Rick Steves' Washington Hometown Has A Walkable Downtown Full Of Shops, Creativity, & Charm

Rick Steves has been a globetrotter since his college years, devoting his career to helping others travel. Although he spends time overseas for personal adventures and to keep his guidebooks up to date, he spends most of his time in the United States. Steves grew up in Edmonds, Washington, and still calls this town home. 

While Seattle has must-see attractions and beautiful scenery, it can be a bustling concrete jungle. If you're traveling through the Pacific Northwest and looking for a more peaceful respite, you'll find that Edmonds offers a serene break from the hustle and bustle. Its location along Washington's beloved Puget Sound makes Edmonds an amazing place to add to a Pacific Northwest road trip route. If you're not road tripping, Edmonds is just a 40-minute Amtrak ride from Seattle and has plenty of things to do and see. From quaint downtown streets filled with delicious restaurants to whale watching tours and plentiful green spaces, it's easy to see why Steves never left.

Dining in downtown Edmonds offers something for everyone. Thanks to its proximity to Seattle, you'll find plenty of one-of-a-kind coffee shops. Start your day of exploration with an espresso from Il Viale or fresh coffee and bakery items at Red Twig Bakery Cafe, just to name a few. Local restaurants specialize in multiple cuisines, from Mexican to Japanese and Italian, but seafood dishes center stage at most of the eateries in this coastal town. Get halibut tostadas or crab enchiladas at Las Brisas, sushi at SanKai, or check out the entirely pescatarian menu at Girardi's Osteria.

In between culinary indulgences, wander the streets of downtown Edmonds to find unique shops. Locally-owned stores like Camp Vintage and Podium have clothing and home decor items, including plenty of finds that are small enough to take with you if you're visiting Edmonds on foot. If famous Washingtonian artists like Nirvana, Soundgarden, and Jimi Hendrix brought you to Seattle, continue the musical discoveries by perusing through vinyl and CDs at Musicology Co. in Edmonds. Don't forget the Edmonds Historical Museum either, where you'll learn about the town's history in a building that dates back over 100 years.

One of the best ways to experience the nature that surrounds Edmonds is with a cruise on the Puget Sound. The Puget Sound Express takes visitors through this famous estuary to see orcas, sea lions, and even the occasional humpback whale. The mist and sounds of these animals rising to the surface for air are truly unforgettable — not to mention their huge fins and flippers sticking out of the water. The Puget Sound Express departs from the quiet and elegant Edmonds Pier. With boats of all sizes and the nearby beach at Brackett's Landing, this is another picturesque part of town to enjoy.

Last but not least is the Edmonds art scene. The Edmonds Art Festival takes place every June, and you'll find professional art on display, live entertainment, and activities for kids right on the Puget Sound waterfront. If you're not visiting during the festival, check out the Cascadia Art Museum, just a few minutes from downtown. The art you'll see here spans the 19th and 20th centuries with a particular emphasis on female and minority artists.