is a great home base. It’s tucked in Snohomish County, just about 15–20 miles north of downtown Seattle, and close to mountains, water, and plenty of shopping and food.
Whether you’re planning a quick weekend trip, visiting friends, or just passing through, here are
1. Shop, Eat, and People‑Watch at Alderwood Mall
If you ask locals what to do in Lynnwood,
Alderwood Mall usually comes up first. It’s more than just a mall—it’s basically Lynnwood’s social hub.
You’ll find:
- Big-name stores like Nordstrom, Macy’s, Apple, and REI
- A mix of sit-down restaurants and quick bites
- An AMC movie theater for rainy days (there are a lot in Western Washington!)
- Outdoor areas with fire pits and seating
On a recent visit, I spent an afternoon wandering the outdoor section, grabbing boba, and just people-watching. It’s one of those places where you can easily kill a few hours, especially if you like browsing and snacking.
Tip: Parking is free and usually easy, but weekends can get crowded. If you’re traveling with kids or teens, this is an easy “everyone finds something they like” stop.
2. Walk the Trails at Scriber Lake Park
Right in the heart of Lynnwood,
Scriber Lake Park feels like a little slice of wilderness in the middle of the city.
What you’ll find:
- A peaceful lake surrounded by trees and wetlands
- Easy, flat walking paths and boardwalks
- Birdwatching opportunities—ducks, herons, and more
The loop here is short, so don’t expect an epic hike. But if you want to stretch your legs, walk off a big lunch, or let kids explore nature without driving far, this spot is perfect.
It’s especially pretty in the fall when the leaves turn and the air has that crisp PNW feel.
3. Play and Picnic at Lynnwood Recreation Center & Parks
If you’re traveling with family, the
Lynnwood Recreation Center is a solid stop. Inside, there’s a popular swimming pool with water slides and a lazy river, plus fitness areas.
Nearby parks like:
- Lynndale Park – woodsy trails, playground, and sports courts
- Wilcox Park – open fields, walking paths, and picnic spots
give you space to stretch out and relax.
Imagine this: a morning hike under tall trees, then an afternoon at the pool, followed by a simple picnic dinner while the sun goes down. It’s low-key, but that’s exactly what makes it so nice.
Tip: Check the City of Lynnwood website for pool hours and day-use fees before you go.
4. Taste Your Way Through Lynnwood’s Food Scene
One of the best parts of Lynnwood? The
food. For a city its size, Lynnwood is packed with international options, especially Asian and Pacific Islander cuisine.
You’ll find:
- Korean BBQ and Korean fried chicken spots
- Japanese ramen and sushi
- Vietnamese pho and banh mi
- Thai, Indian, and Hawaiian eateries
If you love exploring different flavors, you could easily plan a full “food crawl” day:
- Coffee and pastry in the morning
- Ramen or pho for lunch
- Boba tea afternoon stop
- Korean BBQ or sushi for dinner
Lynnwood doesn’t always make the big travel lists, but its
food is a big reason locals love living here.
5. Take a Quick Trip to Edmonds Waterfront
One of the best things to do near Lynnwood is to head west about 10–15 minutes to
Edmonds, a charming coastal town on Puget Sound.
Down at the Edmonds waterfront you can:
- Walk along the beach and watch the ferries come and go
- Stroll the pier and look for seals or even orcas in the distance (if you’re lucky)
- Check out waterfront restaurants and coffee shops
- Watch the sunset over the Olympic Mountains
The Edmonds–Kingston ferry dock is right there, and just watching the ferries feels oddly relaxing. If you’ve never seen Washington State ferries up close, it’s worth the short drive.
Tip: Bring a light jacket—even in summer, the breeze off the water can feel cool.
6. Spend a Day in Seattle (Without Paying Seattle Hotel Prices)
One big advantage of staying in Lynnwood: you’re close to
Seattle, but your hotel and parking usually cost less.
From Lynnwood, it’s about:
- 20–30 minutes by car to downtown Seattle (traffic depending)
- Easy access to I‑5 and the light rail extensions as they grow north
In a single day trip you can hit:
- Pike Place Market – fresh flowers, seafood, local crafts
- Seattle Waterfront – Great Wheel, aquarium, views
- Space Needle & Seattle Center – classic Seattle sights
Think of Lynnwood as your quiet, convenient “home base,” with big-city attractions just down the highway.
7. Explore Snohomish County’s Small-Town Charm
If you drive a bit farther north or east from Lynnwood, you’ll reach some of Snohomish County’s most charming towns.
Consider checking out:
- Downtown Edmonds – cute shops, galleries, and cafes
- Historic Snohomish – known for antiques, boutiques, and a walkable riverside downtown
- Mukilteo – lighthouse park, ferries, and views across to Whidbey Island
These spots all have that small-town, “take it slow” feel. If you like browsing little shops, grabbing ice cream, and strolling old streets, you’ll feel right at home.
Tip: Weekends are livelier, but weekdays are quieter if you prefer fewer crowds.
8. Head to the Mountains: Day Trips Toward the Cascades
From Lynnwood, you’re not far from the
Cascade Mountains, which means plenty of outdoor adventures within about an hour or so.
Popular options nearby include:
- Wallace Falls State Park near Gold Bar – forest hike with a beautiful waterfall
- Index – small town with big mountain scenery and river views
- Scenic drives along Highway 2 or other mountain routes
If you’re not a hardcore hiker, don’t worry. Many trails in this region offer shorter, moderate routes where you still get that deep-forest, mossy-tree, rushing-water vibe that the Pacific Northwest is known for.
Always check trail and weather conditions before you go, especially in winter or early spring when snow can linger at higher elevations.
9. Visit Local Breweries, Coffee Shops, and Dessert Spots
The area around Lynnwood is rich in
coffee culture and
craft beverages. You’ll find independent coffee shops, local taprooms, and dessert places scattered throughout the city and in nearby towns.
Ideas for a relaxed afternoon:
- Grab a locally roasted coffee and a pastry in the morning
- Hit a brewery or taproom later in the day for a tasting flight
- Finish with dessert—bubble tea, ice cream, or a late-night bakery stop
One of my favorite simple joys when traveling is picking a random coffee shop, sitting by the window, and watching how locals live. Lynnwood and its neighbors are perfect for that laid-back kind of exploring.
10. Enjoy Seasonal Events and Local Markets
Depending on when you visit Lynnwood and Snohomish County, you may catch
seasonal events and
community markets.
Throughout the year, you might find:
- Farmers markets with local produce and handmade goods
- Holiday lights and winter festivals
- Summer concerts in the park
- Food truck gatherings and cultural events
These events are a great way to get a real feel for the community. Check local calendars for Lynnwood, Edmonds, and other nearby towns to see what’s happening while you’re in the area.
Final Thoughts: Is Lynnwood Worth a Visit?
Lynnwood, Washington may not be the first city that pops into your head when you think “vacation,” but that’s exactly what makes it interesting. It’s:
- Practical and convenient as a base
- Close to Seattle, Edmonds, and the Cascades
- Full of great food, easy parks, and simple, relaxing things to do
If you like trips that mix
nature, food, shopping, and simple everyday experiences, Lynnwood and the surrounding Snohomish County area are definitely worth adding to your list.
What About You?
Have you spent time in Lynnwood or Snohomish County?
- What was your favorite thing to do near Lynnwood?
- Did you discover a great restaurant, park, or hidden gem?
Share your tips and stories in the comments—they can really help other travelers planning their own trip.
And if you found this guide helpful, please
share it with a friend or family member who’s thinking about exploring Washington State.
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