. The momos (Nepalese dumplings) are another customer favorite.
- Raise a stein and dig in to the schnitzel, pretzels and other German specialties at Berliner Pub. Live music, karaoke and trivia nights add to the spirited atmosphere.
Beverages
- Enjoy the colorful chilled drinks and hot instant ramen bar at family owned BOGA in Downtown Renton.
- Experience the East African coffee ceremony at Boon Boona Coffee, where your purchase supports African coffee growers.
- Relax with the specialty refreshing beverages at Ocha Thai restaurant.
Shopping
- Visit Fabrics for Less for hard-to-find exotic prints and sewing notions. The spacious store also has carpets and blankets for your home.
- Bid on European paintings, Japanese antiques, glass art, toys and more through Mroczek Brothers Auctions, held in person and online. Bring in your antiques for a free appraisal.
- Inspire your creative side through the cultural backgrounds and personal stories of the “Featured Maker” program at Wyldwood Creative.
- Browse all the imported treasures at IKEA, easy to find off State Route 167.
Markets
- Cook your own Asian feast with the specialty Vietnamese and Thai groceries and fresh produce at Viet-Wah Asian Food Market.
- Pick up authentic condiments, spices, drinks and more at the Mexican markets in nearly every Renton neighborhood.
- Plan some time to explore the aisles of international treasures at DK Market. While primarily an Asian market, the store has a growing section of Mexican groceries, plus European foods and fresh produce from everywhere.
TIPS
Sip & Shop Tips
- Taste the distinct flavors of Pacific Northwest grapes and berries in locally made wines from Cedar River Cellars, in the Highlands neighborhood.
- Feed your need for a shopping spree at The Landing, full of local shops and national brands. Relax on-site with a glass of wine at Vino at The Landing.
- Wind down after shopping with a walk along the scenic Cedar River Trail. Prefer a lakeside stroll? The waterfront walkway at Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park is a photographic gem (check out the fabulous new playground there too).
- Watch the city come to life with coffee at a sidewalk table downtown. Common Ground Coffee & Cupcakes and Liberty Café will be ready for you.
- Venture on a treasure hunt at the Seattle Goodwill Renton location. The inventory’s also ever-changing at the charming Sparkle Gifts and Whatnots downtown.
- Tell stories over a pint of locally crafted beer at Dubtown Brewing or Four Generals Brewing, both downtown. And both are a short walk to 8-bit Arcade Bar (all ages until 9 p.m.)
- Sip and shop in the same building! Antiques 4U also houses Puget Sound Cider Company, which produces hard cider from Washington-grown apples.
- • End your day with cocktails and a waterfront sunset at dock & drink at the Hyatt Regency Lake Washington at Seattle’s Southport.
Do it All in the Legendary Downtown
- Pull up a chair under the outside umbrellas at the Whistle Stop Ale House for truffle-seasoned tater tots and craft beer from 18 taps at this downtown fixture.
- Wake up with coffee from The Rose Gift House and Coffee. Take your time and shop the unique gifts, art, jewelry and more—much of it is handcrafted.
- Wave hello to Renton’s mascot, Erasmus the dragon. He’s perched atop the building at 826 S. 3rd Street, inviting you to wander downtown for other whimsical public art.
- Browse the shelves for surprises and treasures at Apparition Books. Or take a class to make a terrarium at Urban Sprouts.
- Enjoy dinner at one of the many downtown restaurants such as Melrose Grill steakhouse, Marianna Ristorante (Italian), Salty Blue fish and chips, and Naan-n-Curry.
- Put a star on your visit with tickets to the art deco Renton Civic Theater. Musicals and other live shows draw performers and patrons from across the region.
Stay a Night (or Two!)
No matter how you spend your time in Seattle’s front yard, you’ll be rested and ready with an overnight stay in one of our hotels. All locations have made safety and cleaning an even bigger priority during COVID-19, and they welcome you for a restful, relaxing visit.
SHARE YOUR STORY ON SOCIAL MEDIA
Share your legendary story on social media, for the chance to be featured on @WhyRenton. Tag #MyRentonStory and #SeattlesFrontYard
