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Things To Do Near Lynnwood

Come rain or shine, Lynnwood and the surrounding area offers attractions throughout the year. A visit to Lynnwood places you in a well connected hub of activity, exposing you to attractions from the Pacific Northwest in almost every direction. Situated just 16 miles north of Seattle and four miles from Marina Beach Park, Lynnwood boasts a host of highlights.

SUMMER HIGHLIGHTS

Family Hiking at Wallace Falls

Sacred summer days are the perfect season to whale watch! There are wildlife tours from Edmonds only 5 miles west of Lynnwood. Orcas, Humpbacks, and Minkes are most common during the summer months.

Want to experience the great outdoors in their natural surroundings? Wallace Falls State Park (photo on right) takes you 45 minutes outside of town where you’ll find 9 different waterfalls on a 5.6 mile loop. It’s a great excursion for beginners and the seasoned hiker alike.

A 30-minute drive from Lynnwood will deliver you to the stunning Bellevue Botanical Gardens. Over 53 acres of gardens are cultivated to represent the flora and fauna of Washington State.

Another great outdoor experience is hiking around Mount Rainier (below). It is just over a 2 hour drive and the majestic mountain (and possible elk or marmot sightings) will make you want to stay forever.

Mt Rainier with Reflection Lake at sunrise and Wildflowers Blooming

FALL HIGHLIGHTS

Many think of traveling in the summer, but why limit yourself to a short season? With autumn comes the vibrant transition of leaves and scenery that almost looks fiery. And with fall comes… Oktoberfest! The state hosts many different festivals throughout the first weekend of October, whether you’re looking for a classic Munich-style or something different.

Snoqualmie Falls

Want to take it a bit slower? Avid golfers tend to ignore seasons, however autumn is prime golfing time in the Pacific Northwest. Enjoy perfectly manicured courses with landscapes coming alive with color. We’re fans of Lynnwood Municipal Golf Course.

Snoqualmie Falls (right) is a very popular spot to get away from the city. It is 45 minutes east of us here in Lynnwood and would make a great afternoon trip.

Washington is home to thousands of acres of vineyards and award-winning wine regions left and right. The harvest season in the winemaking world is bustling with action and the enjoyment of the fruits of the vintners’ labor. Drive 25 minutes or less and you’ll find yourself in the beautiful Woodinville wine region. Glass half-full here!

WINTER HIGHLIGHTS

Leavenworth, WA

Come winter, there isn’t a sight quite like the city of Seattle. Decorated to the nines with what seems like no streetlamp untouched, the holiday spirit is tangible. Bundling up with a stellar cup of coffee and strolling the streets to shop for loved ones (or yourself!) and maybe even a cup of clam chowder near Pike Place Market seals the deal on a beautiful winter vacation.

The Alpine Village of Leavenworth (left) is another magical place to visit during Christmas time. It is a bit of a longer drive (at a 2-hour distance), but so worth it. They have lights on everything, a reindeer farm (open year-round), a fun sledding hill for the kids, outdoor seating with heaters at many of their unique restaurants, and they have lots of interesting and unique shops including the coolest Christmas store ever (open all year round)!

 

SPRING HIGHLIGHTS

Skykomish River

Visitors to Washington state eagerly await the countdown until March arrives. Why, you might ask? The Seattle Mariners play at T-Mobile Park! Whether you are seeking a VIP experience with seats close to home base or a more leisurely afternoon soaking up sunshine on the lawn with a beer in hand, springtime and baseball season go hand in hand.

As the sunnier days become more frequent, the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival welcomes visitors with open arms. Just one hour north of Lynnwood, the festival runs from April 1-30 annually with tulips bursting with color on their own schedule. Millions of blooms beg for your photo-op, and enjoying their beauty is sure to be a highlight of your spring. In 2019 the festival accepted visitors from each of the 50 states and 85+ countries!

