Things To Do
in Edmonds
Edmonds is a small, charming waterfront city on Puget Sound north of Seattle, known for its scenic pier, ferry terminal and friendly downtown lined with galleries and cafes. The town combines a maritime vibe with a strong arts scene, including a community theater and frequent festivals. Outdoor opportunities abound: tidepools, beaches, a protected underwater park for diving, and nearby forested trails.
Edmonds is an easy escape from the region’s big-city bustle while offering comfortable services and good access to Seattle and the Olympic Peninsula.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day by visiting the Edmonds Historical Museum, where you can immerse yourself in the local history and heritage. Stroll through the charming streets lined with shops and cafes, savoring a fresh pastry from a local bakery. Take a moment to enjoy the view of Puget Sound from Brackett's Landing Park, a perfect spot to breathe in the fresh morning air.
After lunch at a cozy café, head to the Edmonds Arts Festival, if it's the right time of year, to appreciate local artistry and crafts. Wander along the waterfront and explore the quaint shops filled with unique treasures and gifts. Make sure to visit the public art installations scattered throughout the town, each telling a story of Edmonds' vibrant culture.
As the sun sets, find a waterfront restaurant to enjoy a delicious seafood dinner with views of the shimmering sound. After your meal, take a leisurely stroll along the beach, soaking in the calming sounds of the waves. Conclude your evening with a visit to a local brewery, sampling regional craft beers while mingling with friendly locals.
Kick off your beach day at Edmonds' beautiful Brackett's Landing North, where you can rent paddleboards or kayaks for some early morning fun. The calm waters of Puget Sound are perfect for both beginners and seasoned paddlers alike. Enjoy the stunning views of the Olympic Mountains as you explore the shoreline from the water.
After a thrilling morning on the water, enjoy a picnic lunch at the beach, where you can relax under the sun and take in the scenery. Spend the afternoon playing beach volleyball or building sandcastles with family and friends. If you're feeling adventurous, consider taking a sailing lesson from a local instructor who can guide you through the basics.
As evening approaches, head to Marina Beach Park for a relaxing sunset stroll along the scenic shoreline. The park's sandy beaches and grassy areas are perfect for unwinding after a fun-filled day. Grab a light dinner at a nearby food truck or café, enjoying the last glimpses of daylight over the water.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $12-20 |
| ☕Coffee (regular) | $3-5 |
| 🚕Short taxi / rideshare ride (in-town) | $10-25 |
| 🛍️Groceries (weekly, single person) | $40-70 |
| 🏨Budget hotel (per night) | $100-180 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Beautiful waterfront, easy access to outdoor activities and scenic views.
- Laid-back small-town feel with a strong arts community and local events.
- Close to Seattle and the Olympic Peninsula, making it a convenient base for day trips.
- Good birding, tidepooling and marine recreation opportunities.
- Can be crowded on summer weekends and during events; parking can be tight.
- Limited late-night entertainment options compared with a larger city.
- Weather is often cloudy and rainy outside of summer months.
Places to Visit in Edmonds
Visit one of these nice places.
Iconic long wooden pier with wide views of Puget Sound, ferries and the Olympic Mountains — excellent for sunrise/sunset and long-exposure shots.
Marina slips, boats and reflections in calm water provide classic nautical compositions and panoramic shots of the sound.
Boardwalks and viewpoints for birding and close-up nature photography, particularly during migration seasons.
Coastal forest trails open to a beach framed by cliffs and driftwood — nice for dramatic shoreline photos and compositional variety.
Colorful storefronts, murals and seasonal flower displays along 5th Avenue S offer street and architectural photography opportunities.
Food in Edmonds
Edmonds Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Wild or responsibly farmed salmon prepared grilled, smoked or cedar-planked — commonly found at waterfront restaurants and local bistros.
Must-Try!
Creamy chowders, steamed clams and Dungeness crab appear frequently on menus; ideal at seaside eateries or casual seafood spots.
