Bothell has grown a lot in the last few years. It’s always been known for great housing options, accessibility to the Eastside, Seattle, and Everett, as well as its fantastic schools. It has all of the right stores to make life convenient, but with the redevelopment of downtown Bothell, it’s gained a charm that is quickly making it a “must see.”
I’ve put together a few of my very favorite things to do in Bothell with the hopes that it will inspire you to explore this wonderful city!
Photo courtesy of the McMenamins Anderson School Facebook page
1. McMenamins Anderson School
- Located at 18607 Bothell Way N.E. Bothell, WA 98011
If you haven’t been to a McMenamin’s before, you have to check out their Bothell location. Known for revamping landmarks that some might consider past their prime, they relaunch them into quirky, fun and exotic venues that instantly become the core of the community.
Located in and on the grounds of a revitalized junior high school, the McMenamins Anderson School is your perfect opportunity to get out of the house and take a mini vacation. Enjoy handcrafted drinks in the hallways, dine at the Tavern on the Square, take a dip in the North Shore Lagoon, catch a movie in the theater, and witness some gorgeous local artwork that you can’t see anywhere else. With lodging packages available on-site, you can make it a romantic getaway or a fun weekend with friends!
Photo courtesy of the City of Bothell website
2. Blyth Park
- Located at 16950 W. Riverside Dr. Bothell, WA 98011
- Hours: Dawn-Dusk 7 Days a Week
When the sun comes out, take the chance to head out to Blyth Park. This beautiful local park has amenities fit for everyone, from a children’s play area, to volleyball and disc golf areas, to grills and picnic areas. Pack a lunch, find a cozy spot, and take in the views of the Sammamish River and surrounding foliage. It will give you a whole new perspective on Bothell’s natural landscape (and give you some fresh air relaxation time!).
Photo courtesy of Robert Ashworth via Flickr
3. Sammamish River Trail
- The trail starts at Marymoor Park in Redmond and goes to Gas Works Park in Seattle, with several areas to hop on and off.
If you prefer your nature while in motion, the Sammamish River Trail is another fantastic area to check out. This trail is popular with the locals and is often packed on the weekends with walkers, joggers, bikers, and rollerbladers. The scenery is breathtaking and the trail itself drops you right off into downtown Bothell, so you can grab a bite to eat and unwind after a long workout.
Photo courtesy of the University of Washington Bothell Facebook page
4. University of Washington (UW) Bothell
- Located at 18115 Campus Way N.E. Bothell, WA 98011
A local branch of the University of Washington, UW Bothell offers so much more than “just” classes for students—they have a ton of activities and services open to the local community. You can bring your dog and walk along the Town-Gown Loop, grab some coffee and find a nice place to read outside of your house, attend a lecture, or hit up the University Bookstore for some Husky gear. You don’t have to be a student to experience all that UW Bothell has to offer, so stop by the campus the next time you want to try something new (and most likely free!). For a full list of the things you can do at UW Bothell, click here.
Photo courtesy of the Country Village Shops Facebook page
5. Country Village
- Located at 23718 Bothell Everett Hwy. Bothell, WA 98021
- Hours: 10:00am-6:00pm Monday-Saturday; 11:00am-5:00pm Sunday
The Country Village has been around for years, and is a Bothell mainstay. Whether you’re looking for a unique gift, a new restaurant, or just a new place to hang out, Country Village is a must. This quaint area features over 45 locally owned shops and restaurants, plus little duck ponds and paths that are great for a quiet stroll on a sunny day. Once summer hits, Country Village also opens its yearly farmers market, with dozens of the most interesting vendors in the state. Click here to check out the types of vendors you can expect to find at the market!
Photo courtesy of the City of Bothell Government Facebook page
6. Main Street
If you’re ready to explore Bothell but aren’t quite sure where to start, stop by Bothell’s Main Street to get a sense of things. Bothell’s Main Street is located in the heart of downtown and features an array of fabulous boutiques and dining opportunities. You can find unique and affordable jewelry pieces at the Se Lyn Boutique, gifts from India and beyond at Sankara Imports, and enjoy burgers and beer at Main Street’s newest gem, The Bine.
If you’re not in the mood for burgers, Main Street also offers spots serving up Mexican, Thai, sushi, donuts, and much more, interspersed with fun and interesting shops that will help you make the most of a day out on the town. Click here for a look at all of the shops and restaurants located along Main Street and start planning your visit!