Looking for a vibrant city with lakeside charm and Pacific Northwest flavor? Head to Renton, Washington! Just 20 minutes south of Seattle, Renton offers stunning views of Lake Washington, access to outdoor adventures, diverse dining, and a rich aviation legacy. Whether you're boating on the lake or visiting the final resting place of Jimi Hendrix, Renton is a convenient and underrated gem in the Seattle metro area.
Renton, WA Highlights:
- For Aviation Fans: Visit The Museum of Flight’s Restoration Center – See aircraft in the process of being preserved and restored by experts.
- For Music Lovers: Pay tribute at the Jimi Hendrix Memorial – A must-visit for fans of the legendary guitarist, located in Greenwood Memorial Park.
- For Nature Enthusiasts: Relax at Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park – Walk the shoreline, picnic, or watch boats on Lake Washington.
- For Shoppers: Browse The Landing – Renton’s open-air lifestyle center with retail, restaurants, movie theaters, and more.
- For Hikers: Explore the Cedar River Trail – Scenic biking and walking path along the river, connecting to parks and natural areas.
Best Time to Visit Renton, WA
The best time to visit Renton is from late spring through early fall (May–September), when temperatures are mild, rainfall is low, and outdoor activities on the lake and trails are at their best. Summer is ideal for festivals, kayaking, and beach days.
How to Get to Renton, WA
- By Plane: Renton is located just 10–15 minutes from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA).
- By Car: Renton is accessible via I-405 and I-5, about 20 minutes from downtown Seattle and Bellevue.
- By Bus: King County Metro and Sound Transit offer regular service connecting Renton to the Seattle metro area.
Where to Stay in Renton, WA
- Hyatt Regency Lake Washington at Seattle’s Southport – Upscale lakeside hotel with a spa, dining, and views of the water and mountains.
- Hilton Garden Inn Seattle/Renton – Comfortable accommodations with easy highway access and proximity to SEA airport.
- Sonesta Select Seattle Renton – Modern and convenient, located near The Landing and Boeing offices.
Best Things to Do in Renton, WA
⮕ Greenwood Memorial Park Funeral Home
Pay respects and reflect on a quiet, meaningful stop during a retirement visit.
© Greenwood Memorial Park Funeral Home
Greenwood Memorial Park Funeral Home is a 40-acre cemetery in Renton, Washington, famous for being the resting place of Jimi Hendrix, a magnificent granite domed monument located on the west side of the cemetery. There is a bronze statue of a left-handed electric guitar in the middle of the memorial. Every year thousands of fans come to visit Jimi Hendrix's grave and show their respect. The beautiful old cemetery was established in 1910 and is covered by mature trees and lawns, a serene background for the stately memorial to the great musician. The memorial park serves the Renton, South King County and Seattle community with its newly renovated funeral home and state of the art facilities.
350 Monroe Ave NE, Renton, WA 98056, Phone: 425-255-1511
⮕ Renton History Museum
Explore local stories and enjoy an affordable look into Renton's past.
© Renton History Museum
Renton History Museum is located in a disused Art Deco-style fire station in downtown Renton built in 1942. The Museum contains a large number of objects and archives that tell the story of the past of the city of Renton, Washington State. The museum offers regular exhibits and public programs for the local community, visitors and historians. The museum and its programs are a joint initiative between the Renton Historical Society and the city of Renton. The Museum has more than 90,000 objects and 13,000 photographs about Renton’s social, cultural and industrial history. The most notable are photographs of local coal mining, railroads and the civic and social life of its residents from 1880 to 1940. Some of the recent exhibits are 100 Years at Renton High, Sustaining a City, The Twilight Zone Art Show and Hero's Feast: Finding Community through Dungeons & Dragons.
235 Mill Ave S, Renton, WA 98057, Phone: 425-255-2330
⮕ Renton Civic Theatre
Catch a live show and enjoy an exciting evening of community entertainment.
© WavebreakmediaMicro/stock.adobe.com
Renton Civic Theatre was founded in 1987 as a professional performing arts theater offering old-school shows, stand-up performances, comedies and dramas. The theatre works from a previously abandoned 1920s movie house. After the neglected building was painted, rewired and recarpeted, it was ready for the first show in 1987 - “Yo!,” and the first musical production “Grease.” Ever since, Renton Civic Theatre has been one of the major local venues for high quality theater in the Greater Puget Sound region, featuring a wide variety of productions, from popular shows and mainstream musicals to unusual off-beat productions.
Renton Civic Theatre, 507 S 3rd St, Renton, WA 98057, Phone: 425-226-5529
⮕ Will Rogers - Wiley Post Memorial Seaplane Base
See historic planes and enjoy a quick, unusual waterfront stop.
© 1xpert/stock.adobe.com
The Will Rogers - Wiley Post Memorial Seaplane Base is a seaplane base on Lake Washington. It is located inside the perimeter fence of the Renton Municipal Airport in Renton, Washington. The memorial base was named for the tragic crash in Alaska in August 1935 in which Will Rogers and Wiley Post, two famous personalities, lost their lives after departed from this base. Wiley Post was considered the second greatest American flyer next to Charles A. Lindbergh. Will Rogers was the great movie star of his time, with more than 70 movies in which he starred. They were on the way for a leisurely sightseeing tour across the Pacific and through Asia in Post’s beautiful red Lockheed when their plane crashed in Alaska.
