Coming up with a list of the best things to do in Snohomish was both easy and difficult. It was easy because there is so much to do in this gem of an area near Seattle. Yet, it was difficult because you could call just about every activity one of the best things to do. There is just so much to offer!
To help you wade through all the options, I created this guide with all of my favorite activities in Snohomish and the surrounding area. Use this to plot your itinerary for exploring Snohomish’s best shopping, farms, outdoor adventures, historic attractions, and of course, food.
This article is sponsored by Discover Snohomish County. However, I’ve been to Snohomish many times before, so all thoughts about this gem of an area are my own. There may also be a few affiliate links in this article, which means I’ll earn a small commission at no cost to you if you click on them and make a purchase. Thank you for supporting the brands that help keep this site running!
Best Things to Do in Snohomish
Before diving into all of the fun things to do in Snohomish, Washington, let me share a bit about the area and what you can expect.
Where is Snohomish?
The historic town of Snohomish is about 45 minutes north of Seattle. However, the broader Snohomish County begins just 20 minutes outside the city at Mountlake Terrace and continues north to the Skagit County line past Stanwood. It extends from the coastline along the Puget Sound all the way east to just before Stevens Pass. So there’s a lot of ground and varied landscape to explore!
What is Snohomish known for?
Most people associate Snohomish with its charming historic downtown area full of antique shops and mom-and-pop businesses. Snohomish is also known for its nearby farms, many of which allow visitors from spring through winter.
Since Snohomish County also includes the coastline, it’s a big maritime destination. Whether watching the commercial ships come in and out of the Port of Everett, taking a ferry to the Olympic Peninsula or Whidbey Island, or exploring one of the many beach parks, there’s a water experience for all contexts.
Snohomish also has a rich aviation history. It’s home to the popular Boeing Factory Tour and other aviation museums. There are also a bunch of little airports where you can go skydiving or take a scenic flight.
Is Snohomish worth visiting?
100% yes! Not only is the historic downtown area worthy of a visit, but the towns spanning the wider Snohomish County area are some of the most scenic day trips from Seattle! Let me break down all there is to do in this wonderful area just a short drive from the Emerald City.
What to do in Snohomish, WA
Alright, now to the fun stuff: the best things to do in Snohomish! Save this to Pinterest for later, as I’ll keep it updated with new finds!
Explore historic downtown Snohomish
website | get directions | cost: free | best for: shopping & quaint vibes
I absolutely love finding small towns in Washington and Snohomish is one of the cutest within a short drive of Seattle. It sits right along the Snohomish River and is dotted with historic architecture filled with local boutiques, restaurants, and bars.
You’ll want to spend a few hours combing the area, taking in the pulse of the neighborhood and popping into shops of interest. As you do, keep an eye out for some of my favorite shops:
- Bruning Pottery – Ceramic artists with a huge, affordable selection
- The Petal and the Stem – Florist with great house gifts and floral classes
- Edit – Well-curated modern clothing and home goods store
- Anna Marie Creative Collective – Eclectic art and home gifts store
- Worthy – Lifestyle store with a ton of quirky curiosities
- Rhapsody – Home and lifestyle store from an interior designer
- Snoqualmie Ice Cream – Adorable dessert shop perfect for a sweet treat
- Snohomish Coffee Co. – Aesthetic spot to grab a pick me up
The Historic Downtown Snohomish Association offers walking tours both in-person and self-guided if you want to dive deeper into the town’s history. There’s also a historic gazebo built in 1976 to celebrate the United States bicentennial overlooking the river. It’s the perfect spot to relax while snacking on a treat from Grain Bakery, one of the best gluten and allergen-free bakeries in the greater Seattle area!
Savor Snohomish restaurants & cafes
There are a bunch of great eateries and spots to grab a drink in Snohomish when the mood strikes. Here are some not to miss.
