10 Fun Things To Do Near Renton, Washington (King County Travel Guide)

If you’re visiting the Seattle area and want something a bit more relaxed, Renton, Washington is a great place to base yourself. This King County city sits right on the south end of , with water, mountains, and city life all within easy reach. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or just looking for day-trip ideas, here are 10 things to do in and around Renton that locals and visitors both love.

1. Stroll the Renton Waterfront & Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park

One of the best things to do in Renton is spending time by the water at Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park, right on the shores of Lake Washington. You’ll find:

Nice walking paths along the lake
Swim areas in summer
Playgrounds for kids
Picnic tables and grassy areas
Boat launch and fishing spots

On sunny days, the view of the water and distant mountains is hard to beat. It feels like a small beach town, even though you’re just a short drive from . If you like easy walks, start at the park and follow the paved paths along the waterfront. Bring a light jacket—breezes off Lake Washington can be cool even in summer.

2. Explore Downtown Renton & The Piazza

has a cozy, small-city feel with plenty of local flavor. It’s a great place to grab coffee, shop, and people-watch. Check out:

Renton Piazza Park – a central plaza that often hosts markets and events
Local coffee shops and bakeries
Street art and murals tucked between buildings
Neighborhood restaurants serving everything from burgers to pho

If you’re in town on a weekend, you might run into a farmers market or community festival. It’s the kind of place where you can wander without a strict plan and still have a good time.

3. Visit the Renton History Museum

Curious about how Renton went from coal-mining town to modern city? The Renton History Museum is a small but interesting stop. Housed in an old fire station, the museum shares stories about:

Renton’s coal and timber days
The growth of Boeing and local industry
Everyday life in King County over the years

This is a good choice if you:

Have an hour or two to spare
Are visiting with kids who like hands-on history
Want to understand more than just the “tourist” side of the area

It’s also a nice rainy-day activity, which is handy in Western Washington.

4. Pay Respects at the Jimi Hendrix Memorial

Music fans from all over the world travel to Renton to visit the Jimi Hendrix Memorial at Greenwood Memorial Park. This isn’t a flashy attraction, but it’s powerful in its own quiet way. The memorial includes:

A granite dome and guitar-shaped designs
Engraved lyrics and tributes
Personal mementos left by fans

If you grew up listening to Hendrix, standing there in person can feel surprisingly emotional. Even if you’re just a casual fan, it’s a meaningful stop that connects Renton to music history. Please remember it’s a cemetery, so keep voices low and be respectful.

5. Hike or Bike the Cedar River Trail

If you’re looking for outdoor things to do near Renton, the Cedar River Trail is a solid pick. This mostly flat, paved and gravel path follows the Cedar River for about 17 miles. From Renton, you can:

Walk or bike a short stretch for a relaxed outing
Bring the dog for a nature walk (on leash)
Watch salmon in the river during certain seasons

The trail feels surprisingly peaceful, even though you’re never far from town. It’s great for families, casual cyclists, and anyone who wants some fresh air without tackling a steep mountain hike. If you’re renting bikes or using an e-bike, this is an easy area to ride without worrying about heavy traffic.

6. Tour the Museum of Flight (Just a Short Drive Away)

While it’s technically in Seattle near , the Museum of Flight is so close to Renton that it absolutely belongs on your list. If you’re into planes, space, or engineering, this place is a dream. You can:

Walk through a retired Air Force One plane
Step inside a Concorde
See World War I and II aircraft up close
Explore space exhibits and interactive displays

Renton itself has deep ties to aviation—Boeing’s Renton plant builds famous airplanes like the 737—so adding the Museum of Flight to your Renton itinerary makes a lot of sense. Plan on at least half a day here. Wear comfortable shoes; the hangars are huge.

7. Catch a Show at Renton Civic Theatre

If you enjoy live entertainment, check out the Renton Civic Theatre downtown. This community theater puts on a mix of:

Musicals
Plays
Special events and concerts

The space is intimate enough that you feel close to the stage, and tickets are usually more affordable than big-city productions. It’s a fun way to spend an evening after dinner in downtown Renton. Just be sure to look up the current schedule and book ahead, especially around holidays or popular shows.

8. Shop, Dine, and Play at The Landing

Looking for an easy one-stop spot for food, shopping, and entertainment? Head to The Landing, a modern open-air shopping center not far from Lake Washington. Here you’ll find:

Casual restaurants and bars
National-brand stores and local shops
A movie theater
Seasonal events and pop-ups

It’s an easy place to:

Grab lunch before a walk by the lake
Catch a movie on a rainy day
Meet friends for dinner and drinks

If you’re staying in a nearby hotel, you may even be able to walk there, which is handy if you don’t feel like dealing with parking.

9. Take a Day Trip to Snoqualmie Falls

One of the perks of staying in Renton is how easy it is to explore the rest of King County. About 35–45 minutes east by car, you’ll find Snoqualmie Falls, one of Washington’s most famous waterfalls. Here’s what to expect:

A stunning 268-foot waterfall you can see from multiple viewpoints
Short walking paths to overlooks
A gift shop and visitor area
The historic Salish Lodge perched above the falls

You don’t need hiking experience to enjoy this spot—most viewpoints are a short walk from the parking lot. If you’ve seen the TV show “Twin Peaks,” the falls may look familiar to you. This makes a great half-day or full-day trip from Renton, especially if you combine it with exploring the nearby town of Snoqualmie or North Bend.

10. Enjoy a Game or Event at Lumen Field or T-Mobile Park (From a Renton Home Base)

Another advantage of staying in Renton? You’re close enough to Seattle to catch a game or concert, but far enough away to avoid downtown hotel prices. From Renton, it’s usually a:

20–30 minute drive (without heavy traffic) to Lumen Field – home of the Seahawks and Sounders
Similar drive to T-Mobile Park – home of the Mariners

You can:

Spend the day walking Renton’s waterfront
Grab an early dinner at The Landing
Head into Seattle for an evening game or concert

Then, when it’s all over, you return to a quieter place to sleep. For many travelers, that balance is ideal.

Why Renton Is a Great Base for Exploring King County

Renton doesn’t always make the top of Washington travel lists, but maybe that’s part of the charm. You get:

Lake access without Seattle crowds
Easy day trips to Snoqualmie Falls, Seattle, and nearby towns
Local flavor in its downtown, parks, and history
Plenty of options for food, coffee, and entertainment

If you like the idea of combining city life, water views, and quick access to nature, Renton, Washington might surprise you in the best way.

Share Your Renton Travel Tips

Have you been to Renton, WA or anywhere else in King County?

What was your favorite thing to do?
Did you discover a hidden gem café, park, or viewpoint?
Which spot from this list would you visit first?

Drop your thoughts and questions in the comments, and feel free to share this guide with friends or family planning a trip to the Seattle area. Your ideas can help other travelers make the most of their time in and around Renton!

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10 Best Things To Do Near Renton, Washington (King County)