10 Fun Things To Do Near Redmond, Washington (King County)
If you’re looking for things to do in and around
Redmond, Washington, you’re in luck. This Eastside city in
King County is way more than just Microsoft’s hometown. It’s a great base for exploring the
Seattle area, the
Cascade foothills, and some very cool local parks, trails, and food spots.
Whether you’re planning a day trip, a weekend getaway, or you just moved to the area, here are
10 fun things to do near Redmond, WA that give you a real feel for the region.
1. Explore Marymoor Park – Redmond’s Backyard Playground
If you only do one thing in Redmond, make it
Marymoor Park. Locals call it “Redmond’s backyard” for a reason.
This huge park sits just off WA-520 and has a little bit of everything:
- Over 600 acres of open space
- One of the best off-leash dog parks in the Seattle area
- Walking and biking trails that connect to the Sammamish River Trail
- Sports fields and a climbing rock
- Outdoor summer concerts at Marymoor Live
If you’re visiting in summer, check the concert schedule. Sitting on the grass on a warm evening, listening to live music with Mount Rainier sometimes peeking out in the distance, is a classic Redmond experience.
Parking is usually a small fee per vehicle, so bring a few dollars or a card just in case.
2. Walk or Bike the Sammamish River Trail
Running right by Marymoor Park is the
Sammamish River Trail, one of the most popular paved trails on the Eastside.
This easy, mostly flat trail:
- Stretches about 10+ miles between Redmond and Bothell
- Is perfect for biking, jogging, or a relaxed walk
- Connects to the Burke-Gilman Trail if you want to keep going toward Seattle
You’ll pass:
- Green fields and farm areas
- The Sammamish River, with ducks and herons
- Views of wineries near Woodinville if you go far enough
If you don’t have a bike, you can still enjoy a peaceful stroll right from Marymoor. On a sunny day, this trail really shows off why people love the Pacific Northwest.
3. Visit Downtown Redmond for Coffee, Shopping & Local Flavor
Downtown Redmond has grown a lot over the past few years, and it’s turning into a great walkable area.
You’ll find:
- Independent coffee shops and bakeries
- Casual restaurants and bars
- Small boutiques and local services
- Public art and murals along the streets
Redmond also has the
Redmond Saturday Market (seasonal), one of the oldest farmers’ markets on the Eastside. It’s a fun place to:
- Grab fresh flowers and produce
- Try baked goods, jams, and cheeses
- Pick up local crafts and gifts
If you like the feel of small city centers with a community vibe, take an hour or two just to wander, grab a latte, and people-watch.
4. Experience Redmond Town Center
Just a short walk from downtown,
Redmond Town Center is an open-air shopping and entertainment area that works well in almost any weather.
Here you’ll find:
- National retailers mixed with local shops
- Multiple restaurants and quick bites
- Fitness studios and a movie theater (depending on current tenants)
- Seasonal events and family activities
It’s a convenient spot if you:
- Need to pick up something you forgot to pack
- Want an easy dinner option after a day on the trails
- Are traveling with kids and need somewhere safe to walk around
On many weekends, you’ll find small events, live music, or community gatherings happening in the central plaza.
5. Tour the Microsoft Campus & Visitor Area
Redmond is best known as the home of
Microsoft’s global headquarters. While you can’t just wander freely into office buildings, the campus is still interesting to see from the outside.
Things to check out:
- The Microsoft campus area around NE 40th Street and 156th Avenue NE
- Nearby cafés and restaurants that serve the tech crowd
- Occasional public events or visitor spaces (these can change over time)
Even if you’re not a big tech person, it’s fun to drive or walk around and see how much of Redmond is shaped by this giant company. If you’ve ever used Windows, Xbox, or Office, you’re basically visiting their “hometown.”
6. Hike or Bike at Redmond Watershed Preserve
If you want to get into the woods without driving far into the mountains, head to the
Redmond Watershed Preserve.
This peaceful natural area offers:
- Several miles of forested trails
- Mixed-use pathways for hiking, trail running, and in some areas, biking and horseback riding
- Shady, mossy Northwest forest vibes
The trails are generally:
- Well-marked
- Gently rolling with some small hills
- Great for families or casual hikers
On a rainy day, the forest feels extra quiet and calm. Just bring a rain jacket and waterproof shoes, because this is Western Washington, after all.
