Seattle & the Pacific Northwest

July 1 - 9, 2026
Nathalie, Mei-Ye & Katy 9 Days / 8 Nights Base: Edmonds, WA
Pike Place Market Chihuly Glass Mt. Rainier Boeing Factory Vancouver Day Trip July 4th Fireworks Family Visit
Pike Place Market Space Needle Pacific Northwest Nature

Must-Do Recommendations

Tier 1: Do Not Miss

Pike Place Market

All Three Free entry (food $) 2-3 hours 25 min from Edmonds

Iconic market. Fish tossing, flowers, local food, the original Starbucks, and the famous Gum Wall. Go early (by 9am) on a weekday for fewer crowds. Park in the Market garage ($13 before 9am).

85 Pike St, Seattle, WA 98101

Seattle Waterfront & Waterfront Park

All Three Free 1.5-2 hours 25 min from Edmonds

Massively renovated 20-acre park, fully open 2025-2026. New Pier 58 playground, Overlook Walk connecting to Pike Place, Habitat Beach. Beautiful for all three of you. Plenty of benches for Mei-Ye.

1301 Alaskan Way, Seattle, WA 98101

Chihuly Garden and Glass

All Three Adult $35-43 | Youth (5-12) $30-38 | Senior $30-38 1-1.5 hours 25 min from Edmonds

Stunning glass art by Dale Chihuly. Universally loved, not a tourist trap. Even Nathalie will be wowed by the 100-foot suspended glass sculpture. Indoor and accessible -- perfect for Mei-Ye. Combo with Space Needle saves ~$15.

305 Harrison St, Seattle, WA 98109

Edmonds-Kingston Ferry

All Three Car + driver ~$15 | Adult passenger $9.75 | Senior $4.90 (westbound only) Half day (3-4 hours round trip) 5 min to Edmonds terminal

Drive onto ferry, 30 min each way. Beautiful Puget Sound views. Explore Kingston's charming waterfront. Return ferry is free.

Edmonds Ferry Terminal, 451 Admiral Way, Edmonds, WA 98020

July 4th Fireworks at Gas Works Park

Family Day Free Evening event (arrive 3-4pm) 25 min from Edmonds

Major fireworks over Lake Union, free viewing from Gas Works Park. Arrive early (3-4pm) to claim a spot. Pack picnic, blankets, lawn chairs. Fireworks start ~10:15pm. It stays light until ~9pm in July!

2101 N Northlake Way, Seattle, WA 98103

Vancouver BC Day Trip

All Three Gas + tolls + food (~$120-180 total) Full day trip 2.5-4 hrs each way (incl. border)

Day trip to Vancouver! Stanley Park, Granville Island, incredible Asian food (especially for Mei-Ye). Richmond has an enormous Chinese/Taiwanese community -- Mei-Ye will feel right at home. Everyone needs a valid passport. Nathalie's Belgian passport is visa-exempt for land crossing.

Mt. Rainier National Park (Paradise)

Katy + Nathalie $30/vehicle (cashless) | $15/person walk-in Full day (5+ hours on-site) 2.5 hrs from Edmonds

Spectacular volcanic peak, stunning alpine meadows at Paradise. Only worth it on a clear day when the mountain is visible -- check webcams morning-of at nps.gov/mora. Skyline Trail loop is incredible. Best for Katy + Nathalie while Mei-Ye has family time. Park is CASHLESS -- cards only.

Paradise Area, Mt. Rainier National Park, Ashford, WA 98304

Boeing Everett Factory Tour

All Three Adult ~$25 | Youth (under 16 w/ adult) ~$15 | Senior ~$22 2-3 hours (80-min guided tour) 20 min from Edmonds

See inside the world's largest building where Boeing 777/777X jets are assembled! 80-minute guided tour from the factory balcony. Only 20 min from your hotel. Minimum height 122cm (4 feet). No cameras/phones/bags on tour (free lockers). Tickets sell out -- book in advance! Call (800) 464-1476.

