Des Moines, WA
- About the City
- Geography
- Climate and Weather
- Landmarks and Attractions
- Transport
- Local Cuisine and Culinary Traditions
- Museums
- Sport and Sports Legends
- Universities and Academic Institutions
- Healthcare and Medical Facilities
Des Moines is a waterfront city in King County, Washington, known as "The Waterland City" for its marina, parks, and Saltwater State Park with a unique artificial reef.
About the City
Official Status and Administrative Affiliation
- Official Name: Des Moines, Washington
- Status: Des Moines is a city in King County, Washington, United States . It is a suburban city within the Seattle metropolitan area, situated on the east shore of Puget Sound . King County is the most populous county in Washington and is known for being the home of Seattle, a major tech and cultural hub, as well as for its stunning natural geography, including the Cascade Mountains and Puget Sound.
Historical Names and Nicknames
- Nickname: "The Waterland City" . This official nickname highlights the city's defining geographic feature—its prime location on the shores of Puget Sound and its strong connection to the water through its marina, parks, and beach access.
- Origin of Name: The city was named after Des Moines, Iowa, by F.A. Blasher in 1887, who persuaded friends from his hometown to help finance the town's development .
Date of Foundation and Age
- Founded: The first known settler, John Moore, arrived around 1867 . The area was platted and lots were sold by the Des Moines Improvement Company in 1889.
- Incorporation: Des Moines was officially incorporated as a city on June 17, 1959 .
- Age: Founded 158 years ago (as of 2025), the city has grown significantly, particularly with post-World War II suburbanization .
Geographical Position and Coordinates
- Geographic Coordinates: 47°22′28″N 122°19′07″W (approximate center) .
- Location: Des Moines is located on the eastern shore of Puget Sound, in the central part of the Seattle metropolitan area . The topography gently rolls down to the water from an elevation of about 400 feet (120 m) along its eastern border, offering many homes unobstructed views of the sound and Vashon Island . Des Moines Creek and Massey Creek have carved ravines into this slope .
- Elevation: The city's elevation is approximately 190 feet (58 m) above sea level .
- Total Area: The city covers a total area of 7.408 square miles (19.187 km²), which includes 0.994 square miles (2.575 km²) of water .
City Type and Economic Specialization
- Primary Type: Primarily a residential suburb and bedroom community for the nearby tech and industrial centers of Seattle, Bellevue, and Redmond, including for workers at Boeing .
- Secondary Type (Recreation & Tourism): It functions as a local recreational and tourism destination due to its waterfront location. Key attractions include the Des Moines Marina, the 838-berth marina opened in 1970, and Saltwater State Park, the most used state park on Puget Sound .
Population and Demographics
- Population: As of the 2020 census, the population was 32,888 . A 2024 estimate places it at 33,207 .
- City Class: Des Moines is considered a small city.
- Demographic Features: It is a diverse and growing community. The 2020 census shows a population that is 47.15% White (non-Hispanic), 17.70% Hispanic or Latino, 12.59% Asian, and 11.98% Black or African American . Residents appreciate its "small-town feel," community spirit, and walkability, despite its proximity to Seattle .
"City's Business Card" (Briefly)
Des Moines, Washington, is a peaceful waterfront community known as "The Waterland City." It offers a unique blend of suburban living and natural recreation, anchored by the most-visited state park on Puget Sound—Saltwater State Park—which features a unique underwater artificial reef for divers, a bustling public marina, and a walkable, family-friendly atmosphere just minutes from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport .
Geography
Water Bodies (Puget Sound and Creeks)
- Puget Sound: This vast, complex estuarine system of the Pacific Ocean is the city's most dominant and defining geographic feature. The city occupies a stretch of its eastern shoreline, one of the few points where the topography allows easy access to the water .
- Des Moines Creek and Massey Creek: These streams have carved deep ravines into the landscape as they flow from the higher elevations east of the city down to Puget Sound .
- McSorley Creek: This creek flows through Saltwater State Park, creating a distinctive ravine setting and supporting seasonal salmon spawning runs, which can be viewed in the fall .
Beaches and Shorelines
- Saltwater State Park Beach: The park features a sandy, pebble-filled beach in its southwest corner, providing a classic Puget Sound beach experience for swimming, sunbathing, and picnicking . The park has 1,445 feet of saltwater shoreline .
