- Where is Burien located?
- Burien is a lovely southern suburb of Seattle, WA, located along the banks of the beautiful Puget Sound, approximately half an hour from the city's downtown district.
- What makes Burien a walkable community?
- The diverse city has been ranked as one of the most highly walkable communities in Washington State, known for its gorgeous public parks and scenic landscape around Lake Burien.
- How can visitors explore Burien?
- Visitors can enjoy convenient access to Seattle's attractions via car or public transit or stroll along the city's quaint downtown strip.
- What attractions does downtown Burien offer?
- The downtown area is home to boutique stores, fine dining destinations, and lively brewpubs.
- What outdoor activities are available in Burien?
- Seahurst Beach Park is a favorite spot for beach activities during the summer months, known as a popular urban wilderness getaway for Seattle residents.
- Is Burien a good day trip from Seattle?
- Yes, Burien is just 20 minutes from Downtown Seattle, making it a great day trip idea.
This post may include affiliate links. Click here for Affiliate Disclosure.
1. Seahurst Beach Park
Walk along the shore and admire peaceful summer sights with the family.
© George Cole/stock.adobe.com
Seahurst Beach Park is a lovely Burien city park spanning 178 acres along the banks of the Puget Sound, originally incorporated in 1996.
- The park is a favorite summer destination for Seattle residents, home to 2,000 feet of beautiful beachfront stretch that serves as a seawall for the city.
- Park visitors can glimpse a variety of native wildlife, including pheasants, eagles, herons, seabirds, and assorted marine life off the Sound's coast.
- Two streams run throughout the park along its northern and southern ends, separated by a large wetland creek basin area.
- The park is a great afternoon excursion opportunity if you are looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Where You'll Find it: 1600 SW Seahurst Park Rd, Burien, WA 98166, Phone: 206-988-3700
2. Seattle Ballooning
Go soaring above the city and enjoy an exciting, romantic adventure.
© Repina Valeriya/stock.adobe.com
Seattle Ballooning
is one of Washington's premiere luxury hot air balloon experiences, offering once-in-a-lifetime chances to fly directly past the dramatic silhouette of Mount Rainier. The company, which is based out of nearby suburb Auburn, is the most unique way to experience the Seattle area skyline, showcasing the city skylines of Seattle, Tacoma, and Lake Tapps against the backdrop of the gorgeous Cascade Mountains. French-inspired hot air balloons are available for private and semi-private flights throughout the year for up to four passengers. Private experiences make for great anniversary, wedding, and engagement experiences. All experiences include a toast at the end of flights, featuring high-end champagne and elegant hors d'oeuvres.
2825 SW 170th St, Burien, WA 98166, Phone: 206-588-9788
3. Elliot Bay Brewing Company
Savor craft brews and enjoy casual weekend vibes with couples or friends.
© Elliot Bay Brewing Company
Elliot Bay Brewing Company is one of the Seattle area's most popular brewpub chains, offering three locations throughout the city's metropolitan area, including a location in Burien. The brewing company, which was founded in 1997 by Brent Norton and Todd Carden, crafts only certified organic beers, reflecting the company's commitment to environmental sustainability principles. Year-round house beers and seasonal offerings include favorites such as the company's Lake City Way IPA, Gateway Amber Ale, B-Town Brown Ale, Luna Weizen Pale Wheat Ale, and Hop von Boorian Belgian-style IPA. A full menu of gastropub fare is served up throughout the day, including gourmet burgers, shareable appetizers, and house specialties such as stout-infused barbecue pulled pork entrees.
255 SW 152nd St. Burien, WA 98166, Phone: 206-246-4211
4. 909 Coffee and Wine
Sip espresso or wine and savor easygoing bites in a cozy setting.
© 909 Coffee and Wine
909 Coffee and Wine is one of the latest offerings from popular Seattle restaurateur Angelo Ricci and his family, who bring more than half a century of restaurant experience to Burien. The restaurant, which was opened in 2007, is known for its welcoming neighborhood gathering spot vibe and delectable homemade pastries and desserts. Diners can enjoy cafe beverages crafted with locally-roasted Caffé Umbria beans, served up alongside breads from regional Macrina Bakery. Up to 30 glass pours of fine wines are served daily, along with a rotating selection of 11 craft microbrew taps. Delicious fare served up throughout the day includes smoked paprika ribeye steak, harissa-roasted chicken breast, and sambuca-infused prawns.
909 SW 152nd, Burien, WA 98166, Phone: 206-243-7909
5. Tin Room Bar
Enjoy pub fare and admire vintage décor on a quick night out.
© Tin Room Bar
Tin Room Bar pays homage to the 20th-century history of Olde Burien, named in honor of the historic Hi-Line Tin Shop, best known for its creation of set pieces for the Disney feature film White Fang. The bar, which is housed within the tin shop's former historic building, repurposes many of its former design elements and equipment, including work benches crafted into tables and a bar cap created from the shop's original sign. Delicious entree options served up at lunch and dinner include Cajun-style shrimp tacos, vegan quesadillas, and signature bourbon mushroom gravy meatloaf. A selection of draft macrobrews is complemented by a classic cocktail list and an assortment of wines by the glass or by the bottle.
923 SW 152nd St, Burien, WA 98166, Phone: 206-242-8040
6. Osteria da Primo
Savor Italian dishes and enjoy a romantic dinner in a charming spot.
© Osteria da Primo
Osteria da Primo is a delicious Italian restaurant in Burien, owned and operated by executive chef Carlo Guida and his wife Lindsay White since 2008. The restaurant, which is named in honor of the couple's son, brings the culinary traditions of Italy's Calabria region to the Seattle region, specializing in wood-fired pizzas, housemade pastas, and fine Italian wines. High-quality pasta entrees include pappardelle with gorgonzola and pistachios, porcini mushroom fiochetti, and potato gnocchi with Calabrian sausage and tomato sauce. Diners can craft their own 12-inch pizzas or enjoy delicious land and sea entrees such as pollo al diavolo or osso buco di porco.
631 SW 152nd Street, Burien, WA 98166, Phone: 206-246-5561
7. Highline Heritage Museum
Explore local history and discover unique stuff on an affordable afternoon trip.
© Highline Heritage Museum
The Highline Heritage Museum is dedicated to collecting, telling, and preserving the local history and heritage of the Highline area and its local community. After all, at the museum, they believe that exploring one’s heritage is crucial to understanding what it means to be in a community – and Highline’s community in particular.
- At the museum, visitors can take tours of the regular gallery, take a behind-the-scenes tour of the museum, or take a dive into the museum's research collections.
- The Highline Heritage Museum also hosts regular seasonal exhibits by various artists such as Phillip Levine’s Expressing Human Figure, or the Arnulfo Ramirez Exhibit.
Where You'll Find it: 819 SW 152nd Street, Burien, Washington 98166, Phone: 206-402-4029
Plan Your Trip
Table of Contents: