Quick answer: Burien is a Puget Sound gem just four miles from SeaTac Airport, packed with things to do—from saltwater beaches and live theater to a global food scene and a top-rated cannabis dispensary. Whether you’re passing through or planning a full weekend, Burien delivers a lot more than people expect.
Most people fly in and out of SeaTac without ever knowing that one of the Pacific Northwest’s most underrated neighborhoods sits right next door. Burien isn’t trying to compete with downtown Seattle. It’s doing its own thing—and honestly? That’s exactly what makes it worth the detour.
Six miles of shoreline. A thriving arts community. Restaurants pulling from cuisines across the globe. And yeah, a cannabis dispensary that locals swear by. Burien has range. This guide covers the five best things to do here, whether you’ve got a few hours to kill or a whole weekend to explore.
What are the best things to do in Burien, Washington?
1. Explore Seahurst Park
Seahurst Park is the kind of place that makes you forget you’re minutes from an international airport. Spanning 182 acres, the park features nearly a mile of saltwater beach, multiple hiking trails, two playgrounds, and sweeping views of Puget Sound and Mount Rainier on a clear day.
The Environmental Science Center runs moonlight beach walks where you can explore marine life up close—a solid option if you’re visiting with kids or just want something genuinely different to do. Facilities are available to rent for groups, making it a great spot for a weekend hangout with friends.
Low tide is the move. That’s when the tide pools open up and you can spot sea stars, crabs, and anemones along the shoreline.
2. Catch a Show at Burien Actors Theatre
Burien Actors Theatre has been entertaining the community since 1955. That’s not a typo—this place has been putting on productions for nearly seven decades, and it’s still going strong as one of the most beloved community theaters in the greater Seattle area.
The theater operates out of the Burien Annex and runs a rotating schedule of productions throughout the year. From drama to comedy to experimental work, the programming covers a lot of ground. Tickets are affordable, the vibe is welcoming, and supporting local arts never felt this easy.
Check their schedule before your visit and grab seats in advance—popular shows sell out.
3. Eat Your Way Through Downtown Burien
The New York Times covered Burien’s food scene, and locals will tell you they still missed a few spots. Within just four blocks of downtown, you can sample cuisine from across the globe—tamales, Ethiopian teff, fresh seafood, and more. Burien even has two chocolatiers and an olive oil specialty shop (called an oilierie, for the record).
The city’s dining scene has exploded in recent years, with over a dozen new restaurants opening in the last two years alone. The diversity here is real—third-generation Chinese restaurant owners, Mexican spots with some of the best tacos in the Puget Sound area, and chefs putting out food that punches well above the neighborhood’s profile.
Budget a full afternoon if you want to do it right. Graze, explore the specialty food markets along 152nd, 153rd, and Ambaum Blvd, and let the neighborhood surprise you.
4. Follow the Public Art Trail
Burien has a deep creative culture, and much of it lives right out in the open. The city has invested in public art installations throughout the area, and you can follow a self-guided map (available through the City of Burien’s website) to track them all down.
While you’re at it, stop by the Moshier Art Center—one of the most accessible ceramic art centers in the Puget Sound region. Classes run for all ages and skill levels, so you might find a preschooler working with clay right next to a master ceramicist at the wheel. It’s that kind of place.
If you’re visiting in the right season, Arts-a-Glow is an experience worth planning around. It’s a glow-in-the-dark art festival set in a forest—and yes, it’s exactly as cool as it sounds.
5. Stop by Kush21 Burien and Stock Up for the Weekend
If you’re spending a weekend in Washington State, a trip to Kush21’s Burien/SeaTac location belongs on your list. Kush21 sits right at the crossroads of SeaTac, Normandy Park, and Burien—which makes it genuinely one of the most conveniently located dispensaries in the region. Less than 10 minutes from Seattle, West Seattle, and Kent, it’s easy to reach no matter where you’re coming from.
The team at Kush21 Burien has done the work for you. Industry experts have personally purchased and tested most of the products on the shelves, handpicking the best flower, edibles, drinks, vape cartridges, and concentrates available in Washington State. The result is a curated menu that reflects serious product knowledge—not just whatever’s available.
Knowledgeable staff, a welcoming atmosphere, and a full product range make Kush21 Burien a go-to for both first-timers and experienced cannabis consumers. And if you’re freshly off a flight and staying near SeaTac, the 10-minute drive is absolutely worth it.
📍 Kush21 Burien/SeaTac
17730 Ambaum Blvd S, Seattle, WA 98148
📞 206.402.6955 | ✉️ burien@kush21.com
🕐 Open Monday–Sunday, 8 AM–12 AM | Online ordering available 24/7
What makes Burien worth visiting over other Seattle suburbs?
Burien offers something that’s harder to find in more polished neighborhoods: authenticity. The food is diverse and genuinely local. The arts scene is community-driven, not curated for tourists. And the natural surroundings—Seahurst Park, Puget Sound views, three tree point drives—are legitimately stunning.
It’s close enough to SeaTac to be convenient, but far enough off the tourist trail to still feel real.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Burien from SeaTac Airport?
Burien is approximately four miles from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, making it one of the closest neighborhoods to the airport. Most locations in downtown Burien are a 10–15 minute drive from SeaTac.
Is Burien worth visiting as a day trip from Seattle?
Yes. Burien is just minutes from Seattle and offers a distinct experience—beach access at Seahurst Park, a diverse restaurant scene, public art installations, and local shops that you won’t find in the city. A day trip gives you enough time to hit the highlights.
What is Kush21 Burien and what products do they carry?
Kush21 Burien is a recreational cannabis dispensary located at 17730 Ambaum Blvd S, Seattle, WA 98148. The dispensary carries a full range of Washington State cannabis products, including flower, pre-rolls, vape cartridges, concentrates, edibles, and drinks. The store is open Monday through Sunday, 8 AM to midnight.
Is cannabis legal in Burien, Washington?
Yes. Recreational cannabis is legal in Washington State for adults 21 and older. Licensed dispensaries like Kush21 Burien operate under state regulations and carry lab-tested, compliant products.
What events does Burien host throughout the year?
Burien hosts a variety of events including Arts-a-Glow (a glow-in-the-dark forest art festival), the Día de los Muertos celebration, the Burien UFO Festival (BUFO), concerts in the park, art and jazz walks, and cultural parades. Event schedules are available through the City of Burien’s official website.
Stock Up Before the Weekend Starts
Before you dive into everything Burien has to offer, make Kush21 your first stop. With a handpicked selection of Washington State’s best cannabis products and a team that actually knows their stuff, Kush21 Burien sets you up for the weekend—no guesswork needed.
Visit Kush21’s flagship Burien location at 17730 Ambaum Blvd S, open daily from 8 AM to midnight. Shop online anytime at kush21.com.
All cannabis purchases at Kush21 are for adults aged 21 and over only. Valid government-issued ID is required. Cannabis is legal for adult recreational use in Washington State under Initiative I-502. Do not transport cannabis across state lines. Consume responsibly and in accordance with Washington State law.
