Where is Des Moines, Washington

Des Moines, Washington is a waterfront city on Puget Sound between Seattle and Tacoma. It is known for its marina, beach parks, and views across the Sound. The city is about 15 miles south of downtown Seattle and 15 miles north of Tacoma, making it a convenient place to explore the central Puget Sound area.

Location Map of Des Moines, King County, Washington

About Map: The map shows the location of Des Moines in King County, in the U.S. state of Washington.

Des Moines Map, Washington

Where is Des Moines Located?

Des Moines is a city located in King County, Washington, the United States. It sits on the eastern shore of Puget Sound, about 15 miles south of Seattle and 15 miles north of Tacoma. The city is also close to Sea-Tac International Airport and communities such as Kent, Federal Way, and Normandy Park. Des Moines is located at approximately 47.4018° North latitude and 122.3243° West longitude. The city covers about 6.62 square miles (17.15 sq km) and had 32,888 residents in the 2020 Census. Its shoreline includes beaches, bluffs, wetlands, and marina facilities. Des Moines was incorporated in 1959 after developing from an earlier settlement that grew around logging, farming, and fishing. The city's waterfront has remained an important part of its identity. Des Moines Marina provides boat access to Puget Sound, while nearby Saltwater State Park offers beaches, picnic areas, trails, diving, and marine wildlife viewing. The city is also close to the Green River and several regional parks. Its location near Interstate 5 and major transportation routes makes Des Moines an important suburban community in the Seattle metropolitan area.

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Des Moines City Facts

Distance from Des Moines, WA to Nearby Cities

• Normandy Park, WA – 5 miles (8 km)
• SeaTac, WA – 5 miles (8 km)
• Kent, WA – 10 miles (16 km)
• Federal Way, WA – 10 miles (16 km)
• Burien, WA – 7 miles (11 km)
• Tukwila, WA – 10 miles (16 km)
• Renton, WA – 15 miles (24 km)
• Seattle, WA – 15 miles (24 km)
• Mercer Island, WA – 20 miles (32 km)
• Tacoma, WA – 15 miles (24 km)
• Lakewood, WA – 25 miles (40 km)
• Bellevue, WA – 25 miles (40 km)
• Kirkland, WA – 30 miles (48 km)
• Everett, WA – 45 miles (72 km)
• Olympia, WA – 55 miles (89 km)
• Bellingham, WA – 105 miles (169 km)
• Mount Vernon, WA – 75 miles (121 km)

Top Attractions in Des Moines

• Des Moines Marina – Waterfront marina with boat facilities, restaurants, fishing areas, and views across Puget Sound.
• Des Moines Beach Park – Waterfront park with beach access, picnic areas, walking paths, and views of Puget Sound.
• Saltwater State Park – Nearby marine park with a beach, trails, picnic facilities, diving areas, and opportunities to view coastal wildlife.
• Redondo Beach – Waterfront area south of Des Moines with a boardwalk, beach access, restaurants, and views across Puget Sound.
• Des Moines Creek Trail – Local trail following Des Moines Creek through wooded areas toward the waterfront.
• Saltwater Park – Regional recreation area with shoreline access, walking paths, and open space.
• Angle Lake Park – Nearby lakefront park with swimming, fishing, picnic areas, trails, and seasonal recreation.
• Dash Point State Park – Nearby state park on Puget Sound with beaches, hiking trails, forests, camping, and water recreation.

Airports Near Des Moines

• Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) – 5 miles
• King County International Airport (BFI) – 15 miles
• Renton Municipal Airport (RNT) – 20 miles
• Paine Field Airport (PAE) – 45 miles
• Olympia Regional Airport (OLM) – 55 miles

Sources:

Population and area data sourced from the United States Census Bureau (2020 Census). General city information referenced from the official City of Des Moines website and local government records.

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