King County, Washington · Puget Sound
Renton
Renton sits at the foot of Lake Washington where the Cedar River meets the water, a working city that built Boeing 737s and buried Jimi Hendrix, and never stopped growing.
POPULATION
106,785
FOUNDED
1901
FROM SEATTLE
25 min SE
COUNTY
King
ON THE WATER
Lake Washington
KNOWN FOR
Boeing 737 assembly
Renton, Washington occupies the southeast corner of Lake Washington where the Cedar River empties into the lake, 11 miles from downtown Seattle. Most visitors know it as a Boeing city, and that holds: the sprawling Renton plant dates to 1941 and has assembled the 737 here since the late 1960s, and it still hums along the southern shore of the lake.
But the Renton worth exploring is the one along the water. Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park stretches more than a mile of Lake Washington shoreline with a swimming beach, volleyball courts, a walking pier, and one of the best views of the Olympic Mountains on a clear day. The Cedar River enters the lake at the park’s edge and traces a 17-mile trail east through the city, paved for the first 12 miles, toward the Cascade foothills, drawing cyclists, joggers, and anglers. In fall, sockeye salmon push upstream through downtown Renton on their way to spawn, their bright red bodies an improbable spectacle visible from city bridges. Chinook and coho run the river too.
Renton is the final resting place of Jimi Hendrix, whose elaborate memorial at Greenwood Memorial Park draws thousands of visitors annually. The city has grown considerably since the 2020 census counted 106,785 residents, adding a waterfront hotel district at Southport and a downtown civic core known as the HEART Block, where the new Legacy Square plaza, Piazza Park, and Renton Market open in 2026.
Getting Here
Renton is 11 miles southeast of downtown Seattle. From Seattle, take I-90 east to I-405 south, then follow signs for downtown Renton or Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park at the NE 44th Street exit. Drive time is typically 25 to 30 minutes outside of rush hour, though I-405 runs heavy during commute hours. From Bellevue, take I-405 south for about 15 minutes. From SeaTac Airport, Renton is about 10 minutes north on SR-167. King County Metro buses serve Renton from both Seattle and Bellevue. There is no ferry service to Renton.
Things to Do
Parks
Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park
Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park stretches more than a mile of Lake Washington shoreline on the south end of the lake. The park offers a swimming beach, volleyball courts, a walking pier, boat launches, and sweeping views of the Olympic Mountains on clear days. It gets busy on summer weekends so arrive early.
Outdoors
Cedar River Trail
The Cedar River Trail runs 17 miles from Lake Washington east through the city and into the Cedar River Watershed. The first 12 miles are paved, making it accessible for cyclists, joggers, and inline skaters. In October and November, watch for sockeye, Chinook, and coho salmon pushing upstream from the lake through downtown Renton.
History
Jimi Hendrix Memorial
Jimi Hendrix is buried at Greenwood Memorial Park (350 Monroe Ave NE), where his memorial features a 30-foot granite dome supported by three columns trimmed in granite. Thousands of fans visit annually. The site is open during cemetery hours with no admission required.
History
Boeing 737 Assembly Plant
The Boeing Renton plant has been building airplanes since 1941, when it produced wartime bombers, and has assembled the 737 here since the late 1960s. It is one of the most productive jet factories in the world, visible from the south shore of Lake Washington and from State Route 167. Boeing does not offer public tours of the Renton facility, but the scale of the operation is clear from the exterior.
Shopping
The Landing at Southport
The Landing is Renton's waterfront commercial district on the north side of the city, with national retailers, local restaurants, and the Hyatt Regency Lake Washington. Water's Table offers outdoor lakeside seating on the Hyatt's west side. The Southport development continues to add restaurants and hotel options along the lakeshore.
Nature
Cedar River Salmon Run
The Cedar River mouth at Lake Washington is one of the most accessible urban salmon viewing spots in Washington State. From October through November, sockeye, Chinook, and coho salmon are visible from the shoreline and the footbridge at Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park where the river enters the lake. The sockeye, bright red at spawning, are the easiest to spot.
Water
Lake Washington Rowing and Sailing
The Renton Sailing Center and Renton Rowing Center operate from Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park, offering kayak and paddleboard rentals, beginner sailing lessons, and rowing programs for adults and youth. The south end of Lake Washington sees calmer water than the Seattle side, making it a good spot to learn on the water.
Culture
Downtown Renton and Legacy Square
Downtown Renton centers on South 3rd Street and the surrounding blocks, with the new HEART Block civic spaces (Legacy Square, Piazza Park, and the Renton Market) debuting in 2026 at 3rd and Logan. A few blocks west, Erasmus, a 700-pound aluminum dragon installed in 2019 on the roof of the Old Western Hotel at 3rd and Wells, has become the city's unofficial mascot and the focus of the annual Dragon's Landing Street Fair each April.
