Discover the natural beauty and rich diversity of plants at the Rhododendron Species Botanical Garden in Federal Way, Washington. This captivating garden spans 22 lush acres, offering a serene escape into nature and showcasing one of the largest collections of rhododendron species in North America. Perfect for nature enthusiasts, gardeners, and anyone looking to enjoy a peaceful outdoor experience, the garden invites you to explore its well-manicured paths and vibrant displays of rare and exotic plant species. The garden is also home to a charming Victorian stumpery, a traditional fern garden that adds a whimsical touch to your visit.

Designed for education and enjoyment, the garden offers a chance to learn more about the importance of plant conservation and the fascinating diversity within the rhododendron genus. Whether you're a seasoned botanist or a casual visitor, the breathtaking blooms and tranquil setting provide an ideal backdrop for a family outing, a day of relaxation, or a learning adventure. Easily accessible from Seattle and Tacoma, the Rhododendron Species Botanical Garden is a must-visit destination that promises to inspire and delight all who come to explore its natural wonders. 

Rhododendron Species Botanical Garden

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

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

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)

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

A Historic Nursery with a Charming Gift Shop    Zenith Holland Nursery, the oldest operating nursery in King County, is a timeless treasure in Des Moines, Washington. Since 1907, it has been nurturing gardens and building community connections. Beyond its lush selection of plants, the nursery surprises visitors with an expansive gift shop, festive seasonal displays, and creative workshops.     

Need to Know:    
Seasonal Magic: The nursery embraces the seasons with enchanting transformations, such as a whimsical pumpkin patch for Halloween and a cozy Santa area during the holidays, complete with photo opportunities for families. The gift shop is also overflowing with seasonal decor.    

Gift Shop: Discover a large gift shop featuring upscale home decor, candles, kids’ toys, baby items, clothing, jewelry, accessories, and more—perfect for gifts or personal indulgences.    

Creative Workshops and Events: Participate in hands-on classes throughout the year, including wreath-making workshops during the holidays, bonsai lessons, and terrarium-building sessions, offering unique ways to connect with nature and creativity.    

Extensive Plant Selection: From vibrant seasonal flowers to hardy shrubs, Zenith Holland offers everything you need to create and maintain a thriving garden, supported by knowledgeable staff ready to help. Experienced horticularlists and garden consutlants can offer expert advice as you choose what makes most sense for your home or yard.    

The Vibe:    Zenith Holland Nursery feels like a hidden oasis tucked away in Des Moines. It's a great place to stop by when you're visiting Seattle Southside, or to bring guests from out of town.

Zenith Holland Nursery

For authentic Taiwanese bubble tea made with uncompromising quality, Sharetea in Des Moines, WA is a must-visit. Situated near the scenic shoreline and marina district, this boba destination delivers expertly brewed tea, perfectly chewy boba, and a menu that spans dozens of flavor-forward options. Known worldwide for its high standards and commitment to sourcing directly from Taiwan, Sharetea brings the original bubble tea experience straight to the heart of Seattle Southside.    

NEED TO KNOW    
-Over 50 Menu Options: From traditional milk teas to fruit teas, smoothies, and hot drinks, there's a drink for every mood and every season—plus limited-time creations that keep things exciting. Best-sellers include the Classic Pearl Milk Tea, Matcha Red Bean Milk Tea, and Thai Tea with boba—all brewed with real tea leaves and creamy richness. Fruit tea lovers gravitate toward the Mango Green Tea or Passionfruit Orange & Grapefruit blends for a zesty, juicy finish.    
-Customizable to Your Taste: Pick your sweetness, ice level, and toppings like boba, pudding, grass jelly, or aloe to make your drink exactly how you like it.    
-Quick & Friendly Service: The Des Moines location earns praise for its cheerful team and fast turnaround, making it a convenient stop during a walk around town or coastal drive.    

The Vibe:   Sharetea Des Moines keeps the spotlight on what matters most: the tea. The space is clean, simple, and efficient—designed for takeout or quick stops rather than long hangouts. Whether you're grabbing a mid-day refreshment or cooling down on a sunny shoreline stroll, the experience is always fast, friendly, and refreshingly low-key.

Sharetea Des Moines

Serving the most delicious and sustainable poké bowls in the Northwest!

Just Poke Des Moines

Coastal Dining on the Des Moines Marina  Anthony’s HomePort and Lower Deck in Des Moines is a go-to destination for fresh Northwest fare. Located directly on the Des Moines Marina, guests enjoy sweeping views of Puget Sound, passing boats, and dramatic Olympic Mountain backdrops—particularly magical at sunset.     This two-in-one restaurant offers both a refined upstairs experience and a relaxed downstairs patio vibe. From summer happy hours and sunset date nights to celebratory dinners and Sunday brunch, the dual-concept setup means there's always a seat—and a scene—that fits your plans.    

Take note: This restaurant is on the Seattle Southside Savings Pass! Sign up for the pass<https://www.seattlesouthside.com/plan-your-trip/deals/savings-pass/> to get a complimentary crispy calamari appetizer with the purchase of two entrees. It's also on the Seattle Southside Happy Hour Trail<https://www.seattlesouthside.com/food-drink/happy-hour-trail/>.  

Top Reasons to Visit:  
Two Experiences in One: The HomePort upstairs offers elegant, full-service dining with an emphasis on seasonal Northwest seafood. The Lower Deck serves up a laid-back, beachy vibe with outdoor seating, casual fare, and craft drinks. The two restaurants have distinct menus and hours, so it’s wise to check the restaurant website before visiting. The Lower Deck is only open in the afternoons and evenings.    
The Best Seafood in Town: Anthony’s prides itself on sourcing all its seafood through its own, family-owned seafood company.    
Upstairs, you can find virtually any kind of seafood you’re craving, including fresh oysters on the half shell, expertly prepared wild cod, steamed clams, prawn cocktail, Dungeness crab dip, and more. Beyond seafood, Anthony’s cooks a mean filet or ribeye, so you can mix-and-match with sides like scallops or tempura prawns to make a delicious surf and turf meal.      
 On the Lower Deck, you’ll find plenty of options as well, like crispy calamari, wild salmon and cod, and fish 

Anthony's HomePort

Recognized as a favorite family-friendly restaurant that offers everything from exotic mixed drinks for adult customers to a special kid’s menu and coloring pages for children. Famous for their variety of juicy gourmet burgers, it's a fun time out for friends and family! The atmosphere is colorful and fun and the service is excellent across the board. At Red Robin, the prices are reasonable and the portions are large, so arrive hungry for the well-known gourmet Red Robin burger and unlimited steak-fries.            

Family-Friendly Restaurant Serving Gourmet Burgers in #SeattleSouthside

Red Robin Gourmet Burgers and Brews

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

The Girls State Swimming & Diving Championships bring Washington’s high school athletes together for a premier WIAA championship meet on November 13–14, 2026. Hosted by the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association at King County Aquatic Center in Federal Way, the event features competition across the 4A, 3A, and 1A/2A classifications, with heat sheets, live results, and a detailed schedule available for athletes, coaches, and fans.

WIAA Girls State Swimming & Diving Championships

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