Saltwater State Park combines the best of forest and sea. Located along the coast of Puget Sound about 20 minutes south of Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) by car, this natural playground offers 137 acres of evergreen-lined trails, a protected sandy beach, and a popular scuba diving site. It’s also a Marine Protected Area, making it a great place to spot wildlife.    

Note: You need to purchase a Discover Pass<https://www.discoverpass.wa.gov> to visit. The campsites are currently closed. Check the Washington State Parks website<https://parks.wa.gov/find-parks/state-parks/saltwater-state-park> for updates.       

Nature's Playground by the Sound    
-Sandy Beach: The large, driftwood-strewn beach is the park’s biggest draw. At low tide, the beach reveals a network of tidepools teeming with sea stars, crabs, and other small marine life. On select dates in the summer, volunteer naturalists with Friends of Saltwater State Park are stationed at the beach to answer questions. Look for them in bright yellow vests, and check the organization’s website<https://www.friendssaltwater.org/upcoming-events> for Beach Exploration dates.     
-Forested Hiking Trails: Follow the trails through lush forest and along McSorley Creek, where you can sometimes spot salmon.     
-Picnic-Perfect Spaces: The park features more than 100 picnic shelters, fire pits and grills, and open grassy areas perfect for group gatherings.    
-Marine Sanctuary & Scuba Diving: Saltwater State Park is home to an artificial reef, making it a hotspot for scuba diving. Divers often spot rockfish, anemones, and octopuses in the cold, vibrant waters.    
-The Vibe  Like all great state parks, Saltwater State Park feels both well-maintained and a little wild and rugged. You get to feel like you’re off the beaten path, while knowing you’re close to amenities.

Saltwater State Park

Open during the summer months, May through September. A local concession stand located on the water at Saltwater State Park, the Snack Shack offers a variety of hot dogs (Seattle Dog, Mac and Cheese Dog, Chili Cheese Dog, and more), ice cream, and more!

Des Moines Snack Shack (Seasonal)

Authentic Mexican food with a festive environment, friendly staff and always fresh ingredients. Warm chips with salsa, great refried beans and large menu with all of your favorites!

Viva Mexico Restaurant

An Up-Close Look at Puget Sound's Marine Life     Perched on the shores of Redondo Beach in Des Moines, Washington, the MaST Center Aquarium is a living classroom, a research lab, and a community treasure trove dedicated to unveiling the magic of Puget Sound. Operated by Highline College, this vibrant facility fosters curiosity through hands-on learning. With over 250 native species on display, interactive touch tanks, and more than 3,000 gallons of flow-through seawater powering its tanks, the MaST Center offers up-close encounters with creatures that usually remain hidden beneath the surface.    While the MaST Center is not open to the public daily, it hosts free, family-friendly Discovery Days every Saturday. Knowledgeable volunteers and marine experts guide you through the center, making the experience educational and fun.     

Need to Know:   
 Native Species on Full Display – The MaST Center houses hundreds of native marine species—from colorful anemones to mesmerizing jellyfish—all thriving in tanks fed by natural seawater directly from Puget Sound. It's one of the most biodiverse educational aquariums in the state. Touch tanks allow guests to (gently) feel native marine creatures while learning about their roles in the ecosystem.    
More Than an Aquarium – The fun starts when you enter the lobby, where a 38-foot skeleton of a Gray Whale greets you. There are also exhibits about various marine life species and art installations based on environmental topics.    
Underwater Art - During the winter, the center displays an art gallery featuring winning submissions to its Underwater Photography Challenge. See incredible photos of fish and other marine creatures taken right in the waters at Redondo.    
Picturesque Coastal Location  – The aquarium's Redondo Beach site is not only scenic but also perfectly positioned near tidepools and marine habitats that further enhance the educational adventure. While there, take a walk on the Redondo Beach boardwalk.  

MaST Center Aquarium

Discover a captivating blend of culture, history, and art at the Wing Luke Museum, located in the heart of Seattle's vibrant Chinatown-International District. This unique Smithsonian Affiliate offers an immersive exploration of the Asian Pacific American experience through engaging exhibitions, interactive installations, and thought-provoking programs. Dive into stories that span generations and regions, highlighting the rich contributions and diverse narratives of Asian Pacific Americans. With its dynamic rotating exhibits and preserved historic spaces, the museum invites visitors to connect deeply with the past, celebrate contemporary achievements, and inspire future innovation. Whether you're a history buff, an art enthusiast, or someone seeking a meaningful cultural experience, the Wing Luke Museum delivers an unforgettable visit that enlightens and empowers. Plan your visit today and be a part of a community conversation at 719 S King St, where history and heritage come alive. 

Wing Luke Museum

Looking for fun things to do in Seattle? Seattle Southside offers limitless fun, all year round. From indoor skydiving in the winter to beachcombing in the summer, there are so many things to do and see, you’ll be sure to find fun for the entire family in Seattle’s Backyard.
From Starfire Sports to North SeaTac BMX Park, you’ll find a wide variety of sporting venues in Seattle Southside. Participants will also find plenty of post-game fun, including go-kart racing, bowling and indoor skydiving. And we’ll be happy to offer you complimentary planning help for everything from group activities to team housing. Make your next sporting event one for the record books in Seattle Southside.


Explore Seattle Southside

Experience the excitement of the **NWAC Soccer Championships**, where the conference’s top teams compete for a championship title.

Championship action takes place on **Friday, November 13, and Sunday, November 15**, giving soccer fans two days to cheer on talented NWAC student-athletes as they battle their way toward the title.

NWAC Soccer Championships

Soccer

Starfire is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit empowering community through world-class soccer & education programs. Starfire's exceptional 54 acre complex includes 5 grass fields, 5 outdoor turf fields, a stadium with seating for 2,500 and an 80,000 square foot athletic center with 2 indoor turf fields ensuring leagues have year round access. Starfire’s exceptional campus & inclusive programming attracts over 1.3 million visits each year.

NWAC Soccer Championships

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