- Tide Pools: Rocky tideflats within the park offer excellent tide pooling opportunities during low tide, allowing visitors to explore small marine life .
Parks and Natural Reserves
- Saltwater State Park: Located in Des Moines, this is a premier 137-acre marine and camping park and one of the most visited state parks on Puget Sound . Its key features include:
- Underwater Artificial Reef: It is home to Washington's only underwater artificial reef, which has become a thriving marine habitat for sea stars, anemones, rockfish, and ling cod, making it a world-class destination for scuba diving .
- Camping: The park offers 15 standard campsites situated along McSorley Creek, providing a unique creek-side camping experience within a forested ravine .
- Trails: A network of trails, including the North Rim and South Rim trails, winds through second-growth timber along the creek and ravines .
- Des Moines Marina: This 838-berth small boat marina is a key city asset, offering moorage, boat launching, and a 670-foot (200 m) concrete and aluminum fishing pier at its northern end, which is popular for recreational fishing .
- Redondo Boardwalk: Located near the border with Federal Way in the Redondo neighborhood, this boardwalk and aquarium are a popular local attraction .
Climate and Weather
Climate Type and General Characteristics
Des Moines features a warm-summer Mediterranean climate (Köppen: Csb) . This climate is characterized by mild, wet winters and warm, dry summers. It is heavily influenced by its location on Puget Sound, which moderates temperature extremes.
Average Temperatures
Temperatures in Des Moines are generally mild year-round .
- Warmest Month: August is typically the warmest, with an average daily mean of 19°C (67°F) .
- Coldest Month: December is typically the coldest, with an average daily mean of 5-6°C (41-43°F) .
- Temperature Range: The average daily temperature ranges from a low of about 3°C (37°F) in winter to a high of about 25°C (77°F) in summer .
- Extremes: Temperatures rarely drop below -2°C (28°F) or rise above 32°C (90°F), though the all-time recorded high is 38°C (101°F) and the low is -10°C (14°F) .
Precipitation and Humidity
- Average Annual Rainfall: Des Moines receives a significant amount of precipitation, averaging about 1394 mm (54.9 inches) per year .
- Wettest Period: The wettest months are from November through February, with December being the wettest, averaging 196 mm (7.7 inches) of rain . November and February also see very high rainfall .
- Driest Period: The summer months are distinctly dry. July and August are the driest, with average rainfall of just 18 mm (0.7 inches) and 16 mm (0.6 inches), respectively .
- Rainy Days: There are an average of 161 rainy days per year (with ≥ 1 mm of rain), with the highest number of rainy days occurring in the winter months (up to 19 days in February and December) and the fewest in July and August (around 5 days) .
- Snowfall: Snowfall is light and infrequent, with a short season from mid-December to mid-January. Average January snowfall is a modest 32.5 mm (about 1.3 inches) .
Sunshine and UV Index
- Sunshine: The city enjoys an average of 2583 hours of sunshine annually . The sunniest months are by far July and August, averaging 360 and 329 hours of sunshine, respectively. The cloudiest months are November, December, and January, with very limited sunshine .
- UV Index: The UV index peaks during the summer months, reaching a "Very High" level of 8-9 in June, July, and August, necessitating sun protection .
Seasonality and Best Time to Visit
- Summer (June - August): This is the peak season for visitors. The weather is warm, dry, and sunny with long daylight hours, making it ideal for all outdoor activities, including hiking in Saltwater State Park, boating from the marina, scuba diving, and beach outings .
- Fall (September - November): September often remains pleasant, but by October and November, the weather turns significantly cooler, cloudier, and wetter. This is a good time for lower hotel rates and for viewing the fall salmon runs in McSorley Creek .
- Winter (December - February): Winters are mild in temperature but are characterized by persistent clouds, rain, and short days . It's the low season for tourism, but the park remains open for quiet, rainy walks.
- Spring (March - May): Spring sees gradually improving conditions. Rainfall begins to decrease, and temperatures slowly rise. The landscape is lush and green, and it's a good time for hiking before the summer crowds arrive, though it can still be quite wet, especially in March .
- Best Time for a Visit: The unequivocally best time to visit Des Moines for warm-weather activities is from early July to late August, during the heart of the dry, sunny summer .