Pace Kitchen
website | get directions | cuisine: European | best for: elevated share plates overlooking the river
Historic downtown Snohomish sits right along the Snohomish River. There’s no better place to take in the views than Pace Kitchen, a restaurant that shares a space Randolph Cellars winery. If you arrive before 5:30 pm, you can sample wine flights from Randolph. Otherwise, their wine by the glass and bottle is prominently featured on Pace’s wine list.
Food wise you can expect Italian-leaning dishes with an American twist. For example, you may find bright and refreshing watermelon salad alongside cooked-all-day ossobuco-style short rib over corn risotto. Pace is probably best known for their pastas, so make sure one of their rotating options is on your table!
Snohomish Pie Co.
website | get directions | cuisine: baked goods | best for: sweet and savory pies
Some of my favorite family memories are gathering over a homemade pie during the holidays. Snohomish Pie Co. helps you feel that year round. They sell cookies and both sweet and savory pies both whole or by the slice. You’ll find classic flavors like apple and cherry seasonal options like rhubarb and peach. If you visit during the summer, don’t miss the crumble that pairs both peach and rhubarb together!
Tee Sud Thai
website | get directions | cuisine: Thai | best for: stir-fried eggplant
I wasn’t expecting to find authentic Thai food in Snohomish that rivals the Thai restaurants in Seattle, but Tee Sud Thai blew me away. Not only is the space absolutely beautiful, but they’re making really well-executed versions of Thai classics like khao soi, pad Thai, and more.
Some of my favorite items to order are the homemade lemonade, pumpkin tempura, and stir-fried eggplant with ground pork. I love the sweetness of the pumpkin against its crunchy fried coating and the umami flavors from the eggplant playing alongside the sweet pork.
Top It yogurt Shoppe
website | get directions | cuisine: dessert | best for: refreshing fro-yo
I’m not a huge frozen yogurt fan, but Top It Yogurt Shoppe converted me. That’s because they have really refreshing non-dairy soft serve options among their 15+ taps of self-serve fro-yo machines. Some of my favorites include the raspberry and dole whip, both refreshing on a hot summer day.
The other unique thing about Top It is that they charge by the cup size. Most fro-yo places are by weight, so it gets pricey as soon as you start adding toppings. But you can stuff as much ice cream and toppings as you can into a small cup and it’s just ~$5.99.
Jake’s Cafe
get directions | cuisine: American | best for: gigantic greasy spoon breakfast
I grew up on the east coast eating at greasy spoon diners. Washington in general doesn’t have many options, but Jake’s Cafe brings back all the nostalgic feels. This is the type of place where servers know regular by name and the memorabilia adorning the walls hasn’t moved in decades. People line up early, but the efficient staff is able to turn over tables faster than you can get through reading the huge menu.
The portions are comically big here, so come hungry or be ready to take home left overs/split with the table. My go-to is Jake’s Cafe Scrambler. It looks like a tortilla de patata, stuffed with eggs, hash browns, meat, and cheese. I ate it for three days as leftovers and it hit just as well as it did when eating it fresh!
The oxford Saloon
website | get directions | cuisine: American | best for: sandwiches
The Oxford Saloon is a Snohomish institution. Built in 1900 as a dry goods store, it’s changed owners and concepts over the decades before becoming a saloon, but always had the word “oxford” in its name. The space seeps with historic character thanks to all the original woodwork, stained glass, and antique decor throughout. It’s so old, some even say it’s haunted!
You’ll often find live music, making for a fun ambiance. The menu focuses on simple comfort food made with love. They’re probably most famous for their sandwiches like the French dip, reuben, or burgers. I recommend the classic Oxford Burger with cheese, bacon, onions, lettuce, tomato, and pickles. It hits all the right notes of a quintessential burger.
Visible Coffee Roasters
website | get directions | cuisine: coffee | best for: coffee flights
Visible Coffee Roasters has one of the most impressive spaces in historic downtown Snohomish. It’s lofted with original woodwork and tons of light, making for a bright and inviting space. You can expect expertly roasted coffee that holds its own among the best Seattle coffee roasters, plus non-coffee drinks like tea, matcha, and smoothies.
