Location: Federal Way
Top Things to do in Federal Way
What to do and see in Federal Way, United States: The Best Places and Tips
Federal Way is a city in King County, Washington, United States. It is a coastal city inside the Seattle metropolitan area. Its southwestern boundary is NE Tacoma Puget Sound, to the south is the cities of Milton, then Fife, then Tacoma. It is bordered by Des Moines and Kent on the northeast, Auburn as well as the town of Lakeland North and Lakeland South in unincorporated King County on the east, Milton on the south, and Tacoma as well as Fife Heights and Dash Point in unincorporated Pierce County on the southwest. The population was 95,171 at the 2015 United States Census. Federal Way is currently the 9th largest city in Washington State and the 5th largest in King County, according to the Census Bureau's 2015 population estimate.
Restaurants in Federal Way
1. Pacific Bonsai Museum
Overall Ratings
5 based on 142 reviews
Pacific Bonsai Museum connects people to nature through the living art of bonsai. We feature world-class bonsai from the Pacific Rim nations of Canada, China, Japan, Korea, Taiwan and the United States. Free and open to the public six days a week, this cultural gem offers contemporary and traditional bonsai exhibits, group tours, education and special events.
Reviewed By MommaJage - Webster, NY
We enjoyed a visit to this outdoor museum. On a weekday summer morning were were there alone. There was a large collection of amazing bonsai for us to enjoy. We loved seeing how old they were and the differing styles. Each had a very nice...MoreThank you for visiting! So glad you enjoyed it.
2. Emerald Downs
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 126 reviews
Reviewed By KweqSmanit - Seattle, Washington
Emerald Downs is a fun and low cost way to spend the afternoon at the track.
I had a great time and it is an entertaining way to spend some time whether you are a master gambler or a novice going for your first time.
It is actually lower cost than going bowling or seeing an evening movie for two with popcorn if you only bet the minimum of two dollars a race and pick "show" on your bet.You will win just often enough to always get your money back through the day and this way you may continue to wager for an afternoon.
When you start at 1pm at the first race and leave at 6pm and divide your total money you spent divided by the number of hours you were there it becomes cheaper than other forms of entertainment.
We determined we spend only $ 3.60 an hour, which is cheaper than other forms of going out one could do such as bowling, movies, the fair, etc.
The track officials and security and cashiers were all helpful and friendly as well as the restaurant staff and the front entrance booth person.They pointed out betting procedures and were smiling and cheerful.
The signage was clear and well placed and restrooms were clean.The PA system is loud enough but sometimes you need to listen well as the crowd is loud over what he is saying.
You may bet inside the main building as well as outside near where they parade the horses and show them prerace. As well you may purchase beverages there and they have outside seating with umbrellas to shade yourself from the sun.
There are plenty of restaurants to choose from at Emerald Downs from barbecue to finer dining to Quick Picks cafe to the several bars with food available for purchase.
They have both an elevator and stairs and covered for rain and exposed areas.
Also available to get to by bus and taxi and UBER.
3. The Tacoma Antiques Center at Fife Square
Overall Ratings
5 based on 4 reviews
Reviewed By JALFAN - Sumner, Washington
My wife and I enjoy "antique stores" This no exception, the store is very well arranged. There is good lighting and makes it easy to see things. The venders have a wide selection of items. The staff is friendly and helpful. Note: they seem to run sales on holidays.
4. LeMay - America's Car Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 891 reviews
LeMay - America's Car Museum (ACM), named one of USA Today's 10 Best Museums in Seattle and KING 5's 2014 & 2015 Best Museum in Western Washington, is an international destination where families and enthusiasts gather to celebrate America's love affair with the automobile and how it shaped our society. The stunning, four-level, 165,000-sq.-ft. Tacoma, Wash., facility features 12 rotating exhibits, five annual Signature Events and serves as an educational center, hosting students of all ages.
Reviewed By Ted L
Talk about a kid in a candy store. The LeMay Auto Museum is just nirvana for everyone who loves wheeled transportation in all its beautiful, strange, weird and kooky forms. LeMay is located in Tacoma in a really interesting free-form wood laminated building overlooking the harbor and next to the freeway -- easy to get to. It's not over priced like some museums because you can easily spend an entire afternoon swooning over classic cars, sports cars, cars with vintage pedigree in addition to some motorcycles and even electrics. My recent visit featured a nice collection of post-WWII vehicles that represented the Eisenhower era of my youth. Studebakers, Kaisers, Hudsons, Packards, etc. all gleamed in their deserved spotlight. It was a kick in the pants to revisit the marques that are long gone but not forgotten,
The LeMay is definitely worth a detour. And, enjoy lunch in the museum cafe while you are at it. Parking is free.