8415 Paine Field Blvd, Mukilteo, WA 98275
Tier 2: Strongly Recommended

Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP)

Nathalie Adult $33-38 | Youth (5-17) $22-26 | Senior $30-34 2-3 hours 25 min from Edmonds

Music, sci-fi, video games, horror, fashion exhibits. Nathalie will love this. The Frank Gehry building itself is wild. Located at Seattle Center next to the Space Needle.

325 5th Ave N, Seattle, WA 98109

Snoqualmie Falls

All Three Free (free parking) 30-60 minutes 40 min from Edmonds

268-foot waterfall with an easy viewing platform. Mei-Ye-friendly -- short walk from parking, benches at the overlook. Can combine with Leavenworth or a hike at Rattlesnake Ledge.

6501 Railroad Ave SE, Snoqualmie, WA 98065

Ballard Locks (Hiram M. Chittenden)

All Three Free 1-2 hours 20 min from Edmonds

Watch boats transit between salt and fresh water. Fish ladder viewing window (salmon!). Free guided tours daily in summer. Mei-Ye can sit and watch comfortably at covered viewing areas.

3015 NW 54th St, Seattle, WA 98107

Space Needle

All Three Adult $38-49 | Youth (5-12) $32-40 | Senior $34-44 1-1.5 hours 25 min from Edmonds

Worth doing once as first-time visitors. Best at sunset for golden hour views. Buy combo with Chihuly ($69) to save. CityPASS includes day/night visits within 24 hours.

400 Broad St, Seattle, WA 98109

Golden Gardens Park

All Three Free 1-2 hours 15 min from Edmonds

Sandy beach, mountain views, fire pits, tidepools. Gorgeous sunset spot. Free parking. Great for a relaxed evening with Puget Sound views.

8498 Seaview Pl NW, Seattle, WA 98117
Tier 3: If Time Permits

Leavenworth

All Three Free to walk (food $) 2-3 hours 2.5 hrs from Edmonds

Cute Bavarian-themed village. Good for a half-day stroll with bratwurst and pretzels. Warning: can hit 90-100F in July! Combine with Snoqualmie Falls on the drive.

940 Hwy 2, Leavenworth, WA 98826

Whatcom Falls Park (Bellingham)

All Three Free 1-2 hours 1.5 hrs north of Edmonds

Beautiful waterfall and park in Bellingham, about 1.5 hours north of Edmonds. Very senior-friendly with paved paths and benches near the falls. Less crowded than Snoqualmie Falls. Could combine with a stop on the way to/from Vancouver.

1401 Electric Ave, Bellingham, WA 98229

San Juan Islands

Katy + Nathalie Ferry walk-on ~$15/person Full day (long travel) 1.5 hrs to Anacortes + 1hr ferry

Whale watching, Friday Harbor charm. But it's a LONG day: 1.5hr drive + 1hr ferry each way. Better as an overnight, but could work as a very long day trip.

Whidbey Island

All Three Ferry walk-on ~$9/person Half to full day 15 min to Mukilteo ferry

Quaint towns (Langley, Coupeville), Deception Pass bridge. Reach via Mukilteo ferry (15 min from Edmonds). A quieter alternative to the San Juans.

Money Saver: Seattle CityPASS -- $139 adult / $119 child (5-12)
Nathalie at 14 pays adult price. Includes 5 attractions: Space Needle (day + night visit!) + Seattle Aquarium + pick 3 of Chihuly, MoPOP, Argosy Cruise, Zoo, Pacific Science Center. Valid for 9 consecutive days -- perfect for your trip. Worth it if you do 3+ included attractions.
citypass.com/seattle
TeenTix for Nathalie (FREE!)
Ages 13-19 get $5 day-of tickets at 75+ partner organizations (museums, theaters, concerts). Sign up at teentix.org before the trip. Just show digital pass on phone.

Day-by-Day Itinerary

This is flexible -- swap days as needed. Family days marked in blue. Click each day to expand.

