Seattle Southside is closer than most people realize. In fifteen to twenty minutes, you can step into communities shaped by culture, history, and small businesses that care deeply about the people they serve. This weekend, Laura and Kylie from the Intentionalist team enjoyed a Daycation to explore seven sights and small businesses in Des Moines, SeaTac, and Tukwila.
What we found was simple: these cities are full of heart, flavor, and stories worth knowing.
1. Neighborhood Café (Tukwila)
Photo credit: Explore Seattle Southside
We started our day at Neighborhood Café, a warm, family-run destination from the owners of the beloved Stone House Cafe in Rainier Beach. The menu centers on Filipino-fusion food and creative twists on espresso and tea. We ordered the Matcha Mango Sago, which was bright and refreshing, and we couldn’t resist an order of lumpia. The café had that steady hum of regulars, neighbors, and people passing through — the kind of place that makes it equally easy to grab and go or linger a while.
Pro tip: Although they have your usual drinks (Americano, latte, etc.), we recommend branching out and trying drinks like the Biko Pandan, a sweet and fragrant pandan-based drink with vanilla-coconut notes, or the Matcha Mango Sago, which blends earthy matcha, ripe mango, and chewy sago pearls.
2. Sea Mar Museum of Chicano/a/Latino/a Culture (South Park, Seattle)
Our next stop was the Sea Mar Museum, just north of the border of Seattle Southside, and honestly, this should be on everyone’s list. The museum tells the stories of farmworkers, labor rights, civil rights, and the generations that shaped the region. The exhibits invite you to slow down and absorb the local history you might not previously have been aware of. It’s powerful, grounding, and a place people need to visit to understand the full story of our region.
Pro tip: Access to the museum is 100% free and there are guided tours for those interested in diving deeper.
3. Alina’s Café (Des Moines)
From there, we headed to Alina’s Café, where we caught up with the owner, Alonso Camacho, whom we first met when he took the helm at Salmon Creek Café in 2021.
Alina’s feels like a neighborhood anchor — the kind of café where you can picture yourself returning again and again because the food is good and the cozy atmosphere is the perfect place to enjoy a morning coffee or a more substantial meal. In fact, we unexpectedly ran into Intentionalist community member, Diana, who was catching up with a friend who had already been to Alina’s Café on several occasions!
Pro tip: Alina’s has 7 different types of pies, with vegan and gluten free options as well!
4. All Points Yarn (Des Moines)
At All Points Yarn, we were reminded how much creativity lives in local shops. The store is full of color, texture, and conversation. Knitters and makers come not just for supplies but for community. It’s the kind of business that helps a neighborhood stay connected — a creative hub built on relationships and shared passion. We had a delightful conversation with the owner, Morgan, and Laura confessed that she’s had the supplies to start knitting, but just hadn’t managed to get started. His passion for fiber creations was contagious, and true story, Laura went home and started her very first knitting project.
Pro tip: We’re pretty sure Morgan could answer any question you pose to him, judgement free! Whether you’re an expert or just starting (like Laura), he’s happy to answer any questions you may have.
5. Seike Japanese Garden (SeaTac)
Photo credit: Explore Seattle Southside
The Seike Japanese Garden, located within the Highline SeaTac Botanical Garden, is quiet, beautiful, and deeply meaningful. Created by the Seike family after they were forcibly incarcerated during WWII, the garden carries their story of loss, resilience, and community memory. This public garden is free and open from dawn until dusk (excluding federal holidays). Walking through it is peaceful, but it also asks you to reflect on the history beneath your feet. It’s a space that invites both calm and awareness.
Pro tip: The bridges in the garden each hold special meanings and representations. Take time to learn about each of them on the sign at the front of the garden.
6. Mall of Africa (SeaTac)
Next, we visited Mall of Africa, a vibrant marketplace of approximately 41 stalls full of food, goods, and culture from across the African continent. Each shop has its own personality, and together they create a vibrant atmosphere. Abayas (loose, full-length outer garments commonly worn in many Muslim cultures) line the corridors, and the shopkeepers welcomed us to explore the clothing, jewelry, and shaash (light, decorative headscarves) for sale.
Pro tip: There is so much to explore, so give yourself plenty of time. If you’re hungry, grab a bite to eat at the Mall of Africa Restaurant next door.
7. Birrieria Grumpy’s (Tukwila)
We ended the day at Birrieria Grumpy’s, and with the chilly evening weather, it was the perfect final stop. This restaurant takes birria seriously — rich, slow-cooked, full of depth. The kind of food that hits right after a long day of exploring. Pedro and his family welcomed us, pointing us in the direction of their birria tacos with cheese and signature birria ramen.
Pro tip: Leave room for the Choco-Flan!
Both Kylie and Laura are from the Seattle area, and their Seattle Southside Daycation introduced them to new small businesses and community destinations. It served as a wonderful reminder that Des Moines, Tukwila, and SeaTac offer incredible food, culture, and history — and they’re right here, practically in our backyard.
Sometimes one intentional day is all it takes to spark a new resolve to continue to explore how much this region has to offer, one small business at a time. Find even more inspiration for an intentional daycation through our friends at Explore Seattle Southside.
