Looking for a relaxing escape near Seattle? Discover the charm of Bothell! This riverside city blends small-town appeal with wine country vibes, outdoor recreation, and local history. Whether you're biking the Sammamish River Trail or sipping at nearby wineries, Bothell offers a laid-back Pacific Northwest getaway.
🌤 When I like to visit
The best time to visit Bothell is from late spring through early fall (May to September). These months bring mild weather, perfect for wine tastings, hiking, and outdoor festivals.
🗺 My tips for getting There
- By Car: Bothell is located off I-405, about 25 minutes northeast of downtown Seattle.
- By Bus: King County Metro and Sound Transit offer frequent bus service from Seattle and surrounding suburbs.
- By Air: Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) is around 35 minutes away by car or shuttle.
🏬 Where I like to stay
- McMenamins Anderson School – Unique hotel in a former junior high with a pool, brewery, and movie theater.
- Holiday Inn & Suites Bothell – Comfortable stay with modern amenities and easy highway access.
- Country Inn & Suites by Radisson – Friendly service, free breakfast, and a convenient location near downtown.
Top Attractions
- McMenamins Anderson School – More than a hotel—explore the pub, theater, soaking pool, and art-filled halls.
- Sammamish River Trail – Walk, bike, or jog along this scenic trail connecting Bothell to nearby wine country.
- Park at Bothell Landing – Peaceful riverside park with picnic areas, a historic museum, and trail access.
- Woodinville Wine Country – Just minutes away, explore dozens of wineries, tasting rooms, and distilleries.
- North Creek Trail – Serene trail perfect for wildlife viewing, casual strolls, and connecting with nature.
1. Relax Among the Trees at Blyth Park
♥
"Picnic, pedal, or just breathe in this riverside green escape."
Location: Bothell, WA
Recommended For: Families, walkers, cyclists, disc golfers, and nature lovers.
What we Love: "It’s where the river winds, trees stretch wide, and families linger over picnics. The disc golf course? An unexpected gem tucked into a peaceful green retreat."
- Play on the safe and fun children’s playground—ideal for all ages and active outdoor time.
- Relax under picnic shelters or use the barbecue-equipped day-use sites—great for casual lunches or group gatherings.
- Challenge yourself with a full 18-hole disc golf course nestled among trees and open spaces.
- Connect to the Sammamish River Trail and Burke-Gilman Trail for extended biking or walking adventures.
Cost: Free public access; picnic shelters may be reserved for a fee.
Best time to visit: Spring through early fall for lush greenery, riverside breezes, and community events.
Local tips: Arrive early on sunny weekends to claim picnic spots or disc golf tee times. Trailheads are also popular with cyclists, so bring a lock if parking your bike.
How to Get to Blyth Park: From I-405, take Exit 23 for WA-522 W. Continue on Bothell Way NE, then turn left on 102nd Ave NE and continue onto W Riverside Drive. The park entrance will be on your right.
Address: 16950 W Riverside Dr, Bothell, WA 98011
Phone: 425-806-6760
2. Stroll the Wetlands at North Creek Park
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"Walk the boardwalks through bird-filled marshes and natural beauty."
Location: Mill Creek, WA
Recommended For: Nature lovers, birdwatchers, families, photographers, and wetland ecology enthusiasts.
What we Love: "A floating boardwalk through a serene wetland? Yes, please. Each step feels like part of an unexpected nature immersion—birds, still water, and silence all around."
- Walk the ¾-mile floating boardwalk trail—made of 150 connected segments winding through a thriving wetland ecosystem.
- Watch native and migratory birds in their natural habitat, with interpretive signage offering insight into the area’s ecology.
- Play on the safe, well-maintained playground, perfect for children of all ages.
- Picnic in covered shelters ideal for day visits, with nearby restroom and parking access.
Cost: Free public access; picnic areas available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Best time to visit: Spring and fall for peak bird activity; summer for family picnics and dry boardwalk strolls.
Local tips: Mornings offer the best birdwatching. Bring binoculars and water shoes if it’s recently rained—the trail can get damp.
How to Get to North Creek Park: From I-5, take Exit 183 for 164th St SW and head east. Continue onto Mill Creek Blvd, then turn right on 183rd St SE. The park is located near the intersection of 9th Ave SE and 183rd.
Address: 1011 183rd St. SE, Mill Creek, WA 98012
Phone: 425-388-6608
3. Step Into the Past at Bothell Historical Museum
I like:
"Discover pioneer life and the roots of this riverside town."
Location: Bothell, WA
Recommended For: History buffs, architecture lovers, families, educators, and heritage tourists.
What we Love: "Walking through these preserved buildings feels like opening a time capsule—lace curtains, old signage, and the warmth of wood beams soaked in history."
- Tour the beautifully restored 1893 Hannan House, a Queen Anne Victorian gem furnished with period pieces and pioneer artifacts.