Local produce-forward salads, grain bowls and small plates using Snohomish County ingredients, popular at downtown cafes.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Open seasonally (spring–fall) on the waterfront/downtown area; vendors sell fresh produce, prepared foods, baked goods and artisanal items — try local berries, cheeses and wood-fired breads.
During festivals and summer evenings, look for food trucks and pop-up vendors offering tacos, BBQ and ethnic eats near community events.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Locals are polite and friendly; casual conversation is common but respect personal space and a low-key approach is appreciated.
Leave no trace on beaches and trails, follow local rules about wildlife and tidepooling, and keep dogs leashed where required.
For ferries, organized tours and theater events, arrive on time; seasonal events can sell out so reserve ahead when possible.
Safety
Tipping in Edmonds
Ensure a smooth experience
Standard tipping in restaurants is 15–20% of the pre-tax bill for good service; tip bartenders $1–2 per drink or 15–20% for table service. Taxi and ride-share drivers are commonly tipped 10–15%.
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted; contactless payment (Apple Pay/Google Pay) is common. Small vendors and older establishments may prefer cash, so carry a little on you.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Warmest, driest time with long daylight hours; ideal for beach walks, kayaking and outdoor festivals. Expect crowds on holiday weekends and ferry lines; book accommodations early.
Crisp air, fewer tourists and beautiful foliage; good for hiking, birdwatching and storm-watching along the coast as fall progresses.
Cool, wet and overcast with occasional storms — mild compared to inland mountains but bring rain gear. Some outdoor activities are quieter; winter storms can produce dramatic seascapes.
Warmer, blooming gardens and farmers market ramp-up; variable weather (sun, rain) but pleasant for walks and early-season kayaking.
Edmonds at Night
Hiking in Edmonds
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A rewarding coastal forest hike that descends to a beachfront cove, featuring a stream, waterfall and varied terrain; moderate difficulty with stairs and roots.
A network of trails through a wooded ravine and creek with viewpoints and community-maintained paths — good for walking, mountain biking and short hikes.
Several local forested trails and parks north and east of Edmonds offer longer hikes and connections to regional trail systems, suitable for day hikes and nature walks.
About an hour’s drive inland, this popular Cascades hike offers panoramic alpine views from the summit; allow a full day and be prepared for mountain weather.
Airports
How to reach Edmonds by plane.
About 15–20 minutes north by car in Everett, Paine Field has commercial regional flights and is convenient for domestic connections; car rental and shuttle options available.
The region's major airport (about 35–50 minutes south by car depending on traffic) with extensive domestic and international service; accessible by rental car, shuttle or a combination of transit services.
Smaller airport in Seattle primarily serving general aviation and some charter flights; useful for private or charter travel.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Many families live in Edmonds and the surrounding suburbs, attracted by good schools, parks and a small-town environment.
A notable portion of the population are retirees who enjoy the peaceful waterfront, cultural offerings and walkable downtown.
Individuals who commute to Seattle or Everett for work make up a segment of residents, using regional transit or driving.
A creative community of artists, gallery owners and entrepreneurs contributes to Edmonds' artsy downtown character.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Given the waterfront location, sailing, recreational boating and dinghy sailing are popular among locals and visitors.
Coastal trails and neighborhood streets attract runners and cyclists; community races and charity runs occur seasonally.
Community soccer, baseball/softball and other youth sports are widely participated in by families.
Edmonds Underwater Park brings enthusiasts for scuba diving and underwater exploration.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Edmonds.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Most cafes and many restaurants offer vegetarian mains and salads; Pacific Northwest produce makes creative vegetarian plates widely available.
Vegan options are common at cafes and many restaurants (plant-based bowls, vegan baked goods); call ahead for dedicated vegan dishes at finer establishments.
Many places mark gluten-free items and can accommodate allergies; seafood spots often offer naturally gluten-free grilled options but always confirm cross-contamination policies.
Limited dedicated halal or kosher restaurants in town; larger grocery stores in the region and some restaurants can accommodate requests but planning is advised.