Ahhh, the summers of yore: When your biggest decision was whether to spend your allowance on arcade tokens or movie tickets, sprinklers tick-tick-ticked as you ran through them, you rode your bike everywhere (and threw it down on your best friend’s lawn), and burgers cost less than a dollar.
That magic still exists in Edmonds, where a collection of timeless spots will bring you right back to those years when your concerns were few and your days were long.
From classic drive-ins serving the same burgers your parents ate to a single-screen theater that has been showing movies since the 1920s, Edmonds has mastered the art of nostalgia, of keeping the good times rolling.
Whether you're introducing your kids to the simple pleasures of pinball and fish & chips or rediscovering them yourself, this throwback day itinerary proves that sometimes the best adventures are the ones that never went out of style.
Game at Another Castle
Another Castle is everything a video game store should be—rows of retro cartridges, current releases, and the pings and dings of arcade machines calling your name from the back room.
This locally owned gem buys, sells, and trades everything from classic NES games to the latest PlayStation titles, with a selection of vintage finds that puts bigger chains to shame. The real magic happens when you venture into the attached arcade, where classic coin-op machines and pinball tables transport you straight back to the golden age of gaming.
Another Castle’s arcade side operates as its own business with separate hours, but it's become the go-to spot for birthday parties and weekend hangouts. Kids who grew up with smartphones get their first taste of Street Fighter II and Galaga, while parents rediscover the games that ate their quarters decades ago. Whether you're hunting for that one game that's been on your wishlist or just want to spend an afternoon mastering the perfect pinball combo, Another Castle gives kids of all ages the kind of authentic gaming experience that makes you remember why you fell in love with video games in the first place (and, pssst, they have a Lynnwood location, too).
9906 Edmonds Way, Edmonds, WA 98020
Enjoy a Show at The Edmonds Theater
Once you step into the Edmonds Theater, you’ll quickly realize you're walking into a piece of living history. This one has been entertaining families since 1924! As one of only 54 single-screen, independent theaters left in America, this Art Deco beauty still shows first-run movies for just $10—about half what you'd pay at the multiplex. The original Princess Theatre survived the Great Depression, multiple ownership changes, and even a global pandemic, proving that sometimes the old ways really are the best ways.
Whether you're catching the latest Pixar release or attending a comedy show, you're experiencing movies the way they were meant to be seen—on a big screen, with real butter on your popcorn (popped in coconut oil, too—healthier!), surrounded by neighbors and friends who've been coming here for decades.
415 Main Street, Edmonds, WA 98020
Eat at Dick's Drive-In
Some things never need fixing, and Dick's Drive-In is a testament to that. Since 1954, one of our favorite Seattle institutions has stuck to the same winning formula: fresh burgers, hand-cut fries, and thick shakes served fast and cheap from walk-up windows.
The Edmonds location opened as the first new Dick's in 37 years, and it captures all the retro charm that has made Dick's a generational gathering spot—complete with classic car meetups on weekends and that unmistakable orange-and-white aesthetic that screams pure nostalgia.
What makes Dick's special is more than the food (though that quarter-pound Dick's Deluxe certainly hits different at 1 a.m.)—it's the whole experience: no substitutions, extra charges for condiments, and a menu that's barely changed since the Carter administration. Dick's famously takes care of its employees, too, with benefits like college tuition assistance. Whether you're introducing your kids (or pups!) to their first Dick's burger or satisfying a late-night craving, this place delivers the same reliable comfort food experience your parents probably enjoyed—and that's exactly the point.
21910 HWY 99, Edmonds, WA 98026
Spin at Musicology Co.
Search, spin, and listen to records old and new at Musicology Co., right downtown Edmonds. Owner Rachel Gardner was literally born in a music store and grew up traveling with musician parents, so she knows exactly what music lovers are searching for. The shop overflows with new and used vinyl, CDs, and cassettes, plus a whole section dedicated to local artists that you won't find anywhere else. Bonus: You can listen to your finds in the store before you buy them!
Shop for vintage vinyl. Catch an in-house acoustic set. Come to Musicology to experience a place that captures the magic of discovering music with real people who genuinely love what they're sharing with you.
420 5th Ave S, Suite 107, Edmonds, WA 98020
Eat Again at Spud Fish & Chips
What would a day in a beach town be without legendary fish & chips? Brothers Jack and Frank Alger brought this English tradition to Seattle way back in 1935, opening their first stand on Alki Beach during the Great Depression when ten cents bought you a paper boat stuffed with fries and two big pieces of breaded cod. The Edmonds location marks the first new Spud to open in over 45 years, just steps from the ferry terminal.
Whether you're catching the ferry or wrapping up a beach walk, Spud gives us all the kind of authentic seaside experience that reminds you why fish & chips became a tradition in the first place—crispy, fresh, and served with a view that makes every bite even tastier.
174 Sunset Ave S, Edmonds, WA 98020
Play at WhirlyBall Seattle
WhirlyBall is what happens when you throw bumper cars, basketball, and lacrosse sticks into a blender. It’s a wonderfully ridiculous 5-on-5 team sport that feels like it was dreamed up during the best kind of recess brainstorming session. You'll climb into electric WhirlyBugs (think souped-up bumper cars with actual steering) and try to score goals while your friends bump into you from all directions. The chaos is half the fun!
What makes WhirlyBall perfect for families is that it levels the playing field in the most literal way possible. Whether you're 8 or 80, everyone looks equally silly trying to scoop up a Wiffle ball while navigating their tiny electric vehicle, and that shared ridiculousness creates instant bonding moments. The Edmonds location has been encouraging these kind of belly laugh memories since 1986, and they'll host groups anywhere from 6 to 80 people by reservation (perfect for your next throwback birthday party or team bonding event). After a round or two, you'll probably find yourself plotting your return visit before you even leave the parking lot. Plus, the food is tasty here, too.
23401 Hwy 99, Edmonds, WA 98026
Your Perfect Throwback Day Awaits
You don't need a time machine to re-live your favorite days from yesteryear. You just need a willingness to slow down and savor the simple pleasures that never really left town.
From the satisfying click of pinball flippers to the first sip of a thick shake, Edmonds offers all the ingredients for the kind of day that creates the memories you'll be talking about for years to come.
Ready to head out on your perfect throwback day? Tag @exploreedmondswa on Instagram and Facebook to show us your retro adventures around town.
Nostalgic fun awaits in Edmonds!
