Guided tours are always a great option for learning local lore, but those standard bus tours can quickly get boring. If you’re looking for a new and exciting way to explore SeaTac and the surrounding area, consider these transportation options that offer a distinct departure from the norm. Whether you soar into the sky or glide along the sea, these picks help you see Washington in a whole new light.
Take to the Skies in a Seaplane
If you’re coming from out of town, you’ll probably arrive in SeaTac via the Seattle Tacoma International Airport. You can book a cheap flight to SeaTac, but this doesn’t have to be the only flight involved in your vacation. Kenmore Air offers scenic seaplane tours that depart from Lake Union in the heart of Seattle. Take in the University of Washington campus, downtown Seattle skyline, Elliot Bay waterfront, and stunning seaside estates from a truly unique vantage point.
Ride the Rails on a Historic Train
The Mt. Rainier Scenic Railroad offers a two-hour ride through Mt. Rainier’s foothills. The train departs from the quaint depot and gift shop in Elba, Washington and transports guests to the historic museum as part of the route. Trains used for these tours represent the equipment most commonly used for the area’s logging industry. The vintage locomotive whistle echoing through the hills truly gives passengers the feeling of stepping back in time. This attraction can accommodate more than 500 guests a day. If you’re lucky enough to visit during a holiday season, you may catch one of the train’s seasonal experiences.
Explore SeaTac Parks
If you want to get to know SeaTac on foot, look no further than the area’s many parks. Explore both paved and unpaved trails at Sunset Park. Enjoy lunch in the picnic area before strolling the paved trails of North SeaTac Park. Des Moines Creek Park offers convenient trailhead parking for its paved pedestrian and biking trail. Cheap hotels like the Travelodge SeaTac Airport North are widely available nearby so you can stay just a short distance from these scenic spaces and explore them all while you’re in town.
Hit the Water in a Sea Kayak Tour
If you hear the coast calling, you can take to the water in a sea kayak tour with the Alki Kayak Tours and Adventure Center. Head out from Pier 66 and explore the Seattle waterfront, Centennial Park, and Myrtle Edwards Park. Tours typically last between two and three hours. Less than half an hour from convenient airport hotels like the Seattle Airport Marriott, this is an easy day tour that you can enjoy with just a few open hours. Sunset tours are available as well for travelers who want to end the day on a stunning and scenic note.
If you’re itching to book your SeaTac getaway now, check out this area guide for more detailed information that will help you plan a cheap vacation to the area. You can also share your own tips and tours for SeaTac visitors below.
Mandi Rogier is a resident of sunny central Florida who regularly contributes to several travel blogs and websites. In her free time she enjoys visiting nearby theme parks, taking family road trips, and planning girlfriend getaways.