If you were coming to visit me here in Federal Way, WA, I'd want to show you the version of this city that I've grown to love over the past 25 years. The quiet forests, the salt-air beaches, the places we grab coffee, the parks where my family has spent countless hours and now with the brand-new convenience of the Light Light Rail opening on December 6, it's even easier to access the area. Not only will this allow easy access to SeaTac Airport and downtown Seattle, it will open up even more possibilities for exploration and activities beyond the big city. Whether you're planning a weekend getaway, making a day trip, or using Federal Way as a base to explore the South Puget Sound region, here is exactly where I'd take you and what we'd do together.
Visiting Federal Way, WA: A Local's Guide After Calling the Area Home for the last 25 Years
I started off by making a video of all my favorite places I'd take you to if you were visiting.
Where I'd Have You Stay
{…all within easy walking access of the new Federal Way Downtown Link station!}
One of the biggest upgrades to visiting Federal Way is the new Link Light Rail extension. We have been so excited about this coming to our area because it will open up transportation options making it much easier to access the airport and downtown Seattle without messing with the notoriously horrendous I-5 traffic! If you stay near the new Federal Way Downtown station, everything becomes just a bit easier. All of the following hotels put you close to the station. So close, you could easily walk to the hotel from there.
Courtyard by Marriott Seattle Federal Way
This is a solid, comfortable choice with a great location. It's clean, modern, and close to everything. if you want convenience, this one is hard to beat.
Hampton Inn & Suites Seattle/Federal Way
I often recommend this one to friends visiting with families. Free hot breakfast, spacious suites, and an easy walk to the station make it a practical place to land.Staybridge Suites Federal Way
If you like having a kitchen or are staying a bit longer, Staybridge Suites is ideal. It's quiet, comfortable, and has that home-away-from-home feel. Holiday Inn Express Federal Way
Another great budget-friendly option with breakfast included. It's simple, clean, and well-located.LaQuinta Inn & Suites
A good value with free hot breakfast and pet-friendly rooms.
Pro Tip: With the ease of the Light Rail, if you are flying into the area via SEA, you can save money by renting a car from one of the local Federal Way car rental agencies {Thrifty, Hertz, Avis, or Enterprise} instead of paying the extra taxes and fees near the airport.
Once you're all checked in, I'd take you out to see my Federal Way. The one you won't find if you were just passing through!
Our First Stop: Coffee {Always Coffee}
If you know me, you know we can't start wandering without a good cup of coffee. Federal Way has some wonderful local spots, and these are the ones I'd take you to:
Ebony & Ivory Coffee
Cozy, warm, community-oriented, this place feels like the neighborhood's living room. If you can, check out the treehouse building. It's the best spot to be on a sunny day! Don't miss their coffee and soda flights!
Cutters Point Coffee
This is a new local addition, and I have really been enjoying it! This is where I'd take you for a great latte and breakfast sandwich before a day out exploring. It's a small-batch, Pacific Northwest coffee roaster that has a loyal following in the area.
Asensio Coffee
This is the kind of coffee shop you want for weekday mornings or a relaxed working hour. There's nothing fancy about the location, but the baristas are friendly and the breakfast menu is solid.
Poverty Bay Cafe
This has more of a diner vibe than a coffee shop vibe, and you aren't going to want to miss the avocado toast! But the coffee is good here and it's connected to a community-supported mission, which makes it one to try.
Cafe Spot
This is the best stop for unique baked goods and is a local favorite with honey bread, coffee cake, and an upbeat small-shop energy. They also have house made signature cream coffee that is worth the visit!
Cafe Seoul
This is a traditional Korean cafe and it seems to always be busy. It's warm and cozy inside and often crowded! Try the croffle {croissant and waffle combo} and don't miss their seasonal drink menus.
Alright friends, order a pastry, grab a coffee, and then let's step outside and plan the day.
Where to Shop
I'm not going to sugar coat it. Federal Way doesn't have a lot of charming boutiques or local shops. But it does have some places to shop that are worth noting.
Watson’s
Watson's is one of my absolute favorite local spots for plants, gifts, seasonal décor, and everything you didn’t know you needed. If you like browsing local shops, you’ll love it.
Fusion Home Decor
Fusion is a unique spot with home furnishing and decor. Items are donated and curated and help families in need. I always find great bargains here!
Sierra
This is a chain, but it's new to the area and they are limited nationwide. It's part of the TJ Maxx and Marshall's family but with a focus on outdoor gear and clothing. There are great prices, and you'll find lots of great things for our upcoming outdoor adventures.
