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Federal Way is a city of about 100,000 people between Seattle and Tacoma, on the shores of Puget Sound. Named for the federal highway that runs through it, it incorporated only in 1990, but it has some of the region's most beautiful gardens and a long stretch of saltwater shoreline.
The Rhododendron Species Botanical Garden holds one of the largest collections of rhododendrons in the world, spectacular in spring, and the Pacific Bonsai Museum next door displays living bonsai trees from across the Pacific Rim. PowellsWood Garden is a formal garden set in native woodland, and the city's new Town Square Park and the Federal Way Downtown light rail station anchor the growing city center.
Dash Point State Park has beaches, forest trails and tide pools on Puget Sound, and Wild Waves Theme and Water Park brings roller coasters and water slides. Celebration Park and Steel Lake Park offer sports fields and swimming in summer, and the city's 9/11 memorial honors first responders.
Botanical garden with one of the world's largest collections of species rhododendrons, plus ferns, alpine plants and woodland paths. It sits on the former Weyerhaeuser campus. Visit in April and May when most rhododendrons bloom, and pair it with the bonsai museum next door.
Small private garden open to the public, with a series of garden rooms, perennial borders and a woodland walk designed in English style. It hosts concerts and events in summer. Check seasonal opening days, as it is not open year round, and allow about an hour.
Outdoor museum displaying about 150 bonsai trees from around the Pacific Rim, some of them many decades old. Changing exhibits explain the art of shaping miniature trees. Admission is by donation, and it is right next to the rhododendron garden, so visit both together.
City nature park with a boardwalk loop through forest, peat bog and wetlands, plus two historic cabins from early settlers. Signs explain the plants and wildlife. It is an easy, flat walk for all ages, and the boardwalk can be slippery when wet, so wear good shoes.
State park on Puget Sound with a long sandy beach, tide flats at low tide, forest trails and a campground. Families explore tide pools and wade in summer. Check tide tables and come at low tide to walk far out on the flats, and bring a Discover Pass for parking.
City park on Steel Lake with a swimming beach, a boat launch, a fishing dock, playgrounds and picnic areas. It is the most popular summer swimming spot in Federal Way. Lifeguards are on duty only in the summer season, so check hours before letting kids swim.
Large theme park and water park with roller coasters including the wooden Timberhawk, family rides, wave pool and many water slides. It is the biggest park of its kind in the region. It opens seasonally, so check dates, and bring sunscreen and a towel for the water side.
Modern performing arts center that opened in 2017 in the city center, with a main theater hosting concerts, comedy, dance and plays, plus event spaces. It is the city's main venue for shows. Check the season lineup online, and eat at nearby restaurants before the show.
Memorial in the city center honoring those who died on September 11, 2001, built around a steel beam from the World Trade Center. It is a quiet place for reflection with plaques telling the story. It is a short stop near city hall and the town square park.
Main enclosed shopping mall in Federal Way with chain stores, restaurants and services, near the transit center. It is handy for shopping and meals in any weather. Combine it with the nearby performing arts center or the town square park for an easy day in the city center.
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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
Photo: Joe Mabel, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
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Photo: Gayest Frogs, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Gayest Frogs, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
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Photo: Sgerbic, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Sgerbic, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Joe Mabel, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Joe Mabel, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Joe Mabel, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Sgerbic, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Chris Light, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Chris Light, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Chris Light, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
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Photo: Jeff Sandquist, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0
Photo: Gayest Frogs, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
