Beautiful Game, Beautiful Cities
Beautiful Game, Beautiful Cities
With World Cup matches split between Seattle and Vancouver, the journey matters as much as the destination. Snohomish County connects both, with scenic stops, local flavor, and easy access along I-5. It’s your roadmap to experiencing the tournament and the region in one trip.
A guide to reaching the Pacific Northwest’s world soccer tournament host cities from Snohomish County
By Nick Shekeryk For Discover Snohomish County
The Pacific Northwest will be in the global spotlight this summer when the largest sporting event in the history of the world (yes, you read that correctly) kicks off in two of our region’s most iconic cities: Seattle, Washington, and Vancouver, British Columbia. These two hubs will host a combined 13 international soccer matches over the course of 25 days, making them both destinations for endless fanfare and excitement. Visitors looking to navigate between Seattle and Vancouver will find that all roads – and rails and waterways – run through Snohomish County, Washington.
Whether you plan to catch all the matches at Seattle Stadium (the temporary name for Lumen Field during the tournament), attend a match or two at BC Place in Vancouver, or just want to experience the phenomenon of this worldwide football festival in person, chances are you’ll want to decompress between or after match days. Located less than 15 miles (24 kilometers) north of Seattle and less than 95 miles (153 km) south of Vancouver is where you’ll find Snohomish County. It’s 2,000 square miles of serene land where the pace slows down, the crowds thin, and nature always wins the gold.
Join us on a journey through Snohomish County and beyond to explore the many amazing cities, towns and neighborhoods that lie between Seattle and Vancouver.
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With a convenient location along the north-south arterials Interstate 5 and Highway 99, we chose Everett, Washington as the starting point for travel in both directions.
This travelogue provides a chance for you to discover some of the region’s best hidden gems, major tourist destinations, and modes of transportation that are all within reach of Snohomish County. It also highlights many reasons why Snohomish County is the perfect basecamp for your PNW soccer adventure.
The Journey South: Everett to Seattle
Seattle is home to the Space Needle, Pike Place Market, and it’s the birthplace of grunge music. The Emerald City will host six matches at Seattle Stadium, including four group-stage matches, one round of 32 match, and one round of 16 match. The group stage features powerhouse nations such as Belgium, Egypt and Qatar, with USA-Australia billed as the top match. You can reach the matches at Seattle Stadium from Snohomish County by light rail, train, bus, bike, or car.
Places to Visit Between Everett & Seattle
Before you make your way south to Seattle, there are plenty of amazing cities worth the visit in Snohomish County. Here are our picks for some key stops:
Everett
A former mill town that offers upscale experiences while staying rooted in its gritty seaside fish-and-lumber history.
- Things to do: Everett Marina, Everett AquaSox (baseball)
- Summer events: Sorticulture Garden Arts Festival, Everett Fan Zone
- Where to eat & drink: Capers + Olive, El Mariachi
- Where to stay: Hotel Indigo, Delta Hotel
- Bonus: Fly roundtrip with direct flights to West Coast regional soccer tournament matches in San Francisco and Los Angeles from Seattle Paine Field International Airport.
Mukilteo
A coastal city centered around its iconic lighthouse and driftwood-covered shoreline.
- Things to do: Island adventure via the Mukilteo Ferry Terminal, Boeing Future of Flight and Everett Factory Tour (featuring the world’s largest building by volume), Lighthouse Park
- Where to eat & drink: Ivar’s, Diamond Knot Brewing
- Where to stay: Silver Cloud Inn
Lynnwood
As the first metropolis north of Seattle, Lynnwood is a great spot to access Pacific Northwest culture without the prices and parking of the big city.
- Things to do: Alderwood Mall, Interurban Trail, Light rail to Seattle
- Where to eat & drink: Musashi’s, Temple Distilling, Chops Lynnwood
- Where to stay: Hampton Inn & Suites, Best Western Alderwood
Edmonds
A charming coastal city with a walkable waterfront, inviting sandy beaches, and stunning views of the Salish Sea.
- Things to do: Edmonds Creative District and public art, ferry rides, downtown shopping and dining, whale watching via Puget Sound Express
- Summer events: Edmonds Arts Festival, Edmonds Summer Market
- Where to eat & drink: Salt & Iron, MARKET Edmonds, SanKai
- Where to stay: Best Western Plus Edmonds Harbor Inn
Bothell
A central location with a thriving historic downtown that puts the best of the Pacific Northwest all within easy reach.
- Things to do: Downtown shopping and dining, Sammamish River Trail
- Where to eat & drink: McMenamins Anderson School, Wildwood Spirits Co., Beardslee Public House and Brewery
- Where to stay: Hilton Garden Inn Seattle/Bothell
Woodinville
With more than 130 wineries and tasting rooms spanning four winemaking districts throughout this picturesque city in the Sammamish River Valley, Woodinville has earned its rightful reputation as the region’s premier wine destination.