Day 1: Tue, July 1 -- Arrive & Explore Edmonds

Morning / Afternoon

  • JetBlue B6 397 arrives SEA 10:33am PT.
  • Pick up Avis rental car at airport (~11am).
  • Drive to Best Western Plus Edmonds Harbour Inn (35 min). Check-in at 3pm.
  • Walk Edmonds waterfront boardwalk (2.2 miles, flat, Mei-Ye friendly).

Evening

  • Dinner at Salt & Iron (upscale PNW, 320 Railroad Ave, Edmonds) or Rory's of Edmonds (casual, deck overlooking beach, 102 Railroad Ave, Edmonds).
  • Early night to recover from travel.
View Route on Google Maps
Day 2: Wed, July 2 -- Family Day Family
Day with extended family! Flexible day -- enjoy time with relatives. Here are some family-friendly suggestions:

Suggested Activities

  • Ballard Locks -- watch boats, salmon ladder, free tours. 20 min from Edmonds. 3015 NW 54th St, Seattle. Free. 1-2 hrs.
  • Golden Gardens Park -- beach, sunset views. 15 min from Edmonds. 8498 Seaview Pl NW, Seattle. Free. 1-2 hrs.
  • International District dinner -- Jade Garden dim sum (424 7th Ave S) or Dough Zone soup dumplings (504 5th Ave S).
  • Or simply: family gathering at the Kuo Residence in Edmonds.
Day 3: Thu, July 3 -- Seattle Downtown (Our Day!)
Pack it with the best of Seattle! This is our day to hit all the iconic spots.

Morning (9am-12pm)

  • Pike Place Market by 9am. Fish tossing, Gum Wall, first Starbucks. Park in Market garage ($13 before 9am). 85 Pike St, Seattle, WA 98101. Free entry. 2-3 hrs.
  • Walk to new Waterfront Park via Overlook Walk. 1301 Alaskan Way, Seattle, WA 98101. Free. 30-60 min.

Afternoon (1pm-4pm)

  • Drive/bus to Seattle Center. Space Needle -- 360-degree views of Seattle, Puget Sound, and Mt. Rainier. 400 Broad St, Seattle, WA 98109. Adult $38-49, Youth $32-40, Senior $34-44. 1-1.5 hrs.
  • Chihuly Garden and Glass -- right next to Space Needle! 305 Harrison St, Seattle, WA 98109. Adult $35-43, Youth $30-38, Senior $30-38. 1-1.5 hrs. Buy combo with Space Needle ($69) to save ~$15.

Late Afternoon (4pm-6pm)

  • Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP) -- also at Seattle Center. Music, sci-fi, gaming, fashion. Nathalie will love it. 325 5th Ave N, Seattle, WA 98109. Adult $33-38, Youth $22-26, Senior $30-34. 2-3 hrs.

Evening

  • Fremont neighborhood for dinner -- see the Fremont Troll (3505 Troll Ave N, under Aurora Bridge, free). Quirky shops, great food.
View Full Day Route on Google Maps
Day 4: Fri, July 4 -- Kingston Ferry (Cousin's Plan) Family
This day is organized by cousin!

Morning

  • 10:00am: Drive onto Edmonds-Kingston ferry (30-min crossing). Edmonds Ferry Terminal, 451 Admiral Way, Edmonds, WA 98020. Car + driver ~$15, passengers ~$9.75 each (westbound only).
  • 11:00am: Mike Wallace Park -- flat waterfront park, watch boats. 25889 Washington Blvd NE, Kingston, WA 98346. Free.

Midday

  • 12:00pm: Lunch at The Kingston Ale House (1-2 min walk from park). 25150 Washington Blvd NE, Kingston, WA 98346. $$.

Afternoon

  • 1:30pm: Browse waterfront shops near The Saucy Sailor.
  • 3:00pm: Ferry back to Edmonds.

