Overview
Renton is a city in King County, Washington south of Bellevue and north of Kent. It is a quiet suburb of Seattle at the base of Lake Washington. Renton is primarily known as the site of the Boeing 737 plant, where the popular commercial jetliner is built. Renton is also notable for being the resting place of rock legend Jimi Hendrix.
Its relatively inexpensive property prices make it a solid choice of stay while visiting Seattle, and the downtown area has many quiet charms of its own.
3 sights · 12 things to do · 7 places to eat · 6 bars & cafés · 8 places to stay
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about Renton
Jimi Hendrix Memorial
A beautiful memorial in tribute to one of the greatest rock musicians of all time. Jimi was born in Seattle, but his father laid him to rest here.
Renton History Museum
A small museum that houses historical artifacts, most relating to the pioneer era. It includes a permanent exhibit on the Duwamish, whose land Renton is built on.
Virginia Mason Athletic Center
The official training center of the Seattle Seahawks. Offers tours of the facilities. Great for football fans.
Carco Theatre
Local non-profit theatre with a nearly half-century of history in the city (the oldest theatre in Renton!). Located in Cedar River Park, Carco is always putting on at least one performance.
Henry Moses Aquatic Center
Huge swimming pool located near downtown. Big draw for residents during the summer. Features a wave pool, lazy river, island lagoon, two water slides, play structures, and more. Lap pool is also available (and cheaper). …
Renton Civic Theatre
RCT frequently puts on dramas, comedies, and musicals in the heart of Renton's downtown.
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: May–Sep. Summer highs reach about 78°F; winter lows dip to about 35°F. Wettest: Nov and Jan. (climate data from nearby Kent)
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- BFI King County International Airport - Boeing Field, Seattle — 6 mi away. Directions
- SEA Seattle–Tacoma International Airport, Seattle — 6 mi away (major hub). Directions
Interstate 405 (I-405), from Bellevue and Seattle, is the main access to Renton.
Full “Get in” guide ↓Budget & where to stay
- Places to stay listed here: about $95–$150 a night (typical $120), from 12 listed prices.
- Typical meal: about $16 per person at listed restaurants.
- Estimated daily budget per person (room, two meals, local transport and an activity): budget ~$130, mid-range ~$190, comfortable ~$300.
Options are grouped as Budget, Mid-range, Splurge in the Sleep guide ↓.
Sample 3-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning Renton History Museum, Liberty Park, Carco Theatre
- Lunch Melrose Grill
- Afternoon Henry Moses Aquatic Center, Renton Farmer's Market
- Dinner Naan -N- Curry
- Evening 8-Bit Arcade Bar
Day 2
- Morning Jimi Hendrix Memorial, Honey Creek Trail, May Creek Park Trail
- Lunch Sunset Bistro
- Afternoon Virginia Mason Athletic Center, Ivar's Clam Lights
- Dinner Over the Rainbow Tea Bar
- Evening The Brick Kitchen + Lounge
Day 3
- Morning Coulon Beach Park, Cedar River Trail
- Lunch Blossom Vegetarian Restaurant
- Afternoon Seahawks Training Camp
- Dinner Jimmy Mac's Roadhouse
- Evening Vino at the Landing
Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.
Food for you
Cuisine (tap to filter)
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Photos
Map
Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.
Understand
Renton was named for Captain William Renton, the financial backer of the Renton Coal Company which was founded by one of Renton's first white settlers, Erasmus Smithers. Built on Duwamish land, Renton gained settlers looking for jobs in the coal mines until Boeing began to open plants for aircraft construction in World War II, resulting in a population boom.
As of 2022, Renton had a population of 104,000.
This article includes three potential annexation zones that are typically considered part of Renton, though some have addresses in Seattle and Issaquah. (The Renton School District has different borders than the city and unincorporated parts of King County are given Renton addresses.)
Local information
- Renton City Council website
Get in
By car
Interstate 405 (I-405), from Bellevue and Seattle, is the main access to Renton.