A Day Outside: Beaches, Boardwalks, and Paddleboards
If you came for the outdoors, Federal Way delivers in compact, lovely ways. As a long-time area resident I've gotten pretty good at reading tide charts and despite what the weather forecast has for me, I'm always ready to head outside rain or shine. As they say in the PNW, rain is just liquid sunshine!
Dash Point State Park
This is where the Puget Sound meets a walkable, forested shoreline. There are miles and miles of trails and a sandy beach with great views all along the way. The beach is best explored at low tide, but only because there's more of it and you'll get a peek at what is normally covered. Playing in tide pools and turning over rocks is still one of my favorite things! Bring layers because even on sunny days the Sound can feel crisp.
If camping is your thing, there are campsites and cabins available to rent with an easy walk down to the beach. Don't miss the mountain bike trails in Dash Point State Park either. They are some of the best in the area!
There are restrooms, picnic tables and outdoor showers at the main park area. You do also need to pay the state park fee {or have a pass} if you are using the parking lot when you visit.
West Hylebos Wetlands Park
This quieter park has boardwalks and easy trails that wind through wetlands and around small lakes. It's the place for slow walks, wildlife watching, and will likely prove to be a peaceful stroll while still being smack in the middle of the noise. It's surprising! The trails are mostly flat and if you have littles, or don't want a long hike, this is a great alternative.
FYI this park is NOT dog friendly because of the wetland sensitivity.
Steel Lake Park
The water here is calm and locals use it for swimming, paddleboarding, and fishing. There's a boat ramp and the lake makes for a great place for water time. You can bring your own SUP or kayak and enjoy the water {don't forget your life vest!}. It's also a great family destination because of the playground and picnic spots.
BPA Trail and Celebration Park
Brought a bike? The BPA Trail is paved and it's great for a ride through the city. The trail system connects all around local neighborhood paths. Be prepared, there are a fair amount of hills on the trail. Celebration Park has connecting trails to the BPA trail as well as lighted baseball and soccer fields. It's a hot spot for summer activities especially the 4th of July.
These are just a few of the parks in the Federal Way Park system. There are actually 32 parks with more than 1,000 acres just waiting for you to explore!
The Korean Food Scene
Federal Way has a rich and vibrant Korean food scene which is a reflection of the strong Korean American community in South King County. From classic stews, dumplings and noodle dishes to Korean BBQ and modern takes on K-food, you'll find authenticity and diversity.
Highlights {try one or create your own mini food crawl}
So Moon Nan Jib
Popular for Korean comfort dishes and classic favorites.
Palace Korean Bar & Grill
All you can eat options and a solid BBQ experience that's often recommended by locals
Moon's Kitchen
Popular Korean comfort food including gimbap
DaeBak Wang Mandoo
Homemade dumplings the size of your head! They also have noodles and buns.
Chosun
Casual stop with tabletop grilling
Kum Kang San BBQ Grill Buffet
Another all you can eat buffet option with at your table grilling option
Gogi on the Go
This Korean Fusion restaurant has some of the best tacos and burritos with an Asian twist.
If you want to make your food at home, H Mart has all the local ingredients that will help you create the perfect dish!
There is also a lovely cultural marker in the city called Hanwoori Garden. It's a traditional Korean garden that is built in partnership with Federal Way's sister city in South Korea. It's relatively new and signals how Korean culture has helped shape the city's identity. It's a really peaceful spot to visit for a contemplative afternoon. If you are riding your bike or walking on the BPA or Panther Lake trail it's close to the King County Aquatic Center location.
One of the nicest things about the new light rail connection is choosing your evening energy level. Want low key? Catch a sunset at Dash Point or a casual dinner in Federal Way. Want bright lights? Jump on the 1 line and be in downtown Seattle in about an hour to catch a show, have a fancy dinner, or stroll around Pike Place Market. It's a flexible setup that takes fighting that I5 traffic out of the equation!
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If you come expecting a single "thing," you'll be surprised. Federal Way is a mosaic. It's parks and boardwalks and small lakes, a lively Korean food scene, comforting cafes, and hotels that work for families and business travelers alike. Add in the new Link Light Rail connection and the city feels like it's entered a new chapter, one where it's easier for visitors to experience both the quiet and the connectedness of South King County while at the same time saving a little money since you aren't in the heart of Seattle or Tacoma, just smack dab between the two!
I can't wait for you to experience Federal Way and discover all the things I've grown to love about the area in the last 25 years!
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