Evening (Optional)

  • July 4th fireworks! Options: Gas Works Park (Lake Union, arrive by 3-4pm -- 2101 N Northlake Way, Seattle, WA 98103, free) or Bellevue Family 4th (less crowded, fireworks synced to youth symphony).
  • Note: Uncle doesn't want to overnight elsewhere, so plan to return to Edmonds the same night.
Day 5: Sat, July 5 -- Bainbridge Island (Cousin's Plan) Family
This day is organized by cousin! Drive to Winslow / Bainbridge Island via Agate Pass Bridge (~45-50 min from Edmonds).

Morning

  • 10:00am: Drive to Bainbridge Island via Agate Pass Bridge (~45-50 min).
  • 11:00am: Bloedel Reserve -- beautiful gardens and forest. Check for golf cart accessibility for Mei-Ye. 7571 NE Dolphin Dr, Bainbridge Island, WA 98110. Adult $20, Senior $15, Youth $8. 1.5-2 hrs. bloedelreserve.org

Afternoon

  • 1:00pm: Lunch at Doc's Marina Grill -- harbour views, fresh seafood. 403 Madison Ave S, Bainbridge Island, WA 98110. $$-$$$.
  • 2:30pm: Bainbridge Island Museum of Art (BIMA) -- fully accessible, air-conditioned. Free admission. 550 Winslow Way E, Bainbridge Island, WA 98110. Free. 1-1.5 hrs.
  • 4:00pm: Browse Winslow Way shops or stop at Blackbird Bakery (210 Winslow Way E). Then drive back to Edmonds.
Day 6: Sun, July 6 -- Boeing + Snoqualmie Falls
Cousins leave for California. Our day!

Morning

  • Boeing Factory Tour, Everett (20 min from Edmonds). 80-min guided tour. Book in advance! 8415 Paine Field Blvd, Mukilteo, WA 98275. Adult ~$25, Youth ~$15, Senior ~$22. 2-3 hrs total. Call (800) 464-1476.
  • No electronics allowed on tour, free lockers provided. Min height 122cm (4 feet).

Afternoon

  • Drive to Snoqualmie Falls (40 min from Boeing). 268-foot waterfall, easy viewing platform, Mei-Ye friendly. Free. 6501 Railroad Ave SE, Snoqualmie, WA 98065. 30-60 min.
  • Optional: If energy permits, continue to Leavenworth (1.5 hrs from Snoqualmie) -- Bavarian village. WARNING: can be 90-100F in July.

Evening

  • Relaxed dinner in Edmonds.
View Route on Google Maps (Boeing to Snoqualmie)
Day 7: Mon, July 7 -- Vancouver Day Trip

Early Morning

  • Depart Edmonds early (7-8am). Drive I-5 North to Peace Arch border crossing.
  • Drive time: 2.5 hrs without border; allow 3.5-4 hrs total.
Border Tips:
All passports ready. Nathalie's Belgian passport is visa-exempt for land crossing into Canada. Check wait times at bwt.cbp.gov. Gas up in the US before crossing -- Canadian gas is much more expensive.

Morning / Lunch

  • Stanley Park -- drive to viewpoints (Prospect Point, Third Beach), walk short section of seawall near totem poles. Stanley Park, Vancouver, BC. Free (parking ~$3.50 CAD/hr). 1.5-2 hrs.
  • Granville Island Public Market for lunch. 1661 Duranleau St, Vancouver, BC. Free entry, lunch ~$15-25 CAD/person. 1.5-2 hrs.

Afternoon

  • Richmond (Aberdeen Centre) for Asian food -- Mei-Ye will love the food court with authentic Taiwanese/Chinese options. 4151 Hazelbridge Way, Richmond, BC V6X 4J7. Food court meals ~$10-15 CAD/person. 1-2 hrs.
  • OR: Gastown / Chinatown walking in downtown Vancouver.
  • Head back by 3-4pm to avoid evening border rush.
Budget estimate: $120-180 total (gas + food + minor activities for 3 people).
View Full Round-Trip Route on Google Maps
Day 8: Tue, July 8 -- Mt. Rainier
Long day: 2.5 hours each way from Edmonds. Best for Katy + Nathalie. Mei-Ye may prefer to stay with family or do a gentle day.

