Things to do in Washington, United States: The Best Piers & Boardwalks

November 26, 2021 Claudia Navarrete

Discover the best top things to do in Washington, United States including Stehekin Landing, Port of Manchester, Hiram M. Chittenden Locks, Seafarers Memorial Park, The Edmonds Fishing Pier, City of Friday Harbor, Seattle Waterfront, Fishermen's Terminal, Bremerton Boardwalk, Port Angeles City Pier.
Restaurants in Washington

1. Stehekin Landing

Stehekin, WA
Excellent
69%
Good
22%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
3%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 36 reviews

Stehekin Landing

Site of two self-guided nature hikes through spectacular woodland.

Reviewed By Broderipii - Shrewsbury, United States

When we started planning our trip to the Northwest two years ago, neither of us had heard of Stehekin. Once we learned of the town, however, it immediately went on our itinerary. Stehekin may be reached either by boat or by foot. Some literature includes access by seaplane, but it doesn’t appear as if seaplanes are currently operating on Lake Chelan. We rode the slow boat to Stehekin and returned via the express the following day. This meant we had approximately 24 hours in the community. We enjoyed almost every minute of those hours. Upon arrival we took the red bus tour to Rainbow Falls and the Stehekin Pastry Company. The park ranger also explained about some of the other features in the area. It was a good introduction to the Stehekin Valley, but it did feel somewhat rushed. We visited the National Park Visitor Center and spent some time viewing the exhibits. The center also has a few gift items for sale. The remainder of the afternoon was spent relaxing and enjoying the surroundings. After dinner, we walked along the lakeshore and watched the evening fall upon the mountains. In the morning we ate breakfast at the lodge. If there was one disappointment during our stay, it was the amount of time it took for meals. Service at the restaurant was very slow – especially for breakfast. If we had to do it over, I think we would have just picked up a snack at the general store and skipped the 45 minutes we spent at breakfast. We rented a Polaris Ranger for an hour which gave us the opportunity to explore further up the valley than we had the previous day on the bus. Bicycle rentals are also available. Afterward, Mrs B visited The House that Jack Built which sells goods crafted by local artisans. She was largely able to complete her Christmas shopping with this one stop. Soon thereafter it was time to board the boat for the trip down lake. Here are a few items that may be of interest. A trip to Stehekin, because of its isolation, is not inexpensive. Lodging and food costs are higher than normal and the cost of the boat ride to and from Stehekin must also be factored in. However, the experience is unique, so we deemed it worthy of expanding our budget when we planned our trip. We were glad that we did. I would recommend spending at least one night in Stehekin so that one can experience more of what this place offers. The evening along the lakefront was one of the best memories from the stay and it would have been missed if we had been day-trippers. If at all possible, try to take some time to talk with one the employees or residents of the valley. I was fortunate enough to speak with the lodge manager for over ten minutes and learned far more about Stehekin than I could have by any other method. Finally, although there are plenty of reminders of modern life in Stehekin, there are also many reminders of a time gone by – far more than are usually found elsewhere. Their presence offers a welcome invitation to kick back and relax in this beautiful setting.

2. Port of Manchester

8079 E. Main Street, Manchester, WA 98366 +1 360-871-0500 http://www.portofmanchester.com
Excellent
50%
Good
25%
Satisfactory
25%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 4 reviews

Port of Manchester

3. Hiram M. Chittenden Locks

3015 NW 54th St, Seattle, WA 98107-4213 +1 206-780-2500 [email protected] http://www.ballardlocks.org
Excellent
61%
Good
33%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 3,196 reviews

Hiram M. Chittenden Locks

The Hiram M. Chittenden Locks (locally known as the Ballard Locks) is a waterway system that connects the saltwater of the Puget Sound to the fresh water of the Ship Canal, which sits about 20 feet above sea level. Boats enter the locks, the gates close and the water rises or falls to the level of the destination waterway. Watching boats pass through the locks, exploring the 7 acres of botanical gardens and looking for fish on the fish ladder is fun and free entertainment that draws locals and tourists alike.

Reviewed By kanemochi - Seattle, United States

Officially known as the Hiram M. Chittenden Locks, the Ballard Locks is one of Seattle’s most popular tourist attractions, especially during the sunny months. The grounds also feature a fish ladder and the Carl S. English Jr. Botanical Garden — one of the most beautiful park settings in Seattle. Completed in 1917, the locks link the Puget Sound with Lake Union and Lake Washington. Once boats heading towards Puget Sound are in the locks, the water level drops as much as 26 feet to bring the boats even with Puget Sound. The fresh water is exchanged with salt water. The locks are also a critical link for salmon and steelhead heading upstream to spawn. A fish ladder with 21 steps or “weirs” allows spawning fish to climb to the freshwater side. Young fish, or “smolts” then return down through the locks out to Puget Sound.

