Renton

8-Bit Arcade Bar

Vintage arcade and video games. Beer & pizza served; most games are only a quarter to play.

Mon–Fri 4PM–2AM, Sat Sun noon–2AM·$3-$6

Antiques District

Downtown Renton is host to a few antiques shops all within about a block of each other. Makes for a fun walk during the day.

Blossom Vegetarian Restaurant

Vegetarian and vegan Vietnamese restaurant with a focus on providing imitation meat and fish dishes.

Sun-Thu 11AM-9PM, Fri-Sat 11AM-9:30AM·$12-$18

Carco Theatre

Local non-profit theatre with a nearly half-century of history in the city (the oldest theatre in Renton!). Located in Cedar River Park, Carco is always putting on at least one performance.

Cedar River Trail

The longest trail in Renton and maybe the most beautiful. Especially nice during September when you can see the salmon returning to spawn.

Coulon Beach Park

Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park

On Lake Washington, it is home to an Ivar's and Kidd Valley and right next to the Renton Boeing plant. Lots of open areas for picnics and relaxing.

Free

Game-Xplosion

Huge collection of video games downtown, consoles, accessories, and vinyl records as well. Just about anything you could be looking for from any era of gaming can be found here. The owner is friendly and helpful and will gladly talk your ear off about vintage consoles.

Sun–Wed 11AM–6PM; Thu 11AM–8PM; Fri 11AM–10PM; Sat 11AM–9PM

Henry Moses Aquatic Center

Open mid-June through Labor Day

Huge swimming pool located near downtown. Big draw for residents during the summer. Features a wave pool, lazy river, island lagoon, two water slides, play structures, and more. Lap pool is also available (and cheaper). Ticket sales start 3 hours in advance of the session you wish to attend; see the website for more details.

noon–3:30PM, 4PM–7:30PM daily·$15 for non-residents age 5+

Honey Creek Trail

Includes the local attraction of Devil's Elbow, a closed road which was known for its devilishly sharp curve that sent several cars tumbling into a ravine during rainy weather. With its "abandoned civilization" vibe, it makes for a great hike.

Jay Berry's Cafe

Good American (especially breakfast) fare for reasonable prices. Well-liked by locals.

7AM–9PM daily·$10-$20

Jimi Hendrix Memorial

A beautiful memorial in tribute to one of the greatest rock musicians of all time. Jimi was born in Seattle, but his father laid him to rest here.

Jimmy Mac's Roadhouse

A steakhouse known for the novelty of serving peanuts out of barrels and then allowing you to toss the shells on the floor. Also has locations in Everett and Federal Way.

11AM–10PM daily·$15-30

Liberty Park

Right next to the Renton Library, Liberty Park has basketball and tennis courts, picnic areas, play equipment, a skatepark, and access to the Cedar River Trail. It's often visited in September when you can see the salmon making their way up the Cedar River from the Renton Library's bridge.

Sunrise to sunset·Free

Melrose Grill

A restaurant in a building almost as old as the town, with gourmet steaks, cocktails, and desserts. Usually fairly crowded; consider making a reservation. Seafood options available; no vegetarian options aside from salads.

Sun–Thu 5PM–9PM, Fri Sat 5PM–10PM·$30-$50

Modern to Vintage

A neat second-hand furniture store with lots of vintage pieces operated out of a century-old house in the downtown area.

Sun 10AM–5PM; Sat Mon 10AM–6PM; Tue Wed 11AM–2PM; Thu 5PM–8PM

Naan -N- Curry

Locally-owned authentic Indian-Pakistani restaurant with delicious food. Lots of vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options. Also has a location in Issaquah.

Tue–Thu 11:30AM–8:30PM; Fri 11:30AM–9:30PM; Sat noon–9:30PM; Sun noon–8:30PM·$14-$18

Over the Rainbow Tea Bar

A local treasure: one of the best bubble tea shops in the Seattle metropolitan area. Low-key atmosphere; popular with many of the local youths.

Sun–Thu 11AM–10PM; Fri Sat 11AM–11PM·$3

Renton Civic Theatre

RCT frequently puts on dramas, comedies, and musicals in the heart of Renton's downtown.

Renton Farmer's Market

June through September

Great market with food trucks and lots of fresh local produce.

Tue 3–7PM

Renton History Museum

A small museum that houses historical artifacts, most relating to the pioneer era. It includes a permanent exhibit on the Duwamish, whose land Renton is built on.

Tue-Sat 10AM–4PM·$5 adults, $2 children, free for children 8 & younger

The Brick Kitchen + Lounge

The food is good, but the bar is better. A little on the pricey side.

The Landing

Renton's main outdoor mall, halfway between the Highlands and Downtown. In addition to being within walking distance of Coulon Beach Park, there are lots of great shops and restaurants, and it's generally considered to be a great place to hang out.

The Local 907

Good food and drinks. Open mic comedy on some Saturday nights.

Mon–Fri 11AM–2AM; Sat noon–2AM; Sun 9:30AM–2AM·$4-$8

Uncle Mo's Snappy Inn

The "best dive bar in town" that brands itself as the "Cheers of Renton." Fun crowd, decent food, and good karaoke nights.

Sun–Thu 8AM–midnight; Fri Sat 8AM–2AM·$3-$8

Vino at the Landing

Cute wine bar and restaurant at the Landing. Outdoor seating available.

Sun–Thu 11AM–10PM, Fri Sat 11AM–midnight·$8-$12/glass for most bottles; $5 for craft beer

Virginia Mason Athletic Center

the VMAC

The official training center of the Seattle Seahawks. Offers tours of the facilities. Great for football fans.

Whistle Stop Ale House

Well-established craft beer bar that's loved by locals and also serves good comfort food. Happy hours are M–F 3PM–6PM.

Mon–Wed 9AM–10PM; Thu–Sat 9AM–midnight; Sun 9AM–9PM·$4-$8

Ivar's Clam Lights

late November through January 1

An entrancing light display throughout Coulon Beach Park during the holiday season. Definitely worth a visit if you're in town. Bonfires are also lit at various fireplace stations throughout the park for warming up and mingling.

5PM–9PM·Free

Renton River Days

Varies, but usually the last week of July

Renton's major summer event. There are parades, live music, food, and lots of festivities. You'll see a lot of locals out, but it is a tourist attraction as well.

Seahawks Training Camp

Several sessions from the end of July to mid-August

Very popular summer activity—be on the sidelines up close during a Seahawks training session at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center. Provides opportunities for some fan interaction with the players. You cannot drive directly to the facility; instead, you will board a bus at (911 C N 10th Place).

$9/person