Curious what it’s like to live in the Redmond area? We’ve rounded up some of the region’s most popular spots to visit so you can get a sneak peak of what it’s like to live the Pacific Northwest lifestyle. Whether you’re a foodie, bookworm, film buff, or beach bum, there are plenty of ways to scratch your itch around DigiPen.
Arts and Entertainment
The Seattle area’s legendary arts scene requires no introduction. Countless famed musicians and artists found their start in King County; watch a show, take in some culture, and get inspired with these local hot spots.
5th Avenue Theatre: The ultimate venue for theatre fans and Broadway buffs, 5th Avenue regularly hosts top talent on its storied stage. If you’re looking to catch up on the latest local performances or just want to see Phantom of the Opera for the 23rd time, be sure to check here first.
Chihuly Garden and Glass: Dale Chihuly’s legendary art exhibit resides in the heart of Seattle, marked by spires of dazzling glass sculptures and wondrous works of modern art. Soak in the sights as you walk through the exhibits and let your imagination take you to fantastical worlds forged by glass and fire.
| Art | Music | Theatre & Performances |
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Dining and Shopping
Looking for some new scenery where you can chat about your next project? At DigiPen, you’re never far from a local coffee shop, diner, or shopping mall. Here are some of our favorite picks around the area:
Zaucer Pizza: DigiPen students often collaborate around the metallic tables of Zaucer Pizza, a great local joint where you can grab some pizza just a few blocks from the DigiPen campus.
Molly Moon’s Homemade Ice Cream: Frosty desserts don’t get much better than Molly Moon’s locally sourced, homemade ice cream. With locations in Redmond and all around Seattle, you’re never far from a delicious frozen treat.
Pike Place Market: If you’ve got a free afternoon and want to breathe in Seattle’s unique culture, you’d be hard-pressed to find a more fitting spot than the Emerald City’s famous Pike Place Market. Take a drive down to the water to walk among dozens of vendors, grab a local bite, ride the Ferris wheel, or just take in the amazing waterfront scenery.
| Coffee, Lunch, and Quick Bites | Dinner and Restaurants | Shops and Malls |
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Nature and Outdoors
Hikers and nature lovers rejoice! The Pacific Northwest is home to some of the world’s most spectacular lakes, forests, meadows, and mountains. If your calling is the great outdoors, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better home base than Redmond.
Marymoor Park: This massive expanse of fields, meadows, and forests is the largest and oldest public park in King County. Catch a game of community baseball, take your canine companion off-leash at the Marymoor Dog Park, soak in some live music at a Marymoor Park Concert, or watch the birds along the Audubon BirdLoop at Marymoor Park.
Sammamish River Trail: Take a jog or ride your bike along the 11-mile Sammamish River Trail, which provides a fun and easy commute for cyclists and a pleasant stroll through fields and meadows for pedestrians.
| Beaches and Parks | Nature Preserves, Gardens, and Zoos | Trails and Hikes |
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Sports and Activities
There’s no shortage of sports and recreational activities to do in- or outdoors around Redmond. From catching a live football game to taking a balloon ride over the Sammamish Valley, you could fill an entire calendar year with fun and adventures and still have only scratched the surface of what the Pacific Northwest has to offer!
Eastside Gym: Many DigiPen students, faculty, and staff are happy to call this locally owned gym their fitness center of choice. Within walking distance to DigiPen’s Redmond campus, Eastside Gym sports enough free weights, machines, and treadmills to get your muscles pumped and blood flowing at any hour.
Seattle Sports: Seattle is home to a number of exciting professional sports teams, including the Seahawks, Mariners, Storm, Kraken, and Sounders. No matter if you like to watch the game from the bleachers or tune in live from a diner, you’ll be in good company if you’re a football, baseball, basketball, hockey, or soccer fan.
Willows Run Golf Course: Located directly across from DigiPen’s Redmond campus, Willows Run is a fun place to spend an afternoon, whether you’re perfecting your swing at the driving range or taking it easy putt-putting with buddies.
| Activities and Recreation | Gyms and Fitness | Sports Venues |
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