Renton

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. Today, 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.
As of the 2010 census, Renton had a population of 90,927.
This article covers more than the City of Renton as it 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.)

By car

Access to Renton from Bellevue and Seattle is via Interstate 405. From south King County, via State Route 167, and from the southeast part of the county, via State Route 169.

By public transit

There is no Link light rail line to Renton and there are no plans to expand the light rail here—if you want to take it into the city, you should drive or be driven to the Tukwila International Boulevard Station and park there (there is always plenty of parking).
However, Renton is served by a lot of bus routes. The main hub is the . The easiest way to plan trips is by using the route planners for King County Metro and Sound Transit.

By plane

The city is also served by King County International Airport (BFI), also known as Boeing Field. The main hub is, of course, SeaTac International Airport, accessible by public transit.

• Renton Municipal AirportYou can fly in right next door to the Boeing 737 Plant, although you would need your own plane to do so.

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 that's not the Landing or downtown core, you should expect that you will probably have to walk at least a mile out of your way 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 that can make biking a great option for getting around.

By public transit

King County Metro offers several routes that exclusively go through Renton.

• Route 105 runs from the Renton Highlands to Downtown.
• Route 148 goes south from the RTC into Fairwood.
• DART Route 908 runs from the RTC through the Highlands and into Maplewood.

There are many other routes that go through Renton on their way to and from other cities. Using a trip planning app is advised if you want to get somewhere specific.

Renton doesn't have very many sights, but it does have some of note.

• Coulon Beach ParkOn Lake Washington, it is home to an Ivar's and Kidd Valley and right next to the Renton Boeing plant. Lots of open areas for picnics and relaxing.

• Jimi Hendrix Memorial

  phone: +1 425 255-1511
  address: 350 Monroe Avenue Northeast
  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.

• Liberty Park

  address: 113 Houser Way N
  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 History Museum

  phone: +1 425 255-2330
  address: 235 Mill Avenue South
  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

  address: 12 Seahawks Way
  The official training center of the Seattle Seahawks. Offers tours of the facilities. Great for football fans.

Hiking is perhaps the most rewarding experience the Pacific Northwest can offer you. Renton has an assortment of beautiful trails, including:

• Cedar River Trail

  address: 901 Nishiwaki Lane
  The longest trail in Renton and may be the most beautiful. Especially nice during September when you can see the salmon returning to spawn.

• Honey Creek TrailIncludes 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.

• May Creek Park Trail

  address: 12983 SE May Creek Park Dr
  In Newcastle.

Renton also has other things to do for those less outdoorsy:

• Carco Theatre

  phone: +1 206 775-8600
  address: 1717 SE Maple Valley Highway
  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

  phone: +1 425 430-6780
  address: 1719 SE Maple Valley Highway
  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 Civic Theatre

  phone: +1 425 226-5529
  address: 507 S 3rd St
  RCT frequently puts on dramas, comedies, and musicals in the heart of Renton's downtown.

• Renton Farmer's Market

  phone: +1 425 430-7214
  address: 233 Burnett Ave S
  Great market with food trucks and lots of fresh local produce.

Events

• Ivar's Clam LightsAn entrancing light display throughout Coulon Beach Park during the holiday season. Definitely worth a visit if you're in town. Bonfires are also lit at various fireplace stations throughout the park for warming up and mingling.

• Renton Comic ConRenton (especially the downtown area) has a fairly active comics and games scene. Renton's comic con is smaller, but still attracts a variety of great cosplayers and celebrity guests. Features the usual panels and autographs in addition to a cosplay contest, a "burlesque show," a LARPing tournament, and a menagerie of trading card, video, board, and role playing games and tournaments.

• Renton River DaysRenton's major summer event. There are parades, live music, food, and lots of festivities. You'll see a lot of locals out, but it is a tourist attraction as well.

• Seahawks Training CampVery 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 (911 C N 10th Place).

• Antiques District

  address: Wells Ave S & S 3rd St
  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.

• Comic Hut

  phone: +1 425 235-1663
  address: 822 S 3rd St
  Cute comic shop in downtown with a pretty wide selection. The owner is a comic buff and will gladly help you find anything you might want.

• Game-Xplosion

  phone: +1 425 264-5061
  address: 918 S 3rd St
  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.

• The LandingRenton's main outdoor mall, halfway between the Highlands and Downtown. In addition to being within walking distance of Coulon Beach Park, there are lots of great shops and restaurants, and it's generally considered to be a great place to hang out.

• Modern to Vintage

  phone: +1 206 331-9900
  address: 407 Williams Ave S
  A neat second-hand furniture store with lots of vintage pieces operated out of a century-old house in the downtown area.

• Blossom Vegetarian Restaurant

  phone: +1 425 430-1610
  address: 2502, 305 Burnett Ave S
  Vegetarian and vegan Vietnamese restaurant with a focus on providing imitation meat and fish dishes.

