The Everett WA Waterfront: A Visitor’s Guide to Boxcar Park, the Marina & Port Gardner Bay

The Everett WA waterfront is the city’s saltwater front door: a working marina, a public park-lined esplanade, and an open sweep of Port Gardner Bay looking out toward Whidbey Island and the Olympics. It has grown from a quiet boat-and-rail district into one of the most walkable destinations in Snohomish County, anchored by Boxcar Park, the Port of Everett’s marina, and seasonal ferry access to Jetty Island. This guide covers what’s down there, how to get around, and how to spend an afternoon by the water.

Quick answer: The Everett WA waterfront sits along Port Gardner Bay on the west side of the city, centered on the Port of Everett marina and the Waterfront Place district. The main things to do are walking the public esplanade, hanging out at Boxcar Park, watching boats and sunsets over the bay, and (in summer) riding the free passenger ferry to Jetty Island. It’s free to visit and open year-round, with public parking near the marina.

Where Is the Everett WA Waterfront?

The Everett WA waterfront runs along the eastern shore of Port Gardner Bay, the body of water where the Snohomish River meets Possession Sound and the larger Puget Sound. It’s on the west side of downtown Everett, a short drive from Interstate 5, and is managed largely by the Port of Everett, a public agency that operates the marina, the surrounding parks, and the mixed-use Waterfront Place development of apartments, shops, and restaurants.

The setting is the draw. Looking west across the bay, you see Jetty Island in the foreground, Whidbey Island beyond it, and on a clear day the Olympic Mountains on the horizon. To the north, the river delta opens into a maze of channels and wildlife habitat. Because the marina faces west, it is one of the better sunset spots in the region.

Boxcar Park: The Waterfront’s Front Lawn

Boxcar Park is a centerpiece public green space of the Everett waterfront and one of the easiest places to start a visit. Named in a nod to the area’s rail heritage, it’s a grassy point at the north end of the marina district built for people to gather, picnic, and take in the view across Port Gardner Bay.

What makes Boxcar Park worth the stop:

• Open lawn and seating with direct, unobstructed views of the bay and, on a clear day, the Olympics
• A relaxed, dog-friendly atmosphere — it’s a popular gathering spot and serves as the staging area for the Jetty Island ferry in summer
• A shelter for shade and weather, handy on a breezy or drizzly day
• Proximity to the marina boardwalk, so you can combine a park visit with a waterfront walk
• Sunsets and kite-flying — the open exposure and steady bay breeze make it a local favorite for both

It’s a low-key spot rather than a playground-and-amenities mega-park, which is exactly its appeal: bring a blanket, a coffee, or takeout and watch the water. For current hours and any event closures, check the City of Everett or Port of Everett parks listings.

The Port of Everett Marina and the Esplanade Walk

The Port of Everett marina is the heart of the waterfront and one of the largest public marinas on the West Coast, home to a large fleet of recreational and commercial vessels. You don’t need a boat to enjoy it — the public esplanade and boardwalk let anyone walk right along the water’s edge past the slips.

Walking the waterfront

The marina-side promenade is flat, paved, and stroller- and wheelchair-friendly, making it the best way to experience the Everett waterfront on foot. A typical loop links Boxcar Park, the marina boardwalk, and the Waterfront Place plaza, with benches and public art along the way. Expect to see:

• Rows of moored sailboats and motor yachts, plus the occasional fishing or charter vessel heading out
• Public viewpoints and pocket plazas built into the development
• Restaurants and a bakery opening onto the water (see below)
• Boat launches and guest moorage for visiting boaters

On-water recreation

Beyond walking, the marina is a launch point for getting onto the water. Kayak and small-craft rentals, fishing charters, whale-watching trips, and sailing are all part of the Port Gardner scene in season. Operators and schedules change year to year, so confirm what’s currently running with the Port of Everett before planning an on-water outing.

Jetty Island: A Free Summer Ferry Ride

Jetty Island is the long, low, largely man-made island just offshore from the marina, and reaching it is one of the signature Everett waterfront experiences. It offers a long stretch of sandy beach, shallow sun-warmed tide flats that are unusually swimmable for Puget Sound, dunes, and excellent birdwatching — there are no permanent buildings, just open natural shoreline.

