If you’re looking for a relaxed, water–loving small town just north of Seattle,
in Snohomish County is a great pick. It’s small enough to feel cozy, but big enough to keep you busy for a weekend (or more).
Whether you’re planning a quick day trip from Seattle, a romantic weekend, or a family getaway, here are
1. Stroll Edmonds Waterfront and Brackett’s Landing Park
Edmonds is all about the water. Start your visit at the
Edmonds waterfront, just a short walk from downtown.
At
Brackett’s Landing North and South, you can:
- Walk along sandy and rocky beaches
- Watch the ferries come and go
- Let kids explore tide pools at low tide
- Catch a colorful Puget Sound sunset
On a clear day, you’ll see the
Olympic Mountains across the water. It’s especially pretty in the evening, when the sky turns shades of pink and orange.
If you like peaceful moments, bring a coffee, find a bench, and just watch the boats and ferries glide by. It’s one of the most relaxing things to do in Edmonds.
2. Ride the Edmonds–Kingston Ferry (Even If You’re Just Walking)
You don’t have to be heading anywhere special to enjoy the
Edmonds–Kingston ferry. The ride itself is part of the fun.
You can:
- Walk on as a foot passenger (cheaper and easy)
- Stand out on the deck for wind-in-your-face views
- Grab a snack inside and watch the water through big windows
The ride takes about 30–35 minutes and gives you wide open views of Puget Sound. It’s an easy way to turn an afternoon in Edmonds into a mini-adventure.
If you bring a car, you can drive to
Kingston on the Kitsap Peninsula and explore cute shops and cafes there too.
3. Explore Downtown Edmonds: Shops, Cafes, and Local Art
Edmonds has one of the most walkable and charming downtowns in Snohomish County. It feels like a classic small town, but with a creative twist.
Wander the streets near
5th Avenue and Main Street and you’ll find:
- Local boutiques with clothes, gifts, and home decor
- Coffee shops perfect for a lazy morning
- Restaurants from casual diners to date-night spots
- Bookstores and galleries that show off local talent
If you like browsing, downtown Edmonds is the kind of place where you pop in “just to look” and somehow walk out with a bag in your hand.
Tip: Keep an eye out for murals and public art as you walk. Edmonds quietly has a strong artsy side.
4. Discover the Underwater Park (Even If You Don’t Dive)
Just north of the ferry dock, you’ll find one of Edmonds’ most unique spots: the
Edmonds Underwater Park at Brackett’s Landing North.
This isn’t a theme park. It’s a
marine preserve and popular
scuba diving site with:
- Underwater trails
- Artificial reefs and structures
- Lots of local sea life
If you’re a certified diver, this is one of the top places to dive in the Puget Sound area. But even if you don’t dive, it’s fun to:
- Watch divers gear up and walk into the water
- Read the signs about the marine sanctuary
- Look for seals, sea birds, and sometimes even porpoises from shore
It’s a good reminder that Edmonds is not just a pretty beach town — it’s also a place where people really connect with the water.
5. Visit the Cascadia Art Museum and Embrace PNW Culture
For a dose of culture, head to the
Cascadia Art Museum, located near the waterfront in the historic
Art Deco Frances Anderson building area.
The museum focuses on:
- Northwest art from roughly 1860 to 1970
- Work by artists from Washington, Oregon, and British Columbia
- Rotating exhibits that highlight regional stories
If you enjoy art but don’t want to spend hours in a massive museum, this is perfect. It’s small enough to feel doable, but rich enough to be interesting.
After your visit, you can walk to nearby cafes or stroll back toward the beach. Art + ocean air is a pretty nice combo.
6. Birdwatch and Walk the Trails at Edmonds Marsh
Just south of downtown, you’ll find the
Edmonds Marsh, one of the few remaining urban saltwater marshes in the region. It’s an easy nature escape right in town.
You’ll enjoy:
- A flat walking path with viewing areas
- Birdwatching — herons, ducks, and more
- Quiet spots to step away from the crowds
Bring binoculars if you have them. Even without, you’ll still see and hear plenty of birds. It’s a nice break if you’ve been shopping and eating all day and want a calmer pace.
