We might be a little biased, since two Seattle magazine staffers grew up in Edmonds and two of them live there now, but this little city on the sound is absolutely a Northwest gem. Long a sleepy enclave best known for its ferry to Kingston (or as the residence of travel writer Rick Steves), Edmonds is all grown up and now a destination for young families and retirees alike.

With its quaint downtown full of independent shops and restaurants—and a bustling Saturday market in the spring and summer months—there’s always somewhere to pop in and explore.

In 2018, Edmonds was the first city in Washington to be named a Certified Creative District. It’s full of public installations, theaters with live performances, art walks, galleries, and nearly a dozen murals painted on the sides of buildings and in alleyways in the downtown core. Head a handful of blocks west and you’ll find the Cascadia Art Museum, whose focus is on regional art.

Just past that are long stretches of beach where you can kick off your shoes and stroll, roll out a blanket and chill, or, if you prefer your beach time a little less interactive, there are several seafood-forward restaurants perched to take advantage of the water views.