My favorite thing about Visible is that they offer flights. You can choose between matcha, cortado, affogato, and lotus fruit drinks. I love the cortado coffee one that includes their house version as a base and then three other styles with lavender, brown sugar cinnamon, and vanilla bourbon syrups.
Experience the local farms
I have a whole guide to farms near Seattle because I’m obsessed with u-pick, animals, and supporting local agriculture. Many of them are in Snohomish County! Here are some of my favorites.
Luckie Farms
website | get directions | cost: starts at ~$35pp (kids under 2 free) | best for: animal encounters
You may not be able to handle the cuteness that Luckie Farms has to offer. Owners Tara and Scott left their city lives to start a farm that marries Tara’s love of education with both of their ancestral roots in farming. But this isn’t just any farm with your typical produce. It’s one full of animals, most notably Scottish highland cows.
Visitors get a chance to walk the farm, take a tractor to feed the cows, and interact with other animals like alpacas, donkeys, horses, pigs, bunnies, and reindeer. You’ll also have the option to add on a calf-cuddle experience for ~$20pp. I highly recommend you do this, as you’ll get to pet, brush, and snuggle with highland cows that are as young as 6 weeks old for 20 minutes! 
Pro tips for your visit:
- Avoid visiting a sheep or goat farm within a few days of Luckie Farms. They carry a disease that can kill the reindeer.
- Luckie Farms also grows flowers and keeps bees, so grab a beautiful bouquet and honey from the well-stocked gift shop.
- Visit on a weekday to have more calf cuddles to yourself!
Mountainview Blueberry Farm
website | get directions | cost: starts at ~$5 u-pick minimum | best for: u-pick blueberries and sunflowers
One of my absolute favorite things to do in Snohomish is u-pick. Mountainview Blueberry Farm is a popular summer destination thanks to their rows upon rows of different blueberry crops waiting to be harvested. They provide buckets you can hook into your pants and then direct you to which rows are available for u-pick. You can pick as much as you like and get charged by the pound, but they ask for a $5 minimum, which gets you about 1.5 to 2 pounds of berries. However much you decide to take home, you’ll be greeted with stunning mountain views in the distance as the farm’s name promises.
Come August Mountainview also hosts a Sunflower Festival. This is a must visit for anyone who loves photography and/or flowers. You can pick your own and even sign up for workout classes among the stalks.
If you hungry, Mountainview also has a food truck serving blueberry ice cream and refreshments. Or peruse their farm store that has canned and homemade pantry staples from both them and nearby friends like Stocker Farms.
Bella Luna Farms
website | get directions | cost: starts at ~$250pp | best for: cooking classes and farm dinners
If you ask me where I’d suggest hosting a wedding around Seattle, Bella Luna Farms would be at the top of the list. This dreamy property transports you to French luxury cottage nestled in the woods and dotted with beautifully-manicured gardens that you can get lost in.
A visit requires some planning as they’re only open for cooking classes, farm dinners, and special events. However, there’s something going on just about every weekend, whether it be a French makers market, multi-course chefs dinner with wine pairings, or a class to teach you how to make pizza or paint with watercolors.
Visitors can also take a piece of Bella Luna home with them by shopping their well-curated farm store. It includes items imported from Europe, pastries from nearby friends like Mirabelle by Orphée, and their homemade Bellsong Creamery cheeses. You can sometimes see them processing dairy right on the farm but, if not, you can at least say hi to the curious goats and animals on the farm.
Swans Trail Farms
website | get directions | cost: ~$25pp for some attractions, free entry for u-pick | best for: u-pick, animals, and events Swans
Trail Farms was a staple multiple times a year when my nieces were younger. We’d visit for u-pick berries in the summer and then again in fall for pumpkins and apples.
This spot is popular for those in Seattle with kids because they have a lot of activities and things to climb. They even have summer camps for little ones!