Families often stop here after the beach, since it’s nearby and stroller-friendly.
7. Enjoy Beaches and Parks Beyond Downtown Edmonds
Edmonds and nearby areas in Snohomish County offer more than just the waterfront by the ferry. If you have a car, you can check out a few other parks and beaches:
- Marina Beach Park – South of the ferry, with off-leash dog areas, a playground, and a wide sandy stretch.
- Haines Wharf Park – A smaller viewpoint park with sweeping views over Puget Sound and the railroad tracks below.
- Pine Street Playfield – Great if you have younger kids who just need to run and climb.
Each park gives you a different angle on the water and town. If you’re visiting in summer, it’s easy to spend a whole day just moving from one park to the next.
8. Take a Day Trip to Mukilteo and the Future of Flight
If you’d like to explore a little more of Snohomish County, drive about 20–25 minutes north to
Mukilteo, another waterfront town.
Here you can:
- Walk the Mukilteo waterfront and lighthouse park
- Visit the Boeing Future of Flight in nearby Everett
The
Future of Flight is a great stop for anyone who loves airplanes or engineering. Exhibits change, but you’ll typically find:
- Interactive aviation displays
- Information on Boeing’s aircraft and design
- Rooftop or viewing areas overlooking the airfield
Pairing Edmonds with Mukilteo and Everett makes for a full weekend of
waterfront walks by day and city comforts by night.
9. Join an Edmonds Art Walk or Local Festival
Edmonds is known as an
arts community, and it really shows during events and festivals. If your visit lines up, you’ll get an extra layer of fun.
Depending on the time of year, you may find:
- Edmonds Art Walk – Downtown galleries and shops stay open late, displaying local work.
- Edmonds Arts Festival – Usually held in the warmer months, with booths, music, and food.
- Saturday Farmers Market – Seasonal, with fresh produce, flowers, and local vendors.
These events turn downtown Edmonds into a lively, people-filled space. It’s a great time to support local artists, grab a snack from a food truck, and enjoy live music.
If you’re planning a trip, it’s worth checking the city or tourism website to see what’s happening during your dates.
10. Use Edmonds as a Launch Point for Hiking in Snohomish County
Edmonds sits on the western edge of Snohomish County, which stretches east toward the
Cascade Mountains. That means you can enjoy both sea and mountains in one trip.
From Edmonds, you can:
- Drive east toward Stevens Pass for mountain hikes
- Explore trails near Index, Gold Bar, and Skykomish
- Plan an early-morning hike, then be back at the beach by evening
Popular hiking areas in Snohomish County (driving required) include:
- Wallace Falls State Park – Well-loved waterfall hike with multiple viewpoints.
- Lake Serene / Bridal Veil Falls – More challenging but stunning alpine lake views.
- Heybrook Ridge – Shorter, steeper trail with a big payoff at the top.
If you like variety, using Edmonds as your home base lets you experience quiet mountain trails and relaxing waterfront sunsets in the same weekend.
Planning Your Edmonds Getaway
Here’s a quick way to put it all together:
- Day Trip: Waterfront walk, downtown Edmonds, Brackett’s Landing, and an Edmonds–Kingston ferry ride.
- Weekend: Add Cascadia Art Museum, Edmonds Marsh, another park or two, and a side trip to Mukilteo or Everett.
- Long Weekend: Mix in a Snohomish County hike, a festival or farmers market, and plenty of slow time by the water.
Edmonds has that rare mix of small-town feel, artsy vibe, and easy access to bigger adventures. It’s close to Seattle, but it has its own personality — calmer, friendlier, and a little more laid back.
What Would You Do First in Edmonds?
Have you been to
Edmonds, Washington or the Snohomish County area?
- Which beach or park was your favorite?
- Did you try the ferry, a local festival, or a nearby hike?
I’d love to hear your experiences and tips.
Share your thoughts in the comments and let others know what not to miss. And if you found this guide helpful, please
share it with friends or family who are planning a trip to the Pacific Northwest or looking for easy day trips from Seattle.
The more we share real stories and local favorites, the better every Edmonds adventure gets.
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