I went to Auburn thinking it would be a quiet, in-and-out kind of stop — but it turned out to be a place that pulled me in. There were racehorses thundering past at sunset, geysers rising from the earth, and stories from the past quietly tucked into garden paths and museum walls. I remember thinking, “This is the kind of town that doesn’t shout, but it’s worth leaning in to listen.”
Best Things to Do in Auburn, WA
Thunder and excitement at Emerald Downs
I wasn’t expecting to get swept up in the energy — but when those horses burst out of the gate, the entire crowd seemed to rise with them. Emerald Downs brings a kind of old-school thrill, the kind that makes you cheer without realizing you’re doing it. I remember thinking, "There’s something timeless about this kind of roar."
What I Loved Most: Watching the sun set over the track, casting gold over the grandstand as the final race galloped by.
Plan your visit:
- Address: 2300 Ron Crockett Dr NW, Auburn, WA 98001
- Vibe: Electric, classic, competitive
- Highlights: Live races, family nights, simulcast racing
- Best Time to Visit: Summer race season
- Cost: ~$10 entry; food & bets extra
- Hours: Race days vary; check schedule
Treasure hunting at The Outlet Collection Seattle
I thought I’d just browse — but somehow I left with bags in both hands and a smile I didn’t plan for. The Outlet Collection has that mall-meets-market feel: big-name discounts, yes, but also small surprises. I remember thinking, "Retail therapy doesn’t have to be rushed or loud — it can feel a little like play."
What I Loved Most: The mix of familiar shops and unexpected outlets — and finding a perfect pair of boots on sale when I wasn’t even looking.
Plan your visit:
- Address: 1101 Outlet Collection Way, Auburn, WA 98001
- Vibe: Spacious, casual, family-friendly
- Highlights: Over 100 stores, food court, weekend events
- Best Time to Visit: Weekdays for fewer crowds
- Cost: Free entry; shopping and dining optional
- Hours: Daily, 10am–8pm (Sun 11am–7pm)
Fire from the earth at Flaming Geyser State Park
It’s not the geyser that’s the spectacle — it’s the quiet woods, the open fields, the way the river runs soft alongside picnic tables. But yes, there really is a flame. A small one. I remember thinking, "Nature has its own sense of humor, and its own sense of awe."
What I Loved Most: Wandering along the Green River Trail and spotting salmon in the stream, far from any noise or rush.
Plan your visit:
- Address: 23700 SE Flaming Geyser Rd, Auburn, WA 98092
- Vibe: Peaceful, spacious, slightly quirky
- Highlights: Picnic areas, hiking trails, small methane geyser
- Best Time to Visit: Spring or early fall
- Cost: $10 Discover Pass required
- Hours: Daily, dawn to dusk
A soft afternoon at Soos Creek Botanical Garden
I found stillness among the flowers — the kind you don’t even realize you’re missing until you have it again. The paths are quiet, the air smells like leaves and petals, and every turn offers something new to admire. I remember thinking, "There’s a quiet here that feels like permission to breathe."
What I Loved Most: Sitting near the koi pond with a notebook in my lap, not writing a thing — just watching.
Plan your visit:
- Address: 29308 132nd Ave SE, Auburn, WA 98092
- Vibe: Gentle, meditative, blooming
- Highlights: Woodland garden, historical rose garden, walking trails
- Best Time to Visit: Late spring or early summer for peak bloom
- Cost: Free; donations appreciated
- Hours: Wed–Sat, 10am–3pm (seasonal)
Stories beneath the surface at White River Valley Museum
This museum was small, but surprisingly rich. Each exhibit felt personal — like someone whispered their memory into a glass case and let you step inside. I remember thinking, "This is how you keep a town’s soul alive."
What I Loved Most: The recreated 1920s Auburn street scene — every detail, from store signs to fabric bolts, pulled me into another time.
Plan your visit:
- Address: 918 H St SE, Auburn, WA 98002
- Vibe: Local, thoughtful, immersive
- Highlights: Native heritage, railroad exhibits, vintage town re-creation
- Best Time to Visit: Midweek for quiet browsing
- Cost: $5 adults, $2 kids
- Hours: Wed–Sun, 12pm–4pm
Stepping back in time at Neely Mansion
The porch creaked under my steps and the past seemed to meet me at the door. Neely Mansion is more than just a preserved home — it’s a layered memory of the families who lived, farmed, and shaped the land here. I remember thinking, "This house holds stories like a hand holds warmth."
What I Loved Most: The small moments — antique furniture, vintage clothing, and the volunteer who told me her grandmother once danced in the parlor.
Plan your visit:
- Address: 12303 SE Auburn-Black Diamond Rd, Auburn, WA 98092
- Vibe: Historic, intimate, personal
- Highlights: Guided tours, period decor, multicultural farm family history
- Best Time to Visit: Summer Saturdays (check tour schedule)
- Cost: $5 suggested donation
- Hours: Limited hours; tours by appointment or event
Where history whispers and everyday magic lingers
Auburn wasn’t loud or flashy — and that’s exactly what I loved about it. It was a town that offered its stories gently: through a mansion’s creaky floorboards, a quiet museum display, or the unexpected hush of a garden path. I remember thinking, “Sometimes the places that feel the most familiar are the ones that surprise you the most.” Whether I was standing by the geyser, cheering at the track, or simply watching koi in a shaded pond, Auburn kept reminding me that there’s wonder in the details — if you’re willing to slow down and see it.