Katy + Nathalie: Mt. Rainier

  • Drive to Paradise visitor center at Mt. Rainier National Park. Paradise Area, Mt. Rainier National Park, Ashford, WA 98304.
  • Hike Skyline Trail (5.5 mi loop, moderate) or shorter Nisqually Vista Trail (1.2 mi, easy, wildflower views).
  • $30/vehicle park entry. The park is CASHLESS -- cards only.
  • Check weather/visibility before going -- only worth it on a clear day. Check webcam at nps.gov/mora.
  • Pack lunch, water, layers (altitude = cooler temps).
  • Return to Edmonds by evening. Farewell dinner.

Alternative Mei-Ye Day Plan

  • If Mei-Ye doesn't go to Rainier, she can spend the day with family at the Kuo Residence.
  • Or: visit Ballard Locks (3015 NW 54th St, Seattle, free, 1-2 hrs) or explore the International District for shopping and food (Chinatown, Seattle).
View Route on Google Maps
Day 9: Wed, July 9 -- Family + Departure Family
Full day available -- flight not until 11:15pm!

Morning

  • Check out was at 11am so bags already in car.
  • Last walk on Edmonds waterfront or Edmonds Farmers Market (check if running on Wednesday).

Afternoon

  • Spend day with family at Kuo Residence or Edmonds area.

Evening / Departure

  • Head to SEA-TAC around 8:30-9pm (35 min drive).
  • Return Avis rental car.
  • Delta DL 473 departs 11:15pm PT, arrives BOS 7:35am ET (+1 day).
View Route on Google Maps

Activities by Audience

All Three Nathalie + Mei-Ye + Katy

  • Pike Place Market -- walking pace adjustable, plenty of places to sit
  • Chihuly Garden and Glass -- indoor, accessible, stunning
  • Edmonds waterfront walk -- flat boardwalk, benches
  • Edmonds-Kingston ferry -- sit on the ferry, gentle stroll in Kingston
  • Snoqualmie Falls -- short walk to viewpoint, accessible
  • Boeing Factory Tour -- fascinating for all ages
  • Seattle Waterfront Park -- flat, benches, beautiful
  • Ballard Locks -- sit and watch boats, free guided tours
  • International District food tour -- Mei-Ye especially will love this
  • Vancouver: Granville Island, Richmond for food

Active Katy + Nathalie

  • Hiking: Rattlesnake Ledge (4 mi, lake views), Twin Falls (easy, waterfalls), or Mt. Si (strenuous, 8 mi)
  • Mt. Rainier day trip -- Paradise area, Skyline Trail
  • Kayaking on Lake Union -- rent kayaks, paddle around houseboats ($20-30/hr)
  • Biking: Burke-Gilman Trail runs through the Edmonds area
  • Escape Room: The Escape Game in downtown Seattle (ages 13+, ~$35-40/person)
  • Vancouver: bike the Stanley Park seawall (10km, flat, gorgeous)

Teen Nathalie-Specific Fun

  • MoPOP -- music, sci-fi, video games, horror, fashion. HER museum.
  • Pacific Science Center laser shows -- featuring artists like Taylor Swift, SZA, Dua Lipa
  • Seattle Great Wheel -- 175-foot Ferris wheel on the waterfront (~$18)
  • Fremont Troll -- giant troll sculpture under a bridge. Weird/cool photo op.
  • Gum Wall at Pike Place -- gross and delightful
  • Capitol Hill neighborhood -- trendy shops, street art, youth culture

Mei-Ye Mei-Ye-Friendly (Accessible, Gentle Pace)

