Day Trip Discoveries

About 90 minutes north of the King-Snohomish County border is Anacortes, known as the Gateway to the San Juan Islands. As inviting as island-hopping sounds, there’s really no need to…

The Seattle Aquarium opened its new Ocean Pavilion Aug. 29 to showcase ecosystems from the Coral Triangle in Southeast Asia. The 50,000-square-foot pavilion doubles the aquarium’s size and features 3,500…

When autumn rains begin, duck indoors to see the latest exhibits at a favorite museum or check out one that you’ve never visited. This area offers a wealth of museums,…

We all admire Mount Rainier when “the mountain is out.” However, visiting its surrounding national park often only happens when we have out-of-town visitors. Don’t wait, do your own local…

The Woodland Park Zoo has always provided a wonderful excursion for families — kids and grandkids love seeing and learning about animals from around the world. Now reopened, the zoo…

Looking to get outdoors beyond neighborhood walks, now that Snohomish County is in Phase 2 and summer is starting? Parks have opened, although parking may be limited at some. Here…

The Seattle Asian Art Museum in Capitol Hill’s Volunteer Park reopened to the public on Feb. 8 after three years and $56 million invested in major renovation and expansion work. Closed since February…

Every February, snow geese blanket the skies and fields near Stanwood before their annual migration north. Beginning in March, massive gray whales migrate up the West Coast and through Puget…

Where can you peer up at an ancient mastodon skeleton? Watch paleontologists examine a 60-million-year-old, T-Rex dinosaur skull? Admire a vintage, Coast Salish whaler’s hat and enjoy frybread at a…

Few trails combine a forest hike with a saltwater beach – plus a panoramic view of the Olympic Mountains. Two that do are Meadowdale Beach Park and Carkeek Park. Each…

Looking for a different sort of excursion with unusual holiday gift potential? One that may also intrigue family and friends visiting during the holidays? Rather than do the usual Woodinville…

On Saturday, April 1, the historic Mukilteo Lighthouse opens for its 25th season of weekend tours. Operated by the Mukilteo Historical Society, the Mukilteo Light Station – as it is…

Every winter, Snohomish County has two annual events that draw birding enthusiasts – and one very quirky GroundFrog Day. Since groundhogs aren’t native to Washington State – but we have…

Paine Field near Everett boasts several major aviation attractions such as the popular Boeing Tour at the Future of Flight and the vintage aircraft displays at Flying Heritage Collection and…

If your children or grandchildren are intrigued with “critters,” two unusual attractions in Snohomish County offer up-close experiences with exotic animals far beyond neighborhood dogs and cats. The Outback Kangaroo…

Want to watch a spectacular show of restored vintage aircraft fly again? Head for Paine Field near Everett on Saturday, May 21, for its annual Aviation Day, now in its…

You likely know the historic town of Snohomish for its long-time reputation as “The Antique Capital of the Northwest.” Yes, antique shops abound, plus many boutiques selling collectibles, unusual gifts,…

Ever wondered how early settlers pioneered Snohomish County? How they wrestled a living from farming, mining and logging? Visit the Western Heritage Center in Monroe to see this history in…

You’ve likely heard of the Boeing Tour at Paine Field in Mukilteo – it’s one of the biggest visitor draws in the state of Washington. You may know it affiliated…

Have you heard of – or visited – the Tulalip Tribes’ Hibulb Cultural Center, just north of Everett? Hibulb (pronounced “hee-bolb”) opened in 2011 but continues to be a relatively…

My Edmonds News is pleased to introduce our new monthly column, Day Trip Discoveries, by Julie Gangler You don’t have to be a kid to catch the magic of The…