Everett is one of the largest cities in Washington state, with quite a few gems for curious visitors.
Everett was historically a mill town, which has contributed to its blue-collar vibe. It may not be as flashy as Seattle but don’t make the mistake of underestimating the City of Smokestacks. There are so many fun things to do in Everett!
Come for museums and sports, phenomenal beer, or to spend time exploring pretty parks with water views. Here are 18 of the best things to do in Everett, Washington!
18 Things to Do in Everett
Boeing Future of Flight
The Boeing Future of Flight is one of the best places to learn about Boeing’s prominent role in the Pacific Northwest. It’s located in Paine Field near the Boeing Everett Factory, an airplane assembly factory that’s the largest building in the world by volume.
The Boeing Future of Flight is a great place to learn about flight, aviation history, and aerospace. Visit the Sky Deck where you can watch aircraft take off and land at Paine Field. Learn about drones and robotics and watch a movie on the history of Boeing with staff on hand to answer all your questions. The Boeing Future of Flight also has plenty of interactive exhibits for curious kids.
As of Spring 2023, the Boeing Factory Tour is closed. Check the website before visiting to see updates on when this popular tour will reopen.
Brewery Hopping
Everett, WA has great craft breweries and tap rooms, which is why one of the best things to do in Everett is go brewery hopping! The hardest part is choosing where to start.
At Large Brewing is a must-visit brewery, with lots of space to accommodate groups and a focus on IPAs. The Independent Beer Bar in downtown Everett is popular with locals. This taproom has a good variety of local beers, is dog-friendly, and serves some seriously tasty dumplings.
Go to Crucible Brewing or Middleton Brewing in south Everett to hang with friendly locals and taste unique and unusual beers. Scuttlebutt is another can’t-miss spot with a brewpub on the waterfront and a smaller taproom near the Snohomish River.
Funko Everett
You really can’t miss the Funko Everett building downtown. This eye-catching shop is a godsend for collectors of Funko Pop figurines.
Visit to find all sorts of collectible characters from beloved movies, games, and shows. The store has spaces dedicated to Star Wars, Marvel, DC, Disney, and tons more. Come here if you’re trying to add to your Funko Pop collection or for adorable photo ops. The shop also has a custom Funko Pop machine you can use to make yourself into a Funko character.
Regardless of whether you’re a collector or not, take a moment to peek in the store. It’s just plain fun!
Funko Field
You don’t have to travel all the way to Seattle to watch a great baseball game! Watch the Everett Aquasox play at Funko Field. This minor league team has tons of promising rookies, and you can snag super affordable tickets to watch them play.
Funko Field is family-friendly, well-kept, and has good food. They have great entertainment options too including the Fun Zone, Kids Club, and an All-You-Can-Eat BBQ pre-game for groups of twenty or more.
If want a slightly more relaxed baseball experience than a Mariners game, this is a good place to go.
Angel of the Winds Arena
The Angel of the Winds Arena in downtown Everett is a multipurpose arena. The Everett Silvertips play here so hockey fans should check it out.
You can also watch ice skating performances like Disney on Ice, or catch a variety of concerts and shows.No need to worry if you get hungry while here either since they serve a good variety of reasonably priced food and drinks (for an arena, anyway!).
The arena is open to the public for ice skating year-round. Snag a good deal if you go during the week or late evenings on certain days.
Flying Heritage and Combat Museum
Visit the Flying Heritage and Combat Museum if you’re interested in vintage aircraft. This museum houses tons of restored aircraft and military equipment from World War 2. See it all up close, and chat with knowledgeable docents who will be happy to answer any of your questions.
The Flying Heritage and Combat Museum is in south Everett at Paine Field. Visitors can take a self-guided or guided tour, and, if you’re lucky, you just might catch a flying demonstration. After being closed for several years due to the pandemic, the Museum will reopen again in May 2023.
Howarth Park
Howarth Park is one of the prettiest places in Everett. This west-facing beach park is great for beachcombers and has an off-leash area for dogs. There are also tennis courts and a playground for kids. Go to Howarth Park to see pretty views of the Olympic Mountains across the water, and catch sunsets that are equally as gorgeous.
Since the park is tucked away in a residential neighborhood, it feels like a hidden gem. If you want to go somewhere peaceful where you can enjoy the beach in Everett with fewer crowds, this is the spot to be.
Imagine Children’s Museum
Check out the Imagine Children’s Museum if you’re visiting Everett with kids and looking for a place where they can burn off their energy! This huge, top-rated play space is conveniently downtown and will keep little ones entertained for hours. The museum has tons of interactive exhibits to stimulate young imaginations.
Kids love the WaterWorks Room, exploring and reading in the Treehouse, and putting on performances in the theater. Best of all, the museum has a rooftop playground, which is perfect for running around on warm and sunny days.
Schack Art Center
Art lovers, don’t miss the Schack Art Center in downtown Everett. This immersive art center has displays by local artists and art for purchase. They also offer art classes for those wanting to improve or learn new skills. Take classes on ceramics, glass-blowing, silver-smithing, and much more.
