The small town of Edmonds is ripe for exploring, thanks to its prime location along Puget Sound. Just 20 miles north of Seattle, it’s a great little community, which makes for a fantastic day or weekend trip from Seattle and a welcome respite from the bustle of the Emerald City.

Edmonds is surrounded by the natural wonders of the PNW, with forests to the east and amazing views of the Olympic Mountain range to the west. It boasts plenty of beachside attractions, as well as great hikes in the surrounding areas. It’s one of the best small towns near Seattle.

Here are the best things to do in Edmonds, Washington.

Explore the Downtown Area

With quaint local shops and restaurants, downtown Edmonds is the best way to spend an afternoon. The shops are fun, with unusual gifts and goodies. Main Street and Fifth Avenue holds antique stores, jewelers, clothing boutiques, art galleries, and more. Here is just a taste of what you’ll find (all are locally owned and operated):

Edmonds Bookshop. A friendly neighborhood bookstore. The shop is cozy; making it the perfect place to browse for your next great read.

Arista Wine Cellars. Offering a fine selection of Pacific Northwest and European wines, owners Ruth and Davis Arista make sure you go home with the perfect bottle. Tastings are offered on Saturday afternoons.

Beachside Fun in Edmonds

The glory that is Puget Sound laps at the Edmonds shoreline along five rocky beaches, a fishing pier, and a walkway roughly one mile long. On the northside of the ferry terminal, you’ll find a marine sanctuary that was established in 1970, with scuba divers who come here year-round.

On nice days, it is worth the few dollars to take the ferry across Puget Sound to Kingston. Ferries are scheduled roughly every 40 minutes and it’s a great way to see some magnificent scenery. Once you disembark at Kingston, you’ll be right on Main Street, with some great shops and eateries.

Hiking in Edmonds 

Meadowdale Beach Park has beach access within its 108 acres of natural beauty. Forest hikes and nature trails await you, with places to picnic along the way. Then there is Southwest County Olympic View Park, the largest in town, at 120 acres. Here you’ll find pristine woodlands, ravines, and wetlands. This is a great place to hike, with wonderful views.

Where to Eat in Edmonds

Rory’s of Edmonds is a down-home neighborhood bar and grille that always seems to be busy. They serve fantastic pub-style food and a great selection of wine, craft beer, and strong cocktails. Don’t expect to come for a quiet meal here, it is a lively place with friendly service and the latest game is usually on the big screen.

Anthony’s Restaurant is situated on the waterfront, so of course, they specialize in delectable seafood! Each meal can be complemented with regional wines and microbrews.

Demetris Woodstone Taverna offers more down-home fare with an upscale twist. Also located next to the waterfront, enjoy great views while chowing down on the best tapas in western Washington. The adjacent lounge is open late for night owls, with inviting, ambient lighting and handcrafted drinks and tapas.