Leavenworth also offers events and festivals in spring, like Taste Leavenworth and the Leavenworth Film Festival. The drive there is beautiful and goes along the Skykomish River (above).

VISIT LYNNWOOD YEAR-ROUND

Lynnwood is a full-season and full-service destination offering you the best of the best no matter your vacation goals. And good news – if you’re ready to start planning, you’re on the right website!

 

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Lynnwood Hidden Gems – Charming Places to Eat, Play, and Relax During your Visit

Arguably one of the best parts about traveling is living like a local. When visiting a new destination, or one you have come to know and love, there’s a burning question: who has the pizza with the meltiest cheese or the moonshine cocktail you didn’t know you needed? Where is an open sauna to de-stress and relax? You’re on the road, but want to support local and truly get a taste of the good stuff. With this roundup of Lynnwood “Hidden Gems”, you can fit the bill of a local who knows the drill.

Where to Eat in Lynnwood

photo courtesy of Yeh Yeh’s Vietnamese Sandwiches

First up, Yeh Yeh’s Vietnamese Sandwiches. It’s a shop that may look unassuming from the outside, but one step inside, and you’re enveloped in the smell of everything heavenly. With a menu that almost makes it hard to choose, you can’t go wrong with the shrimp spring rolls. If you need a little comfort, the noodle soups might be your answer. Or how about a grilled pork sandwich with toasted bun? Bring friends and family and eat family-style to get a taste of everything.

Things to Do in Lynnwood

No single vacation destination has EVERY activity to explore, but at Back9 Parlor a simulated experience is opened to you for entertainment you may not have known before. Everything from golf, soccer, and baseball will keep your competitive edge alive while bonding with friends and family over a full kitchen and bar. A weather-proof outing isn’t out of the question here. If something a little more face to face is your style, Around The Table Game Pub offers sitting areas with room to play board games, classic and modern alike.

Lynnwood Hidden Gems - Neverending Bookshop

photo courtesy of the Neverending Bookshop

If quiet time is your mission, The Neverending Bookshop has a plethora of reading material to keep you occupied from a park bench at Scriber Lake or while soaking in the sauna at Olympus Spa. With a hefty collection of young adult, mystery, and science fiction titles, you are sure to discover a new favorite that will transport you to another place. Need a recommendation? Talk to Annie, the owner, who is there whenever the shop is open and is a vibrant storyteller in her own right.

Want to learn a new skill? How about a cake and dessert class at Dawn’s Candy and Cake. Private and group classes are available with a rotating calendar. That’s a sweet way to add another party trick to the arsenal!

More Lynnwood Dining Hidden Gems

Lynnwood Hidden Gems - Moonshine BBQ

photo courtesy of Moonshine BBQ

Last but certainly not least are the dining options to satisfy every taste. Housemade cocktails and smoked meats from Moonshine BBQ invites you to stay awhile with outdoor dining, televisions, and mac and cheese that’ll make you melt.

Amazing community partners and A+ pizza is found at Sparta’s Pizza and Spaghetti House. Established in 1978, their recipes have stood the test of time.

Visit Cask & Trotter for craft cocktails in a modern and cozy cabin-vibed locale.

Need some dessert to sweeten your stay? Jenny Cookies has a cult following, and for good reason. Stop by the Alderwood Mall location for cookies and Crispy Cubes.

A summary of Lynnwood Hidden Gems

That’s a wrap on this roundup of hidden gems in lovely Lynnwood, Washington. While it’s not impossible to hit every stop mentioned above, we recommend spreading out your adventures over the course of a few days. Weekends are typically more highly traveled. If you are seeking to live like a local, a weekday getaway might do the trick. In any case, we are thrilled to have you and welcome you to our town!

