Edmonds, Washington is a charming little town located a twenty-minute drive north of Seattle. Located on the Puget Sound, most visit this town either to escape the bustling Seattle life, or to take a ride on the Edmonds-Kingston ferry.
Back in the mid-century, Edmonds was the traditional cute and quaint American town. That vibe still exists today, as many of the historic buildings still exist. It has the same old-fashion northwest feeling, but with a modern twist. If looking for an easy day trip from Seattle, Edmonds is an excellent little town to spend a cozy sunny or rainy afternoon.
Back in the mid-century, Edmonds was the traditional cute and quaint American town. That vibe still exists today, as many of the historic buildings still exist. It has the same old-fashion northwest feeling, but with a modern twist. If looking for an easy day trip from Seattle, Edmonds is an excellent little town to spend a cozy sunny or rainy afternoon.
​Meander Main Street
When visiting Edmonds, most of the action lays on Main Street. Cafés, boutiques, restaurants adorned with potted flowers– whatever you seek you’ll find on Main Street. The highly walkable street is the main drag where locals and visitors alike both visit, and is much where Edmond’s origins started.
In 1870, a timber man, George Brackett, canoed the coastline searching for a harvestable forest when his boat was blown ashore. That location sits north of where the ferry dock resides today, and Brackett’s landing point initiated a lumber town, which gently grew into the waterfront. This is the original Main Street, and the many perpendicular streets contain a variety of food and shopping establishments to explore.
Depending on your palate, you’ll find everything from fancy food to the greasy spoon. If searching for a tasty (veggie) burger, try Rory’s of Edmonds. Located footsteps away from the ferry terminal, this traditional bar serves up some tasty (I eat veggie) burgers and fries. The patio features a sneak-peak view of the ferry terminal.
Nearby is Chanterelle, a popular local establishment named after the beloved northwest mushroom. Located in a historic building that once housed a furniture exchange and a sewing factory, some visit Chanterelle for the espresso, and others come for a healthy yet hearty meal. There are some veggie options, but many do visit for the seafood, all of which has a global flare. Some have an Asian-inspired spice where other meals are more French or Italian in flavor.
Another local favorite for breakfast, or a sweet treat is the Edmonds Bakery. The owner started baking at the ripe age of 3, and now with over 35 years of baking, this is a local favorite for a light lunch or some traditional pastries.
For those who like the good old bar, visit the locally brewed Salish Sea Brewing Company. As a 310 gallon establishment they feature a variety of onsite-made ales as well as some lagers and pilsners.
As for shopping, discover a myriad of loose leaf teas from the Treasures & Tea gift shop.
The Pacific Northwest is known for its lavender fields, specifically the ones in Sequim, Washington. The Pelindaba Lavender Shop sells everything well…lavender…from their farm in the San Juan Islands. Not only can you purchase dried bouquets of lavender, visitors can test and purchase a variety of home, health, body and pet care products.
In between Main Street and Dayton Street, there are plenty more shops, art galleries and boutiques to explore.
When visiting Edmonds, most of the action lays on Main Street. Cafés, boutiques, restaurants adorned with potted flowers– whatever you seek you’ll find on Main Street. The highly walkable street is the main drag where locals and visitors alike both visit, and is much where Edmond’s origins started.
In 1870, a timber man, George Brackett, canoed the coastline searching for a harvestable forest when his boat was blown ashore. That location sits north of where the ferry dock resides today, and Brackett’s landing point initiated a lumber town, which gently grew into the waterfront. This is the original Main Street, and the many perpendicular streets contain a variety of food and shopping establishments to explore.
Depending on your palate, you’ll find everything from fancy food to the greasy spoon. If searching for a tasty (veggie) burger, try Rory’s of Edmonds. Located footsteps away from the ferry terminal, this traditional bar serves up some tasty (I eat veggie) burgers and fries. The patio features a sneak-peak view of the ferry terminal.
Nearby is Chanterelle, a popular local establishment named after the beloved northwest mushroom. Located in a historic building that once housed a furniture exchange and a sewing factory, some visit Chanterelle for the espresso, and others come for a healthy yet hearty meal. There are some veggie options, but many do visit for the seafood, all of which has a global flare. Some have an Asian-inspired spice where other meals are more French or Italian in flavor.
Another local favorite for breakfast, or a sweet treat is the Edmonds Bakery. The owner started baking at the ripe age of 3, and now with over 35 years of baking, this is a local favorite for a light lunch or some traditional pastries.
For those who like the good old bar, visit the locally brewed Salish Sea Brewing Company. As a 310 gallon establishment they feature a variety of onsite-made ales as well as some lagers and pilsners.
As for shopping, discover a myriad of loose leaf teas from the Treasures & Tea gift shop.
The Pacific Northwest is known for its lavender fields, specifically the ones in Sequim, Washington. The Pelindaba Lavender Shop sells everything well…lavender…from their farm in the San Juan Islands. Not only can you purchase dried bouquets of lavender, visitors can test and purchase a variety of home, health, body and pet care products.
In between Main Street and Dayton Street, there are plenty more shops, art galleries and boutiques to explore.
​Discover the Waterfront
Edmonds, as you have discovered, is located directly on the Puget Sound. Known for its ferry terminal, the Edmonds waterfront is a popular spot to enjoy the scenic nature of the Puget Sound. The waterfront includes Brackett’s Landing North, which is an oceanfront beach and trail located alongside the railroad tracks. I recommend starting on the northern end and walking south, past the terminal toward Olympic Beach and the Edmond’s Public Fishing Pier.
The Olympic Beach is a nice sandy spot in between the Sound and some waterfront apartments. Here, admire the ferry coming in and out, and if you’re lucky, watch bald eagles hunt for fish. It’s the perfect spot to watch the sunset over the Sound. Nearby are some beachside espresso and ice cream shops, so cozy on up with a hot beverage if its cold, or a cool-me-off ice cream cone on warm summer days. Visit the Waterfront Café for a quick coffee or snack. The fishing pier is an idyllic spot to admire the boats in the harbor and view some public art pieces in the stone.
Edmonds, as you have discovered, is located directly on the Puget Sound. Known for its ferry terminal, the Edmonds waterfront is a popular spot to enjoy the scenic nature of the Puget Sound. The waterfront includes Brackett’s Landing North, which is an oceanfront beach and trail located alongside the railroad tracks. I recommend starting on the northern end and walking south, past the terminal toward Olympic Beach and the Edmond’s Public Fishing Pier.
The Olympic Beach is a nice sandy spot in between the Sound and some waterfront apartments. Here, admire the ferry coming in and out, and if you’re lucky, watch bald eagles hunt for fish. It’s the perfect spot to watch the sunset over the Sound. Nearby are some beachside espresso and ice cream shops, so cozy on up with a hot beverage if its cold, or a cool-me-off ice cream cone on warm summer days. Visit the Waterfront Café for a quick coffee or snack. The fishing pier is an idyllic spot to admire the boats in the harbor and view some public art pieces in the stone.
​Exploring Main Street and the Waterfront can take up an entire afternoon. If you have time, discover Edmond’s fascinating history at the Edmonds Historical Museum. Located in the restored 1910 Carnegie Library building, the museum sits adjacent to Main Street and the heart of Downtown Edmonds. The museum features a variety of visual and interactive displays discussing many important historic events that have occurred over the last 100 years.
While in downtown Edmonds, admire some of the amazing wall murals painted in the historic district.
What's your favorite way to spend an afternoon in Edmonds?
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While in downtown Edmonds, admire some of the amazing wall murals painted in the historic district.
What's your favorite way to spend an afternoon in Edmonds?
Let's Connect!
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