
Key Takeaways:
- Burien, Washington, offers a blend of outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, and family-friendly activities that make it an ideal year-round destination.
- Whether you enjoy scenic hikes, live music, or exploring local parks, Burien has something for everyone to enjoy throughout the year.
- With its proximity to Seattle and its own unique attractions, Burien is a perfect getaway for nature lovers and city explorers alike.
Table of Contents:
- Visit Seahurst Park
- Explore the Burien Community Center
- Walk the Highline SeaTac Botanical Garden
- Take a Stroll Through Downtown Burien
- Attend the Burien Farmers Market
- Discover the Dottie Harper Park
- Explore the Des Moines Creek Trail
- Enjoy Local Live Music at the Burien Annex
- Visit the Burien Arts Association
- Take a Scenic Drive to the Alki Beach
Burien, Washington, is a charming city located just south of Seattle, offering a perfect mix of natural beauty, cultural attractions, and outdoor recreation. Known for its stunning waterfront views, lush parks, and vibrant arts scene, Burien is a year-round destination that appeals to visitors of all ages. Whether you’re drawn to the scenic hikes through its parks, enjoying live music, or simply strolling through its quaint downtown, Burien provides a welcoming and laid-back atmosphere for both residents and tourists. With its rich history and easy access to Seattle, Burien has become a beloved spot for exploring the Pacific Northwest.
1. Visit Seahurst Park
Seahurst Park is one of Burien’s most popular outdoor spaces, offering stunning views of Puget Sound and the surrounding nature. The park features over 180 acres of forested areas, beaches, and tidal flats, making it a great spot for hiking, picnicking, and wildlife watching. Visitors can enjoy scenic walking trails, explore the beach, or watch for seals and birds along the shore. The park is also a popular spot for kayaking and paddleboarding, with easy access to the water.
Seahurst Park is a fantastic place to visit year-round, offering a peaceful retreat in every season. In the spring, wildflowers bloom along the trails, and in the winter, the park offers a serene atmosphere with misty views over the water. Whether you’re enjoying the beach, exploring the trails, or simply soaking in the natural beauty, Seahurst Park is a must-see for outdoor enthusiasts.
2. Explore the Burien Community Center
The Burien Community Center is a local hub offering a variety of activities and events throughout the year. Whether you’re interested in taking a fitness class, participating in a community event, or learning something new at a workshop, the center provides plenty of opportunities for socializing and staying active. The community center is also home to local art exhibitions, classes for all ages, and special cultural events that highlight the vibrant community of Burien.
In addition to its indoor activities, the Burien Community Center is surrounded by parks and green spaces, perfect for outdoor relaxation. It’s an ideal spot for families, locals, and visitors who want to enjoy a variety of activities in one place. With events and programs offered year-round, the Burien Community Center is the heart of the city’s active community.
3. Walk the Highline SeaTac Botanical Garden
The Highline SeaTac Botanical Garden is a peaceful, 10-acre park that features a wide variety of plants and wildlife. This urban oasis is perfect for anyone looking to take a leisurely walk among nature and enjoy the beauty of local flora. The garden showcases several distinct sections, including a native plant garden, perennial garden, and wetland area, each offering something unique to explore. It’s a great place for visitors to relax, take photos, or simply immerse themselves in the beauty of the outdoors.
The botanical garden is a year-round attraction, offering something special in every season. In spring and summer, the garden bursts with vibrant flowers, while in the fall, the leaves turn golden, making it an excellent spot for a scenic walk. During the winter, the peaceful surroundings and evergreen trees provide a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. Whether you’re looking to learn about local plants or simply enjoy a peaceful stroll, the Highline SeaTac Botanical Garden is a must-visit.
4. Take a Stroll Through Downtown Burien
Downtown Burien is a quaint and charming area that offers a variety of shops, restaurants, and cafes to explore. The downtown area is known for its local businesses and vibrant atmosphere, where visitors can enjoy a leisurely stroll through the streets while discovering unique shops and sampling delicious local food. Whether you’re shopping for handmade goods, enjoying a meal at a local restaurant, or sipping coffee at a café, downtown Burien is the perfect place to spend an afternoon.
Throughout the year, downtown Burien also hosts a variety of events, including street fairs, food festivals, and live performances. These events bring the community together, making downtown a lively and welcoming place to visit. Whether you’re looking to enjoy a peaceful day of shopping or participate in a local event, downtown Burien offers something for everyone.
5. Attend the Burien Farmers Market
The Burien Farmers Market is a vibrant community event that offers fresh, locally grown produce, handmade goods, and delicious food. Held weekly throughout the year, the farmers market is a great place to support local farmers and artisans while enjoying the freshest produce in the area. In addition to the typical fruits and vegetables, the market features a wide range of items, including flowers, homemade jams, artisanal breads, and more. It’s a great way to experience the local culture and connect with the community.
The market also offers live music and entertainment, creating a lively and fun atmosphere for visitors. It’s the perfect spot for anyone looking to sample local flavors, discover unique products, or simply enjoy the energy of a bustling market. Whether you’re shopping for fresh ingredients or just browsing the goods, the Burien Farmers Market is a highlight of the city’s community life.
6. Discover the Dottie Harper Park
Dottie Harper Park is a hidden gem in Burien, offering a serene environment for visitors of all ages. The park features lush green spaces, a playground for kids, and several walking paths, making it an ideal spot for a family outing or a peaceful afternoon. It’s also known for its seasonal beauty, with vibrant flowers in the spring and fall foliage in the autumn. The park is perfect for a picnic, a casual walk, or simply unwinding in nature.