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Spending The Holidays In Lynnwood

Lynnwood Holiday TreeAs the weather turns colder you have holiday decorations, shopping and events to look forward to in Lynnwood!  You can find Santa Claus at Alderwood Mall, as well as at other local businesses for photo opportunities.  Both public and private residences break out the holiday lights, wreaths and other season decor to brighten things up.  There are a multitude of possible shopping destinations to keep your dollars in our local economy.  If the days have gotten too short for you, know that before the holidays are over the Winter Solstice will be past with more sunlight each and every day.

Here are several things to keep in mind for spending the holiday season in Lynnwood!

Shop Local

There are many local businesses based in Lynnwood.  Those include clothing, novelty shops, book stores, pet stores, electronics, and more.  You can remember these local businesses on Shop Small Saturday, as well as for the remainder of the holiday season.  For some of these businesses the holiday season makes up an inordinately large amount of their annual earnings.  Keep an eye out for establishments selling holiday trees too!  And if you’re looking for a larger gift do not forget that we have several furniture stores that make their home in Lynnwood.  We support local business in Lynnwood and the holiday season is a great opportunity for you to show that same support.

The Mall

Alderwood Mall first opened in 1979.  Since then it has been a mainstay of Lynnwood commerce with more housing planned on or near the mall property to bring in more people.  Dozens of businesses lease space in the mall and it’s a way to visit many stores in a short period of time, all while avoiding the rain (and sometimes snow) outside.  The mall is also fully decked out with holiday banners and other decorations and we already mentioned getting a photo with Santa (for kids or adults!).  You can also take a break from the holiday shopping by catching a movie at one of two nearby movie theaters.

Eat Out Or Grab It To Go

When you get hungry on your holiday journey remember that there are several places to eat.  That not only includes the mall food court and restaurants, but other stand alone eating establishments throughout the City.  Many of these are locally-owned and operated with pizza, sushi, burgers, noodles, soup, pasta and more available on the menu.  And do not forget you can find food trucks out and about too!

Food & Other Holiday Drives

The Lynnwood Food Bank relies on local donations to support its mission of bringing food to those in difficult times.  You can help them out any time of the year, but it’s especially nice to make a donation during the holidays.  You can visit their website for the latest in how to make a donation, as well as particular items that they are looking for.  There are certainly other ways to support organiztaions of your choice and that are active in the area, including organization’s like Clothes For Kids and Bella’s Voice.

Lynnwood Convention Center

The Lynnwood Convention Center starts the season off with a holiday greeting card competition open to middle and high school students.  This has resulted in many creative entries and final cards.  Also, it’s not too early to think about 2021 events, including weddings and conferences.  By the time the holiday season rolls around the Center is actively booking and planning for events well after the New Year!

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LYNNWOOD OFFERS A MOST JOYOUS AND SAFE HOLIDAY SEASON

This won’t be an ordinary holiday season. But in Lynnwood and its immediate surrounding areas, the holidays can still be extraordinary — with health and safety always in mind. Lynnwood’s array of holiday shopping offers an easy and fun way to check everyone off the list. But shopping is just one way to celebrate the season.

Lynnwood, just 16 miles north of Seattle, and the surrounding communities have made all kinds of changes — all to ensure everyone stays safe while still savoring this most special time of year

Save a spot at Alderwood Mall

With nearly 200 shops, department and electronic stores, specialty boutiques, and more, Alderwood Mall is the center of the Lynnwood shopping experience. This year, Alderwood is making it particularly easy to avoid the holiday rush with the new Alderwood Spot Holder program.

The program allows shoppers to avoid waiting in line by reserving a time at their favorite stores. It’s as easy as scanning a code at the front of a participating store, choosing a time to shop, and meeting at the front door of the store. In the meantime, relax and enjoy a hot chocolate or coffee. There may be no easier way to shop. 

Visit with Santa, virtually

No Christmas would be complete without a visit with Santa. This year, the Alderwood Mall is making it easy with several ways to have a virtual visit with Santa.