- Things to do: Wine tasting, Schoolhouse District, Sammamish River Trail
- Where to eat & drink: Metier Brewing Company, Barking Frog, The Pizza Coop & Ale House
Seattle
If you’re looking to do a little sightseeing in Seattle in between matches, here are some of our favorite spots to explore in the Emerald City:
Pike Place Market – A historic neighborhood and public market with renowned destinations such as the first Starbucks, the Gum Wall, and the fish throwers of the Pike Place Fish Market
Seattle Center Monorail – A single-track, elevated rail service that sends riders from the heart of the city to the base of the Space Needle in less than three minutes
Space Needle – An iconic observation tower with space-age design and panoramic views of Puget Sound
Kerry Park – A hilltop park with sweeping views of downtown Seattle and Elliot BayBallard Locks – An innovative fish ladder that promotes salmon migration and maritime transportation
The Journey North: Everett to Vancouver, BC
A short trip north of the Canadian border is one of the world’s foremost international cities: Vancouver, BC. It’s known for amazing sites such as Stanley Park and Granville Island, and it hosted the Winter Games in 2010. Vancouver will host seven matches at BC Place, including five group stage matches, one round of 32 match, and one round of 16 match. Nations competing in the group stage include Australia, New Zealand, Egypt, and Belgium. You can also watch Canada compete here in the group stage, with matches against Qatar and Switzerland.
Places to Visit Between Everett and Vancouver, BC
There’s plenty to do and see once you cross the Canadian border. Before you visit Beautiful British Columbia, explore some of the cities in the northern half of Snohomish County. Here are our picks for some key stops:
Marysville
A scenic destination with natural beauty that’s distinctly PNW and a prime basecamp location for exploring the region.
- Things to do: Centennial Trail, Ebey Waterfront Park, Downtown shopping and dining
- Summer events: Marysville Strawberry Festival
- Where to eat & drink: Jeff’s Texas Style BBQ, 5 Rights Brewing Company
- Where to stay: Home2Suites by Hilton Marysville
Tulalip
A place where history and modern luxury live side-by-side. The 22,000-acre Tulalip Indian Reservation is more than just a destination; it’s the sovereign homeland of the Tulalip Tribes.
- Things to do: Hibulb Cultural Center, Seattle Premium Outlets, Tulalip Amphitheatre
- Summer events: Marysville Strawberry Festival
- Where to eat & drink: Blackfish Wild Salmon Bar & Grill, Tula Bene
- Where to stay: Tulalip Resort Casino
Arlington
A city of grit, vigor, and artistry that’s molded from sun-baked bricks and smalltown stucco storefronts crouching in the foothills of the Cascade Mountains.
- Things to do: Agritourism/U-pick farms, Centennial Trails, Whitehorse Trail, flyfishing in the Stillaguamish River
- Summer events: Arlington Farmers Market
- Where to eat & drink: Nutty’s Junkyard Grill, Stilly Diner, Lighthouse
Stanwood
Located where the Stillaguamish River meets the Salish Sea, Stanwood offers some of the most spectacular scenery in the Pacific Northwest and a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere. It’s also the gateway to beautiful Camano Island.
- Things to do: Port Susan Trail, Camano Island beaches and parks, shopping
- Where to eat & drink: SAAL Brewing Co., Mammoth Burger, Stanwood Cupcakes, Brewcade
Noteworthy Attractions in Skagit County
Located directly above Snohomish County is Skagit County: a place known for its vibrant landscapes, rich history, and welcoming communities. Some of our favorite places in Skagit include:
Downtown Mount Vernon – A vivacious, historic downtown corridor situated on the Skagit River
La Conner – A thriving arts community tucked amid a charming waterfront town
Anacortes – An island city with a bustling downtown and ferry access to the San Juan Islands
Noteworthy Attractions in Whatcom County
When you hit Whatcom County, you’re in the homestretch to British Columbia, Canada. It’s a great area for outdoor recreation and amazing views of Mount Baker and the Salish Sea.
Here are our go-to spots in Whatcom:
Bellingham – A scenic college town with an appetite for the outdoors, craft beer and the Noisy Waters Mural Festival
Birch Bay – A coastal beach town perfectly situated for water sports and crabbing
Peace Arch Park – An international park that’s accessible from both Blaine, Washington and Surrey, British Columbia
Noteworthy Attractions in British Columbia, Canada
Welcome to Canada! Now that you’ve crossed the border, you’re well on your way to Vancouver. On your trip, we recommend some great spots to explore:
White Rock – A beach town with a walkable downtown and a historic pier. Pro tip: Visit Graham at the Wooden Spoon in White Rock for some amazing poutine – that’s fries, gravy, and cheese.
Richmond – A cultural melting pot known for its authentic Asian cuisine and booming night market. Pro tip: Check out the Richmond Dumpling Trail for the best dim sum north of the border.
Noteworthy Attractions in Vancouver, BC
Vancouver, BC is a major coastal city with much to explore. Here are some of our favorites:
Stanley Park – A gorgeous urban park that’s larger than New York’s Central Park
Vancouver Aquarium – A renowned science and marine center that houses more than 65,000 sea animals, creatures, and critters
Capilano Suspension Bridge – A 460-foot-long (140 meters) bridge that hangs 230 feet (70 meters) above a rainforest setting
VanDusen Botanical Garden – A 55-acre garden with over 7,500 plant species, themed gardens, and a hedge maze
Granville Island – A thriving shopping district with a diverse public market and activities for the whole family
Indigenous Tourism – Discover the 204 Indigenous communities of British Columbia, their art, culture and history
Now that you know what to expect, it looks like you’re finally ready to plan your Pacific Northwest soccer adventure through Snohomish County and beyond. To learn even more about our beautiful cities, watch parties and more visit discoversnoco.com or follow @discoversnocom on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube.
