Things To Do
in Everett

Everett, Washington sits on Puget Sound with a bustling waterfront and a growing downtown. It blends maritime heritage with parks, galleries, and waterfront promenades that invite outdoor exploration. The city serves as a convenient gateway to the San Juan Islands and nearby wilderness, while offering a mix of historical neighborhoods and modern amenities.

Visitors will find seafood, scenic landscapes, and easy access to outdoor adventures just a short drive from Seattle.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Explore Downtown Everett
morning
:

Start your day with a stroll through the scenic streets of Downtown Everett, soaking in the architecture and local shops. Enjoy a cup of freshly brewed coffee at a local café while watching the world go by. Don't forget to visit the historic opera house and take some photos along the waterfront.

afternoon
:

After lunch at one of the delicious eateries nearby, spend the afternoon exploring the Imagine Children's Museum, where creativity knows no bounds. The interactive exhibits will engage both young and old, making it a fun experience for the whole family. For a change of scenery, head over to the nearby parks for a casual walk.

evening
:

As the sun sets, find a cozy spot for dinner at a restaurant featuring local seafood. After your meal, consider checking out a local live music venue for some entertainment. Wind down the day with a leisurely walk along the waterfront, enjoying the peaceful ambiance.

day 2
Visit the Future of Flight Aviation Center
morning
:

Kick off your day with a trip to the Future of Flight Aviation Center, where you'll learn about the fascinating world of flight. Take a guided tour of Boeing's assembly plant and marvel at the massive planes being built. Enjoy the view from the observation deck overlooking the runway.

afternoon
:

Have lunch at the café on-site, and afterward, partake in the hands-on exhibits at the center. Explore the nearby Mukilteo Lighthouse Park for some stunning views of Puget Sound. If you're lucky, catch a glimpse of the ferries making their way across the water.

evening
:

End the day at one of Everett’s waterfront restaurants, savoring fresh and locally caught seafood. Enjoy the vistas as you dine, surrounded by the sounds of the sea. If you're up for it, take a nighttime stroll along the beach to close out an exhilarating day.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$12-18
Coffee at a cafe$3-6
🚌One-way public transit fare$2-3
🏨Mid-range hotel per night$120-180
🛍️Local souvenir$5-25

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Excellent access to Puget Sound and waterfront recreation
  • Compact, walkable downtown with parks, galleries, and dining
  • Close proximity to Seattle and the San Juan Islands via road or ferry
  • Weather can be rainy and gray for extended periods
  • Some attractions and venues may require a short drive to surrounding towns
  • Seasonal tourism can affect availability and parking during peak times

Places to Visit in Everett

Visit one of these nice places.

Port of Everett Marina

Waterfront photo opportunities with boats, cranes, and reflections at sunrise or sunset.

Downtown Everett Historic District & Box Car Park

Historic streets, art installations, and vintage details ideal for architectural and street photography.

Marina Promenade & Waterfront Parks

Scenic views of Puget Sound, ferries, and treelined paths perfect for golden-hour shots.

Schack Art Center & Public Art

Creative spaces and outdoor sculptures provide colorful, dynamic backdrops for photography.

Culinary Guide

Food in Everett

Everett’s dining scene reflects its maritime roots and Pacific Northwest produce, with seafood-focused spots, casual pubs, and international options—all within a walkable downtown and waterfront area.

Everett Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Cedar-Plank Salmon

Salmon fillets grilled on cedar planks, a classic Pacific Northwest preparation often found at waterfront restaurants.

Must-Try!

Pacific Northwest Clam Chowder

Creamy chowder featuring local clams, potatoes, and onions, typically served in a sourdough bowl.

Oysters on the Half Shell

Fresh Puget Sound oysters served with lemon and mignonette at seafood-focused spots near the marina.

Fish and Chips

Crispy battered cod or haddock with fries, a reliable beachfront-and-dockside option.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Everett Farmers Market

Seasonal market offering fresh produce, seafood, prepared foods, and local crafts; a great place to taste local flavors.

Waterfront Street Food Vendors

Rotating trucks and stalls along the shoreline offering diverse global bites with easy waterfront seating.

