While the Pacific Northwest is known for its extensive waterfront, there aren’t many places in the region like Edmonds with miles of walkable, sandy beaches, a fishing pier, a marine sanctuary, and a bustling, creative business district nearby. Edmonds waterfront is a destination of its own.
Let’s take a little tour, beginning with the embarrassment of riches on a sandy shore, and work our way up to your next favorite lunch spot and art museum. You’ll be glad you came.
We’re Lovin’ Summer in Edmonds!
Marina, Dog Park, and Whale Watching
The musical arts find their way to the Edmonds Waterfront via Sea Jazz at the Marina. Tuesdays through Fridays, summer jazz jam sessions fill the early evening air. Bring a blanket for the small grassy hill or a lawn chair. While you’re there, stroll the marina for a view of the 662 boats in moorage and slipping in and out of the marina.
From the marina you can also catch a ride on a whale watching vessel with Puget Sound Express (book that one ahead!) You’re guaranteed a summer sighting of whales. Look here to see what whales are are in the area this time of year.
Tucked into the center of the marina property is Anthony’s HomePort Edmonds and Beach Cafe, where tempura battered fish and chips comes with a view. Closer to the pier you can try out the popular Arnie’s Restaurant and enjoy salmon with clementine salsa.
Don’t miss the waterfront walking trail for a good stretch of the legs. The mile-plus paved path runs from the marina to the marine sanctuary, with views of public art sculptures and the Olympic Mountains.
Did you bring man’s best friend? The off-leash dog park is a waterfront gem for Rover.
Pier, boat launch and marine sanctuary
The fishing pier is a popular place for locals and visitors alike. Salmon, crab, smelt and squid are all pulled up by sportsmen and women for a tasty dinner. Nearby, kayakers launch and families enjoy the stretch of sandy beach that leads to the Edmonds-Kingston ferry landing.
Brackett’s Landing is ground zero for the Edmonds Marine Sanctuary and, north of the ferry landing, for the Underwater Dive Park, where Ling Cod longer than a man is tall make their lifelong home. Underwater Sports and Dive Shop can help you get started if you want to explore for yourself, or enjoy Annie Crawley’s Underwater Dive Team videos for a peek under the Salish Sea.
Waterfront Center’s towering glazed facade gleams in the evening light, capturing the sunset as distinctly as Bubble Man’s enormous soapy orbs capture a sunset. At the center, enjoy lunch at Potlatch Bistro, or order up gelato and a latte at the outdoor window of Shore Pine Coffee and Gelato, From their webcam you can check out the Edmonds surf. Waterfront Cafe near the pier also makes breakfast sandwiches and serves up ice cream on waffle cones.
Nearby the Edmonds Marsh is a 22.5-acre park preserving an urban remnant of the saltwater marshes that provide fish, bird, and wildlife habitat.
Restaurants, Spirits and Art
After an eventful day on the beach, head up Main Street near the ferry terminal and you’ll find all the restaurant variety you can ask for. Demetri’s Woodstone Taverna is a popular place for a lobster roll or a wood fired pizza. Try the Edmonds Sunset cocktail and firecracker shrimp.
Where Sunset Ave N. And Main St. meet, Rory’s of Edmonds serves up a family friendly bar and grill “where everybody knows your name.” Next-door, Calypso Edmonds’ Caribbean restaurant plates up blackened rockfish, curried goat, and tropical drinks. Kitty-corner to the duo is the newcomer Kahlo’s Cantina, serving upscale Mexican food, including Mahi Mahi tacos and roasted corn.
Fronting the ferry terminal lanes, Salish Crossing complex greets you with the a 1960s grocery store turned “modern cathedral,’ housing the expansive Cascadia Art Museum, an Edmonds gem celebrating the rich Pacific Northwest tradition of the visual arts and design from 1860-1970. Nearby, Stranded by the Sea provides modern fiber artists with all they need to create with yarn. The award-winning building also hosts several restaurants, a bottleshop and a distillery.
Scratch Distillery’s spirits are fashioned into custom cocktails throughout the region’s cocktail bars. Epulo Bistro is a fan favorite with truffled pasta, shrimp with sausage and grits ad tender braised short ribs.
Brigid’s Bottleshop has plenty of beer on tap wot 24 ta[s and 19 rotating beers. along with ciders and wine. Hunni Co. is the perfect stop to get some honey-sweetened Hunni Water sports and fitness beverages that are good for you and the planet. Thai by Day gets rave reviews for its stand-out line-up. Spud Fish and Chips won’t disappoint, and Top Pot Doughnuts caps off a whirlwind waterfront tour with dessert.
Stay awhile
Your day on the Edmonds Waterfront is so full, you may want to stroll back toward the marina for an overnight stay at the Best Western Plus Edmonds Harbor Inn. Gallagher’s Where U Brew and the Channel Marker restaurant are within walking distance for some chillaxin’. There will be plenty of time to enjoy the beach the next day. Plan your trip and join us one of these sunny summer days.
Banner photo credit Hiatt Studios
Photo credits top to bottom:
Dreamstime
Edmonds Downtown
Edmonds Downtown
Janine Harles
Matt Hulbert
