Edmonds
Along the Puget Sound waterfront are beaches, a marina and a public fishing pier. The Olympic Mountains provide a distant backdrop. More than a dozen colorful murals decorate the exterior walls of downtown buildings along Main Street and on cross streets from the waterfront to Fifth Avenue; they depict the city's beautiful natural setting, history and people. The strollable downtown features vintage street lamps, quaint cafes and boutiques.
Just north of the ferry dock is Brackett's Landing Beach, where scuba divers take advantage of Edmonds Underwater Park, a 27-acre underwater dive park. Washington State Ferries provide frequent daily service to Kingston; phone (206) 464-6400, or (888) 808-7977 in Wash.
A Taste of Edmonds, a 3-day festival occurring the second weekend in August, is a great way to celebrate summer in this waterfront city. There are three stages for live entertainment—the Main Stage, the Beer Garden Stage and the Kids Stage—plus art and craft booths, food vendors, beer and wine gardens and kiddie rides. The festivities take place at Civic Playfield, 310 6th Ave. N.
Visitor Centers
Edmonds Visitors Center: 121 5th Ave. N. Edmonds, WA 98020. Phone:(425)776-6711
Shopping
Art galleries, antique shops, specialty stores and restaurants cluster along Main Street in downtown Edmonds. A Summer Market is held Saturdays 9-3, late June to early October, at 5th and Main streets.