Live Where theBoardwalk BendsAlong the Sound
A boardwalk, a pier, a bay — and the only Sixgill Shark capital in the world.
Written by Roger Bintner, Windermere Real Estate · WA License #50539
Updated June 2026
Your local guide
I’m Roger.
I work with empty nesters, downsizers, and families navigating estate sales who are ready for what’s next but feel buried by the house, the stuff, and the repairs. My team takes all of it on. You hand me the keys, we get the home sold, and you wake up already in what comes next — wondering why you didn’t do it sooner. More about Roger →
About Redondo Beach, WA
Redondo Beach is a waterfront neighborhood at the south end of Des Moines, WA, on the eastern shore of Puget Sound. Roughly 5 miles north of Federal Way, 15 minutes south of Sea-Tac International, and a four-minute drive from the Des Moines Marina District, it covers about a mile of shoreline anchored by a 1.1-mile boardwalk, a fishing pier, and Highline College's MaST Center Aquarium. People who say "Redondo, WA" almost always mean this Redondo — different state, different bay, different vibe than the one in California.
It's the small, slightly eclectic counterpart to Des Moines's bigger Marina District up the road. Redondo is where divers stage their gear before shore dives, where morning joggers loop the boardwalk before work, and where sea lions, seals, and river otters show up in the water often enough that locals stop pointing. The bluff above the beach is residential — older single-family houses and a few small condo buildings that command Des Moines's highest per-square-foot prices, because every west-facing window points at Maury Island and the Olympics.
In 2024, Redondo was designated the Sixgill Shark Capital of the World — an actual designation, not marketing. Six-gilled sharks gather here in unusual numbers, and the MaST Center has tracked them for years. Divers come from across the Pacific Northwest. For anyone who's never lived next to working marine biology, it's a strange and good thing to be reminded of when you walk the pier at dusk.
Two practical notes. The pier was recently renovated, and there's a new parking lot directly across from it — with new bathrooms and an outdoor shower at beach level, plus a concession stand open daily through summer (limited hours in winter). And like the rest of Des Moines, parts of Redondo sit under Sea-Tac approach paths — the further north you live (toward central Des Moines), the more aircraft noise, especially when Sea-Tac's third runway is in use (the westernmost runway, closer to the residential side). Most flights fade into background, but ask about the specific block before you write an offer.
- Boardwalk Length
- 1.1 mi
- Walk Score
- 41
- Sea-Tac Distance
- 6 mi
Stay current
Local resources for Redondo Beach, WA.
The city already does the work of telling you what’s happening week-to-week. Here’s where to find it.
City of Des Moines · Weekly · every Friday
City Manager Report
Redondo Beach is governed by the City of Des Moines. The City's weekly newsletter covers Council recaps, civic events, parks updates, and the local pieces that make this place feel like home — including periodic Redondo-specific items (the boardwalk, the Community Association, the MaST Center).
Volunteer neighborhood organization · Monthly meetings at the MaST Center
Redondo Community Association
The volunteer neighborhood association for Redondo residents — meets monthly at Highline College's MaST Center Aquarium. Their stated mission is to strengthen social cohesiveness in the neighborhood and advocate for residents with local government. Open to all residents; a good thread to pull if you're new to the area and want to plug in quickly.
Schools Serving Redondo Beach, WA
Redondo Beach sits right on the boundary between two school districts. Some addresses are in Highline Public Schools — the 18,000-student district that serves most of Des Moines — while others fall into Federal Way Public Schools instead. Roughly a quarter of Des Moines students attend Federal Way schools, and Redondo is the south-end pocket where most of that split happens. Always verify your specific address with both districts before you buy. There's no elementary school in the Redondo neighborhood itself; Highline-district kids typically feed into Pacific Middle and Mount Rainier High, while Federal Way–district kids feed into Sequoyah Middle and Federal Way HS or one of the other Federal Way high schools.
Mount Rainier High School
Grades 9–12
The neighborhood public high school for Highline-district Des Moines and the north portion of Redondo. Offers both AP and the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme — IB since 1987, one of the longest-running IB programs in Washington — with the IB Middle Years Programme added in 2017. Full athletic offerings, ~1,500 students.
Raisbeck Aviation High School
9/10Grades 9–12
STEM/aerospace magnet ranked 4th in Washington. Application-only, open district-wide to Redondo students.
Pacific Middle School
Grades 6–8
Main feeder middle school into Mount Rainier. Serves much of the central and southern Des Moines area, including Redondo.