Stocker Farms
website | get directions | cost: starts at ~$18pp | best for: Halloween thrills
Stocker Farms is only open seasonally, but it’s worth the wait. Their season starts in summer with blueberries, then transitions to sunflower season in late August. But come the spooky season, that’s when Stocker Farms really shines.
They have a fall festival with a huge pumpkin patch and festivities during the day. At night, older kids and adults flock here for the haunted mazes and scares. It’s one of the best Halloween activities around Seattle! If that’s not your speed, you can also wait until Christmas time for trees.
Snohomish Farmers Market
website | get directions | cost: free entry | best for: shopping from a bunch of local farms in one go
If you love shopping direct from farms, but don’t have time to visit one, the Snohomish Farmers Market is the perfect stop. It runs early May – October from 3-7 PM on Thursdays rain or shine. You’ll find an array of vendors featuring produce and handcrafted goods that’d make the perfect gift.
Go hiking or stroll through parks
Snohomish County has more than 100 parks. That’s over 100 miles of trails spanning 11,000+ acres! For example, Lord Hill Park is a popular one with over 30 miles of trails in a nature preserve. The higher points in the park offers beautiful views of the landscape.
If you want more of a proper “hike hike”, there are a bunch of options throughout Snohomish County. Mt. Pilchuck is one of the quintessential hiking spots near Seattle. It’s a challenging ~5.4 mile hike that takes you up to a fire lookout tower. The reward is breathtaking 360-degree views of Mount Baker, Mount Rainier, and the Olympics.
Another option is to hunt for waterfalls. Wallace Falls State Park is one option. It features a bunch of meandering trails, including a longer ~5.2-mile hike popular with families.
There’s also the ~4.4-mile hike Bridal Veil Falls and ~2-mile hike to Heybrook Lookout, a fire tower with stunning views. All of these hikes are near Index on Highway 2, making it the perfect excuse to stop at Espresso Chalet on the way back from your hike for mountain views from their back patio!
Joy ride on a bike
There are a bunch of trails in Snohomish perfect for walking, running, and biking. For example, Centennial Trail is a 40-mile route leaving from downtown Snohomish that still has remnants of old railroad tracks. You can even spot the old Snohomish Depot that’s been converted into a private residence.
Another biking option is the Interurban Trail. This ~12 mile paved surface runs from Mountlake Terrace to Everett. It follows the route once used by the Interurban Trolley that ran from downtown Seattle to Everett from 1910 through 1939.
To the east is White Horse Regional Trail, which spans 27 miles between Arlington and Darrington. It follows the path of the former BNSF railroad and has picturesque landscape views of forests, farmland, streams, rivers and mountain vistas.
No matter where you choose to ride, Bicycle Centres of Snohomish has you covered with rentals. You can choose both classic and electric bikes starting at ~$55 for 4 hours.
Imbibe in a craft beverage
There are a bunch of breweries, wineries, and cideries in Snohomish. Here are some of my favorites.
The Vault
website | get directions | cost: ~$25pp tasting fee, waived with minimum purchase | best for: relaxing over a drink
JM Cellars is one of my favorite Woodinville wineries thanks to their beautiful grounds. However, they converted their Woodinville location into a members-only retreat and moved their production to The Vault in Maltby just ~15 minutes north.
Luckily, you don’t have to be a member to enjoy their lovely wines at this location. You can choose between a few flight options when you visit. My absolute favorite wine is JM’s Cinsault Red, so I always make sure to get the flight that has a pour of that. If I’m feeling peckish, I’ll add on their addictive truffle popcorn.
The best thing about The Vault is that it’s a warehouse complex with a bunch of other tasting rooms. If you have time, consider visiting these other spots just a few steps away:
- Laterus Winery
- Guardian Cellars
- Two Vintners + Covington Cellars
- Rush Lattin Cellars
- Gorman Winery (stays open about an hour later than others)
- J.p. Trodden Distilling (perfect for those who prefer spirits)
Riverview Road Cidery
website | get directions | cost: ~$10 for 4 tasters | best for: cider
Raising Cane Ranch has a large apple orchard with u-pick apples in fall and berries in summer. However, most of their apple growing goes toward making delicious hard ciders that they serve out of their adorable barn turned all-ages tasting room.