Landmarks and Attractions
[Saltwater State Park]
- Full Name: Saltwater State Park
- Location: 25205 8th Place S, Des Moines, WA 98198
- Description: This 137-acre marine park is the crown jewel of Des Moines and the most-used state park on Puget Sound . Its fame rests on several unique features. It is home to Washington's only underwater artificial reef, which was created to enhance marine habitat. Today, it's a premier destination for scuba diving, where divers can explore a thriving ecosystem of sea stars, urchins, anemones, rockfish, and ling cod . Above water, the park offers a sandy swimming beach, rocky tide pools for exploration, and a network of forested trails that follow McSorley Creek through steep, scenic ravines. It is one of the few state parks in the immediate area that offers camping, with 15 campsites along the creek .
[Des Moines Marina and Fishing Pier]
- Full Name: Des Moines Marina
- Description: Opened in 1970, this 838-berth marina is the city's most visible asset and a central hub for waterfront activity . It provides extensive moorage, boat launch facilities, and stunning views of Puget Sound and Vashon Island. A key feature is the 670-foot (200 m) concrete and aluminum fishing pier built in 1980 at the marina's north end, which is a very popular, accessible spot for recreational fishing without a boat . The surrounding area includes parks and promenades ideal for a leisurely stroll.
[Des Moines Creek Trail]
- Full Name: Des Moines Creek Trail
- Description: This paved regional trail follows the course of Des Moines Creek from the city up to the border with SeaTac. It is a popular linear park for walkers, runners, and cyclists, providing a green corridor connecting the waterfront to the inland areas. The trail winds through a forested ravine, offering a peaceful, nature-filled experience and a habitat for local wildlife, all within the city limits.
[Redondo Boardwalk]
- Full Name: Redondo Boardwalk
- Neighborhood: Redondo (near the Federal Way border)
- Description: This historic boardwalk is a beloved local landmark. Stretching along the shore, it offers picturesque views of Puget Sound and is a prime spot for a stroll, dining, and wildlife viewing. The Redondo area also features a public pier and the Redondo Beach Drive, lined with unique homes and restaurants, including a historic fish and chips spot.
Transport
Main Airports
- Seattle–Tacoma International Airport (Sea-Tac): Code IATA: SEA . This is the primary commercial airport serving the entire Seattle metropolitan area. Incredibly, it is located just 2 miles (3.2 km) north of Des Moines . This proximity makes the city exceptionally convenient for air travelers but also subjects some areas to aircraft noise. Ground transportation options include taxis, ride-sharing services, and rental cars, with easy access via nearby highways.
Major Highways and Roads
- State Route 99 (Pacific Highway South): This major north-south arterial road runs along the eastern edge of Des Moines, connecting it to SeaTac and the greater region .
- Interstate 5 (I-5): Located just east of the city, I-5 is the primary interstate highway on the West Coast. It is easily accessible from Des Moines and provides direct routes north to Seattle and south to Tacoma and Olympia. Saltwater State Park is just 2 miles from I-5 .
- Highway 509: This highway provides another critical link from the area to the Port of Seattle and other industrial areas.
Local Transportation
- Public Transit: Des Moines is served by King County Metro, which operates several bus routes connecting the city to SeaTac, Burien, Kent, Federal Way, and other regional hubs, including connections to light rail stations.
- Roads: The city's layout is primarily suburban, with most residents relying on personal vehicles for transportation. The topography, with its gentle slopes and ravines, is navigable by car, and many neighborhoods are considered walkable .
- Historical Water Transport: In its early days, the "mosquito fleet" of steamboats was the primary mode of transport to Seattle and Tacoma, and from 1916 to 1921, an automobile ferry ran from Des Moines to Portage on the opposite shore of Puget Sound .
Local Cuisine and Culinary Traditions
While the city of Des Moines, Washington, is a charming waterfront community, its culinary identity is closely linked to the greater Seattle Southside region. For a truly local and beloved dining experience, residents and visitors alike point to one iconic spot.
