Day Trips in Kent

From one-of-a-kind museums to miles of biking trails and aisles of retail treasures at local shops, there’s no shortage of ways to spend a day in Kent. If you have a few hours, we have some great suggestions for day tripping fun.

Shop Hopping

With high-end retail, thrift-store treasures and unique collectibles, Kent provides a full day of shopping fun.

Morning

Midday

  • Stroll to nearby Kent Station, an urban shopping and dining village. Grab a bowl of clam chowder and warm sourdough bread at Duke’s Seafood and plan your shopping strategy. Kent Station is home to several upscale retail stores, including Ann Taylor LOFT, J.Jill, Chico’s and Road Runner Sports.

Afternoon

  • Talk about a destination. The Great Wall Shopping Mall is an indoor lifestyle market anchored by the largest Asian grocer in the U.S. You’ll want to allow plenty of time to roam through 99 Ranch Market, gift stores and specialty shops.
  • Sample the authentic Asian cuisine. Dim Sum at Imperial Garden is a crowd favorite.
Photo of vintage Elvis record for sale in Kent, Washington
Vintage Elvis record for sale in Kent, Washington
Photo of cycling the Green River Trail in Kent, Washington
Cycling the Green River Trail in Kent, Washington

Urban Biking Adventure

Bring your bike and plan to hit miles of trails, all within the Kent city limits. Don’t let the city part fool you. The mostly flat, paved trails will take you through Kent’s scenic parks, along rivers and past public art.

Morning

  • Kent Valley Loop Trails offers several options. If you want to soar through it all, opt for the 13-mile Eagle Loop.
  • A side trip to replenish electrolytes will be in order. Put down your kickstand at Airways Brewing for a locally brewed pint.

Midday

  • Once you’re back in the saddle, head to historic downtown Kent. Wild Wheat Bakery Café and Restaurant is a great spot for lunch. Grab a to-go treat from the pastry case for your afternoon ride.
  • If you’re in the market for bike accessories or repairs (or a new set of wheels), cruise into Cycle Therapy. Nearby Kent Station, an urban shopping, dining and entertainment village, is a great place to stretch the quads.

Afternoon

  • Head to Kent’s East Hill for a ride along Soos Creek Trail. The six-mile point-to-point trail travels through woods, wetlands, meadows and wildlife.
  • A day of riding deserves a hearty dinner. Replenish at The Habit Burger Grill. 

A Day At The Museums

Sure, D.C. has the Smithsonian, but there’s a lot to learn and see in Kent. Spend the day at three unique museums that offer up history, hydroplanes and handcrafted pickleball paddles that launched the sport in the 1960s.

Morning - Midday

  • Kent’s history is as rich as the Green River Valley soil. In fact, lettuce was such a big deal they threw a huge party every year to celebrate it. That’s just a taste of what you’ll learn at the Greater Kent Historical Society Museum.

Afternoon

  • Hydroplane races have been part of the Pacific Northwest waterscape for decades. Kent’s Hydroplane & Raceboat Museum is the only place in the country where you can see rare memorabilia, racing footage and vintage hydroplanes spanning seven decades.
  • After your visit: Head to the water, of course. Cool your heels, walk the shore or launch a craft at Kent’s Lake Meridian, one of the few lakes in the region that allows motorized boating.
Photo of Pay N Pak powerboat model on display at Hydroplane and Raceboat Museum in Kent, Washington
Powerboat model on display at Hydroplane and Raceboat Museum in Kent, Washington