7. Take a Short Drive to Woodinville Wine Country
About 15–20 minutes northwest of Redmond, you’ll find
Woodinville, one of the top wine-tasting areas in Washington State.
Woodinville Wine Country is known for:
- Dozens of wineries and tasting rooms
- Cider houses and breweries
- Casual restaurants and food trucks
Some well-known stops include:
- Chateau Ste. Michelle – famous winery with beautiful grounds and summer concerts
- Woodinville Whiskey Co. – tours and tastings of locally made whiskey
You don’t need to be a wine expert. Many places are very relaxed and happy to walk you through a tasting. Just remember to plan a safe ride if you’re sampling alcohol.
8. Enjoy Lake Sammamish State Park (Near Issaquah)
A short drive south from Redmond takes you to
Lake Sammamish State Park, just outside Issaquah.
This park is great for:
- Swimming and wading in the lake in summer
- Kayaking and paddleboarding (you can sometimes rent equipment nearby or bring your own)
- Picnics with big grassy areas and picnic tables
- Playgrounds for kids
The lake can get busy on warm weekends, so arriving earlier in the day is a good idea. Bring:
- Towels and sunscreen (yes, the sun does show up in Washington)
- Water shoes if you like a bit more comfort on the rocky shore
If you love being near the water, this is one of the best outdoor things to do close to Redmond.
9. Explore Bellevue – City Life Just Down the Road
About 15–20 minutes from Redmond,
Bellevue offers a more urban feel with great views and plenty to do.
Some highlights:
- Bellevue Downtown Park – a large park with a walking loop and skyline views
- Bellevue Square – a major shopping mall with tons of stores and restaurants
- Old Bellevue on Main Street – charming area with boutiques and cafés
Bellevue is nice if you want:
- A date night with dinner and a walk
- Rainy-day indoor shopping or hanging out
- A mix of city vibes and green spaces
From Redmond, it’s an easy drive or bus ride, and you get a sense of another side of King County beyond Seattle.
10. Take a Day Trip to Seattle for the Classics
Being in Redmond means you’re only about 30–40 minutes (traffic depending) from
downtown Seattle. That opens up a whole list of iconic things to do.
Some Seattle must-sees:
- Pike Place Market – fresh seafood, flowers, coffee, and the famous fish throwers
- Space Needle – classic observation deck with views of the city and, on clear days, Mount Rainier
- Chihuly Garden and Glass – stunning glass art right next to the Space Needle
- Seattle Waterfront – ferris wheel, piers, and views of ferries crossing the sound
It’s easy to spend a full day exploring Seattle and then head back to the quieter vibes of Redmond in the evening. If you don’t feel like driving, look into bus routes or park-and-ride options.
Tips for Enjoying Your Time in Redmond, WA
To make the most of your
Redmond, Washington trip or stay, keep these simple tips in mind:
- Layer your clothing: Weather can shift from cool to warm quickly, especially spring and fall.
- Expect some rain: A light rain jacket or umbrella goes a long way.
- Use trails and parks: Redmond shines outdoors – Marymoor Park and the Sammamish River Trail are musts.
- Plan for traffic: Around rush hour, getting to Seattle or Bellevue can take longer than you’d think.
Final Thoughts – Why Redmond Is a Great Base in King County
Redmond hits a nice balance: it has
big-name tech,
beautiful parks, and
easy access to both quiet nature and lively city scenes. You can:
- Bike along the river in the morning
- Wine taste in Woodinville in the afternoon
- Have dinner in Bellevue or downtown Redmond at night
If you’re exploring
King County or the greater Seattle area, Redmond is a smart place to stay, especially if you love trails, trees, and a slower pace after a busy day of sightseeing.
What Did We Miss? Share Your Favorite Redmond Activities
Have you spent time in
Redmond, Washington or nearby towns like Woodinville, Bellevue, or Seattle?
- What are your favorite things to do near Redmond?
- Do you have a go-to coffee shop, park, or trail?
I’d love to hear about your experiences.
Drop a comment with your tips, stories, or questions about visiting Redmond and King County.
And if you found this guide helpful, please
share it with friends or family planning a trip to the Seattle area. It might inspire their next adventure on the Eastside!
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