State Route 167 (SR-167) comes from Kent and south King County.
State Route 169 (SR-169) comes from Maple Valley and the southeast part of the county.
By plane
The main hub for scheduled commercial flights is SeaTac International Airport, a few miles west and accessible by public transit. The city is also served by King County International Airport (BFI), also known as Boeing Field, just northwest in Seattle.
Go Renton Municipal Airport (RNT)
You can fly in right next door to the Boeing 737 Plant, although you would need your own plane to do so.
By seaplane
Get around
By car
As with many American suburbs, Renton is difficult to navigate without a car. If you're trying to use public transit to go anywhere beyond the Landing or downtown, you should expect to walk some distance to get to your destination.
There are several car rental agencies with locations in Renton, including Avis, Enterprise, and Hertz.
By bike
Renton does not have bike lanes like Seattle does, but many trails exist throughout the city that are exclusively available to cyclists and pedestrians.
By public transit
Renton is served by a lot of bus routes. The main hub is the Renton Transit Center. The easiest way to plan trips is by using the route planners for King County Metro and Sound Transit.
Go King County Metro
Runs bus, streetcar and monorail routes within King County. Serves Auburn, Bellevue, Bothell, Burien, Federal Way, Issaquah, Kent, Kirkland, Mercer Island, North Bend, Redmond, Renton, SeaTac, Seattle, Shoreline, Tukwila, Vashon Island, White Center, and Woodinville.
- Rapid Ride 'F' Line Burien to Renton via Tukwila International Blvd Station, Southcenter Mall, Tukwila Sounder Station Passengers transfer to the Link 1 Line train at Tukwila International Blvd Station to get to the airport.
- Route 101 runs from Downtown Seattle to Downtown Renton via I-5 and MLK Blvd.
- Route 105 runs from the Renton Highlands to Downtown.
- Route 106 runs from Renton Transit Center to 5th & Jackson in the International District via Renton Ave S, MLK Blvd and Ranier Ave S.
- Route 148 goes south from the RTC into Fairwood.
- Route 153 Renton to Kent on SW Lind Ave (Renton), E Valley Hwy (in Tukwila) and Central Ave (in Kent).
- Route 240 Renton to Bellevue through Newcastle, Newport Hills, Factoria and Eastgate on multiple surface streets
- DART Route 907 runs from the RTC to Black Diamond through Maple Valley along Renton-Maple Valley Highway (SR-169).
Go Sound Transit
Runs express and intercity public transit routes across the Seattle area, including Sounder trains, Link light rail and express buses (routes 510-596). Serves King County (e.g. Bellevue, Federal Way, Kent, Renton, Seattle), Snohomish County (e.g. Everett, Lynnwood), and Pierce County (e.g. Puyallup, Tacoma).
- Route 560 runs every half hour between Westwood Town Center in West Seattle via downtown Bellevue, Renton, SeaTac Airport, Burien.
- Route 566 Redmond, Bellevue, Renton, Kent and Auburn on SR-167, I-405 & SR-520.
There are many other routes that go through Renton on their way to and from other cities.
For Link light rail, the nearest station is Tukwila International Boulevard Station.
See
Do
Do Henry Moses Aquatic Center (Open mid-June through Labor Day)
Huge swimming pool located near downtown. Big draw for residents during the summer. Features a wave pool, lazy river, island lagoon, two water slides, play structures, and more. Lap pool is also available (and cheaper). Ticket sales start 3 hours in advance of the session you wish to attend; see the website for more details.
Renton has several city parks:
Do Liberty Park
Right next to the Renton Library, Liberty Park has basketball and tennis courts, picnic areas, play equipment, a skatepark, and access to the Cedar River Trail. It's often visited in September when you can see the salmon making their way up the Cedar River from the Renton Library's bridge.
Renton has an assortment of beautiful hiking trails, including:
Do Cedar River Trail
The longest trail in Renton and maybe the most beautiful. Especially nice during September when you can see the salmon returning to spawn.
