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City in Washington, United States
Photo: Steven Pavlov, CC0 via Wikimedia Commons
Renton is a city in King County, Washington south of Bellevue and north of Kent. It is a quiet suburb of Seattle at the base of Lake Washington. Renton is primarily known as the site of the Boeing 737 plant, where the popular commercial jetliner is built. Renton is also notable for being the resting place of rock legend Jimi Hendrix.
From the travel guide. Select a place for details, a map and what is nearby.
A beautiful memorial in tribute to one of the greatest rock musicians of all time. Jimi was born in Seattle, but his father laid him to rest here.
A small museum that houses historical artifacts, most relating to the pioneer era. It includes a permanent exhibit on the Duwamish, whose land Renton is built on.
the VMAC
The official training center of the Seattle Seahawks. Offers tours of the facilities. Great for football fans.
Local non-profit theatre with a nearly half-century of history in the city (the oldest theatre in Renton!). Located in Cedar River Park, Carco is always putting on at least one performance.
Open mid-June through Labor Day
Huge swimming pool located near downtown. Big draw for residents during the summer. Features a wave pool, lazy river, island lagoon, two water slides, play structures, and more. Lap pool is also available (and cheaper). Ticket sales start 3 hours in advance of the session you wish to attend; see the website for more details.
RCT frequently puts on dramas, comedies, and musicals in the heart of Renton's downtown.
June through September
Great market with food trucks and lots of fresh local produce.
Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park
On Lake Washington, it is home to an Ivar's and Kidd Valley and right next to the Renton Boeing plant. Lots of open areas for picnics and relaxing.
Right next to the Renton Library, Liberty Park has basketball and tennis courts, picnic areas, play equipment, a skatepark, and access to the Cedar River Trail. It's often visited in September when you can see the salmon making their way up the Cedar River from the Renton Library's bridge.
The longest trail in Renton and maybe the most beautiful. Especially nice during September when you can see the salmon returning to spawn.
Includes the local attraction of Devil's Elbow, a closed road which was known for its devilishly sharp curve that sent several cars tumbling into a ravine during rainy weather. With its "abandoned civilization" vibe, it makes for a great hike.
In Newcastle.
late November through January 1
An entrancing light display throughout Coulon Beach Park during the holiday season. Definitely worth a visit if you're in town. Bonfires are also lit at various fireplace stations throughout the park for warming up and mingling.
Varies, but usually the last week of July
Renton's major summer event. There are parades, live music, food, and lots of festivities. You'll see a lot of locals out, but it is a tourist attraction as well.
Several sessions from the end of July to mid-August
Very popular summer activity—be on the sidelines up close during a Seahawks training session at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center. Provides opportunities for some fan interaction with the players. You cannot drive directly to the facility; instead, you will board a bus at the Landing (911 C N 10th Place).
Vegetarian and vegan Vietnamese restaurant with a focus on providing imitation meat and fish dishes.
Good American (especially breakfast) fare for reasonable prices. Well-liked by locals.
A steakhouse known for the novelty of serving peanuts out of barrels and then allowing you to toss the shells on the floor. Also has locations in Everett and Federal Way.
A restaurant in a building almost as old as the town, with gourmet steaks, cocktails, and desserts. Usually fairly crowded; consider making a reservation. Seafood options available; no vegetarian options aside from salads.
Locally-owned authentic Indian-Pakistani restaurant with delicious food. Lots of vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options. Also has a location in Issaquah.
A local treasure: one of the best bubble tea shops in the Seattle metropolitan area. Low-key atmosphere; popular with many of the local youths.
A Romanian bistro that is well-liked by locals.
Vintage arcade and video games. Beer & pizza served; most games are only a quarter to play.
The food is good, but the bar is better. A little on the pricey side.
Good food and drinks. Open mic comedy on some Saturday nights.
The "best dive bar in town" that brands itself as the "Cheers of Renton." Fun crowd, decent food, and good karaoke nights.
Cute wine bar and restaurant at the Landing. Outdoor seating available.
Well-established craft beer bar that's loved by locals and also serves good comfort food. Happy hours are M–F 3PM–6PM.
The northernmost option for staying in Renton proper; near the border with Newcastle.
Centrally located on Maple Valley Highway; not far from Downtown.
Southernmost hotel in Renton.
Opened in 2017. Beautiful waterfront views of Lake Washington.
Downtown Renton is host to a few antiques shops all within about a block of each other. Makes for a fun walk during the day.
Huge collection of video games downtown, consoles, accessories, and vinyl records as well. Just about anything you could be looking for from any era of gaming can be found here. The owner is friendly and helpful and will gladly talk your ear off about vintage consoles.
Renton's main outdoor mall, halfway between the Highlands and Downtown. In addition to being within walking distance of Coulon Beach Park, there are lots of great shops and restaurants, and it's generally considered to be a great place to hang out.
A neat second-hand furniture store with lots of vintage pieces operated out of a century-old house in the downtown area.
By plane
The main hub for scheduled commercial flights is SeaTac International Airport, a few miles west and accessible by public transit.
By seaplane
By bike
Renton does not have bike lanes like Seattle does, but many trails exist throughout the city that are exclusively available to cyclists and pedestrians.
By public transit
Renton is served by a lot of bus routes. The main hub is the Renton Transit Center. The easiest way to plan trips is by using the route planners for King County Metro and Sound Transit.
Choose an airport to see hotels, stations, taxi ranks and car rental desks around it.
Seattle · International · SEA
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