  • Edmonds boardwalk -- flat, scenic, benches everywhere
  • Ferry rides -- sit and enjoy the views, no walking required
  • Ballard Locks -- covered viewing area for fish ladder
  • International District -- familiar food, Mandarin/Cantonese spoken
  • Vancouver: Richmond -- huge Chinese/Taiwanese community, will feel like home
  • Any family gathering -- Mei-Ye likely values time with relatives most
Tips for Traveling with Mei-Ye:
She may tire by 2-3pm -- plan active mornings, gentle afternoons. Always have a plan for her to sit comfortably. Carry a light blanket -- evenings cool down fast (into the 50s F). The International District and Vancouver's Richmond are "home" food territory.
Tips for Keeping Nathalie Engaged:
Let her pick 1-2 activities per day. Sign up for TeenTix before the trip. Give her camera/phone time at Chihuly, waterfront, Fremont Troll. Don't over-schedule -- downtime matters for teenagers. Capitol Hill has the teen/young adult vibe.

Vancouver Day Trip

Driving Route: Edmonds to Vancouver
Distance: ~140 miles / 225 km. Drive time: 2.5 hours without border wait; allow 3.5-4 hours total. Route: I-5 North through Bellingham to Peace Arch border crossing (Blaine, WA).

Border Crossing Tips

  • Everyone needs a valid passport (including Nathalie and Mei-Ye). Nathalie's Belgian passport is visa-exempt for land crossing.
  • Check wait times before leaving: bwt.cbp.gov
  • Cross early morning (before 9am) for shortest waits
  • Pacific Highway crossing often has shorter lines than Peace Arch
  • Have ready: passports, return date, reason for visit ("tourism")
  • Gas up in the US -- Canadian gas is significantly more expensive
  • Exchange rate: 1 USD ~ 1.35-1.40 CAD (your dollars go further!)

Suggested Day Trip Itinerary

Stanley Park (Morning)

Free (parking ~$3.50 CAD/hr) 1.5-2 hours

Drive the park perimeter, stop at Prospect Point and Third Beach. Walk the flat seawall near the totem poles (benches, accessible). Katy + Nathalie could bike a section ($36-48 CAD rental) while Mei-Ye enjoys the views.

Stanley Park, Vancouver, BC V6G 3E2

Granville Island Public Market (Midday)

Free entry (lunch $15-25 CAD/person) 1.5-2 hours

Browse food stalls, artisan shops, street performers. Take the Aquabus water taxi to get there ($4 CAD) -- a fun little ride. Great for all three.

1661 Duranleau St, Vancouver, BC V6H 3S3

Richmond (Aberdeen Centre) (Afternoon)

Mei-Ye Food court meals ~$10-15 CAD/person 1-2 hours

20 min south of downtown. One of the best Chinese/Taiwanese food districts outside of Asia. Aberdeen Centre food court for affordable, authentic Taiwanese/Chinese food. Mei-Ye will feel right at home.

4151 Hazelbridge Way, Richmond, BC V6X 4J7

Day Trip Costs Estimate

ItemEstimate (USD)
Gas round trip$50-60
Food (3 people, 2 meals)$60-90
Activities & parking$10-30
Total$120-180

July 4th Plan

Seafair 4th of July at Lake Union

Free All day + evening

Fireworks: ~10:15pm over Lake Union, choreographed to music.
Best free viewing: Gas Works Park (arrive by 3-4pm for a good spot). 2101 N Northlake Way, Seattle, WA 98103.
Alternative viewing: Lake Union Park (food trucks, beer garden, family activities).
Pre-show all day: sack races, pie-eating contest, tug-of-war, balloon toss.

Alternative: Bellevue Family 4th
Free public event with games, vendors, live music. Fireworks at 10:05pm synced to Bellevue Youth Symphony Orchestra. Less crowded than Seattle, good family vibe. 30 min from Edmonds. parks.bellevuewa.gov
What to Pack: Blanket/chairs, picnic food, layers (cools down to ~55F after sunset), sunscreen. Parking near Gas Works will be difficult -- consider parking further away and walking, or using rideshare.
Note: Uncle doesn't want to overnight elsewhere. Plan to return to Edmonds the same night if attending fireworks in Seattle.