1000 Perimeter Rd W, Renton, WA 98057, Phone: 206-499-2135
Where to Eat:
⮕ Antiques 4U
Browse vintage treasures and enjoy a cheap afternoon of unique finds.
© Antiques 4U
Antiques 4U is a 3,000-square foot antique shop and showroom in Historic Downtown Renton, Washington. Beautifully displayed, spacious store offers both large and small antique pieces, many of them rare and unique, with features or provenance that tell the story of their past. The store’s focus is on functional as well as beautiful pieces that can be displayed in any office or home. The constantly changed and updated inventory consists of oak filing cabinets, bookcases, roll-top and flat top desks, card catalogs, secretaries, sideboards, settee’s, bedroom sets and more. Antiques 4U specializes in antique furniture and lighting from the 1880's - 1920's in a range of styles.
924 S 3rd St, Renton, WA 98057, Phone: 425-291-7987
⮕ Melrose Grill
Savor prime steaks and enjoy a romantic dinner in a classic setting.
© Melrose Grill
Melrose Grill is a traditional steakhouse located in the historic 1901 building in downtown Renton, Washington. Tiny structure is the remnant of a three-story hotel built in 1901. All that is left of the once popular hotel after a devastating fire is a ground floor bar that today hosts Melrose Grill. The original beautiful carved bar and mosaic tile floor are telling the story of the bar’s elegant history. Melrose Grill is small but elegant and romantic, with discrete lighting and cozy boots. The star of their menu is the Nebraska, corn-fed, 28 day aged beef. You can have it as Prime Top Sirloin, Delmonico, New York, Filet Mignon, Porterhouse or Rib-Eye. Each steak is served with garlic mashed potatoes, crispy parmesan potatoes, baked potato, or basmati rice pilaf and fresh vegetables. All meals come with a fresh green salad with your choice of blue cheese dressing or balsamic vinaigrette. The wine list is focused on the best Washington wines, but the full bar offers just about anything you might want.
819 Houser Way S, Renton, WA 98057, Phone: 425-254-0759
⮕ Marianna Ristorante
Dine on authentic Italian dishes and enjoy a cozy couples night out.
© Marianna Ristorante
Marianna Ristorante is a traditional Italian restaurant in downtown Renton, Washington, serving classic dishes in a romantic, laid-back atmosphere, with white table cloths and warm candlelight in the evening. It is a perfect spot for a business lunch or a romantic dinner. There are a few tables on the sidewalk for those warm summer evenings. The food is traditional Italian comfort food, with plenty of great pastas and pizzas and homey main plates and superb desserts. The wine list is extensive and includes some great Italian as well as Oregon wines. Many wines are available by the glass. Marianna is also a popular local caterer.
310 Wells Ave S, Renton, WA 98057, Phone: 425-271-7042
If you are interested in local events:
- Renton River Days (July) – Annual summer celebration with parades, art shows, food vendors, and river fun.
- Renton Multicultural Festival (Fall) – Celebrate the city's diversity with music, food, and performances from around the world.
- Fourth of July at Gene Coulon Park – Family-friendly Independence Day celebration with live music and fireworks over the lake.
If you are looking for unique day trips within 30 Minutes of Renton, Washington:
- Seattle (20 min) – Visit Pike Place Market, the Space Needle, and the Museum of Pop Culture.
- Bellevue (20 min) – Shop at Bellevue Square or explore the Bellevue Botanical Garden.
- Issaquah (20 min) – Hike Tiger Mountain or visit the Issaquah Salmon Hatchery.
- Tukwila (10–15 min) – Family fun at iFLY Indoor Skydiving or the Museum of Flight.
- Maple Valley (30 min) – Walk the Lake Wilderness Trail or enjoy a quiet day near nature.
Frequently Asked Questions:
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Where is Renton, Washington located?
- Renton is a city in King County, Washington, situated about 11 miles from Seattle and considered one of Seattle’s inner-ring suburbs.
- The city is located at the mouth of the Cedar River on the southeast shore of Lake Washington.
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What famous person is buried in Renton?
- Jimi Hendrix, the legendary guitarist and musician, was buried in Greenwood Memorial Park cemetery in Renton.
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What are some key attractions in Renton?
- Renton History Museum: A great place to start exploring Renton’s past and cultural heritage.
- Renton Civic Theatre: A well-known venue offering high-quality professional theatrical performances since 1987.
- Will Rogers – Wiley Post Memorial Seaplane Base: Located on Lake Washington, this site commemorates the tragic death of two famous aviators who took off from Renton.
At a Glance:
Best Time to Visit |
Places to Stay |
Tips for Visiting |
Spring (March-May) – Mild temperatures and blooming cherry blossoms. |
Hyatt Regency Lake Washington – A luxury stay with waterfront views. |
Visit Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park – Enjoy beautiful waterfront trails and picnic areas. |
Summer (June-August) – Warm and perfect for outdoor activities. |
Hilton Garden Inn Seattle/Renton – A convenient stay near local attractions. |
Explore Cedar River Trail – A scenic biking and walking path along the river. |
Fall (September-November) – Cool air and vibrant autumn colors. |
Sonesta Select Seattle Renton – A cozy and comfortable option. |
Visit the Jimi Hendrix Memorial – Pay tribute to the legendary musician at his final resting place. |
Winter (December-February) – Rainy and cozy, great for indoor activities. |
Larkspur Landing Renton – A warm and inviting extended-stay hotel. |
Shop at The Landing – Enjoy dining, entertainment, and holiday events. |
Map:
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