Discover Everett: Parks, Waterfront and Culture

Everett combines waterfront trails and parks with art, history and aviation. If you’re looking for a hotel, you can shape your stay around the things that interest you in the city: a walk by the water, a behind-the-scenes look at aircraft production or a glimpse of local history. The following places offer some specific ideas to get you started.

Parks, Trails and Silver Lake

The city’s park system includes nearly 1,000 acres of parkland. At Grand Ave Park, a pedestrian bridge leads to the waterfront. It can be reached on foot or by bicycle and is accessible according to ADA standards.

At Silver Lake, Hauge Homestead Park has two docks where small, non-motorized watercraft can be launched from shore. The park’s trail connects to the Silver Lake Loop Trail and continues to Green Lantern Park. Its trail runs along the east side of Silver Lake; information signs point out wildlife commonly seen in the area. This lake thus brings together water access, a trail connection and information about local wildlife.

South Everett Forest Preserve offers a different natural setting: this 15-acre wooded wilderness area lies in the city’s densely populated south. It provides a distinctive contrast within the urban environment. Everett’s parks therefore range from a lakeside trail to a wooded area in the southern part of the city.

Jetty Island and the Water

Jetty Island is a two-mile-long, man-made island that serves as a breakwater for the Port of Everett marina. The water at its shallow beach is comparatively warm because it is so shallow. A seasonal ferry for beachgoers transported passengers from the Port of Everett to Jetty Island; its 2026 operating dates were July 8 through September 6. Check the current seasonal schedule for a future trip.

Art, Local History and Events

The Van Valey House presents the history of the house and of the Van Valey and Morrow families who lived there. At Schack Art Center, visitors can create art inspired by the gallery exhibitions. The Gallery Store complements this art focus with a curated selection of handmade works by more than 200 local artists, including ceramics, glass, jewelry and prints.

The Historic Everett Waterfront interpretive program honors the heritage of the lumber and shingle industries, commercial fishing and boatbuilding. It covers the waterfront between 18th Street in the south and 10th Street along West Marine View Drive. Another piece of architectural history is the ornately designed Weyerhaeuser Office Building on the Everett waterfront: the Gothic Revival-style building was constructed in 1923 at the company’s first Everett mill.

Senator Henry M. Jackson Park also has a specific focus: its interpretive exhibits cover outdoor recreation, the environment and the legacy of Henry M. Jackson. The Everett Silvertips Hockey Club plays at Angel of the Winds Arena. When the “Tips” aren’t playing there, other sporting events such as motocross, gymnastics and curling, as well as concerts and performances, are often held.

Aviation and Hands-On Activities

The Boeing Everett Factory Tour offers a behind-the-scenes look at the factory and the assembly lines for the 777 and 777X. The guided experience lasts 80 minutes; from the factory gallery, participants get a look at current aircraft production. Participants must be at least 4 feet tall, or 48 inches (122 cm). The duration and height requirement are practical points to consider when planning this visit.

At Imagine Children’s Museum, activities for active play, role-play, makerspaces, water play, building challenges, early learning and seasonal experiences are spread across three floors and a rooftop area. Rooftop access is weather-dependent and may not be available during your visit. Together with Schack Art Center, the museum offers two different ways to get hands-on: practical art activities inspired by galleries, and a wide range of play and learning areas.

Whether you’d rather spend your time on trails and by the water, exploring art and history, or enjoying aviation and events, Everett offers a range of themes you can prioritize as you plan your trip.

Discover more destinations: Stanwood, Gold Bar, Marysville, Lynnwood, Mill Creek, Arlington, Mukilteo, Monroe.

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