The location makes things even easier. With the airport so close, travelers with time to spare can slip in for a practical stop, and free parking keeps it simple if you are driving in from around South King County. Many weekend visitors pair a mall trip with other things to do in Seattle and the surrounding area.
From Pasture to Landmark
Southcenter began in 1956, when the executives behind Seattle's Northgate Shopping Center set out to repeat that success south of downtown. They picked a stretch of former pasture called the Andover Tract, which Tukwila annexed along with the surrounding area in 1957. The developers bought 160 acres at the future junction of two major freeways and timed construction around the highway work.
Seattle architecture firm John Graham & Company designed the mall, and building began in 1967. The concrete terrazzo floors you walk on came late in the process and covered about 85,000 square feet. Doors opened on July 31, 1968, with Governor Daniel J. Evans speaking at the ceremony and 92 stores ready for shoppers.
The Westfield Group bought the mall in 2002 and gave it its current name, then broke ground on a major expansion in 2006, with the AMC theater following in 2008. Today Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield owns the property. To dig deeper into the region's past, browse our guide to Seattle landmarks.
Ten Stops to Plan Your Day Around
Nordstrom
Start at the Seattle-born department store, one of Southcenter's three anchors and a magnet for anyone after clothing, shoes and gifts in one place. It is ideal if you like to cover a lot of ground under one roof before wandering off to the smaller shops.
Macy's
Longtime locals still remember this anchor as The Bon Marché. Today it spans apparel, home goods and beauty, so it makes a dependable first stop for practical errands and holiday lists.
Seafood City
Stock up on Filipino and Asian pantry staples at this Filipino grocery, which opened in 2010 in the space that once held Mervyn's. Home cooks and families make the trip for it, giving you a reason to visit beyond fashion.
Din Tai Fung
Sit down for dumplings at this Taiwanese restaurant, which moved into the former Rainforest Cafe space and opened in 2017. It is one of the mall's most recognizable names, and groups and families love it for a full meal between shopping rounds.
Duke's Seafood
Get a taste of local seafood without heading into the city. This regional favorite brings Northwest-style dishes right to the mall.
Moctezuma's Mexican Restaurant & Tequila Bar
Another regional name, Moctezuma's pairs a full-service Mexican menu with a bar. Gather friends here for a relaxed dinner after a movie or a long day of shopping.
JOEY Southcenter
JOEY serves full-service meals in a polished, social setting. Book it for a date night, a work lunch or a group that wants something more grown-up than the food terrace.
Trapper's Sushi
Seafood fans get one more sit-down option at this regional sushi spot. Pair it with a visit to the nearby shops when you are in the mood for something lighter.
Round1 Bowling & Arcade
Roll a few frames of upscale bowling, then hit the large arcade, belt out a song in a private karaoke room and order from the full food and drink menu. Teens, friend groups and anyone planning a birthday or team outing will have plenty to keep them busy.
AMC Theatres
Catch a new release at the mall's movie theater, which opened in 2008. It is an easy way to round out a shopping day or to duck out of the rain on a gray afternoon.
Specialty Shops and the Dining Terrace
Past the anchors, the specialty lineup leans toward popular national and international brands. Browse Apple, Uniqlo, Sephora, Pandora, Daiso and POP Mart, and stop at ROYCE' for Japanese chocolate that makes a thoughtful gift. The Container Store opened in 2014 in the former Borders space.
When you want a quick meal, head to the dining terrace, where more than a dozen fast-casual counters include Chipotle, Panda Express and Shake Shack. On clear days, you can enjoy views of Mount Rainier with your lunch, and newer arrivals like Molly Tea add even more choice.
Bringing the Kids
Families have plenty to work with here. Let the kids browse LEGO, Build-A-Bear, Journeyz, Vans and H&M, then turn them loose in one of several indoor playgrounds to burn off energy. The food court makes feeding picky eaters quick and simple.
When the weather cooperates, pair a mall morning with time outdoors. Our guide to Seattle parks has ideas for green space around the region.
Holidays at Southcenter
Southcenter goes all in for the season. Step into the ski lodge-inspired Winter Village for a cozy scene, and book family photos with Santa. Dates and reservations change each year, so check the official Westfield Southcenter website before you go.
Tips for Planning Your Visit
- Address: 2800 Southcenter Mall, Tukwila, WA 98188.
- Parking: Park for free, and expect an accessible mall.
- Hours: General mall hours have been 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Sunday. Restaurants and the theater often keep different hours, and all of these can change.
- Store directory: Tenants come and go, and some spaces sit empty, including the former Sears, which closed in December 2024. Check the official mall website for the current directory and map.
- Airport layovers: With only a short trip from Sea-Tac, this is a realistic stop if you have several hours between flights.
Staying longer? Explore our guide to Seattle neighborhoods to plan the rest of your trip.
Check each business's own website for current hours, menus and details before you visit.
