10 Decent Non-Seattle Places to Visit While in the Seattle Area (Via Bus or Train)

Interesting side trips to visit while in the Seattle area. Busses below assume a downtown stop. Most stops described are also serviced by busses from other locations.  Sound Transit busses are generally considerably faster than Metro Transit busses, being express. More suggestions to follow on a future list.

1.      Alderwood Mall: Nice shopping mall (mostly indoor but some outdoor parts) with fountains and a horse sculpture. Best way to get there by bus from downtown: 511 (Sound Transit) to Lynnwood Transit Center., There 115, 116, 201, 202 (Community Transit) or 535 (Sound Transit) will take you to the mall.

2.      Angle Park Park (Seatac): Nice relaxing family park. Best way to get there by bus/train from downtown: Enter the Downtown Transit Tunnel and take the 599 Airport train (Sound Transit) to Tukwila International Blvd Station; From there take the A bus (Metro Transit) to the park.

3.      Cougar Mountain Zoological Park (Issaquah): Fairly small as zoos go but also uncrowded and with a good look at the animals. Best way to get there by bus from downtown: 554 (Sound Transit) to Issaquah Transit Center. Then unfortunately it’s a long (30 min or so) hike up Newport Drive.

4.      Downtown Marysville (Marysville): Marysville is a fascinating study of contrasts in that the main road has a small town feel, and yet there’s a long stretch of shopping opportunities: Best way to get there by bus from downtown: 510 (Sound Transit) to Everett Station, then 201 or 202 (Community Transit) north to Marysville

5.      Downtown Olympia (Olympia): Visit Washington State’s capitol, with various local businesses (often left wing) and the Heritage Fountain. Getting there by bus/train from downtown:590, 593, 594 (Sound Transit buses) or Sounder (Sound Transit train) to Tacoma Dome Station. From there transfer to 603, 605 (InterCity Transit).

6.      Glass Bridge (Tacoma): Lots of glass sculptures. Free, though it leads to the Glass Museum, which costs money.  Best way to get there by bus from downtown: 554 (Sound Transit) 590, 593, 594 (Sound Transit buses) or Sounder (Sound Transit train) to Tacoma Dome Station. From there, take the free TacomaLink train (Sound Transit) and get off at Union Station

7.      I-90 Sculpture Park (Mercer Island): Like Olympic Sculpture Park, lots of unique and interesting sculptures at a relaxing park. It’s right at the Mercer Island Park & Ride, on the south side. Best way to get there by bus from downtown: 554 (Sound Transit).

8.      Redmond Town Center: Large cute outdoor shopping centre with a children’s play area. Best way to get there by bus from downtown: 545 (Sound Transit) to SR 202 & 166 Ave NE, then walk 1/3 mile southwest to the shopping center

9.      Tukwila Southcenter & Tukwila Pond Park (Tukwila): for a study of contrasts there’s a lovely nature preserve across the street from a major shopping centre. Best way to get there by bus/train from downtown: Fastest way is 150 bus (Metro Transit). For a longer but more relaxing ride, enter the Downtown Transit Tunnel and take the 599 Airport train (Sound Transit) to Tukwila International Blvd Station; from there, take 140 bus (South Transit).

10.  Wild Waves Theme Park (Federal Way): Water themed park; also some traditional thrill rides. Best way to get there by bus from downtown: 578 (Sound Transit) to Federal Way Transit Center, then 402 (Pierce Transit) to the theme park.