You’ll find classic cider with no intervention…just apples, water, and time. Or if you want something a bit different, you can find ciders with interesting fruit mash ups like rhubarb, aronia, cherries, and more. My favorites were the blackberry raspberry and rhubarb flavors, so get those if they’re available when you visit!
Shop for antiques
Snohomish has been dubbed the “Antique Capital of the Northwest” because you’ll find a ton of cool thrift and antiques shops within a short walk or drive of each other. Here are some popular ones to seek out:
- Annie’s on First – Farmhouse-style vintage finds
- Antique Station in Victoria Village – Tons of vendor stalls stocked to the brim
- My Eclectic Home – Well-curated group of vintage vendors
- Antique Warehouse – Lots of cool retro finds
- Fabulously Frugal Gift Shop – Owned and operated by the Snohomish Senior Center
Get lost in a plant nursery
website | get directions | cost: free entry | best for: inspiration for your home and garden
As a homeowner, I’m always looking for inspiration of how to make my garden feel more put together. McAuliffe’s Valley Nursery has ideas aplenty. This huge plant mecca has various sections of plants based on their style and growing needs. But McAuliffe’s doesn’t just display rows of options. They artfully arrange their offerings into vignettes around the property so you can imagine how plants would look in your own space.
Plant parents who prefer indoor plant babies will love the greenhouse. McAuliffe’s has a great selection of cactus, succulents, and tropical plants waiting for a home.
They also have a few space with curated home decor and pots. The largest is at the entrance, but there’s also a few little cottage-looking structures scattered around the property with wonders waiting to be explored.
Enjoy a seasonal event
One of the best things to do in Snohomish is to attend one of the community’s many seasonal events. No matter what time you’re visiting, there always seems to be something going on throughout the county! Here are some of the most popular annual events, but you can also keep an eye on this Snohomish events calendar.
Spring
- FIFA WORLD CUP 2026 Everett Fan Zone
- Lynnwood Indoor Plant Festival
- Snohomish on the Rocks Drink Event
- Sorticulture, Everett’s Garden Arts Festival
- Sky Valley Motorcycle Show
- Edmonds Art Walk (and every third Thursday throughout the year!)
Summer
- Edmonds Art Festival
- Evergreen State Fair
- Lake Stevens Aquafest
- Sultan Shindig
- KlaHaYa Days Parade
- Snohomish Block Party
- Edmonds Block Party
- Lynnwood Celebrate Music Fest
Fall
- Snohomish Art Studio Tour
- Snohomish River Run
- Mukilteo Lighthouse Festival
- Edmonds Oktoberfest
- Swans Trail Farms Harvest Festival
- Port of Everett Haunted Harbor
- Stalker Farms Haunted Attraction
- Bob’s Corn & Pumpkin Farm Fall Festival
Winter
- Snohomish Winterfest
- Everett Wintertide
- Arlington Hometown Holidays
- Holiday Spark at the Evergreen State Fair Park
- Edmonds Holiday Markets
- Sky Valley Ho-Ho-Holiday Market Tour
- The Lights of Christmas in Stanwood (one of the best Christmas activities around Seattle!)
- Lynnwood Jingle Bell Craft Fair (one of the best holiday markets around Seattle!)
Get on the water
Given so many of the county’s towns are on the coast, one of the best things to do in Snohomish is to partake in water activities. Since getting a glimpse of orca whales near Seattle is on everyone’s bucket list, one option is to take a whale watching tour with Puget Sound Express. Tours depart from Edmonds and they also have your options for bird enthusiasts, including excursions to try and see adorable puffins!
Paddling is another one of the most popular things to do in Snohomish. You can rent kayaks and take them to Jetty Island in Everett or rent kayaks/SUPs at Lundeen Park on Lake Stevens with Whenever Watersports. I love how Whenever allows you to rent without a reservation, but rather you just scan a QR code to grab water crafts you can bring right into the water after paying.
