Rain or Shine, You'll Have a Great Time

这个冬天，走出户外吧

Last Updated: November 6, 2026

冬季是探索西雅图南区户外景点的绝佳时机。

With crisp air, quieter trails, and moody Puget Sound views, the season brings out a different kind of magic. Bundle up, grab a thermos, and make the most of the season with these easy, close-to-home or hotel, outdoor ideas, road-tested by local content creator Nia Naggi (@espressoandmartini).

Seaside Strolls & Marine Moments

Quiet Green Escapes

Seaside Strolls & Marine Moments

The pier at the Des Moines Marina

Des Moines Marina & Pier

Stretch your legs on the long public pier and watch winter light dance over the Olympic Mountains—prime golden-hour territory. When you need to warm up, stop at Quarterdeck, a cute, locally owned cafe, for a cup of coffee or tea.

盐水州立公园

Forest trails meet a protected Puget Sound beach—great for tidepool peeks on extra-low winter tides. There are several fairly easy hikes to explore within the park and along the shore. Note that you need a Discover Pass to park.

It Puget Sound warm in the winter? No. Do people jump in for cold plunges and Polar Bear challenges anyway? You bet.

Redondo Beach & Boardwalk

Enjoy glassy-water sunrises, storm-watching, and alpenglow sunsets along the renovated boardwalk. Pair your walk with a peek into the MaST Center Aquarium (free to the public on Saturdays) to learn what’s swimming beneath the surface—then step back outside to scan for seals and seabirds.

Quiet Green Escapes (No Long Drive Required)

角湖公园

Take a walk at this lakeside park and feel worlds away from the bustle of the city. It's beautiful any time of year, but during the winter it's particularly peaceful thanks to fewer crowds and calm, still waters. On clear days, you can catch stunning views of Mount Rainier.

Highline SeaTac Botanical Garden

This free, public botanical garden is a must-visit while in the area. While there may not be as much color as you'd seen in the spring, winter offers an opportunity to really appreciate the structure and texture of the plants, from twisting branches to spiky pines. The Japanese garden is one of many areas that are equally beautiful throughout the year. Stroll the paths for a restorative breather between errands or flights.

The Interurban Trail

The Interurban Trail extends for miles along the path of a former railroad track. Start on the Tukwila Urban Center Pedestrian Bridge for views of the Green River, then walk along it as you spy birds flying overhead. Since it's not a loop (and you'll almost definitely not want to walk the entire thing), just be mindful of your return journey and turn around before you start getting too tired.

Pro Tips:

Bundle up: Dress in layers so you're ready for anything. A waterproof layer + insulating mid-layer + warm hat/gloves. If you're hitting the beach, remember that it's often cooler on the water.

Forgot to pack something? Check out the shops at Westfield Southcenter, a massive shopping center. Or, visit local thrift stores, which tend to have lots of cozy stuff in the cold season. There's also an REI and an Outdoor Research in the area.

Pack sturdy footwear: While you don't necessarily need fully waterproof shoes, you will likely get a little wet. Hiking shoes or leather boots with traction are great options.

Check sunset time: The sun sets very early in the Seattle area in the winter (hence the nickname for the season, "The Big Dark." Check your weather app before heading out to know when it'll get dark. The good news is, beautiful sunsets come earlier, too!

Grab a meal nearby: Pair your visit with brunch or dinner. Anthony's HomePort & Lower Grill in Des Moines is right on the water, but there are hundreds of places to eat and drink in Seattle Southside. Browse our full directory for options.