Edmonds was established platted and, named in by Canadian logger George Brackett in 1884, but the origin of its name is a topic of debate among locals. One legend has it that it’s a misspelling of the nearby Point Edmund, which was settled during an expedition in 1841.This location was renamed Point Edwards, which is now a residential area and park in Edmonds. The second legend is that Brackett was a supporter of Senator George Franklin Edmunds of Vermont and named the city after him. Depending on who you ask, either of these could be true!
Welcome to
Edmonds
Edmonds is a walkable waterfront town with inviting sandy beaches, stunning views, and engaging public art.
It is a charming coastal city with a walkable waterfront, inviting sandy beaches, and stunning views of the Salish Sea. When you’re here, expect whale watching, island hopping, scuba diving, engaging public art, and arguably the best seafood in the Pacific Northwest.
Trip Inspiration
Yes! The Edmonds Ferry Terminal carries passengers and vehicles across the Puget Sound to Kingston, which is on the Kitsap Peninsula. The ride is typically 20-30 minutes, and if you’re lucky you might see a whale or two on your journey across the Salish Sea. To learn more about the Washington State Ferries that operate in Snohomish County, check out our Northwest Ferry Adventure Guide.
Yes! Rainn Wilson, best known for his role as Dwight Schrute in “The Office,” grew up in Edmonds. Actress Anna Faris also spent part of her childhood here, and “Jeopardy” icon Ken Jennings was born here. Perhaps the most popular celeb who still roams the city (when he’s not traveling Europe) is travel writer Rick Steves, who has a travel center in downtown Edmonds.
The Edmonds Underwater Park is an underwater park and wildlife sanctuary, dedicated to helping the public identify underwater species and learn about conservation. It was founded in 1970 and offers classes and guided tours, but you’ll need to bring your own dry suit. Note: The underwater park is for experienced divers.
Edmonds is proud to boast the State of Washington's first Certified Creative District. The city received the designation in 2018 for its rich history in promoting and supporting the arts. Downtown Edmonds has a variety of theaters, museums, galleries, performing arts centers, boutiques, and public art displays – all within a walkable location. Learn more in our blog about the Edmonds Creative District.
Well, the answer is both. The Salish Sea is a large inland waterway that includes Puget Sound (in Washington), Strait of Georgia (in British Columbia), and Strait of Juan de Fuca (in WA and BC). Puget Sound is the southern portion of the Salish Sea. In the Greater Seattle Area, it’s common and acceptable to intermix both terms, but only when referring to the portion of the Salish Sea that encompasses Puget Sound. Additional note: The Salish Sea is named in honor of the indigenous Coast Salish peoples who have inhabited the surrounding land since time immemorial, and Puget Sound was named by Captain George Vancouver in 1792. Vancouver named the sound after the man who surveyed the area, Lieutenant Peter Puget.