Food Guide

Asian Food (For Mei-Ye Especially)

Restaurant Cuisine Address Price Notes
Jade Garden Dim Sum 424 7th Ave S, Seattle $$ Excellent dim sum, carts on weekends. Mei-Ye will love this.
Dough Zone Taiwanese/Chinese 504 5th Ave S, Seattle (+ other locations) $$ Xiaolongbao (soup dumplings), Taiwanese pork buns. Familiar comfort food.
Tai Tung Chinese 655 S King St, Seattle $$ Seattle's oldest Chinese restaurant (1935). Bruce Lee's favorite booth!
Din Tai Fung Taiwanese University Village & Pacific Place $$$ World-famous soup dumplings. Mei-Ye will know the name. Can be a long wait.
Uwajimaya Asian Supermarket 600 5th Ave S, Seattle $ Huge Asian grocery + food court. Mei-Ye can browse familiar ingredients.

Seattle Classics

Restaurant Type Address Price Notes
Pike Place Chowder Seafood 1530 Post Alley, Pike Place Market $$ Award-winning clam chowder. Get a cup, not a bowl -- it's rich!
Ellenos Greek Yogurt 1500 Pike Pl, Pike Place Market $ Life-changing yogurt. Get the passion fruit. Nathalie will love it.
Piroshky Piroshky Russian Pastries 1908 Pike Pl, Pike Place Market $ Savory and sweet pastries. Cheap, filling, delicious.
Ivar's Fish Bar Fish & Chips 1001 Alaskan Way, Pier 54 $ Iconic Seattle fish & chips on the water. Feed the seagulls (carefully).
Dick's Drive-In Burgers Multiple locations $ Seattle's In-N-Out equivalent. Full meal under $8. Nathalie will appreciate.

Edmonds Dining

Restaurant Type Address Price Notes
Salt & Iron Upscale PNW 320 Railroad Ave, Edmonds $$$ Fresh oysters, steaks. Splurge dinner.
Rory's of Edmonds Casual Bar & Grill 102 Railroad Ave, Edmonds $$ Deck overlooking beach and ferry. Sunset views.
Chanterelle Breakfast 316 Main St, Edmonds $$ Excellent Eggs Benedict. Good for a slow morning.
The Kingston Ale House Pub / American 25150 Washington Blvd NE, Kingston $$ Casual waterfront dining in Kingston. Great for ferry day lunch.
Budget Food Tips:
Pike Place Market has cheap eats ($3-5 pastries). International District has affordable authentic meals ($10-15/person). Dick's Drive-In: full meal under $8. Pack lunches for day trips to save $30-50. Use hotel breakfast (Best Western includes it!) every day.

Shopping Notes

Sales Tax Warning: 10.55%
Seattle combined sales tax is 10.55% (state 6.5% + local 4.05%). Clothing IS taxed (unlike some east coast states). Groceries are tax-exempt.

Seattle Premium Outlets (Tulalip)

2-3 hours 20-25 min north of Edmonds on I-5

130+ outlets -- Nike, North Face, Coach, Kate Spade, Under Armour, Arc'teryx, Tory Burch. Up to 65% off retail. Good for brands at discount. Combine with a rainy day or family visit day.

10600 Quil Ceda Blvd, Tulalip, WA 98271
Carry-On Only? Ship It Home!
If you're traveling carry-on only and buy more than you can fit, use USPS Flat Rate shipping. A Large Flat Rate Box ships anywhere in the US for ~$22 and fits a surprising amount of clothes and souvenirs. Drop it off at any post office. There's a USPS in Edmonds at 201 Main St, Edmonds, WA 98020.
  • Pike Place Market has unique artisan gifts/souvenirs (not tourist junk)
  • Uwajimaya (International District) -- great for Asian groceries/snacks to bring home. 600 5th Ave S, Seattle.