You’ll see stunning contemporary art displays nearly everywhere you look in Schack Art Center. One of the art center’s biggest draws, however, is the public glassblowing. You can watch glass artists for free while they work on a variety of creations. If you want to support the vibrant artist community in Everett, this is the best place to go.
Grand Avenue Park
Grand Avenue Park is another good spot for water views in Everett. Walk a well-paved path or stop to rest and read at one of many benches at this narrow, 5-acre park. A pedestrian bridge takes visitors to the marina where you can look at the boats or watch the sunset.
If you’re dining at any of the nearby waterfront restaurants, check out Grand Avenue Park for a pre or post-dinner walk. Just keep in mind, this is primarily a park for walking so there are no restrooms and there is no playground for kids.
The Everett Farmers Market
Everett, WA has an excellent farmers market. You’ll find the usual farmers market fare: colorful flowers, fresh produce, seafood, and meat from local farms. Make sure to stock up on whatever looks good for snacks or to make a great dinner. In addition to farm-fresh goods, there is hot food, and arts and crafts made by talented artisans.
The farmers market is seasonal. It runs every Sunday morning from May to October. If you’re planning an Everett day trip, I highly recommend hitting up the Everett Farmers Market. Find some goodies here first before visiting some of the other spots on this list.
Legion Memorial Park
Legion Memorial Park is a large city park in North Everett with plenty of green space. It has picnic tables, a playground for kids, and clean restrooms. As with nearly all of Everett’s best parks, you can soak in waterfront views here. Come to see fireworks on the Fourth of July, or play tennis, basketball, or baseball in the recreation areas.
This well-maintained park is popular with families, and it’s just north of the Evergreen Arboretum and Gardens. Legion Memorial Park is a great place to hang out, whether you’re having a family BBQ or a romantic picnic with a partner.
Evergreen Arboretum & Gardens
Don’t miss out on the Evergreen Arboretum & Gardens on your visit to Everett, Washington! It’s right next to Legion Memorial Park and it may be small, but it’s mighty. There are so many plants to admire while you wander through this free Everett attraction.
Get your camera ready because you’ll want to take plenty of photos of the plants, sculptures, and fountains throughout. Check out the Northwest Native Plant trail. Wander among vibrant Japanese maples in the Fall. Spring is a great time to visit if you want to be surrounded by blooming flowers. Come in December during the Wintertide Lights to see how the gardeners keep things festive.
Jetty Island
Summertime visits to Everett basically necessitate a trip to Jetty Island. From July to September, a ferry will take visitors to this island just minutes from Everett’s marina.
If you like sunbathing, swimming, kitesurfing, or playing in the sand you’re in luck. Jetty Island is a sandy beach (the longest one in Puget Sound) that feels like a hidden little paradise. The ferry to get to the island costs $3, or you can go any time of the year if you have your own boat.
Keep in mind that there are no concessions or food on the island, so you’ll need to bring all of your own gear. Make sure you have plenty of water, snacks, towels, beach chairs, umbrellas, and anything else you need to make the trip enjoyable.
Boxcar Park
Boxcar Park is a quaint little park near downtown Everett’s waterfront. It has a tiny beach and a big grassy area to lay out a picnic. There’s plenty of space for kids and dogs to run around.
Kite flying is a popular activity at this windy park. In the summer, there are often outdoor movies, concerts, and other community events at Boxcar. This is a very laidback park that’s great for people of all ages, so come to people-watch, destress, or simply relax after a day of exploring Everett’s many gems.
Cafe Makario
One of the cutest places to grab a coffee in Everett is Cafe Makario. This downtown Everett spot serves fun and pretty drinks that look (almost) too good to sip! The interior is bright and trendy, and the drink list is extensive.
Try the Einspanner (an espresso topped with cool whipped cream) or the butterfly pea tea, two popular choices. Do not skip out on the delightful waffles, sandwiches, or chocolate croissants. The service at Cafe Makario is top-notch and everything is lovingly crafted. This makes it another perfect place to start your day in Everett.
Touba Bakery
Touba Bakery is an awesome, under-the-radar French Bakery in South Everett. My warning to you is this: if you come with an empty stomach, you’ll be tempted to buy just about everything they have!
Papa Seck, the bakery owner, is delightful and his pastries are incredible. Order buttery and flaky croissants, perfect fruit tarts, and delicious canneles. Touba also has bread you can stock up on for sandwiches, savory pastry options, and tasty coffee.
Brooklyn Bros Pizzeria
There’s a reason Brooklyn Bros Pizza is a local favorite. This restaurant makes phenomenal New York-style pies. They have perfectly seasoned sauce, a thin, crispy crust, and a ton of topping options.
It’s right across the street from the Angel of Winds arena, so stop here before or after a hockey game for a delicious meal (just prepare for crowds if you do!).
In addition to whole pies, the Pizzeria offers pizza by the slice. So it’s convenient if you want to try a couple of different flavors or just need a quick lunch. While Brooklyn Bros Pizzeria doesn’t have the cheapest pizza in the area, it is arguably the best, and the prices reflect that.
–
There you have it! There are so many awesome things to do in Everett, Washington, so don’t underestimate this city. Whatever you choose, you’re sure to have a great time exploring the City of Smokestacks.