Madrona K–8
Grades K–8
Highline's K–8 alternative school. Smaller class sizes, integrated curriculum across elementary and middle years.
Des Moines Elementary
Grades PK–5
K–5 in the central Des Moines neighborhood, ~500 students. A short drive up the hill from Redondo.
Federal Way Public Schools (south-end Redondo)
Grades K–12
Many Redondo addresses, especially toward the south end and the Federal Way line, are zoned to Federal Way Public Schools rather than Highline. Federal Way's high schools include Federal Way HS, Decatur, Thomas Jefferson, and Todd Beamer; middle and elementary assignment depends on the block. Verify directly with the district.
What schools serve Redondo Beach in Des Moines, WA? Redondo sits on the boundary between Highline Public Schools and Federal Way Public Schools — depending on the specific address, students attend one or the other. About 25% of Des Moines students are in Federal Way schools, and Redondo is the south-end pocket where most of that split happens. Highline-district Redondo students typically attend Mount Rainier High School (which offers both AP and the IB Diploma Programme since 1987) and Pacific Middle School. Raisbeck Aviation High School, ranked 4th in Washington, is open district-wide by application for Highline families. Federal Way–district families verify school assignment by address.
Healthcare near Redondo Beach, WA
Redondo Beach is at the south end of Des Moines, which puts St. Francis Hospital in Federal Way about 12 minutes south and St. Anne Hospital in Burien about 12 minutes north. The major medical groups serving Redondo — Virginia Mason Franciscan, Kaiser Permanente, MultiCare — run primary care and urgent care offices on both sides.
Hospitals & Emergency
St. Francis Hospital
Hospital · ER 24/7Federal Way · ~12 min south
The closer major hospital from Redondo. Full emergency department, surgery, cardiac, maternity, ICU. Part of Virginia Mason Franciscan Health.
St. Anne Hospital
Hospital · ER 24/7Burien · ~12 min north
Equally close from Redondo. Full ER, surgery, medical care. Also Virginia Mason Franciscan Health (formerly Highline Medical Center).
Urgent Care
MultiCare Indigo Urgent Care
Walk-in · 7 daysFederal Way + Burien
Regional walk-in chain with locations to the north and south of Redondo. Online check-in, evening and weekend hours.
St. Francis Urgent Care
Walk-inFederal Way · St. Francis campus
On the St. Francis Hospital campus, 12 minutes south. Same-day visits for non-emergency conditions.
Primary Care & Medical Groups
Virginia Mason Franciscan Health
Multi-specialty groupFederal Way + Burien
VMFH runs both St. Anne and St. Francis. Primary care, internal medicine, OB-GYN, and a wide range of specialty offices in both directions.
Kaiser Permanente
Integrated systemFederal Way Medical Center
Closest full Kaiser facility is in Federal Way. Primary care, urgent care, lab, and pharmacy under one roof for members.
Polyclinic — Federal Way
Multi-specialtyFederal Way
Seattle-based multispecialty group with a Federal Way location, 12 minutes south. Primary care plus a range of specialties.
Pharmacies
Walgreens
Pharmacy chainPacific Hwy S (Federal Way + Des Moines)
Multiple locations on either side of Redondo along Pacific Highway S. Drive-thru, vaccinations, photo.
Fred Meyer Pharmacy
Supermarket pharmacyFederal Way · 320th
Inside the Federal Way Fred Meyer. Full-service with vaccinations.
QFC Pharmacy
Supermarket pharmacyBurien / Twin Lakes
Inside QFC. Convenient for prescriptions while grocery shopping; loyalty rewards stack with QFC fuel.
Hospital pharmacies
SpecialtySt. Anne / St. Francis
On-site pharmacies at both hospitals — useful for prescriptions filled at discharge or immediately after a doctor visit.
Where do Redondo Beach (Des Moines) residents get healthcare? Redondo sits between St. Francis Hospital in Federal Way (12 minutes south) and St. Anne Hospital in Burien (12 minutes north), both with 24/7 emergency departments. Primary care is handled mostly through Virginia Mason Franciscan Health, Kaiser Permanente, MultiCare, and The Polyclinic. Urgent care options include MultiCare Indigo and St. Francis. Major pharmacy chains and supermarket pharmacies are available on both sides.
Healthcare networks, locations, and hours can change. Always confirm with the provider before you need them — especially in an emergency, call 911 first rather than driving to any specific facility.