5. Point Robinson Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 69 reviews
Reviewed By County-Hunter - Tacoma, WA
I appreciate the volunteers all across America who help keep these small, quaint lighthouses open to the public and who share the history so that it doesn't get lost to time. Captain Joe is one such individual. A retired Coastie, he patiently take the time to open up the lighthouse on Sunday afternoons and will take the time to show you around, tell you some stories and answer your questions. Kudos also to the volunteer in the Ship's Store Gift Shop who showed us around and told us more stories. These personal touches made our visit much more than a hike to take a few pictures.
6. ILoveKickboxing
Overall Ratings
5 based on 68 reviews
Discover the fitness program that's helping thousands worldwide finally reach their fitness & fat loss goals.
Reviewed By Mackenzibw - Auburn, Washington
I just barely started my membership! I can already tell I'm going to make lots of friends and get in shape fast! I've been trying to get back into shape by myself since I moved here 2 years ago and it just hasn't worked out!...MoreThanks Mackenzie, we're so happy you have found us. It's amazing to watch your confidence grow each class.
7. Rhododendron Species Botanical Garden
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 77 reviews
Twenty-two acres of year-round botanical splendor make up the Rhododendron Species Botanical Garden. It is home to one of the largest collections of species rhododendrons and azaleas in the world. The RSBG continues to support the conservation, preservation, distribution and display of the rhododendron species. Some rhododendrons in the collection no longer exist in their wild habitat.Wild rhododendrons have a great diversity of size and shape with flowers that range in color from white to soft pink, clear yellow, brilliant red and into deep purple. Rhododendrons can range in size from ground hugging alpines to 100 foot trees. The RSBG collection consists of species from North America, Europe, Asia and Africa.A visit to the garden will increase your knowledge of these extraordinary plants that are growing among a forest of conifers and deciduous trees. Exploring the Rutherford Conservatory will provide you with a showcase of tropical rhododendrons as well as many other tropical plants. Hundreds of these beautiful tropical plants are set along a stream with a waterfall and towering boulders. There are over 10,000 rhododendrons in this woodland garden. A newly-renovated gazebo in the center of the Garden gives an expansive overview of the landscape. Travel the garden paths to the Victorian Fern Stumpery, Alpine and Pond Gardens and the breathtaking Blue Poppy Meadow (Meconopsis. After enjoying this show come and browse the Garden Gift Shop and Nursery. Many of the plants found growing in the Garden are for sale in the Nursery or through our on-line catalog.
Reviewed By Sungron - Washington
Allow a couple of hours to see everything and, if possible, do it on an escorted tour. The indepth explanations of species, origins, and subtle differences between different rhodies is fascinating. The indoor exhibit includes orchids. This is a totally pleasant walk and learning experience. There is a small gift shop.
8. 5 Mile Drive & Trails
Overall Ratings
5 based on 187 reviews
Reviewed By jgbtravels - Louisville, KY
We are fortunate we decided to stay in Tacoma to visit the sights rather than go back to Seattle. When we first got to the park when they opened up the 5 Mile Drive was closed. We decided to go back around one more time and it was open. Lucky us.This is really a lovely drive with numerous photo opportunities. Don't miss it or the rose garden near Pearl Street. Worth the effort to see.
9. The Outlet Collection Seattle
Overall Ratings
4 based on 79 reviews
The Outlet Collection is the largest fully enclosed outlet mall in the Pacific Northwest. Encompassing over 1 million square feet, The Outlet Collection is home to a unique mix of over 130 stores. The Outlet Collection is conveniently located at the intersection of Hwy 18 and SR 167 in Auburn. Visit our website for a complete list of stores, special offers, and mall events.
Reviewed By CarloHelmond - Helmond, The Netherlands
This is a good sized mall. Formerly known as the Supermall. It does have about 138 stores on one level. The easiest way to get there is by car. Plenty of parking around the mall. There are other shops and restaurants around the mall. The mall does have a food court, good for a quick bite. I do see a trend where you get the discount on the second item that you buy (e.g. buy one, get one 50% off)
10. Dash Point State Park
Overall Ratings
4 based on 125 reviews
Reviewed By UnrepentantFoodie - Bellingham, Washington
The beach is a wonderful place to visit. But the park itself is very old and tired looking. It was designed/built at a time when campers usually set up tents or came in truck campers which didn't require length, or fifth wheel trailers which didn't require levelling.
Large Class A's will have a real hard time manouvering through many parts of the park (stay off B loop!), and small 22 ft. Class B's like us--though we had many empty spaces to choose from--struggled to find a space long enough for even our short length that we could get level in even with level blocks. What we ended up with was an innie space, ugly and exposed. We would not have stayed a second night even if we'd planned to.
I know funds are tight--but I hope this park is on the list for refurbishment. It's badly needed.
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