Santa’s helpers have been hard at work decking the halls for a North Pole Virtual Visit, which features an array of experiences to choose from. Visit with Santa live from the North Pole, enjoy the reading of your favorite Christmas tale by Santa and Mrs. Claus, or have Santa send a special message to your child with a pre-recorded, personalized video. 

Drive-thru The Lights of Christmas

Stanwood, a charming hamlet north of Lynnwood, is celebrating the holidays like few others with The Lights of Christmas. This year, the cherished tradition continues. Held all season long, this year will feature the same dazzling light displays that wow kids and kids at heart. But it will be a drive-thru experience to ensure the safety of all revelers. 

See spectacular lights, wave to Santa and Mrs. Claus, all while listening to Christmas music from the comfort of the car. 

Edmonds Holiday Market

Give the gift of something truly meaningful at the annual Edmonds Holiday Market, a traditional outdoor market filled with the products of local crafters and farmers. Held from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. on Saturdays from Dec. 5 through Dec. 19, the Holiday Market invites all to shop local wares while staying safe by remaining socially distanced, masked and outdoors. 

Set on Fifth Avenue, between City Hall and the Edmonds Historical Museum, the market is home to more than 50 vendors. From wine, jewelry, pottery, and many specialty gift items to cured meats, preserved foods and cheeses, and baked goods and sweets, just about everything you’ll want for the holidays is here. 

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Alderwood Mall – Back To Open

Takeout Alderwood Mall

Order it to go!

“What’s going on with Alderwood Mall?”  That is a question we have received more than once.  Alderwood Mall has a large, commercial footprint in Lynnwood and our wider community, as well as its stores and businesses providing a source of jobs to hundreds.

As with many other types of business, Alderwood Mall closed its doors with the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020.  What followed was many weeks when the mall was largely closed, just like other malls in the region.  If you took a walk through the surrounding parking lots you would have found a happy pigeon, seagull and Canadian geese population that quickly set up residence on the ground and nearby roofs.  A few locations like Blazing Onion were open for takeout only, offering call in and pickup service.  But besides those exceptions little was open for about 11 weeks.

On June 9, 2020 Alderwood Mall began a limited reopening.  This started with a handful of stores opening, but has grown over time to where most are now open.  You can also check on the mall’s website to see exactly what is open.  This was part of Snohomish County’s shifting from Phase 1 to Phase 2 reopening, which allowed more regular storefronts (like those in the mall!) to again open their doors to customers.  To help ensure safety mall management has instituted the various procedures and protocol.  It helps to be aware of these before your next shopping trip and make sure to check out the mall’s website for the latest changes.

  • Installation of hand sanitizer stations throughout the mall
  • Crews available for frequent cleaning of doors, floors, bathrooms and other common mall surfaces
  • Social distancing for shoppers (readjusted seating in the mall’s food court)
  • Reduced mall hours

Alderwood mall is also requiring that all shoppers wear masks.  Mall security has a supply of masks to provide if you do not have one.  Curbside pickup remains an option for shoppers.

Like in other areas the pandemic has taken a toll on mall tenants with some closing permanently.  However, new businesses are also set to move or open at the mall soon.  That includes an Amazon 4-Star store and new restaurants.

If you visit the mall you may also notice ongoing construction on the western side, the previous site of Sears.  That is an active multi-family development on the mall property, Alderwood Avalon.  Like with the mall itself, construction on that project was shut down, but has restarted again in earnest.  The project will bring 328 residential units and 64,000 square feet of commercial space on the first floor of 2 planned residential towers.  Despite losing time to the pandemic the project is scheduled for completion in 2022.  You can keep track of that project over on the City of Lynnwood’s website.

Alderwood Mall Fountain

The fountains are back on and many businesses back open.

 

 

 

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Outdoor Recreation in Lynnwood Part 2 – Stadler Ridge Park

As the days get longer and the weather turns sunnier there are several options to get out and have fun in Lynnwood.  We previously wrote about the Interurban Trail, which runs through Lynnwood, but that is not the only way to enjoy the outdoors.  In addition to the trail, Lynnwood also has several parks.  We will profile these parks in this and other upcoming articles.

