For sheer belle époque splendor, this extravagant 19th-century glass-topped, barrel-vaulted tunnel serves as a lively, noisy and colorful shopping mall, teeming with life and inviting you to people-watching from the tables that spill from the Galleria's many bars and restaurants.
This is the ultimate "urban resort." Even if you aren't staying at the hotel, it is free to wander the grounds, and it’s where every tourist goes first. The Vibe: It feels like a mix of Harry Potter and a vintage Pacific Northwest lodge. The hallways are filled with surrealist art, hand-painted murals of former teachers, and quirky lighting. The North Shore Lagoon: The old school pool has been transformed into a tropical saltwater pool under a massive glass roof. Above the pool is a Polynesian-style tiki bar where you can watch people swim while you sip a tropical drink. The Woodshop: The former woodshop is now a massive pub with shuffleboard, pool tables, and a full brewery. Hidden Bars: Part of the fun is finding the tiny, hidden bars tucked away in old classrooms or the principal’s office (now a whiskey bar called The Shed). The "Nice" Factor: It is beautifully landscaped with outdoor fire pits and courtyards, making it the perfect spot to hang out on a summer evening or a cozy rainy afternoon. A Perfect Tourist Day in Bothell: Morning: Walk or bike the Sammamish River Trail starting from the Park at Bothell Landing (just a 5-minute walk from Anderson School). Lunch: Have a scratch-made burger and a craft beer at Beardslee Public House. Afternoon: Explore the halls of McMenamins Anderson School. Take a self-guided "art tour" of the murals and grab a movie at the onsite theater (which serves food to your seat). Evening: Go for a soak in the North Shore Lagoon pool and end the night with a drink by one of the outdoor fire pits in the courtyard.
This isn't just a road; it’s a perfectly preserved 19th-century district perched right above the Snohomish River. The Vibe: It feels like a movie set. You have blocks of historic brick buildings, flower-lined sidewalks, and views of the river. It is clean, charming, and very walkable. The Shopping: It is famous for its massive antique malls. Even if you aren't a collector, places like the Star Center Antique Mall (which has 5 levels of treasures) are fascinating to explore. The Riverfront Trail: Right behind the shops is a beautiful, paved trail where you can walk along the water, see the historic bridges, and watch the local rowing clubs or the occasional bald eagle. The "Nice" Factor: It is home to the city's best boutique shops, upscale-yet-casual bistros, and the famous Snohomish Pie Co. A Perfect "Tourist Day" Itinerary: Morning: Grab a coffee at Looking Glass Coffee (it's inside an old theater) and walk the Riverfront Trail. Mid-Day: Browse the shops on First Street. Don't miss Victoria Village or the unique Titanic-themed frozen yogurt shop (Top It Yogurt). Lunch: Eat at the Cabbage Patch Restaurant (famous for their scones) or Andy’s Fish House. Treat: You cannot leave without a slice of pie from Snohomish Pie Co
The Landmark: The centerpiece is the 67-foot white concrete arch, built in 1921 to honor 100 years of peace between the two countries. It is inscribed with the famous phrase: "May These Gates Never Be Closed." The Experience: This is one of the only places in the world where you can walk across an international border without showing a passport (as long as you stay within the park boundaries). You can have a picnic where your blanket is in the U.S. and your friend is sitting in Canada. The Scenery: It is impeccably maintained with manicured lawns, vibrant flower gardens (including a massive floral display of the American and Canadian flags), and stunning views of Semiahmoo Bay. The "Nice" Factor: It is incredibly peaceful and quiet, despite being right next to the border crossing. It’s a prime spot for photography, weddings, and family gatherings. A Perfect Tourist Day in Blaine: Morning: Explore Peace Arch Park. Take the iconic photo standing with one foot in each country under the arch. Mid-Day: Drive 10 minutes to Semiahmoo Spit. Walk the paved trail between the harbor and the bay for some of the best birdwatching in the state. Lunch: Head to Drayton Harbor Oyster Company in downtown Blaine for oysters that were pulled from the water just hours ago. Afternoon: Visit the Blaine Marine Park to see the "Lighthouse Playground" and the historic Plover Ferry (the oldest foot-passenger ferry in Washington
