Make Edmonds Your Base Camp for a Salish Sea Adventure

The coastal city of Edmonds, Washington is one of Snohomish County’s premier destinations for embarking on a Salish Sea adventure of Puget Sound. Downtown Edmonds offers great options for dining and shopping, unique lodging experiences, and it features the State of Washington’s first Certified Creative District.

The Puget Sound is a truly remarkable body of water. It's an inland waterway entwined in the salt waters of the Pacific Ocean and the fresh-water watersheds flowing into the greater Salish Sea. Expect whale watching, island hopping, scuba diving, and arguably the best seafood in the Pacific Northwest.

Along the eastern shores of Puget Sound lies Edmonds, a walkable waterfront and small-city downtown with great options for dining, shopping, and lodging. It also boasts a thriving arts scene. Whether you plan to explore Puget Sound by ferry, kayak, wetsuit, or whaler, make Edmonds your base camp for an adventure on the Salish Sea.

Things to do in Edmonds

Downtown shopping – A seaside shopping experience with one-of-a-kind goods from local retailers

Downtown Edmonds is a shopper’s paradise for those who prefer quality goods you won’t find in a big box store. Its storefronts are lined with endless boutiques and galleries, all within walking distance of one another. Whether you’re in search of a unique treasure or you just like to shop, Edmonds is a great place to expand your retail exploration. Some of our favorites include The Curious Nest, HouseWares, and Musicology Co.

Edmonds Creative District – An artistic synergy worthy of an official Creative District designation

Art is, quite simply, in the DNA of Edmonds. It seems that everyone you meet here is a sculptor, a muralist, a musician, or just returning from a trip to the kiln. Artists living in close proximity inspire one another and create a culture of originality that is palpable. That all being said, it’s probably no surprise that Edmonds is proud to hold the state’s first Creative District. Some of our favorite creative venues in Edmonds include Edmonds Center for the Arts, Cascadia Art Museum, and Graphite Arts Center.

Lodging in Edmonds


Best Western Plus Edmonds Harbor Inn – A seaside hotel with an exceptional reputation

If you’re looking for a reputable hotel with world-class service right in the heart of Edmonds, look no further than Best Western Plus Edmonds Harbor Inn. This hotel is walkable to all the best amenities and activities the city has to offer, including the Edmonds Center for the Arts, the Edmonds Ferry Terminal, and all the shopping and dining you could ever want. It’s a favorite of honeymooners, outdoor lovers, and business travelers alike — and it’s the perfect place to open up shop while you explore the wonders of the Salish Sea.

Best Western Plus Edmonds Harbor Inn
130 W Dayton Street

Main Street Retreat – Enjoy solitude and a view without leaving the city

Get some peace and quiet without leaving the city with a stay at the Main Street Retreat. This modern 5-bedroom vacation rental features multiple living rooms, a game room, a large backyard with a fire pit and a barbecue, a private deck with a view, and a host of quality amenities. The retreat is situated near a trail and a pond for added solitude. And it’s only a short jaunt from the Edmonds waterfront. It’s the kind of place you’ll find yourself booking for multiple trips.

Main Street Retreat
See rental listing for more information

Did you know?

The ferry routes that run in Snohomish County (via the Edmonds and Mukilteo ferry terminals) are part of the largest ferry operating system in the US and second largest in the world? These routes are part of Washington State Ferries, which run 21 ferries on 19 routes across Puget Sound and greater Salish Sea. Learn more about the Snohomish County ferry routes in our Northwest Ferry Adventure Guide.

Dining and drinking in Edmonds

Salish Sea Brewing – Locally brewed craft beer and food just steps from the banks of the Salish Sea

With all there is to do, see, and taste in Edmonds, your trip would not be complete without a stop for a pint at the Salish Sea Brewing. This popular brewpub offers a large selection of local craft beers on tap and a full food menu for lunch and dinner. All the beer served at the brewpub is brewed in-house at its Salish Boathouse Taproom, located in Harbor Square and just blocks from the brewpub. Cheers!

Salish Sea Brewing
518 Dayton St

Salt & Iron – Surf and turf dishes that with a signature PNW flair

Salt & Iron specializes in seafood (salt), steak (iron), and Pacific Northwest cuisine. Dive into one of the famous seafood pots filled with jumbo shrimp, clams, and mussels, sausage, and veggies – all covered in a savory white wine butter sauce. Or try a boneless ribeye cooked to perfection and served with a red wine demi-glace. Salt & Iron even has a vegan menu if that’s more your style.

Salt & Iron
321 Main Street

SanKai – Fresh sushi from a world-class chef



Sushi master Ryuichi Nakano’s sushi bar serves world-class sushi in downtown Edmonds. Sit down in SanKai’s cozy wooden interior or heated patio to enjoy fresh sushi, sashimi, and nigiri. Can’t decide what to order? Leave it to the experts and order one of three omakase (chef’s choice) platters filled with the day’s freshest fish.

SanKai 111
4th Ave North


Ready to explore all that Edmonds, WA has to offer as your base camp for an adventure on the Salish Sea? Visit our website to discover all the things you’ll need to know for a visit to Edmonds.

Nick Shekeryk

Nick Shekeryk