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Getting to Edmonds is easy. Leaving is hard.

Hop a Sounders train, bus, ferry, even ride on Amtrak, to this idyllic seaside town. A car drive from Seattle is just 15 miles away. Once you’re here, get out and take a look around. It’s easy to get around on foot or bicycle in the walkable downtown, with cool shops, art galleries, cafes and pubs - all within a one-mile radius. The weather’s real nice, too, 40 degrees in the winter and 70-ish most summers.

TRANSPORTATION

TRANSPORTATION

The Sounder 

Sounder North (Everett-Seattle) and *Amtrak run on the historic Burlington Northern Railroad tracks up and down the Puget Sound shoreline. The Sound Transit commuter train makes two stops along the way, each way, in Mukilteo and Edmonds Station on 210 Railroad Ave., mornings and early evenings during weekday commuter hours. (map at left)

Edmonds-Kingston Ferry

Edmonds sits along 5.2 linear miles of pristine shoreline overlooking Puget Sound, with ferry access to Port Townsend, Port Angeles, Hood Canal, Poulsbo, and Bremerton via Kingston on the Olympic Peninsula. The Edmonds-Kingston ferry departs Kingston every 45 minutes to an hour or so, during the day, arriving in downtown Edmonds. The 20-minute ride offers up spectacular views of Mt. Rainier in the South, Mt. Baker up North, the Olympic Mountains due West, and, depending on the season, orcas and other sea life at play. 

Community Transit

Community Transit, otherwise known as the bus, enjoys routes throughout Snohomish County, and the Bothell/Bellevue/Seattle areas. The #416 bus services various points of Edmonds to Seattle, and back, before coming to the Sound Transit Edmonds Station, Stop 2915, off Railroad St. between Dayton and Main.

ORCA Card

It’s a good idea to purchase an ORCA card, whether you take the ferry, bus, or Sounder train. Tap the card reader, and you’re on your way.

By Car

Two ways: either I-5 North/South, or Highway 99/Aurora Ave. N., from Seattle. If on I-5, take Exit 177, and go west towards the Edmonds/Kingston Ferry, follow signs headed toward SR-104 West. (SR-524 is another East-West Highway, approaching Edmonds from the North, by way of Lynnwood’s 196th St. SW.) If coming up from Seattle, stay on Aurora Ave. N. until it turns into Hwy. 99, around Shoreline, then look for the Edmonds/Kingston Ferry sign, slide slightly right onto SR-104 West, which will curve around in a circle straight onto Edmonds Way, eventually leading to 5th Ave. S., right through downtown. Got that?

On Foot, or Bike

The best way to see downtown Edmonds is to park it, and walk or bike. You get your steps in, a mile from end to end just about, and you get to take in glorious views of the sun setting over ferries and whales in Puget Sound, the Olympic Mountains, and twinkling shops, galleries, and restaurants. Fourth Ave. N., just off Salt & Iron, lights up like an airport runway at night with an inspired art installation. Check out what the City of Edmonds is doing to beautify and improve the roads and walkways.

Paine Field Regional Airport

Paine Field, also known as Snohomish County Airport, is an international airport serving part of the Seattle metropolitan area in the U.S. state of Washington. Edmonds is less than 30 minutes from Paine Field.

*Amtrak has temporarily suspended Everett-Edmonds-Seattle RailPlus routes due to COVID-19.

PLACES TO STAY

Edmonds boasts gorgeous views of the Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains, memorable meals, unique shops and the first Certified Creative District in Washington. You know you're going to want to stay awhile.

Edmonds' accommodations offer a welcome respite. Learn more about the city's only waterfront hotel and the many BNBs and vacation rental homes available. Once you realize how much is happening in Edmonds, you'll want to linger awhile. Stay in Edmonds!


Best Western Plus Edmonds Harbor Inn has all the creature comforts you need for your vacation, business meeting, or weekend getaway — just a stroll away from a waterfront walking path and miles of sandy beaches.


Listed on VRBO, Main Street Retreat is a newly-remodeled, colorful, and comfortable, five-bedroom home awaiting your stay. Vacations are made for this.


Spacious, free-standing studio near the ferry and City Park. Everything you need to make this place your home.


Cute cottage in the heart of downtown Edmonds, for a weekend getaway, staycation, or summer vacation.


This "pied-à-terre" maximizes the urban experience, with windows opening onto an interior courtyard. A good retreat at the end of the day and a handy place to stay for lengthy vacations.


Plenty of motel options for the budget traveler get you close to the action in the International District.


Seattle-ites are about a half-hour away from another world, in seaside Edmonds. A three-day weekend getaway sure sounds good right about now. Plan early, live well.


Bev Bowe makes bird watching fun. The master birder — one of several Puget Sound Bird Fest field guides — routinely takes people out in nature to spot all sorts of fine-feathered, fluttering, soaring, jay-popping friends. In no time, she’ll make you a birder, too.


WHAT'S HAPPENING

From live music events to theatrical performances, gallery openings, and festivals, there is always something happening in Edmonds. Check it out!

Karla Bonoff & JD Souther

Embark on a journey through the realms of music with two iconic figures, JD Souther and Karla Bonoff, in an evening that promises to leave an indelible mark on your soul.

Karla Bonoff & JD Souther

Embark on a journey through the realms of music with two iconic figures, JD Souther and Karla Bonoff, in an evening that promises to leave an indelible mark on your soul.

Tartuffe: Born Again

The Phoenix Theatre presents Tartuffe: Born Again A comedy play running Oct 4th – Oct 27th

Tartuffe: Born Again

The Phoenix Theatre presents Tartuffe: Born Again A comedy play running Oct 4th – Oct 27th

YOUR SAFETY

Diversity 

The Edmonds Diversity Commission promotes awareness of and respect for cultural and ethnic diversity, and for all people with physical and developmental disabilities, LGBTQ+ communities. We encourage you to join us in our diversity film series and other opportunities to come together as a diverse community. You can help by  supporting minority-owned businesses and restaurants and enjoying forums and performances aimed at acceptance.

Accessibility 

The City of Edmonds has an ongoing effort for an American with Disabilities Act (ADA) Transition Plan for the Public Right-of-Way. This plan is focused on pedestrian access routes within the right-of-way and includes sidewalks, curb ramps, street and rail crossings, and pedestrian activated signals. The historic buildings in the downtown core are privately owned and may have issues with accessibility. If you intend to visit a particular store and have accessibility issues, you may wish to contact them in advance to discover the age and condition of the building.

Environmental

Edmonds is a seaside town with accessible beaches and 48 parks and open spaces. It's important to be prepared for the weather, though a bit of rain never hurt a Pacific Northwesterner, our downtown merchants provide Ed! branded umbrellas for your use. But please do your part and check the tides schedule if you plan to take a walk on the beach (which we highly encourage you to do!). You don't want to have a high tide approach just as you've made your way down a narrow beach. Stay safe and enjoy Edmonds!