For more thrills, you can even rent jet skis on Lake Stevens! If you want more of a river adventure, you can take a family-friendly rafting ride with Alpine Adventures on the Skykomish River. If you like fishing, there are also a ton of fishing opportunities in Snohomish County!
Experience Snohomish from above
Somehow Snohomish became one of the go-to destinations for getting up in the air. Hot air balloon rides with Balloon Depot and Snohomish Hot Air Balloon Rides are popular. You’ll likely see them floating around the county early in the morning or at sunset! I’ve done hot air ballooning a few times and each experience took my breath away. It’s gentle and great for families, couples, and thrill seekers alike.
Sky diving is another iconic Snohomish activity. I did this once in Australia and it is still one of the most memorable things I’ve ever done. The feeling of falling through a cloud is an out of body experience everyone should have at least once in their life.
Explore greater Snohomish County
Snohomish is so much more than its historic downtown area and nearby farms. The broader Snohomish County spans more than 2,000 square miles from the Cascade Mountains to the Puget Sound. It includes a bunch of adorable towns that make a lovely road trip from Seattle.
Here are some of my favorites, all of which you can get to from Seattle within 30-45 minutes!
Historic Everett
Everett is often called the “Goldilocks City” because it hits just right in so many regards. It’s not too big or too small. You’ll find stunning seaside charm alongside gritty-cool urban amenities like restaurants, bars, and cool shops.
It was originally planned to be an industrial city to serve the fishing and lumber mill industry, so there’s a lot of historic remnants throughout. You can dive into it with these self-guided history and art tours provided by the city.
Wandering downtown Everett is a must. It’s full of cool shops, yummy restaurants, and a great farmers market on Saturdays from May – October. Make sure you leave time for Funko HQ to check out the popular toymaker’s flagship store.
Then head to APEX Everett for a drink at punk rock El Sid, dinner at 16Eleven, and a show. The building used to be a Knights of Columbus but has since turned into a multi-use event space with a bunch of nooks and crannies to explore.
To see another side of Everett, head toward the waterfront to check out the marina. There are a bunch of cute restaurants and a boardwalk perfect for taking in the water views.
Some of my favorites include The Net Shed for casual sea shack fare and cook-at-home seafood, South Fork Baking Co. for sweets, and The Muse Whiskey & Coffee for drinks overlooking the water from a cool historic building.
In the summer you can also head to Jetty Island for some beach time. It’s only accessible by boat and the city offers a foot ferry July through Labor Day.
Artsy Edmonds
I’m a member of Driftwood Players community theater, so I find myself in Edmonds regularly. This charming town has a quaint Main Street full of local art galleries, shops, restaurants, and colorful murals.
They also host a Saturday farmers market and tons of events throughout the year featuring handmade artisan goods. So if you’re a fan of buying unique Pacific Northwest gifts, you’ll absolutely love Edmonds.
As you browse the shops, don’t miss my favorites:
- Graphite Arts Center – Part art gallery, part studio space for local artists
- Musicology – Local record store with a great selection of music
- Crow – Great selection of handmade goods from local artists
- Hoadley Gallery West – Well-curated art gallery featuring home goods
- Driftwood Modern – Mid-century modern vintage furniture and decor
- The Fox + Bottle – Cute women’s clothing store that’s also a wine bar
- Sunlight Gallery & Studio – Aesthetic gallery featuring Pacific Northwest art
If you need a break from shopping, head to Edmonds Waterfront Center and nearby beaches. It’s a great spot for people watching and catching the ferry to Kingston on the peninsula to explore Olympic National Park.
When you start feeling hungry, there are a ton of great restaurants in Edmonds. One of my favorite options is Charcoal, a seasonal American restaurant connected to Graphite Art Center. The last time I went we had a life-changing burrata with Korean flavors, a combo I’d never had before. It went perfectly with the well-cooked pork belly, steak, and roast chicken dishes we ordered.