Stadler Ridge Park

Stadler Ridge Park is a relatively new city park, opening in 2013.  The park is named after the Stadler family, one of the earlier families to settle in this part of the later city of Lynnwood.  The park has many features for children and also teenagers.  It is located amid adjoining neighborhood streets.

Stadler Ridge Park Lynnwood, WA

Local kids have fun on the play equipment

Play Equipment – There is a large structure that kids can climb, jump up on and otherwise have fun on.  Several ornamental trees and animals are also on the structure.  In the Winter of 2019-2020 the City renovated the structure.

Slides – A series of slides starting at the higher elevation of the park lets kids enjoy a fun and safe drop in elevation.

Picnic Tables – Did you bring lunch?  You can sit at one of two tables to enjoy a meal.  Clean up by throwing any trash in the available park garbage can.

Half Basketball Court – If you are too big to be running around on the playground, bring the basketball and shoot some hoops with friends.

Open Field – Grass and open space are available in the park’s central portion, just do not plan for a flat surface.  The ground is hilly and descends down to the sidewalk and street.

Wooded Area – There is a smaller area of tall trees and under brush with clear paths throughout.  This can be fun for children and leashed animals out on a walk.

Pathways – There are a few other paths and stairways running to and from the play equipment and other park features.  A larger gravel path also winds down along the park’s southern border (that is especially popular for sledder when we get the occasional snowfall).

Location – 17428 33rd Place West, Lynnwood 98037  View Map

Access – There is not a parking lot, but street parking is often available.  Sidewalk runs along the park’s eastern border while on the west there are a series of homes (there is also a paved walkway the public can use to gain access from that direction).

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Lynnwood Golf Course

Lynnwood WA Golf CourseWhen was the last time that you set a tee time in Lynnwood?  Golf is a popular past time in America and Lynnwood is no exception.  The National Golf Foundation has estimated that 1 in 3 Americans over the age of 6 have played golf, watched it or read about it.  It helps that golf is a game of skill that can be played and enjoyed by the young and old and new and long-time players alike.

If you are looking to schedule some golf Lynnwood has options!  The first of these is the Lynnwood Municipal Golf Course.

Buit in 1991, Lynnwood Municipal Golf Course is a fun 18-hole course.  You also do not have to bring all of your own equipment. The course has merchandise, available equipment rentals and a Pro Shop on-site. It is also open year round for golf in any month. The course’s design underscores the goal of having fun with golf.  There are both tight fairways and a hole layout designed to test a golfer’s skill, but also not prove too frustrating if it has been awhile since you last played. The course is located immediately south of Edmonds Community College with its operations housed in the college’s Woodway Building. You can stop by for an occasional game or visit more regularly.  For more regular golfers there is the Premier Golf Club Loyalty and Rewards program.  This club is to rewards those golfers frequently visiting the Lynnwood Municipal Golf Course. Rewards take the form of discounts, including those on Green Fees, Range Balls and use of Golf Carts.  In addition, there is special pricing available to club members for certain merchandise, which varies over time. Read more about how to join the Premier Golf Club Loyalty and Rewards Program.

Getting to the Lynnwood Municipal Golf Course is easy. There is ample parking spots available right near the course in parking lot Q. Edmonds Community College and the course are conveniently located near several local streets and State Route 99 is less than 1/2 mile away. In addition, the Golf Course Trail provides pedestrian and walking access to the course.  Even if you are not playing yourself it is fun to walk the trail and watch golfers as they play through.  The Golf Course Trail travels the perimeter of the Lynnwood Municipal Golf Course and alternates between soft and hard surfaces.  It is a fun walk as you have the course to one side, homes on the other and greenery overhead.  A portion of the trail also goes through the Edmonds Community College campus. You can also follow the course on Facebook where you can keep track of the latest course condition and other news.  There is also more information on the course’s website, including the latest rates.