4. Seafarers Memorial Park

601 Seafarers Way, Anacortes, Fidalgo Island, WA 98221-2171 +1 360-299-1823 http://portofanacortes.com
Excellent
69%
Good
31%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 16 reviews

Seafarers Memorial Park

Reviewed By SDPeterson - La Quinta, United States

This was our first smoke free day from the fires in Washington and Oregon. So, we decided to go for a walk around the Memorial and local Marina. It was so beautiful seeing the statues, the boats and enjoying the fresh air. Stop at Anthony's for a bite to eat or stop at the local food trucks on the other side, you won't be disappointed. The birds were fun to watch and if you're lucky you might even see a seal or two that hang out by the fishing boats. Have fun!

5. The Edmonds Fishing Pier

Next To The Visitor Station At Olympic Beach, Edmonds, WA http://www.edmondswa.gov/visitor-station-fishing-pier.html
Excellent
50%
Good
40%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
10%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 10 reviews

The Edmonds Fishing Pier

Reviewed By traavelers2c - Seattle, United States

On a sunny day, this is a great little walk out the L-shaped pier, There are active fishing people, a fish cleaning station, informational posters on wildlife you might see and a school of metal salmon the poles as you walk out.

6. City of Friday Harbor

60 Second st, Friday Harbor, San Juan Island, WA 98250 +1 360-378-2810 http://www.fridayharbor.org/
Excellent
56%
Good
33%
Satisfactory
11%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 9 reviews

City of Friday Harbor

Reviewed By V9009DDrichardd - Friday Harbor, United States

Visited, found a job and stayed in paradise. Love all that you can do on visit island. Come and see the beauty.

7. Seattle Waterfront

Alaskan Way, Seattle, WA 98101 +1 206-938-3322 http://alkibikeandboard.com/electric_bicycle
Excellent
44%
Good
38%
Satisfactory
14%
Poor
4%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 1,692 reviews

Seattle Waterfront

Walking along the Seattle Waterfront is a perfect way to soak up some Northwest atmosphere. Take in views of the Puget Sound and Olympic Mountains while exploring Olympic Sculpture Park, the Seattle Aquarium, shops, and restaurants like Ivar’s, a local landmark, where you can watch the ferries load and depart while you eat.

Reviewed By B4403NKdanielm - Glendale, United States

Awesome place to visit if you have kids that like water front and being able to ride the fairy from one town to another ? Always fun to go to little islands and drive around looking for fun things to do from walking coast line and gathering pebbles and shells ! Take a tour and watch the killer whales and blue whales come in to peninsula or take a fairy up to British Columbia or Canada ?

8. Fishermen's Terminal

3919 18th Ave W, Seattle, WA 98119-1679 +1 206-728-3395 [email protected] https://www.portseattle.org/Commercial-Marine/Fishermens-Terminal/Pages/default.aspx
Excellent
40%
Good
42%
Satisfactory
17%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 78 reviews

Fishermen's Terminal

Reviewed By archlav - Glenmoore, United States

This is a great place to visit. It has a memorial to the fishermen lost at sea. It has so many boats. There is also chowder and sit down restaurant. Parking is free. Its nice to walk around the area.

9. Bremerton Boardwalk

Bremerton, WA 98337 http://webapp1.ci.bremerton.wa.us/Parks/#map
Excellent
35%
Good
44%
Satisfactory
15%
Poor
6%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 34 reviews

Bremerton Boardwalk

Reviewed By KweqSmanit - Seattle, United States

This has great view of the ferry coming in or out of Bremerton, views of the marina and the harbor area, there are sometimes local musicians buskering here at or near the yacht club restaurant, you can see seagulls, jays, eagles possibly quarreling with crows over territory, kids with ice cream from Cold Stone Creamery by the ferry dock. Good for a stroll and relaxing time or maybe just to get some fresh air.

10. Port Angeles City Pier

315 N Lincoln St, Port Angeles, WA 98362-2924 +1 360-417-4557 https://www.visitportangeles.com/things-to-do/port-angeles/entertainment/city-pier/
Excellent
37%
Good
44%
Satisfactory
17%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 87 reviews

Port Angeles City Pier

Reviewed By dianebS2450BE - Edmonds, United States

Great place to park and visit. There are public bathrooms and the little aquarium right on the pier along with historic plaques. You can walk up to a two story pavilion and look out to the Coast Guard Spit. There is a pathway that is next to the Red Lion where you can walk a good mile or more.

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