Do Honey Creek Trail
Includes the local attraction of Devil's Elbow, a closed road which was known for its devilishly sharp curve that sent several cars tumbling into a ravine during rainy weather. With its "abandoned civilization" vibe, it makes for a great hike.
Events
Do Seahawks Training Camp (Several sessions from the end of July to mid-August)
Very popular summer activity—be on the sidelines up close during a Seahawks training session at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center. Provides opportunities for some fan interaction with the players. You cannot drive directly to the facility; instead, you will board a bus at the Landing (911 C N 10th Place).
Buy
Shop Antiques District
Downtown Renton is host to a few antiques shops all within about a block of each other. Makes for a fun walk during the day.
Shop Game-Xplosion
Huge collection of video games downtown, consoles, accessories, and vinyl records as well. Just about anything you could be looking for from any era of gaming can be found here. The owner is friendly and helpful and will gladly talk your ear off about vintage consoles.
Eat
Eat Blossom Vegetarian Restaurant
Vegetarian and vegan Vietnamese restaurant with a focus on providing imitation meat and fish dishes.
Eat Jay Berry's Cafe
Good American (especially breakfast) fare for reasonable prices. Well-liked by locals.
Eat Jimmy Mac's Roadhouse
A steakhouse known for the novelty of serving peanuts out of barrels and then allowing you to toss the shells on the floor. Also has locations in Everett and Federal Way.
Eat Melrose Grill
A restaurant in a building almost as old as the town, with gourmet steaks, cocktails, and desserts. Usually fairly crowded; consider making a reservation. Seafood options available; no vegetarian options aside from salads.
Eat Naan -N- Curry
Locally-owned authentic Indian-Pakistani restaurant with delicious food. Lots of vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options. Also has a location in Issaquah.
Eat Over the Rainbow Tea Bar
A local treasure: one of the best bubble tea shops in the Seattle metropolitan area. Low-key atmosphere; popular with many of the local youths.
Eat Sunset Bistro
A Romanian bistro that is well-liked by locals.
Drink
Surprisingly for a seemingly quiet suburb, Renton has a fairly lively nightlife scene that dates back to its years as a coal mining town. The majority of the good bars are concentrated in the downtown area.
Drink 8-Bit Arcade Bar
Vintage arcade and video games. Beer & pizza served; most games are only a quarter to play.
Drink The Brick Kitchen + Lounge
The food is good, but the bar is better. A little on the pricey side.
Drink The Local 907
Good food and drinks. Open mic comedy on some Saturday nights.
Drink Uncle Mo's Snappy Inn
The "best dive bar in town" that brands itself as the "Cheers of Renton." Fun crowd, decent food, and good karaoke nights.
Drink Vino at the Landing
Cute wine bar and restaurant at the Landing. Outdoor seating available.
Drink Whistle Stop Ale House
Well-established craft beer bar that's loved by locals and also serves good comfort food. Happy hours are M–F 3PM–6PM.
Sleep
Budget
Mid-range
Splurge
Go next
- For bourgeois shopping and a glitzier downtown, Bellevue is just to the north.
- For aviation nerds hoping to get inside a Boeing plant, the Boeing Future of Flight in Everett includes a tour of their factory. Also visit the Museum of Flight in Georgetown, next to Boeing Field.
- To get the most of what the Puget Sound (and Washington) has to offer, a trip to Seattle is absolutely necessary.
Nearby
Tukwila
City / town · 24 listings · 4 mi away
SeaTac
City / town · 6 listings · 6 mi away
Mercer Island
City / town · 11 listings · 6 mi away
Burien
City / town · 10 listings · 7 mi away
White Center
City / town · 6 listings · 7 mi away
Kent
City / town · 15 listings · 7 mi away
Issaquah
City / town · 20 listings · 8 mi away
Bellevue
City / town · 62 listings · 9 mi away
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