“In October, sockeye salmon push upstream through downtown Renton in plain sight from city bridges.”
Explore Washington State
Where to Stay
Hyatt Regency Lake Washington at Seattle's Southport
Renton's premier lodging sits directly on Lake Washington at Southport, steps from Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park. Full-service spa, outdoor pool, and Water's Table restaurant on the property. The best hotel access to Lake Washington in the south Seattle metro.
Reserve at Hyatt.comResidence Inn Seattle South/Renton
Marriott extended-stay property near The Landing with full kitchenettes in every suite. Good for families or multi-day visits. Easy access to the Cedar River Trail and downtown Renton.
Book at Marriott.comBest Western Plus Renton Inn
Budget-friendly option with complimentary breakfast and easy parking. Convenient for SeaTac Airport access and a solid base for day trips to Seattle, Bellevue, or the Cascades.
Book at BestWestern.comFind a Cabin Near Renton
Find a Cabin Near Renton
Food & Drink
Water’s Table at the Hyatt Regency Lake Washington (1053 Lake Washington Blvd N) is Renton’s standout dining destination, serving Pacific Northwest cuisine with unobstructed lake views. Open daily for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The Landing district at Southport has expanded with additional restaurants and bars along the waterfront in recent years. Downtown Renton’s dining scene concentrates on South 3rd Street and Rainier Avenue South, with a growing mix of local restaurants and cafes.
Festivals & Events
April
Dragon's Landing Street Fair
Annual street fair celebrating Erasmus, the 700-pound aluminum dragon on the roof of the Old Western Hotel at 3rd and Wells. Events include a dragon egg treasure hunt, live entertainment, and local vendors in downtown Renton.
July
Renton River Days
Renton's signature community festival runs three days in late July along the Cedar River. The 40th annual event in 2026 runs July 24 to 26, featuring concerts, a community parade, a summer craft bazaar, and a drone show Friday evening. Free to attend.
December
Ivar's Clam Lights
A one-mile walkable holiday light display at Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park, professionally decorated from late November through early January. One of the most attended holiday light events in South King County.
Day Trips
Bellevue is 15 minutes north on I-405, with the Bellevue Botanical Garden and a walkable downtown shopping district. Issaquah and Cougar Mountain Regional Wildland Park are 20 minutes east via I-90. Seattle is 25 to 30 minutes north via I-405 and I-5, making Renton a workable base for day trips without paying Seattle hotel prices.
Planning Your Visit
Summer (June through August) is best for Gene Coulon Beach Park, with swimming, volleyball, and boating. Arrive early on weekends. Fall is worth the trip specifically for the salmon: sockeye begin arriving at the Cedar River mouth in fall, with Chinook and coho also in the river, visible from shoreline paths and the footbridge through October and November. Renton River Days in late July is the city’s signature community festival. The Ivar’s Clam Lights display at Gene Coulon runs from late November through early January. Plan half a day for the waterfront and downtown; a full day if you want to bike the Cedar River Trail.
More Renton on EWS
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Renton Washington known for?
Renton is best known as the home of Boeing’s 737 assembly plant, one of the most productive commercial jet factories in the world. The city is also the final resting place of Jimi Hendrix, whose memorial at Greenwood Memorial Park attracts more than 14,000 visitors annually. Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park on Lake Washington and the Cedar River Trail are the most popular outdoor destinations.
Is Renton Washington worth visiting?
Renton is worth a visit for its Lake Washington waterfront, the Cedar River Trail, and the Jimi Hendrix Memorial. Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park is one of the best free parks in the south Seattle metro area. In fall, the Cedar River salmon run is one of the most accessible urban wildlife events in Washington State.
How do you get to Renton Washington?
From Seattle, take I-90 east to I-405 south to downtown Renton, about 25 to 30 minutes. From Bellevue, take I-405 south for 15 minutes. From SeaTac Airport, Renton is about 10 minutes north on SR-167. King County Metro buses serve Renton from both Seattle and Bellevue. There is no ferry service to Renton.
When is the best time to visit Renton?
Summer is best for Gene Coulon Beach Park, with swimming and outdoor activities June through August. Fall brings the Cedar River salmon run, visible from bridges and shoreline paths in October and November. Late November through January, Ivar’s Clam Lights at Coulon Park is worth the trip. Renton River Days in late July is the main community festival.
How many people live in Renton Washington?
Renton had 106,785 residents as of the 2020 census, making it the sixth most populous city in the Seattle metro area and one of the fastest-growing cities in King County.
What is the Jimi Hendrix Memorial in Renton?
Jimi Hendrix is interred at Greenwood Memorial Park in Renton at 350 Monroe Ave NE. The memorial features a 30-foot granite dome supported by three columns with granite trim, constructed in 2002 to replace the original simple gravestone. The site is open during cemetery hours and admission is free.