Overview
Redmond is a mid-sized city on the eastern shore of Lake Sammamish in King County, Washington, roughly 15 miles northeast of downtown Seattle. It sits within the greater Eastside region of the Seattle metropolitan area and is best known internationally as the home of Microsoft's global campus, which has shaped the city's identity and economy for decades.
Despite its tech-centric reputation, Redmond has a genuinely livable character. It has invested significantly in parks, trails, and green space, earning the informal nickname "Bicycle Capital of the Northwest." The Burke-Gilman and Sammamish River trails pass through the city and connect it to a broader regional trail network used by cyclists and pedestrians year-round.
The city's downtown is modest but walkable, with local restaurants, breweries, and a community farmers market. Marymoor Park — one of the largest parks in King County — anchors the southern edge of the city and hosts outdoor concerts, a climbing wall, an off-leash dog area, and a velodrome. Travelers typically visit Redmond as part of a broader Seattle-area itinerary or for tech-industry business, but it rewards those who spend a little time exploring its trails and waterfront.
Before You Go
Redmond is in Washington State, which has no state income tax but does levy sales tax — the combined state and local rate in the Redmond area is notably higher than many US cities, so budget accordingly for purchases. Visitors to the United States must check visa requirements independently; see TravelerPulse's Visas section and the official US Citizenship and Immigration Services website (uscis.gov) for current entry requirements.
The Pacific Northwest climate is mild but variable. Summers (June–September) are warm and generally dry — this is the best window for outdoor activities. The rest of the year tends to be cool and overcast with frequent rain, though heavy snowfall in the city itself is uncommon. Light layers and a waterproof jacket are useful for most of the year.
If you plan to use Microsoft's campus for any purpose beyond the general public-accessible areas (such as the Microsoft Visitor Center), check current access policies in advance, as they can change. Similarly, verify opening hours for any attraction or restaurant locally or via the venue's official website before visiting.
Getting There
By Air
The primary gateway is Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA), located roughly 25–30 miles southwest of Redmond. From the airport, travelers can reach Redmond by rental car, rideshare (Uber/Lyft), or a combination of the Link Light Rail and connecting bus services. Travel times vary significantly by traffic, particularly during weekday rush hours.
By Car
Redmond is easily reached via Interstate 520 (from Seattle) or State Route 202. Parking in and around downtown Redmond and at major parks is generally available, though the Microsoft campus area can be congested on weekdays. Check local parking conditions before you go.
By Transit
King County Metro and Sound Transit serve Redmond with bus routes connecting to surrounding Eastside cities and to Seattle. The East Link light rail extension to Redmond is part of Sound Transit's ongoing expansion — verify current service status and routes at soundtransit.org, as the network has been actively expanding.
Getting Around
Redmond is a relatively easy city to navigate, though like most of the Seattle Eastside, a car or rideshare provides the most flexibility. Many daily errands and attractions, however, are accessible on foot or by bicycle if you're staying near downtown or along the trail corridors.
The Sammamish River Trail and Burke-Gilman Trail are the city's premier cycling and pedestrian arteries. They are wide, well-maintained, and largely flat, making them accessible to casual cyclists. Bike rentals are available from some local outfitters — verify current providers locally, as the market for rentals in smaller cities changes frequently.
King County Metro buses cover most of the city and connect to Bellevue, Kirkland, and Seattle. Rideshare services (Uber, Lyft) operate reliably in the area. If you're visiting the Microsoft campus, be aware that the campus itself is large and internal shuttle services exist for employees; public access to those shuttles is generally not available.
Things to See & Do
Marymoor Park
At roughly 640 acres, Marymoor Park is the anchor of outdoor recreation in Redmond. It contains athletic fields, a climbing rock, a model aircraft area, an extensive off-leash dog park (one of the largest in the region), a velodrome for cycling events, and a performance meadow that hosts outdoor concerts in summer. The park fronts the northern tip of Lake Sammamish and connects directly to the Sammamish River Trail.
Trail Cycling and Walking
The Burke-Gilman Trail and Sammamish River Trail together offer miles of paved, multi-use trail. The Sammamish River Trail in particular is scenic and flat, running alongside the slow-moving river through farmland and suburban greenery northward toward Woodinville. This is one of the most accessible outdoor experiences in the region for all fitness levels.
Microsoft Visitor Center
Located on the main Microsoft campus in Redmond, the Microsoft Visitor Center is open to the public and offers exhibits on the company's history and current technologies. Verify current hours and public access policies at microsoft.com before visiting, as these have changed at various points.
Downtown Redmond
The compact downtown has a walkable grid of local restaurants, coffee shops, bars, and a Saturday farmers market (seasonal — verify current schedule). It has a neighborhood feel distinct from the corporate campus surroundings.
Lake Sammamish State Park
Just south of Redmond (primarily within Issaquah city limits), Lake Sammamish State Park offers swimming beaches, boat launches, and picnic areas. It is a popular summer destination and can be crowded on warm weekends.
Food & Drink
Redmond's dining scene reflects its tech-savvy, multicultural workforce. You'll find a reasonable range of cuisines in and around downtown and along Redmond Way and 156th Avenue NE, including Indian, East Asian, Mexican, and American options. The concentration of tech workers has also supported a number of quality casual spots and a growing craft beverage scene.
Several local breweries and taprooms operate in the area, and the broader Eastside is known for having a solid craft beer culture. Woodinville, just a few miles north, is Washington State's premier wine country hub and is easily reachable via the Sammamish River Trail or a short drive — it hosts dozens of tasting rooms and wineries.
For everyday coffee, the Pacific Northwest's deep espresso culture is fully present in Redmond, with both local independent cafes and the ubiquitous Starbucks (which is, of course, a Seattle-area company). As a practical note, restaurant prices in the Seattle metro area are generally higher than the US national average, reflecting the region's high cost of living.
Practical Information
Emergency Services
In any emergency in the United States, dial 911 for police, fire, or medical assistance. This applies throughout Washington State.
Connectivity
Cell coverage and Wi-Fi access are excellent throughout Redmond, as expected given the city's tech industry concentration. Most restaurants and cafes offer free Wi-Fi.
Tipping
Tipping is customary in the United States. Standard practice is 18–20% at sit-down restaurants, and $1–2 per drink at bars. Rideshare tipping is optional but appreciated.
Accessibility
Redmond's downtown and major parks have generally good accessibility infrastructure. The multi-use trails are paved and relatively flat. Verify specific accessibility features for any venue directly with the operator.
Useful Contacts
- City of Redmond: redmond.gov
- King County Metro Transit: kingcounty.gov/metro
- Sound Transit: soundtransit.org
Safety
Redmond is a low-crime city by US standards. Most visitors experience no safety issues. Standard urban precautions apply — be aware of your surroundings, secure valuables in vehicles out of sight, and exercise the same common sense you would in any suburban US city.
Outdoor trail users should be aware that the Sammamish River Trail and Burke-Gilman Trail pass through some areas adjacent to encampments; this is a regional reality across the Seattle metro area. The trails are widely used and generally safe during daylight hours. As with any trail system, tell someone your plans if you are going on a longer ride or walk.
Wildfire smoke can affect air quality in the region during late summer, sometimes significantly, as fires burn in eastern Washington and neighboring states. Check airnow.gov for real-time air quality index readings if you are sensitive to smoke or planning strenuous outdoor activity.