Practical Info

Weather (Early July in Seattle)

Seattle

High: 70-83F (21-28C)
Low: 52-65F (11-18C)
Rain: Very rare
Sunshine: ~10 hrs/day
Sunset: ~9:10pm

Vancouver

High: 72-75F (22-24C)
Low: 57-61F (14-16C)
Rain: Occasional light
Sunshine: ~13 hrs/day
Sunset: ~9:20pm

What to Pack

  • Layers: Warm days, cool evenings. T-shirts + light jacket/sweater
  • Light rain jacket: Just in case (especially for Vancouver)
  • Comfortable walking shoes: You'll walk a LOT
  • Sunscreen + sunglasses: Seattle sun in July is strong and long
  • For Mei-Ye: Comfortable shoes, warm layer for evenings, hat for sun
  • For Nathalie: She'll want to look good for photos (Chihuly, Fremont Troll, etc.)

Driving Times from Edmonds

DestinationDrive Time
Downtown Seattle25-35 min
Pike Place Market25-30 min
Seattle Center (Space Needle)25 min
Boeing Factory (Mukilteo)20 min
SEA-TAC Airport35-45 min
Snoqualmie Falls40-50 min
Ballard Locks20 min
Golden Gardens15-20 min
Seattle Premium Outlets20-25 min
Bainbridge Island (via Agate Pass)45-50 min
Mt. Rainier (Paradise)2.5 hrs
Vancouver BC (incl. border)2.5-4 hrs
Whatcom Falls (Bellingham)1.5 hrs

Budget Summary (3 People, 8 Nights)

CategoryEstimateNotes
Attractions$200-400CityPASS helps. Many free options.
Food$500-800Mix of restaurants + packed lunches
Gas$100-150Including Vancouver day trip
Parking$50-100Downtown Seattle ~$13-20/day
ShoppingVariableOutlets if desired
Ferry rides$30-50Edmonds-Kingston + possibly others
Total (excl. hotel, flights, car)$880-1,500

Key Links

Rainy Day Backup Plans

July rain is rare in Seattle, but just in case:

  1. MoPOP -- easily 3-4 hours
  2. Pacific Science Center -- interactive exhibits + IMAX + laser shows
  3. Seattle Premium Outlets -- covered shopping
  4. Escape Room -- The Escape Game downtown
  5. Uwajimaya + International District -- food tour, browsing
  6. Boeing Factory Tour -- entirely indoors, fascinating

Logistics (Private)

🔒

Flights

Outbound: BOS to SEA
FlightJetBlue B6 397
DateTuesday, July 1, 2026
Depart7:10am ET (Boston Logan)
Arrive10:33am PT (Seattle-Tacoma)
Duration6h 23m
ConfirmationLXGBKJ
Return: SEA to BOS
FlightDelta DL 473
DateWednesday, July 9, 2026
Depart11:15pm PT (Seattle-Tacoma)
Arrive7:35am ET +1 day (Boston Logan)
Duration5h 20m
ConfirmationHJIYZC

Hotel

HotelBest Western Plus Edmonds Harbour Inn
Address130 W Dayton Street, Edmonds, WA 98020-4130
Phone+1 (425) 771-7373
Check-inTuesday, July 1 @ 3:00pm
Check-outWednesday, July 9 @ 11:00am
Room2 Queen Beds with Kitchenette
Confirmation7846181972

Car Rental

CompanyAvis
Pick-upSeattle Tacoma International Airport
3150 South 160th Street, 98188
Phone+1 (206) 433-5231
Pick-up TimeTuesday, July 1 @ 11:00am
ReturnWednesday, July 9 @ 11:30pm
VehicleLarge, Group E (Toyota Camry or similar)
Confirmation1133-4103-CH-4

Family Address

NameKuo Residence
Address8120 Talbot Road, Edmonds, WA 98026
Open in Google Maps