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Burien is a city of about 51,000 people on the shores of Puget Sound in King County, Washington, about 10 miles south of downtown Seattle and just west of Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. Logged and farmed in the late 1800s and named after early settler Gottlieb Burian, it grew into a suburb after World War II and incorporated as a city in 1993.
Its waterfront is the main attraction. Seahurst Park protects a long stretch of natural beach and forest where the old seawall was removed to restore the shoreline, and the neighborhood of Three Tree Point juts into the Sound with views of the Olympic Mountains. Eagle Landing Park offers a long staircase down a wooded bluff to a quiet beach.
The compact downtown, known as Olde Burien along SW 152nd Street, has a diverse mix of restaurants, cafes, bakeries and small shops, while Burien Town Square holds the library, city hall and a seasonal farmers market. The Highline Heritage Museum tells the history of the communities south of Seattle.
A large city park with about a mile of Puget Sound shoreline below a forested ravine. Its old seawall was removed to restore a natural beach, and trails climb through second-growth forest above. At low tide the beach is great for tidepooling. Parking near the shore is limited, so arrive early on sunny weekends.
A residential point that juts into Puget Sound at the west edge of Burien, with sweeping views across the water to Vashon Island and the Olympic Mountains. A small public beach access lets visitors walk to the shore. Respect the private homes around it, and come at sunset for the best light.
A small wooded park on a bluff above Puget Sound, where a long series of wooden stairs and switchbacks leads down to a quiet rocky beach. Bald eagles are often seen in the tall trees. The climb back up is steep, so wear good shoes, and check tide tables if you want to walk the shore.
The historic heart of Burien along SW 152nd Street, a walkable strip of independent restaurants, bakeries, coffee shops, bars and small stores. The food scene reflects the city's diverse population, with Mexican, Salvadoran, Ethiopian, Vietnamese and other kitchens. Street parking is usually easy on weekdays.
A modern civic center in downtown Burien with a public plaza, the Burien Library and city hall in one building, apartments and shops. The plaza hosts concerts, community events and a seasonal farmers market. It is a convenient place to start a walk through Olde Burien, a few blocks away.
A large King County Library System branch sharing a contemporary building with Burien City Hall on Town Square. It has an extensive collection, a children's area, study spaces, public computers and free programs for all ages. It is a good indoor stop on rainy days and an easy start for a walk downtown.
A community museum in Burien that tells the story of the Highline area south of Seattle, from Indigenous peoples and pioneer farms to the growth of the airport and suburbs. Exhibits include photographs, objects and oral histories. Hours are limited to a few days a week, so check before you go.
A small lake in a residential neighborhood in the west of Burien, once surrounded by farms and summer homes in the early 1900s. Most of the shoreline is private, but the lake can be glimpsed from nearby streets. It is part of the story of Burien's early settlers and is pleasant on a quiet neighborhood walk.
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Washington, United States
Washington, United States
Washington, United States
Washington, United States
Washington, United States
Washington, United States
Washington, United States
Washington, United States
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