Wally's Chowder House & Broiler
A true Des Moines institution, Wally's Chowder House & Broiler is a neighborhood gem that has been serving the community for many years . It's the go-to place for classic, no-fuss coastal cuisine. Wally's is particularly famous for its namesake chowder, which many consider a must-try. Beyond the chowder, the restaurant is renowned for serving what some locals call the best fish and chips in the Seattle area, along with other delicious seafood offerings like fresh crab leg salads and rock fish . The atmosphere is casual and friendly, making it the perfect spot to enjoy a taste of the Pacific Northwest waterfront .
Museums
Des Moines offers a unique glimpse into its past through a dedicated local historical society, preserving the stories of the area.
Des Moines Historical Society Museum
Housed in the historic Odd Fellows Hall, a building with its own rich history as a former police station, jail, fire station, and city hall, the Des Moines Historical Society Museum is a treasure trove of local lore . This volunteer-run museum offers a charming and personal look at the city's transformation from a quiet farming and fishing community to the bustling waterfront town it is today .
The museum's collection is a fascinating mix of artifacts, photographs, and documents. Visitors can see the tools and toys used by early residents and admire relics from legendary local spots, such as the Spanish Castle Ballroom, a mid-century dance hall where a young Jimi Hendrix got his start . The museum also holds an archival collection with maps, yearbooks, and family records, making it a valuable resource for genealogy enthusiasts . Admission is free and it's open to the public on the first Saturday of each month and all Saturdays from Memorial Day through Labor Day .
Sport and Sports Legends
While Des Moines, Washington, itself is not home to major professional sports franchises, its location in the Seattle Southside area puts it within easy reach of a wide array of sporting activities and events.
Nearby Major League Sports
Residents of Des Moines are just a short drive from Seattle, where they can cheer on professional teams like the Seattle Seahawks (NFL) , Seattle Mariners (MLB) , Seattle Kraken (NHL) , Seattle Sounders FC (MLS) , and Seattle Storm (WNBA) . The city's proximity to these world-class venues means that witnessing a major league game is a convenient and popular option.
Local Sports and Community Initiatives
For more local flavor, the presence of Highline Community College in Des Moines provides opportunities to watch college sports and support the local Thunderbirds . The broader Des Moines, Washington area is also focused on youth sports development, reflecting the Pacific Northwest's passion for outdoor and recreational activities.
Universities and Academic Institutions
Des Moines, Washington, is home to Highline College, a public community college that serves as a vital educational hub for the community .
Highline College
Founded in 1961, Highline College is the oldest community college in King County . It offers a wide range of associate degrees and professional certificates, serving as a crucial stepping stone for students planning to transfer to four-year universities or enter the workforce. The college is known for its diverse student body and its strong transfer programs to prestigious institutions like the University of Washington . The campus itself is a hub of community activity, frequently hosting local events and resource fairs .
Universities Near Des Moines
For those seeking bachelor's and graduate degrees, Des Moines's location is ideal. There are nearly 40 colleges and universities within a 50-mile radius . The most prominent of these is the University of Washington (UW) in Seattle, a world-renowned public research university consistently ranked among the top institutions globally . UW is particularly famous for its programs in computer science, engineering, and medicine. Other notable nearby universities include Seattle University and Seattle Pacific University, both offering a wide array of undergraduate and graduate programs .
Healthcare and Medical Facilities
Healthcare needs in Des Moines, Washington, are served by a network of clinics and hospitals, with major medical centers located in nearby cities.
HealthPoint (Midway Clinic)
For community-based healthcare, HealthPoint operates a clinic in Des Moines . As a Federally Qualified Health Center, HealthPoint provides comprehensive primary and preventive care services to everyone, regardless of their ability to pay. The Midway Clinic, located at 26401 Pacific Hwy S, offers services including routine check-ups, chronic disease management, and lab work . They accept Medicare, Medicaid, and most insurance plans, and also offer a sliding fee scale for uninsured patients . This clinic is a vital resource for accessible healthcare in the community.
Nearby Hospitals and Medical Centers
For hospital services and specialized care, Des Moines residents have excellent options just a short drive away. The closest major hospital is St. Anne Hospital in Burien, part of the Virginia Mason Franciscan Health system, offering a full range of services including emergency care. For more advanced medical needs, Seattle is home to several world-class institutions such as Harborview Medical Center (the region's only Level I trauma center), the University of Washington Medical Center (consistently ranked among the top hospitals in the nation), and Seattle Children's Hospital. These facilities ensure that residents have access to some of the best medical care in the United States.