Discover Edmonds: Coast, Nature, and Culture

Edmonds has one mile of coastline and 47 parks and open spaces. This gives visitors a range of ways to enjoy a stay, from tidal landscapes and birdwatching to cultural history and seasonal events. The natural environment is especially evident at Edmonds Marsh, one of the few urban, tidally influenced saltwater estuaries in the Puget Sound region. The marsh is home to up to 90 bird species over the course of the year.

Coast and Nature Watching

The Edmonds Marsh Interpretive Walkway includes more than 300 feet of boardwalk and is used by birdwatchers and the public. Edmonds ranger-naturalists lead educational interpretive programs there. Birdwatching and guided nature interpretation are thus offered as distinct areas of focus. The figure of up to 90 bird species refers to the course of the year, not a single snapshot.

Edmonds’ parks with natural habitats offer opportunities for exploration, education, and wildlife viewing. This gives you different ways to experience nature during your stay: the marsh, with its distinct estuary and birdlife, as well as the broader opportunities offered by the parks. The coastline and the number of parks and open spaces provide a wider setting for the destination’s landscapes.

Marine Protection and Species Information

Edmonds Underwater Park focuses on the marine environment. It is a marine sanctuary and bird sanctuary, established as a protected area in 1970. The park provides information to help identify fish, invertebrates, plants, marine mammals, and birds; photographs and scientific descriptions complement this information. Along with wildlife viewing, identifying and learning about different groups of organisms is another nature-focused activity.

The different focuses of the nature offerings are easy to compare: the marsh highlights the estuary, birdwatching, and interpretive programs, while Underwater Park adds a focus on protected areas and species identification information. As you weigh your interests for your stay, you can distinguish between birdwatching and learning about a wider range of species.

Cultural History and Seasonal Market

Edmonds is Washington’s first certified Creative District. Its history also reaches far back: the Coast Salish used the area of Edmonds, including Edmonds Marsh, as a fishing village. Fishing, gathering shellfish, and harvesting plants provided a livelihood; the plants were used to make clothing, mats, and baskets. The history thus encompasses both gathering food and using plants to make practical items.

The Edmonds Museum Summer Market takes place annually and features fresh produce, handmade crafts, artwork, and food. Specific dates and hours vary by season; check them if you plan to include the market in your trip.

Ferry Service and Practical Information

The Edmonds Ferry Terminal carries passengers and vehicles across Puget Sound to Kingston on the Kitsap Peninsula. If this crossing is part of your trip, check current service conditions before traveling. Edmonds also has a walkable waterfront promenade.

The Edmonds Historical Museum facility meets certified ADA accessibility requirements. Check the museum’s current visitor information before your visit. It is also helpful for planning to distinguish between time-dependent and ongoing considerations: dates and hours for the Summer Market vary by season, and you should check ferry service conditions for your travel dates.

Explore more destinations: Index, Monroe, Lake Stevens, Everett, Granite Falls, Gold Bar, Arlington, Lynnwood

Return to the main travel overview: Snohomish.