Where to Eat Near Redondo Beach
Dining inside Redondo proper is in transition. After a long stretch with Salty's at Redondo dark and listed for sale, the Bennetts group has taken over the iconic over-the-water building — Bennetts Fish Shack at Redondo, opening date to be announced. Until that opens, most Redondo residents drive 5 minutes north to the Des Moines Marina District for a proper sit-down meal. The closest spots that read like Redondo's de facto local kitchens:
Bennetts Fish Shack at Redondo
PNW seafood · opening TBARedondo waterfront · former Salty's building
The Bennetts group takes over the iconic over-the-water building on the south end of the Redondo waterfront. Opening date to be announced. The most-anticipated restaurant opening on the south end in years — fills the gap Salty's left behind.
Wally's Chowder House
PNW seafoodMarina District (5 min north)
The award-winning chowder spot. Closest waterfront sit-down to Redondo, and the one locals send out-of-town guests to.
Anthony's HomePort Des Moines
PNW seafoodMarina District (5 min north)
Sunset seafood at the Des Moines Marina. Same view direction as Redondo's bluff, but with a kitchen behind it.
Quarterdeck
Marina bar & grillMarina District (5 min north)
Casual marina-side spot for drinks, snacks, and a night out. The closest thing to a Redondo regulars' bar.
via Marina
Italian / Neapolitan pizzaMarina District (5 min north)
Wood-fired pizza, the pasta date-night option for the south Des Moines crowd.
Auntie Irene's
Cafe & coffeeMarine View Dr (5 min north)
Family-owned drive-thru cafe with deck seating, soups, sandwiches, ice cream. The Redondo coffee-run default.
Where do Redondo Beach residents eat? The Bennetts group is taking over the former Salty's at Redondo building — Bennetts Fish Shack at Redondo, opening date to be announced — which will return a sit-down restaurant to the boardwalk after a long gap. Until then, most residents drive 5 minutes north to the Des Moines Marina District: Wally's Chowder House, Anthony's HomePort, Quarterdeck, via Marina, and Auntie Irene's.
Shopping & Local Markets
Honest take: Redondo is residential. There's no commercial strip within walking distance — the closest day-to-day shopping is up in Des Moines proper, and bigger retail runs are in Burien (north) or Federal Way (south). What Redondo does have is the small constellation of waterfront destinations that double as community gathering points:
Des Moines Waterfront Farmers Market
Farmers market (seasonal) · Marina District (5 min north)
Saturdays, June through September, at the Des Moines Marina. Produce, flowers, crafts, live music. Now in its 21st year.
Des Moines Marina
Marina & waterfront · Marina District (5 min north)
900 slips, fuel dock, fishing pier, walking path. The closest "downtown" for Redondo residents.
Things to Do in Redondo Beach, WA
Redondo's whole identity is what you can do outside. A 1.1-mile boardwalk along the water, a long fishing pier, a working marine biology aquarium that opens free to the public on Saturdays, and beach access from morning to dusk. This is where the city's outdoor scene concentrates.
Waterfront, Trails & Landmarks
Redondo Beach Boardwalk
Boardwalk · 1.1 miWaterfront
A wide concrete walkway along Puget Sound. Joggers, dog walkers, divers staging gear, families with strollers — all share the same stretch. Best at sunset.
Redondo Fishing Pier
Public pierWaterfront
Recently renovated T-shaped pier with new bathrooms and an outdoor shower at the parking-lot entrance, plus a daily summer concession stand. Anglers all year, and the most reliable place to spot Sixgill sharks at depth from the pier light at night.
MaST Center Aquarium
Marine aquarium · free SaturdaysHighline College Marine Field Station
Highline College's marine research aquarium. 250+ native Puget Sound species across 11 tanks, including touch tanks. Free public hours Saturdays — wildly underrated for a small coast town.
Saltwater State Park
State park · 137 acres (south end)South of Redondo, ~2 mi
Washington's most-visited state park on Puget Sound. Sandy beach, tide pools, forest, and the state's only underwater artificial reef — the regional shore-dive destination.
Wooten Park
Neighborhood parkAdjacent to the waterfront
New play structures and an open green next to the boardwalk approach. Where Redondo's youngest residents end up after the beach.
On the Water
Shore diving — the artificial reef
ScubaSaltwater State Park
Washington's only designated underwater artificial reef sits just offshore. Designated Marine Protected Area, accessible by shore entry, regular dive destination for PNW divers.