If you want to cap off your night with a drink, head to Kelnero or Daphnes Bar for creative craft cocktails!
Gastronomic Lynnwood
Lynnwood is the heart of Snohomish County’s dining, shopping, and entertainment scene. It’s home to Alderwood Mall, where I take my nieces back-to-school shopping every year.
Just about every Big Box store you can think of has a Lynnwood location, so it’s a one-stop-shop for anything you may need. There’s also plenty to do after the stores close, like hit up a movie theater or check out Lynnwood Bowl & Skate.
Food is what Lynnwood is probably best known for. It’s a cultural melting pot with just about every cuisine represented. For example, you’ll find some of the best Mexican street tacos at Taqueria Pollo Asado, which is hidden inside a gas station convenience store.
There’s also a bunch of Black-owned restaurants serving comfort foods, such as Zuri’s Donutz which has turned just about any flavor you can think of into a delicious doughnut.
Lynnwood is probably best known for Asian food, particularly Korean. There are whole shopping centers dedicated to Korean cuisine.
One favorite is LUMI Dessert Cafe, which specializes in bingsu shaved ice topped high with ingredients like mango cheesecake, strawberry macha, and more.
It’s the perfect way to end the night after exploring some of the best Korean BBQ around Seattle, many of which are in Lynnwood. Some of my go-tos are Ka Won, Wuju, and Baekjeong. For non-BBQ Korean fare, don’t miss Bapmukja for irresistible rice cakes and kimbap!
If you need to touch some grass…er, well sand, head to Meadowdale Beach Park. It’s right on the coast and offers breathtaking water views after a 1.25-mile, dog-friendly walk through the woods (ADA parking closer to the beach available).
Picturesque Mukilteo
You’ve likely driven by the sign for Mukilteo on your way up I-5 North. I’m here to tell you it’s worth a detour.
Mukilteo is probably best known for the Mukilteo Ferry Terminal that takes you to Clinton on Whidbey Island and the Boeing Future of Flight and Flying Heritage & Combat Armor aviation museums, but there’s so much more to this small town.
The ferry terminal is near a walkable stretch of coastline with stunning water views. Start at Lighthouse Beach Park and take a historic audio tour to learn about the lighthouse, Indigenous art, and history of the now-popular beach park.
Then walk north through the ferry terminal toward Edgewater Beach Park, keeping an eye out for seals, herons, and whales as you take in the breathtaking scenery.
If you’re up for a detour through the forest, cross the train tracks near the ferry terminal and head to Japanese Gulch. It’s a beautiful ravine with a 3.5-mile loop hike and popular dog park.
Despite being a small town, Mukilteo has some hidden gem mom-and-pop restaurants. Hook & Cleaver is the most iconic, with water views and a creative menu of steaks and seafood. Don’t miss their desserts and famous prime rib with its almost BBQ-like bark that packs a ton of flavor.
If you’re in need of breakfast, head to Little Prague Bakery a block away for pastries and an incredibly-satisfying fried Czech dumpling and egg dish. You may recognize them because they are a regular at most of the Seattle farmers markets!
Quaint Sultan
I bet you’ve driven right through Sultan countless times without stopping. That’s a mistake, as this adorable small town is worth a pit stop before heading further into the Cascade Mountains along highway 2.
Sultan’s downtown main street has a few blocks filled with shops, restaurants, and history. For example, K8’s on Main has a huge selection of consignment fashion while Kiss the Sky Books is a funky new and used bookstore with stacks worth exploring. There’s also the Sultan Farmers Market on Saturdays May through September that invites local farms and makers to take over Sultan’s main street.
History lovers will want to stop at Sky Valley Visitors’s Center to learn more about the town’s rich history. Then take a few steps next door to the Sky Valley Historical Society Museum. This treasure-trove has displays of curated vintage memorabilia from locals that tell Sultan’s logging, farming, mining, banking, and criminal justice history.