In addition to its natural beauty, Dottie Harper Park offers a peaceful atmosphere away from the busier areas of the city. Whether you’re looking for a place to relax with a book or to let the kids run around, the park provides a tranquil retreat right in the heart of Burien. It’s a perfect spot for a quick escape into nature, no matter the season.
7. Explore the Des Moines Creek Trail
The Des Moines Creek Trail offers a scenic and accessible route for hikers, joggers, and nature enthusiasts. This five-mile trail winds through a beautiful mix of wetlands, forested areas, and open fields, providing a great way to explore the local landscape. Along the way, visitors can enjoy views of Des Moines Creek, wildlife sightings, and peaceful moments in nature. The trail is open year-round, making it a great spot for exercise or relaxation at any time of the year.
For those who enjoy birdwatching, the trail is a prime location to spot local and migratory bird species. The trail is relatively easy to navigate, making it perfect for all levels of hikers. Whether you’re taking a leisurely walk or looking for a more challenging hike, the Des Moines Creek Trail is a great way to experience the beauty of Burien’s natural surroundings.
8. Enjoy Local Live Music at the Burien Annex
The Burien Annex is a lively venue known for hosting local live music and cultural performances throughout the year. From jazz bands to rock concerts, the Annex brings together the best of the local music scene, providing a great night out for music lovers. The intimate setting allows for a more personal experience with artists, and the diverse lineup of performers ensures that there’s always something new to discover. Whether you’re into classical music, indie bands, or community performances, the Burien Annex is the place to be for live entertainment.
In addition to music performances, the venue also hosts arts events, theater productions, and other cultural activities, making it a hub for the local arts scene. It’s an excellent spot to enjoy a night out with friends or experience something unique in Burien’s cultural landscape. If you’re a fan of live music and community arts, the Burien Annex should be on your list of must-visit places.
9. Visit the Burien Arts Association
The Burien Arts Association (BAA) is an important part of the city’s cultural fabric, promoting local artists and providing a space for community art exhibitions. Whether you’re an artist yourself or simply appreciate visual art, the BAA offers a range of events, workshops, and art shows throughout the year. Visitors can explore exhibitions showcasing local talent or participate in hands-on workshops to develop their own creative skills. The BAA is a welcoming space for both experienced artists and newcomers alike.
In addition to its exhibitions and programs, the Burien Arts Association also supports the arts community through public art projects, grants, and other initiatives that encourage creativity in the city. Whether you’re interested in visual arts, sculpture, or photography, the BAA provides a platform for artistic expression in Burien. For anyone passionate about the arts, this organization is a must-visit and an integral part of Burien’s thriving cultural scene.
10. Take a Scenic Drive to Alki Beach
A short drive from Burien, Alki Beach is a beautiful waterfront destination known for its stunning views of the Seattle skyline and the Puget Sound. Whether you’re walking along the beach, enjoying a bike ride, or simply soaking up the views, Alki Beach offers a perfect escape from the city. The beach is also home to numerous cafes and restaurants, where visitors can grab a bite to eat while enjoying the scenic atmosphere. It’s a popular spot for picnicking, beach volleyball, or just relaxing by the water.
In addition to its natural beauty, Alki Beach is known for its vibrant community events, including outdoor movies, summer festivals, and beach cleanups. The beach provides a laid-back atmosphere where visitors can enjoy a variety of activities year-round. Whether you’re looking to relax by the water or get active with beach sports, Alki Beach offers something for everyone.
What to do if you have kids?
Burien is an ideal destination for families with plenty of kid-friendly activities to enjoy year-round. Parks like Dottie Harper Park and Seahurst Park offer ample space for children to run, play, and explore. For a more active day out, head to the Des Moines Creek Trail or visit the Burien Farmers Market for fresh food and fun. The Burien Annex hosts family-friendly events, and the Burien Community Center offers various programs for kids. Whether you’re hiking, enjoying live music, or visiting the playground, Burien has something for every age group.
Where can I find free events in Burien, Washington taking place this weekend?
To find free events in Burien this weekend, use Planmyweekend.ai. This easy-to-use tool allows you to search for free and low-cost activities, such as outdoor concerts, local markets, art shows, and festivals happening around town. Simply enter Burien as your location, and you’ll get a curated list of exciting things to do. Whether you’re looking for a fun family outing, a relaxing outdoor experience, or an exciting community event, Planmyweekend.ai makes it simple to discover the best free events in Burien.
Final Thoughts
Burien, Washington, offers a diverse mix of activities and attractions that can be enjoyed year-round, from outdoor adventures to vibrant cultural experiences. Whether you’re hiking through scenic parks, attending a live performance, or exploring local arts and music, Burien has something to offer every kind of traveler. Its close proximity to Seattle, combined with its own unique charm, makes it a fantastic destination for both locals and visitors. Whether you’re spending a weekend or an extended stay, Burien provides plenty of opportunities to enjoy nature, culture, and community all year long.

Author: Dejon Brooks
Dejon Brooks is an entrepreneur who founded Trend Watchers with his life savings. Aged 24, Dejon has turned Trend Watchers into a successful business. After reaching over 150M+ people on his personal accounts, he now spends his time growing Planmyweekend.ai