Exploring everett like a local
By Jennifer Coleman
Everett, Washington is an All-American city with a one-of-a-kind personality. Everett is a mashup of the extraordinary and the offbeat - and definitely worth experiencing firsthand. Explore the scenic waterfront, or discover what the beautiful and historic downtown has to offer - from a fascinating trip to Funko, maker of the famous Funko Pop! figurines to many locally-owned boutiques, shops and restaurants. Craft beer lovers will be thrilled by the selection of local bars and breweries where you can have a drink and unwind.
With beautiful hotels, easy access to the waterfront, unique restaurants and easy connections to both I-5 and Hwy-2, Everett is a great launchpad for outdoor lovers, foodies and adventure seekers looking for the off-beat and extraordinary.
Here is a round-up of three distinctly different Everett experiences that should be on the top of your to-do list when you visit.
Jetty Island
Visiting the Jetty is a little like stepping back in time - there are no cars, no electricity, and no running water - so you’ll want to prepare accordingly.
Jetty Island is a two-mile-long, human-made island that acts as a ‘breakwater’ for the Everett Marina. Besides its functional purpose, it's also an excellent beach. True story, it’s probably one of Washington’s best beaches, and the shallow water is usually warm, making for comfortable wading and swimming. Since the sandy beaches stretch for over two miles, you’ll have plenty of space to spread out and have fun.
Jetty Island is open to anyone who can get there. Whether you have your own motorboat, kayak, canoe or paddle board, you can experience the island for some serious summer fun. Anytime is a good time to visit Everett’s Jetty Island, but if you can swing it, the best times are weekdays at low tide, when the beach is less crowded and the water warm as it comes back in from low tide.
Sink your toes in the sand at Jetty Island.
Go fly a kite! Jetty Island is the perfect place to launch.
Ferry schedule
During Jetty Island Days (July 5 - Labor Day), the 60-passenger ferry operates daily*. The ferry departs from Jetty Landing, adjacent to the boat launch at 10th Street and W. Marine View Drive. Available return time passes can be picked up on arrival at the Jetty.
- Wednesday & Thursday: 11 a.m. - 6:45 p.m.
- Friday & Saturday: 10 a.m. - 7:45 p.m.
- Sunday: 10 a.m. - 7:45 p.m.
Urban Explorations in Downtown Everett
You can’t miss the Funko building on the corner of California and Wetmore in downtown Everett. Funko's headquarters is adorned with giant figurines and is where the creations of innovators of licensed pop culture products are on full display. Funko designs, sources and distributes their highly collectible products that include vinyl figures, action toys, plush, apparel, housewares and accessories.
Plan a visit to tour the retail area on the ground floor - it is equal parts Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory/Disneyland-without-the-rides. There are giant replicas of Funko Pops everywhere in this location. Kids love the Funko flagship store for the larger-than-life Hagrid from Harry Potter, Frozen’s Elsa, and Luke Skywalker. It makes for a great photo op, for kiddos and kiddos at heart.
The Funko building is right in the heart of Downtown Everett, so after your tour you can walk within a two block radius to get great coffee, food or craft brews.
Discover Everett's street art scene.
Colorful displays brighten buildings in Everett.
Wide angle view capturing PNW themed mural.
Everett is a city of makers. This summer, artists from the local to the internationally renowned have brought their inspiration to the streets with new murals and exhibits of energetic street art. The world is a canvas for those who would boldly make their mark, and in downtown Everett, the fantastic results of street artists’ creative spirit are on display.
Everett's getting creative when it comes to safely enjoying the world of street art. At Schack Art Center, the American Graffiti Exhibit features an unprecedented collection of more than sixty large canvases, showcasing original work by the bold, pioneering artists that helped evolve the genre. A niche but vital aspect of America's art history is revealed in these energetic graffiti-style pieces recreated by the artists of icon works on subway walls, train cars and many other improvised canvases across the nation. Explore Everett's street art scene here: Visit Everett.
A Good Boy's Guide To Everett
If you can't imagine traveling without your best four-legged friend, don't worry! Everett is super accommodating to dogs and dog people with many hotels allowing pets. There are plenty of outdoor spaces for your pooch to run and play, along with dog-friendly businesses where you’ll both want to hang out.
The closest off leash dog park to the downtown area is Lowell Park - the perfect place where your pooch can really run amok! Let your dog romp and play with others in a large area enclosed by a chain link fence. It’s a good way to hang out, meet other “dog people,” and swap cute pet stories. The park also features gravel trails through wetlands as well as a long paved path beside the river, perfect for taking Fido on an extended stroll. The park supplies clean up bags and dog waste disposal bins for your convenience.
Howarth Park is arguably Everett’s most scenic beach park, featuring driftwood, big rocks, and sand - basically a built-in obstacle course for an energetic four-legged friend. You can, of course, go beach combing, but there is so much more to do. There are plenty of activities for a dog to do at Howarth including running, wading, rolling in seaweed and stinky starfish, and fetching wood in the waves.
Four-legged BFF's are welcome at The Independent Beer Bar!
Get the wiggles out at one of many outdoor spaces in Everett.
The Independent Beer Bar is one of Everett’s stellar craft beer bars and a beloved hangout among dogs and their owners. With dozens of beers, ciders and wines, shuffleboard, and lots of pups hanging out, you and Fido will have hours of fun together. Local tip: the Independent doesn’t serve food, but the Thai joint down the street will deliver. Ask the bartender for a menu.