When you get hungry, there are mom-and-pop restaurants ready to serve you. Sultan Bakery right on highway 2 is probably the most iconic spot. At any given time you’ll see a line of people forming to get their hands on homemade sweet rolls, pastries, and cake. Insiders know this is also the best pitstop for a quick breakfast before going on a nearby hike. Don’t miss the affordable burritos and breakfast sandwiches staying warm in the easy-to-miss case by the cashier.
For a meal worth lingering over, don’t miss Harvest Kitchen. This tiny space has a big outdoor patio where locals and guests alike can enjoy soups, salads, sandwiches, and super-addictive homemade lemonade. I’m obsessed with their chimichurri steak sando especially. Not only is the flavor incredible, but they cook and cut the steak just right so you can actually chew through the meat. For your side that comes with the sandwich, get the gooey mac and cheese. You’ll thank me later!
Happening Monroe
Like Sultan, Monroe is a town in Snohomish that people often drive right through on their way toward the mountains on highway 2. I was one of those people until I discovered Monroe’s historic downtown area. It has an unexpectedly-long main street full of shops an restaurants worth exploring for a few hours.
One of my favorite shops is The Monitor Mercantile, a colorful shop full of crafts from local artists and quirky imported vendors. There’s also Main St. Books Monroe for book lovers, Main Street Mountain Sports for outdoor gear, and Boyd Family Farm & Country Store for homemade foodie goods. While you shop, make sure to stop and linger over all the downtown public art!
Monroe is also known as an antique mecca for serious thrifters. Not only are there stores downtown like M&M Antiques and Collectibles, but the Evergreen State Park Fairgrounds regularly hosts antique shows throughout the year. For example, The Great Junk Hunt hosts at least one show a year in Monroe.
If you want to touch some grass without going deep into the Cascade Mountains, Monroe’s Al Borlin Park is a great option. This densely-wooded, 90-acre park has ~1.2 miles of trails that take you into clearings with barbecues and space for a picnic. You can also take it to the Skykomish River for water views and eagle spotting.
water-lovin’ Lake Stevens
If you want to find a place that feels like summer year round, head to Lake Stevens. Breathtaking homes line the shoreline and there are multiple parks and boat launch points inviting you to get on the water. Even if you don’t get on the water, there are a ton of events like movies in the park, a farmers market, and festivals throughout the year keeping the vibes immaculate.
You’ll likely work up an appetite after spending the day in the sun. For dinner, head to LJ’s Bistro & Bar for an excellent craft cocktail program and a creative new-American menu. The must get for me is always their steak. No matter the cut it’ll be perfectly cooked and served with irresistible sides like garlic mashed potatoes.
Where to stay in Snohomish
Thinking about making a weekend trip so you can explore all the best things to do in Snohomish? Here are some options.
Silver Cloud Hotel
link to book | area: Mukilteo (get directions) | price: ~$200-250/nt | best for: water views and location
Silver Cloud Hotel in Mukilteo is a great home base for exploring the broader Snohomish County. Their waterfront rooms are the perfect perch for watching the ferries glide back and forth. Plus it’s walking distance from the ferry terminal, so you can spend the day on Whidbey Island without bringing your car!
Guest scan expect comfortable rooms, complimentary breakfast, free parking, and Mukilteo attractions just steps from the hotel. This is the best place to stay if you want to explore Snohomish County’s coastal areas.
Treehouse Place at Deer Ridge
link to book | area: Snohomish (get directions) | price: starting at ~$300/nt | best for: romantic glamping escape | pet friendly
If you want a quieter place to stay that’s closer to Snohomish County’s farmland and hikes in the Cascade Mountains, Treehouse Place at Deer Ridge is the perfect option. You can choose between two different treehouses that include modern amenities like a soaker tub, wifi, comfortable bed, hot tub, and great views of the mountains in the distance.
Note that the ‘Ole Mill treehouse has an incinerating toilet. If that’s not your bag, book the Sasquatch Cabin!
More to do around Snohomish
Snohomish is perfectly positioned to explore the greater Seattle area, so check out my other guides after you experience all the best things to do in Snohomish!
