Happy Trails to You: Everett Marina

Whenever I show a visitor around Everett, I make sure to show off our beaches and the marina. It's rare to find a big, accessible waterfront in a city so affordable, which is why it's a big part of my "you should move here" pitch. Each week when I walk the marina, I just feel lucky to live here.

It's easy to see why the construction happening at the marina could be a little off-putting for someone who hasn’t been visiting frequently since it all started, but the construction is for great improvements.

There's already a new seating area at Marina Park that matches the one at Boxcar Park, but it'll take a lot longer for the new Hotel Indigo to open in the middle of the marina. In the meantime, you just have to spend a little more time on West Marine View Drive to get around that new area.

While there, you'll see one of the most exciting developments.

Grand Avenue Park Bridge construction // Christopher Bragg

The Grand Avenue Park Bridge will provide new access from the marina to Grand Avenue, the next street over. Currently, there's no way across between Legion Park and 25th Street, but the bridge will align to 14th street, providing an option to turn the current five-mile-minimum loop to three miles.

This, plus the crosswalk which will be added soon at Legion Park, will make a quick climb up to enjoy the view from Grand Avenue Park an easy and fun option.

The view from Grand Avenue Park // Christopher Bragg

For now, I just like to stick as close to the water as possible. This route is what I consider the "full marina" experience. It's just over seven miles. Lately I'll take a shortcut or two and do five miles or so of it.

For extra distance, you can add the docks to your route.

The great thing about the marina is that everything is paved except for the docks and these planks at the former site of the Everett Farmers Market—just North of Lombardi's. I only point them out because the bridge construction forces you to walk on them, and they're very slippery when wet. Even worse when they get frosty in the winter. Practice your penguin shuffle.

A slippery boardwalk at night // Christopher Bragg

Also be careful when walking along West Marine View Drive to stay to the right and check for cyclists if you need to step off the sidewalk for a photo or to tie your shoe. It's part of the Mill Town Trail and bikes come at you fast and without warning. It's worth taking the journey north, though, because there's a small beach next to the overgrown hill that's a lot of fun to explore when the tide is low.

Park at North View Area if you'd rather drive to this beach // Christopher Bragg

Wherever you are at the marina, you'll enjoy great cloud-spotting without all the trees that block your views like at many Everett parks.

The marina itself offers lots of photo inspiration.

And while it's a great place to hang out with friends, there are definitely some locals you should keep away from.

Seals look cute, but it’s best to keep your distance // Christopher Bragg

Learn more about the Everett Farmers Market, Food Truck Fridays, Music at the Marina, and Jetty Island, which also has cool trails to explore. Or just go down to the marina and check it out. There's plenty of free parking all over. The marina closes at dusk.