The key thing to know: during the summer season, the City of Everett runs a free passenger ferry from the waterfront over to Jetty Island. Important planning notes:

• The ferry is seasonal (summer only) and typically requires a reservation for the short crossing — walk-up availability can be limited
• There are no stores and limited or no drinking water and restrooms on the island, so bring water, sun protection, and anything else you’ll need
• It’s a day-use destination with no overnight access
• Outside the ferry season, the island is reachable only by private boat or kayak

Because dates, reservation rules, and any fees are set each year, always confirm the current season and booking process through the City of Everett’s Jetty Island ferry information before you go.

Port Gardner Bay Views and What Else to Do

Port Gardner Bay is the scenic payoff of the entire Everett waterfront, and simply taking in the view is a legitimate reason to visit. Beyond the park and the ferry, here’s how people round out a waterfront day:

• Sunset watching — the west-facing marina and Boxcar Park glow at golden hour over the water and, on clear evenings, the Olympics
• Wildlife and birding — seals, herons, eagles, and shorebirds are common along the delta and the jetty
• Festivals and events — the waterfront hosts seasonal markets, music, and community events; check the Port of Everett events calendar for current listings
• Photography — the boats, the bay, and the mountain backdrop make this one of Snohomish County’s most photogenic spots
• A meal by the water — the district has grown into a genuine dining destination (see below)

Where to eat on the Everett waterfront

This guide focuses on the waterfront as a place to go, but the food down there deserves its own visit. The Waterfront Place district has added sit-down restaurants and a bakery that open onto the water, well suited to a coffee-and-pastry stop before a walk or a meal after one. Because the lineup of businesses changes as the district grows, check the Port of Everett or Waterfront Place directory for what’s currently open, and watch this site for our dedicated waterfront restaurant write-ups.

Visiting Tips: Parking, Access, and Best Time to Go

• Getting there: The waterfront is a short drive from I-5 via the Marine View Drive corridor on the west side of the city; signage points to the marina and Waterfront Place.
• Parking: There is public parking near the marina and Waterfront Place. Lots can fill on summer weekends and event days, so arrive early and check the Port of Everett site for current locations and any rates.
• Accessibility: The esplanade and main boardwalk are paved and level, suitable for strollers and wheelchairs.
• Best time to go: Summer for the Jetty Island ferry and warm tide flats; late afternoon year-round for sunsets over the bay. Dress in layers — the bay breeze runs cool even on warm days.
• Dogs: Leashed dogs are generally welcome along the waterfront and at Boxcar Park; the Jetty Island ferry and island have their own pet rules, so check ahead.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Everett WA Waterfront

What is there to do at the Everett WA waterfront?

At the Everett waterfront you can walk the public esplanade along the marina, relax at Boxcar Park, take in Port Gardner Bay and Olympic Mountain views, ride the seasonal free ferry to Jetty Island, and eat at waterfront restaurants. On-water options like kayaking, fishing charters, and whale watching are available in season through Port of Everett operators.

Is Jetty Island free, and how do you get there?

Jetty Island itself is free to enjoy, and in summer the City of Everett runs a free passenger ferry to it from the waterfront. The ferry is seasonal and typically requires a reservation for the short crossing. Outside the summer ferry season, the island is only reachable by private boat or kayak. Confirm current dates and booking details with the City of Everett.

Is there parking at the Everett marina and waterfront?

Yes. There is public parking near the Port of Everett marina and the Waterfront Place district. Spaces can fill quickly on summer weekends and during festivals or events, so arriving early is recommended. Check the Port of Everett website for current parking locations and any rates.

What is Boxcar Park in Everett?

Boxcar Park is a public waterfront green space at the north end of the Port of Everett marina, named for the area’s rail history. It offers open lawn, seating, bay and mountain views, and serves as the summer staging area for the Jetty Island ferry. It’s a popular, low-key spot for picnics, sunsets, and kite-flying.

When is the best time to visit the Everett waterfront?

Summer is best for the Jetty Island ferry and the island’s warm, swimmable tide flats, while late afternoon and golden hour are ideal year-round for sunsets over Port Gardner Bay. Weekday visits avoid the busiest parking. Bring layers, since the bay breeze stays cool even on warm days.