Mukilteo

Mukilteo is a charming waterfront town 45 minutes north of Seattle, best known for its historic lighthouse, ferry to Whidbey Island, and Boeing Museum.

Mukilteo is located between the larger towns of Edmonds and Everett, and has a population of roughly 21,000 people. The ferry ride to Whidbey Island takes 20 minutes (check schedule).

Mukilteo was founded in 1861, and originally thrived as a logging and milling town. 

10 best things to do in Mukilteo

1. Ivar’s Mukilteo Landing

Ivar’s Mukilteo Landing is a seafood restaurant in the heart of Mukilteo, with incredible views of Possession Sound and Whidbey Island.  Dine inside the swanky restaurant, or feel the gentle breeze as you sit on the deck and watch the ferries glide across the water.

There’s also a more casual walk-up window outside Ivar's, with comfort food like ice-cream or fish ‘n chips.  

2. Mukilteo Lighthouse

It’s free to tour the historic Mukilteo Lighthouse (check hours). The Mukilteo Lighthouse first began operation in 1906, and was later automated in 1972.

Climb the 36 steps to the lantern room for amazing views! 

Walk over to the adjacent Lighthouse Keeper’s house to check out the gift shop, and see more exhibits.

3. Mukilteo Lighthouse Park

After touring the lighthouse, explore the rest of the 14-acre Mukilteo Lighthouse Park, with paid parking available in a large lot. 

Stroll along the stunning beach, or bring some wood and enjoy an evening at one of the six fire-pits on the beach (available on a first come, first served basis).

Get a group of family and friends together and rent volleyball courts or picnic shelters (book here).

Kids also love the waterfront playground at the Mukilteo Lighthouse Park.

4. Mukilteo Walking Tour

The self guided Mukilteo Walking Tour loops around Mukilteo Lighthouse Park. Look out for the 14 tour stop signs, and scan in the QR code to listen to audio about Mukilteo’s history.  The first sign is located near the restrooms at the parking lot.

5. Silver Cloud Hotel

Book a waterfront room at the Silver Cloud Hotel, east of the Mukilteo Lighthouse Park.

You can also stroll along the boardwalk in front of the Silver Cloud Hotel, and follow it out to the pier.

6. Mukilteo Community Beach

The Mukilteo Community Beach is a 5-minute walk east of the Mukilteo Lighthouse Park, and can be accessed on the east side of the Silver Cloud Hotel.  

7. Mukilteo Cabernets and IPAs

The fabulous Mukilteo Cabernets and IPAs restaurant is 5 minutes up the hill from the Mukilteo waterfront on Lincoln Avenue, and offers gorgeous water views from a large patio.  Choose from wine, beer and a delicious menu, with charcuterie boards, cheese plates, salads, and other delicious fare.

On cooler days you can dine inside the chic bistro.

8. Lincoln Avenue Courtyard

There’s a lovely cluster of businesses inside the leafy Lincoln Avenue Courtyard in Mukilteo, including the popular Red Cup Café with enchanting patio and water views. The courtyard is 5 minutes up the hill from the Mukilteo waterfront (on the corner of Lincoln Avenue and Fourth Street).

Sound Pizza & Pub has 12 craft beers on tap, and serves yummy pizza and calzones at the Lincoln Avenue Courtyard.

You can also search for cool gifts at Mukilteo Chocolate or Nature Together Gift Shop, both at the Lincoln Avenue Courtyard.

9. Rosehill Community Center

The Rosehill Community Center is up the hill from the Mukilteo waterfront. It's inside a striking, modern building on Lincoln Avenue, with a wall of windows overlooking Possession Sound.  You can sign up for classes here, or book a special event! 

There’s also a monument with a plaque outside the building, showing the exact location where the Native Americans signed the Treaty of Point Elliott with the United States in 1855, ceding huge tracts of land in exchange for reservations and fishing rights.

Don't miss the interpretive signs outside the Community Center, explaining the history of this important site. The first building was constructed here in 1893, and housed the Rosehill School. It then burned down in 1928 and was immediately replaced by a second school building. This was then replaced by a third building in 1911 that serves as the Community Center today.

10. Pioneer Cemetery

The small Pioneer Cemetery (513 Webster Street) has an incredible setting on a hilltop overlooking Puget Sound, and is listed on the Washington State Historic Register.  Many of Mukilteo’s early pioneers were buried here from 1873 to 1919, including Mukilteo’s three founders. There’s some interpretive signs detailing the fascinating history.

11. Harborview Park

Harborview Park is a small, 8-acre park, with 180-degree views of Possession Sound.  It’s a large, open grassy park with a few benches and picnic tables, and a decent sized parking lot.  Bring a picnic blanket, and watch the sunset from this idyllic location. 

12. Boeing Future of Flight

The Boeing Future of Flight is one of the star attractions in Mukilteo, with a gallery showcasing some of Boeing’s history and innovations, a sky-deck overlooking the planes at Paine Field, and the Boeing Gift Shop.  It’s located at Paine Field at the Snohomish County Airport.