• Heaven Sent Fried Chicken

  phone: +1 425 917-3000
  address: 509 S 3rd Street
  The local restaurant chain owned by the founder of Ezell's Chicken. The best place in town for fried chicken, hands down.

• Jay Berry's Cafe

  phone: +1 425 271-1817
  address: 16341 Renton Issaquah Road
  Good American (especially breakfast) fare for reasonable prices. Well-liked by locals.

• Jimmy Mac's Roadhouse

  phone: +1 425 227-6881
  address: 225 SW 7th St
  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.

• Melrose Grill

  phone: +1 425 254-0759
  address: 819 Houser Way South
  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.

• Naan -N- Curry

  phone: +1 425 271-6226
  address: 709 South 3rd Street
  Locally-owned authentic Indian-Pakistani restaurant with delicious food. Lots of vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options. Also has a location in Issaquah.

• Over the Rainbow Tea Bar

  phone: +1 425 572-5764
  address: 4820 NE 4th St (Ste A101)
  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.

• Peyrassol Cafe

  phone: +1 425 282-5472
  address: 1083 Lake Washington Blvd N #30
  Southern French style cafe with delicious brunch, lunch, and dinner options and lakefront views.

• Sunset Bistro

  phone: +1 425 572-0440
  address: 354 Sunset Blvd N
  A Romanian bistro that is well-liked by locals.

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.

• 8-Bit Arcade Bar

  phone: +1 425 291-7693
  address: 916 S 3rd St
  Vintage arcade and video games. Beer & pizza served; most games are only a quarter to play.

• The Brick Pub & Grill

  phone: +1 425 207-8951
  address: 1190 Sunset Blvd NE, Ste E
  The food is good, but the bar is better. A little on the pricey side.

• Dog & Pony Alehouse

  phone: +1 425 254-8080
  address: 351 Park Avenue North
  Thirty-two taps that rotate on a daily basis, including IPA, ciders, wines, and lagers.

• The Local 907

  phone: +1 425 255-2511
  address: 907 S 3rd St
  Good food and drinks. Open mic comedy on some Saturday nights.

• Uncle Mo's Snappy Inn

  phone: +1 425 917-3130
  address: 321 Williams Ave S
  The "best dive bar in town" that brands itself as the "Cheers of Renton." Fun crowd, decent food, and good karaoke nights.

• Vino at the Landing

  phone: +1 425 282-0382
  address: 800 N 10th Pl, Ste E
  Cute wine bar and restaurant at the Landing. Outdoor seating available.

• Whistle Stop Ale House

  phone: +1 425 277-3039
  address: 809 S 4th Street
  Well-established craft beer bar that's loved by locals and also serves good comfort food. Happy hours are M–F 3PM–6PM.

Budget

• Econo Lodge Hotel

  phone: +1 425 228-2858
  address: 4710 Lake Washington Blvd
  The northernmost option for staying in Renton proper; near the border with Newcastle.

• Quality Inn

  phone: +1 425 226-7600
  address: 1850 SE Maple Valley Highway
  Centrally located on Maple Valley Highway; not far from Downtown.

Mid-range

• Clarion Hotel Renton

  phone: +1 425 251-9591
  address: 3700 East Valley Road
  Southernmost hotel in Renton.

• Hilton Garden Inn Seattle/Renton

  phone: +1 425 430-1414
  address: 1801 E Valley Road

• Larkspur Landing Renton

  phone: +1 425 235-1212
  address: 1701 E. Valley Rd

• SpringHill Suites Seattle South/Renton

  phone: +1 425 226-4100
  address: 200 SW 19th St

Splurge

• Hyatt Regency Lake Washington

  phone: +1 425 203-1234
  address: 1701 E. Valley Rd
  Opened in 2017. Beautiful waterfront views of Lake Washington.

• Red Lion Seattle/Renton

  phone: +1 425 226-7700
  address: 1 South Grady Way

• TownePlace Suites Seattle South/Renton

  phone: +1 425 917-2000
  address: 300 SW 19th St

For free internet access, Renton has two libraries that are lovely to visit.

• Renton Library

  phone: +1 425 226-6043
  address: 100 Mill Avenue South
  The larger of the two libraries, beautifully situated over the Cedar River. During the fall, it's not uncommon to see salmon swimming upstream.

• Renton Highlands Library

  phone: +1 425 277-1831
  address: 2801 NE 10th Street
  The smaller library still has an ample selection and plenty of computers in addition to a beautiful interior with lots of natural lighting.

• For bourgeois shopping and a glitzier downtown, Bellevue is just to the north.
• For aviation nerds hoping to get a glimpse of a Boeing plant, the Boeing Future of Flight includes a tour of their Everett facility.

• Also consider visiting SoDo to check out the Museum of Flight next to Boeing Airfield.

To get the most of what the Puget Sound (and Washington) has to offer, a trip to Seattle is absolutely necessary.