Sixgill shark sightings
WildlifeRedondo Pier
Bluntnose sixgill sharks gather here in numbers unusual for any urban waterfront. The MaST Center tracks them. Designated Sixgill Shark Capital of the World in 2024.
Kayak & paddleboard
PaddlingRedondo waterfront
Protected near-shore conditions when the wind cooperates. The bay's geometry shelters the south end better than the Des Moines Marina up the road.
What is there to do at Redondo Beach in Des Moines, WA? The 1.1-mile Redondo Beach Boardwalk is the main attraction, alongside the public fishing pier and the MaST Center Aquarium (free Saturdays). Saltwater State Park is two miles south. Redondo is the regional shore-dive destination thanks to Washington's only underwater artificial reef, and in 2024 was designated the Sixgill Shark Capital of the World.
Getting Around Redondo Beach
By Car
Redondo Beach Drive S runs the length of the waterfront. Pacific Highway S (SR-99) and SR-509 sit a half-mile east on the bluff. I-5 is about 3 miles inland via S 272nd St or Kent–Des Moines Road. Most Redondo trips start and end on Marine View Drive S.
By Transit
King County Metro Route 181 runs Federal Way to Burien through Pacific Highway S, with stops near Redondo's bluff-side access. The Sound Transit Federal Way Link Extension is scheduled to open in 2026, putting light rail one bus connection away from the neighborhood.
By Air & Sea
Sea-Tac International is 6 miles north — 12–18 minutes by car off-peak. There's no ferry at Redondo, but the Tahlequah ferry from Point Defiance to Vashon Island is a 20-minute drive south, putting the Kitsap Peninsula in weekend reach.
Commute times
| Destination | By car (off-peak) | By transit |
|---|---|---|
| Downtown Seattle | 25 min | 55 min |
| Sea-Tac Airport | 15 min | 30 min |
| Bellevue | 35 min | 75 min |
| Tacoma | 22 min | 55 min |
| Federal Way | 10 min | 25 min |
| Des Moines Marina | 5 min | 12 min |
What's the commute from Redondo Beach (Des Moines, WA) to Seattle? About 25 minutes by car off-peak via I-5 or SR-509. Sea-Tac is 12–18 minutes north, and the Federal Way Link light-rail extension opens in 2026.
The Map
Neighborhoods
The Boardwalk
The 1.1-mile concrete walkway along Puget Sound — the heart of Redondo's daily life.
The Bluff
Single-family homes and a few condo buildings above the beach; Des Moines's highest per-square-foot prices, west-facing.
Pier & Aquarium
The fishing pier and the MaST Center sit at the north end of the boardwalk; sea lions and shark sightings happen here.
South End
Quieter residential stretch transitioning toward Saltwater State Park and the Federal Way line.
Market Data for Redondo Beach, WA
Live data on active listings, asking prices, inventory, and weekly change indicators for Redondo Beach, WA — pulled in real time from Altos Research and updated every Monday.
This month’s read · Redondo Beach, WA · June 2026
Water-view premium intact; inventory razor-thin.
- Median sale price
- Mid $800s to $1,100s+ (block-level varies)↑
- Active listings
- Climbing but still thin (5–10 typical)↑
- Days on market
- ~40–55 for well-prepped homes→
Redondo hit another all-time high this week, and the west-facing blocks still command the highest per-square-foot in Des Moines. Inventory continues to climb — you'll see a few more listings than last month — but buyer interest is keeping pace, so the market hasn't cooled. Days on market held steady near seven weeks, meaning well-staged water-view homes still move at the same clip.
If you’re thinking about selling
The inventory bump means more comps competing for the same buyer pool. Pre-inspection plus view-forward staging (lead with the Sound in every photo, not the driveway) remain the differentiators that shorten your time on market and protect your price.
Source: Altos Research weekly market data. The interactive dashboard below shows the underlying numbers; this summary captures the read Roger sends to The Market Reporter subscribers.
Redondo Beach shares ZIP 98198 with the rest of Des Moines, WA, so Altos reports both together as a single market. The trends and numbers below cover the full 98198 footprint — your block-level activity is likely close to these aggregate figures.
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A short, step-by-step walkthrough of how a Redondo Beach, WA home actually gets to a strong sale — pricing, prep, marketing, and the timing decisions that move the needle. Built from 27 years of Puget Sound listings.
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Real Estate Broker · Windermere Real Estate · Windermere West Campus
WA Real Estate License #50539
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