June 16, 2025
Travel tips provided by the Seattle Southside Regional Tourism Authority
Got time before your flight out of Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA)? If you have more than two hours before a domestic flight or more than three before an international flight, it’s a great time to step out of the terminal and venture into neighboring communities. Discover surprising gems that exist just beyond the terminal — local eats, scenic parks, tours, shopping, museums, and even spa treatments. Explore nearby attractions around SEA that turn waiting into a fun, mini adventure.
Before you leave the airport
SEA Spot Saver — Skip the security line for FREE at SEA. No membership needed. Experience expedited screening from 4:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. daily. Make your reservation up to five days in advance or at the terminal for same-day service, to check in with ease after your explorations
Baggage storage services by Smarte Carte — Need to store your luggage while you go adventuring? Just drop your bags with Smarte Carte’s Baggage Storage. It’s available on a first come, first serve basis and is located on the Baggage Claim level between Carousels 9 and 10 from 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. daily. Long and short-term luggage storage runs from $17-35 per piece.
Getting out of the airport
Link light rail — It’s easy to find the Link light rail station at the airport. Head to the terminal’s onsite parking garage on the fourth floor near Alaska Airlines ticketing. Follow the blue and green walkway to the station or you can enter from the sky bridge on International Boulevard. There are step-by-step instructions on the interactive map.
Rideshare and taxis — The majority of Lyft and Uber pick-up options are on the third floor of the airport parking garage. Premium Uber rides, like Uber Black, meet at the Baggage Claim level door of your choice. SEA Airport offers both Flat Rate Taxis and Metered Taxis. They are located on the third floor of the parking garage on the north and south curb.
Go exploring
Make the most of your extra time before takeoff — plan a mini adventure that fits your schedule.
With 1-2 extra hours
Get to each of these by rideshare or taxi
Seattle Chocolate Factory — Go behind the scenes to see how chocolate is made, with plenty of tasty samples along the way.
Westfield Southcenter — Wander Washington’s largest shopping center and enjoy retail, diverse dining, bowling, karaoke, a movie theater, and even a museum-style exhibit about 1947 UFO reports on Maury Island.
iFLY indoor Skydiving — Experience the thrill of skydiving in a safe, wind-powered vertical tunnel — no plane required.
Highline Heritage Museum — Discover quirky and captivating local history, from a prehistoric sloth unearthed during construction at SEA Airport to the legendary D.B. Cooper.
Oppegaard Meadery — Sip small-batch meads in a cozy, Viking-inspired tasting room and explore the flavors of honey-based wines.
BacoVino Winery — Enjoy elegant, handcrafted wines in a stylish tasting room perfect for relaxing and sipping.
MaST Center — Uncover free access to local marine life in an intimate, hands-on setting right on the water.
With 4 extra hours
Get to each of these by rideshare or taxi
Museum of Flight — Explore the largest air and space museum in the U.S., featuring historic aircraft, space exhibits, and hands-on experiences for all ages. Walk through a space shuttle trainer, step inside Air Force One, and marvel at aviation history up close.
Family Fun Center — Enjoy all-ages excitement with go-karts, bumper boats, mini golf, bowling, laser tag, and a massive arcade.
With 6-8 extra hours
Get to each of these by rideshare or taxi
Explore Downtown Des Moines — Downtown you’ll find a few small, independent shops that beckon you to stop in for a cup of coffee or a bite. Though you're only a 15-minute drive from SEA Airport, you'll feel the small-town charm in places such as Auntie Irene's, a cozy cafe known as the community's "Second Living Room." Across the street, check out Marina Mercantile, a combination bar, cafe, and specialty store where you can browse artisanal cheese, imported food items, upscale kitchen items, and gifts. Walk north and you'll soon see Waterland Arcade, where you can stop to play a few games, have a beer, and buy some retro merch.
Discover Burien — Sometimes referred to as the “Brooklyn of Seattle,” Burien is a popular hipster haven and favorite weekend destination, only eight minutes from SEA. On Saturdays and Sundays, you might find a major event taking place in the town square, like the Burien UFO Festival or Farmers Market. Choose from hip cafes and bars like Elliott Bay Brewing — the area’s first organic and longest running brewery, eateries and bakeries like Bakery Nouveau with their signature unique, delicious desserts, and independent shops. At the edge of town, you’ll find a tranquil setting to relax along the shoreline of Puget Sound at Seahurst Park.
Explore White Center — Known for its diverse restaurants, bars, and retailers, it’s a 13-minute drive to this creative South Seattle neighborhood that offers recreation at Southgate Roller Rink or disc golf at Dick Thurnau Memorial Park. Renowned Chef Brady Ishiwata Williams serves creative bites of Japanese and American influences at Tomo. And before you head home, grab toys and treats for your fur baby at A Dog’s Dream Natural Pet Supply.
Luxury
Get there by Cedarbrook shuttle service with a spa or dining reservation
Cedarbrook Lodge — Indulge in fork-to-phenomenal dining at Copperleaf Restaurant & Bar or book a rejuvenating treatment at The Spa.
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Images courtesy of Explore Seattle Southside.
