10 Fun Things To Do Near Auburn, Washington (King County)
If you’re looking for a laid-back Pacific Northwest escape,
Auburn, Washington is a great place to start. Tucked between Seattle and
Tacoma in
King County, Auburn gives you easy access to mountains, rivers, and city life—all without the crowds and high prices you’ll find closer to downtown Seattle.
Whether you’re visiting family, coming for a concert, or just passing through, here are
10 awesome things to do in and around Auburn, WA.
1. Catch a Concert or Race at Emerald Downs
If you want an only-in-Auburn experience, head to
Emerald Downs, the local horse racing track just a few minutes from downtown.
You’ll find:
On a warm summer evening, it’s hard to beat sitting in the stands, watching the sunset over
Mount Rainier while the horses thunder past. Even if you’re not usually into horse racing, it’s fun to toss a small bet on a horse with a funny name and see if it comes in.
Looking for things to do in Auburn at night?
Emerald Downs is one of the top evening attractions near Auburn, WA.
2. Explore the Trails and Riverfront at Game Farm Park
For a quieter day, check out
Game Farm Park, one of Auburn’s most popular green spaces. It sits right along the
White River and is great for a relaxed walk or a family picnic.
You’ll find:
- Paved walking paths
- Open grassy fields
- Playgrounds for the kids
- Views of the White River
Bring a blanket, a simple picnic, and just hang out. On clear days you might catch a peek of
Mount Rainier in the distance. It’s a nice break if you’ve been stuck in the car on I‑5 or Highway 18 for too long.
3. Get Your Adrenaline Fix at Pacific Raceway
Just outside Auburn, you’ll find
Pacific Raceway, a well-known motorsports complex in the region. If you love fast cars, roaring engines, and burning rubber, this is your spot.
Depending on the schedule, you might see:
- Drag racing
- Road course events
- Motorcycle track days
- Major racing series on select weekends
Even if you’re not a hardcore racing fan, the energy is contagious. The smell of fuel, the sound of engines, the crowd cheering—it's a totally different vibe from the calmer parks around Auburn.
If you’re planning a trip, check the
Pacific Raceway Auburn WA schedule ahead of time so you don’t miss a big event.
4. Walk the Historic Streets of Downtown Auburn
You don’t have to leave town to find something interesting.
Downtown Auburn has a cozy, small‑town feel, with local shops, cafes, and public art.
Stroll around and you’ll come across:
- Coffee shops perfect for a rainy day
- Local restaurants with everything from burgers to pho
- Murals and sculptures tucked onto corners and alleyways
- Seasonal farmers markets and community events
If you like people-watching, grab a coffee, sit by the window, and just see what everyday life in a Pacific Northwest town looks like. It’s a simple way to get a real feel for Auburn beyond the usual tourist stops.
5. Visit the White River Valley Museum
Want to learn what this area was like long before the highways and shopping centers? Head to the
White River Valley Museum in Auburn.
This small but well-done museum shares the story of:
- Local Native American history and culture
- Early settlers and farming communities
- The growth of the railroads and industry
- Everyday life in the White River Valley over the years
It’s family-friendly, easy to walk through in about an hour, and often has special exhibits or kid-focused activities. If you’re traveling with children or teens, it’s a great way to mix in some learning without feeling like a lecture.
6. Play and Hike at Flaming Geyser State Park
About a 20–25 minute drive southeast of Auburn, along the Green River, is
Flaming Geyser State Park. Don’t worry, there’s no giant erupting volcano—just a small gas vent that used to produce a “flame” (these days, it’s mostly just a fun name and a curious sight).
What makes the park worth the trip:
- Riverside picnic areas
- Easy trails for casual hiking
- Green River access for tubing and rafting (in season)
- Open space for tossing a frisbee or just relaxing
On warm days, locals float down the Green River on inner tubes. If you go, bring water shoes, sunscreen, and always check safety conditions—river levels and currents can change quickly.
For anyone searching for
outdoor things to do near Auburn, WA, Flaming Geyser is one of the best nearby state parks.
7. Take a Day Trip to Mount Rainier National Park
One of the perks of staying in Auburn is how close you are to
Mount Rainier National Park. Depending on where you enter the park, you’re usually around a 1.5 to 2‑hour drive away.
You can:
- Hike short, family-friendly trails with big mountain views
- See waterfalls and wildflowers in late spring and summer
- Snowshoe or play in the snow in winter, when conditions allow
- Snap photos of one of the most iconic peaks in the USA
If you’re visiting from out of state, this is your chance to see that classic Washington postcard view in real life. Auburn makes a great “home base” if you want more affordable lodging and easier freeway access than you’ll find closer to the park.
8. Go Shopping and Dining at The Outlet Collection Seattle
Need a rainy‑day plan or just want some retail therapy? Check out
The Outlet Collection Seattle (formerly the SuperMall), located right in Auburn.
Inside this large indoor mall, you’ll find:
- Brand-name outlet stores
- Casual and sit-down restaurants
- Kids’ play areas and seasonal events
It’s perfect if you:
- Forgot a jacket (it happens a lot in Washington)
- Want to walk indoors when the weather isn’t cooperating
- Need to pick up last-minute gear for hiking or day trips
If you’re searching for
things to do in Auburn, WA when it rains, this is an easy go-to.
9. Explore Nearby Tacoma: Museum of Glass & Waterfront
Auburn sits nicely between Seattle and Tacoma, so it’s easy to branch out. In about 25–30 minutes, you can be in
Tacoma, exploring its lively waterfront and cultural scene.
Highlights include:
It’s a nice change of pace but still close enough that you can be back in Auburn for a relaxed evening. If you like art, this is a must-do side trip.
10. Ride the Rails: Easy Access to Seattle from Auburn Station
One of the most underrated things about Auburn is its
train access. At the
Auburn Sounder Station, you can hop on a commuter train to downtown Seattle during weekday rush hours and some special event days.
Why this matters for travelers:
- Avoid Seattle traffic and parking headaches
- Relax on the train instead of stressing behind the wheel
- Enjoy a full day in the city, then come back to quieter Auburn at night
Once you’re in Seattle, you can explore:
- Pike Place Market
- The waterfront and ferries
- Museums, restaurants, and pro sports games
Staying in Auburn, WA gives you a budget-friendlier base while still offering easy access to big-city fun.
Planning Your Trip to Auburn, Washington
Here are a few quick tips as you map out your
Auburn, WA travel plans:
- Best time to visit: Late spring through early fall for outdoor activities. Summers are usually mild, with long daylight hours.
- Getting around: A car makes life easier, especially for Mount Rainier, Flaming Geyser, and Pacific Raceway.
- Weather: Pack layers and a light rain jacket—even in summer, evenings can cool down and showers pop up.
- Location perks: Auburn is close to Seattle, Tacoma, and the mountains, which makes it a great base for day trips.
Auburn might not be the first city that pops up when people think “Washington vacation,” but that’s part of its charm. It’s more relaxed, more local, and less polished—in a good way. You still get great access to nature, events, and big-city attractions, just without the constant rush.
What Did We Miss? Share Your Auburn Favorites!
Have you spent time in
Auburn, Washington or elsewhere in
South King County?
- Do you have a favorite park, hike, or coffee shop in Auburn?
- Is there a hidden gem you think travelers should know about?
Drop your tips and stories in the comments—locals’ suggestions are always the best.
If you found this guide helpful, please
share it with friends or family who are planning a trip to the Seattle-Tacoma area. You never know who might be looking for a quieter, more affordable place to stay with easy access to everything the Pacific Northwest has to offer.
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