Back 9 Parlor - Golf LynnwoodMost would agree that golf is more pleasurable under sunny blue skies.  Being located in the Pacific Northwest it does rain from time to time in Lynnwood.  On rainy days you do not have to hang up the golf clubs, at least not entirely.  Back9 Parlor offers an alternative during wet weather with its virtual golf offerings. Back9 Parlor uses an array of technologies to create this experience for golfers.  That encompasses technology such as overhead cameras, use of infrared and tracking software.  The software has tools to accurately track how far the ball (virtually) travels and other behavior, all in an entirely indoor facility and experience. Golfing professionals have access to such sophisticated, virtual experiences in their places of residence. Back9 wants to bring this same quality virtual experience to golfers with a wide range of experience levels and goals for improving their game. Back9 also has a spring league, is available for parties and other events and runs lessons and clinics for golfers.  If the weather runs you indoors, Back9 is open for virtual golf 7 days per week.

 

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Visitor Information Center at the Lynnwood Convention Center – Close to Seattle With Quality Lodging Options

When was the last time that you attended an event at the Lynnwood Convention Center? For many the answer covers multiple events over several years. It is hard to believe that the Convention Center opened 15 years ago. Back in 2005 when the Convention Center opened, there were not many options to hold events in the north Puget Sound region, despite the presence of Boeing, the growing footprint of tech companies and a rising metropolitan area. Today, the Lynnwood Convention Center serves as an impressive facility that hosts a wide variety of exceptional events and activities each year.

Lynnwood Convention Center Visitor Information Services

Convenient Location Close to Seattle

When considering the Lynnwood Convention Center for your event, it helps to consider some of its key amenities. The first of those is the Convention Center’s convenient location. Interstate 5 is visible from the Convention Center with easy and direct access to Seattle and beyond to SeaTac Airport. Seattle’s urban core is only 16 miles south of Lynnwood. In addition to Interstate 5, Highway 99 is only a few miles west and offers another major arterial route from Seattle to Everett. With Paine Field Airport’s recent opening to commercial flights, there is now a second aviation travel option just 9 miles north of Lynnwood.

Looking to the future, the Lynnwood Convention Center’s geographic convenience is set to grow further in 2024 when Sound Transit’s light rail extension comes to Lynnwood. This will provide easy access for domestic and international visitors arriving at SeaTac to Lynnwood Convention Center.

Affordable Lodging LynnwoodAffordable Lodging

Besides geography, another consideration for holding an event at the Lynnwood Convention Center is the quality, affordable lodging options. When comparing lodging in Lynnwood to downtown Seattle, rates can be up to 40% less. Choose from several lodging options including America’s Best Value Inn, Best Courtyard Marriott Lynnwood, Embassy Suites Lynnwood, Extended Stay America Seattle Area, Hampton Inn & Suites, Hilton Garden Inn, Holiday Inn Express, Homewood Suites Seattle, Hotel International, La Quinta Lynnwood, Residence Inn Lynnwood, among others. Over 1,400 rooms are available to accommodate events large and small, as well as their attendees.

The Hilton Garden Inn is a brand new hotel opening right across the street from the Lynnwood Convention Center. This new hotel features 154 rooms, a restaurant and bar and will be opening this April.  The combination of excellent service, a convenient location and quality lodging options make the Center a great option for your special event, conference, or meeting.

An Extra Resource – The Lynnwood Visitor Information Center

Sometimes it helps to have a person to answer your questions and offer locals insights. While websites and other online resources are useful, at times it is still nice to talk to a local expert. The Lynnwood Convention Center recently added visitor information services to their lobby. The Information Center is open seven days a week to provide friendly service to visitors and event guests and attendees.

See why Lynnwood is a great deal and the Lynnwood Convention Center is a place to experience more!

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