Climate Guide

Weather

Everett has a temperate maritime climate with wet winters, mild to cool summers, and relatively small temperature swings. Rain is common from fall through spring, while summer days are typically comfortable and dry. Cloud cover and drizzle can appear throughout the year, with crisp, clear days more frequent in late summer and early autumn.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Friendly, direct communication

Greetings are polite and straightforward; small talk is common, especially in local shops and eateries.

Queue and personal space

Stand in line, respect personal space, and be patient in busy places like markets or transit hubs.

Naval sensitivity

Respect the nearby Naval Station area and shorelines; follow posted rules in public spaces.

Weather preparedness

Be prepared for rain and rapidly changing weather; carry a light layer or umbrella when outdoors.

Safety Guide

Safety

Overall, Everett is walkable and tourist-friendly, but exercise typical city precautions: stay aware of your surroundings in crowded areas, secure valuables, and use well-lit routes at night. Waterfront areas can have changing tides and currents; wear appropriate footwear and supervise children near the water. If you’re visiting institutional sites or the marina, follow posted safety guidelines.

Tipping in Everett

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping

Standard U.S. practice: 15-20% at full-service restaurants; smaller tips for cafes or fast-casual service. Cash tips are welcomed but not required if you pay by card.

Payment Methods

Credit/debit cards widely accepted; contactless payments common; some smaller vendors may take cash only.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Summer

Mild to warm days with longer daylight; ideal for waterfront strolls, outdoor dining, and boating. Expect occasional heat waves and dry spells.

Autumn

Cooler temperatures with colorful foliage; showers possible, so pack a light rain layer for photography and walks.

Winter

Milder than many inland areas but still rainy and overcast; great for cozy indoor venues and dramatic skies over the water.

Spring

Fresh greens and blossoming trees; typically mild with intermittent rain—perfect for park and garden visits.

Nightlife Guide

Everett at Night

Everett’s nightlife centers on casual bars, breweries, and music venues along the waterfront and downtown. You’ll find craft beers, local wines, and laid-back atmospheres with occasional live music and trivia nights. For a livelier scene, neighboring towns and Seattle offer broader options within a short drive or ride share.

Hiking in Everett

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Wallace Falls Trail

A popular, scenic hike with multiple cascades and forested switchbacks, located in Gold Bar about a short drive from Everett.

Rattlesnake Ledge

A well-known Bellevue-area hike offering panoramic views from the ledge above a forested canyon (a longer trip from Everett but a popular option for day trips).

Mount Pilchuck Trail

Steeper hike leading to a historic fire lookout with expansive views; ideal for a longer day outdoors from Everett.

Airports

How to reach Everett by plane.

Paine Field (PAE) - Everett, WA

Regional airport offering domestic flights; quick access to Everett and northern Puget Sound communities.

Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA) - SeaTac

Major international hub about 25-30 miles south; connections to national and international destinations.

Getting Around

Walkability

Downtown Everett offers good walkability in a compact area with waterfront paths, restaurants, and galleries. Outside the core, neighborhoods may require a car or transit. The marina and waterfront are particularly pedestrian-friendly, with scenic routes for easy exploration on foot.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Military and veterans

Naval Station Everett contributes to a steady presence of active-duty personnel and veterans, enriching the local culture.

Families and professionals

A mix of families, young professionals, and students with a growing downtown and educational and employment opportunities.

Retirees and outdoor enthusiasts

People drawn to Puget Sound’s outdoor activities and a slower pace with access to parks and cultural spaces.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Baseball

Local love for baseball, including minor league teams in the region; outdoor games are popular in summer.

Sailing and water sports

Active waterfront culture with sailing, fishing, and paddle sports on Puget Sound.

Transportation

Traffic

I-5 and SR-526 provide primary north-south and cross-town routes; expect typical morning and evening congestion. Public transit, ferries, and bikes offer alternatives; plan extra travel time during peak periods and event nights.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Everett.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Most restaurants offer vegetarian options—opt for salads, grain bowls, roasted vegetables, or dairy-free dishes; ask for seafood-free broths and sauces when needed.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Healthcare is readily available with local clinics and Providence Regional Medical Center Everett, plus nearby urgent care options. Major hospital services, specialized clinics, and dental care are accessible within the city and nearby suburbs.

Discover United States

Read more in our United States 2025 Travel Guide.

United States Travel Guide