- Explore the Beckstrom Cabin and the authentic one-room schoolhouse—both offering hands-on glimpses into 19th-century frontier life.
- Discover curated exhibits featuring a historic church organ, pioneer business memorabilia, and stories from early Bothell settlers.
Cost: Free admission; donations are appreciated to support preservation efforts.
Best time to visit: Sundays from April through October, when all historic buildings are open for exploration.
Local tips: Pair your visit with a walk through the Park at Bothell Landing or bring a picnic—it's a quiet riverside spot just steps from downtown.
How to Get to Bothell Historical Museum: From I-405, take Exit 23 for WA-522 W toward Bothell. Turn onto 96th Ave NE, then head west on NE 180th St. The museum is located within the Park at Bothell Landing.
Address: 9919 NE 180th St., Bothell, WA 98011
Phone: See website for contact info
4. Try Your Luck at Silver Dollar Casino Mill Creek
♥
"Play the tables and enjoy lively nightlife just minutes away."
Location: Bothell, WA
Recommended For: Casino-goers, night owls, card players, and fans of casual dining with entertainment.
What we Love: "It’s a low-key place where you can hit the tables, grab Korean barbecue, and enjoy a drink—all without missing a hand. Perfect for a laid-back night with a little adrenaline."
- Play classic table games like Spanish 21 and baccarat across 11 tables with a lively, friendly atmosphere.
- Try your hand at four-card poker or Ultimate Texas Hold'em on padded tables that welcome both new and seasoned players.
- Relax with full beverage service delivered directly to your table so you never have to miss a hand.
- Dine on globally inspired dishes—from sizzling Korean BBQ to hearty Mexican favorites—at the full-service bar and grill.
Cost: Free entry; game buy-ins vary by table. Food and drink available à la carte.
Best time to visit: Evenings and weekends for a lively crowd and full table availability; late night for casual games and relaxed dining.
Local tips: Join early in the evening to avoid wait times at popular tables. Don’t miss the rotating food specials at the bar.
How to Get to Silver Dollar Casino Mill Creek: From I-5, take Exit 183 for 164th St SW and head east. Turn left on Bothell Everett Hwy; the casino will be on your right just before 180th Street SE.
Address: 17917 Bothell Everett Hwy, Bothell, WA 98012
Phone: 425-481-9227
5. Raise a Glass at Wildwood Spirits Co.
Among my top 5:
"Taste small-batch gin, vodka, and whiskey crafted with Northwest soul."
Location: Bothell, WA
Recommended For: Spirit enthusiasts, farm-to-bottle fans, local shoppers, and those seeking small-batch quality and craft distilling experiences.
What we Love: "Every sip tells a story—local grains, careful distilling, and deep Northwest roots. The bourbon? Smooth. The grappa? Unexpectedly elegant. It's where tradition meets bold flavor."
- Sample award-winning spirits like Dark Door Bourbon and Stark Vatten Vodka at the cozy tasting room, open Wednesday to Sunday.
- Discover the artistry behind Arande Grappa, distilled from Chenin Blanc grapes, honoring old-world traditions with local flair.
- Support sustainable practices by tasting spirits made with Washington-grown ingredients sourced from nearby farms.
Cost: Tasting fees apply; bottles available for purchase. Call ahead for current pricing and availability.
Best time to visit: Afternoons Wednesday through Sunday for full tasting room hours and staff-led spirit insights.
Local tips: Ask for a guided tasting—you’ll learn about the process from farm to glass. Great spot for gift shopping too!
How to Get to Wildwood Spirits Co.: From I-405, take Exit 24 and head west on NE 195th St. Turn left onto Beardslee Blvd. The distillery is located in the Village at Beardslee Crossing complex.
Address: 19116 Beardslee Blvd. Ste 102, Bothell, WA 98011
Phone: 425-286-1002
Where to Eat
6. Dine in Style at Amaro Bistro
♥
"Savor rustic Italian cuisine with modern flair and cozy energy."
Location: Bothell, WA
Recommended For: Foodies, date nights, brunch lovers, Italian cuisine fans, and cocktail connoisseurs.
What we Love: "It’s the kind of place where the pizza crust crackles just right, the cioppino is unforgettable, and brunch feels like a warm hug from Tuscany."
- Enjoy stone hearth-fired pizzas in traditional styles like margherita, pepperoni, and mushroom funghi—crispy, authentic, and satisfying.
- Dive into Italian classics like rigatoni bolognese, linguine di mare, and rich cioppino with Dungeness crab and prawns.
- Brunch on Italian Benedicts, frittatas, or Tuscan-style toast with vanilla mascarpone and candied walnuts.
- Sip creative martinis, aged scotches, or authentic Italian grappas from the full-service bar.
Cost: Moderate to upscale; entrees range from $15–$40. Brunch and cocktails priced separately.
Best time to visit: Evenings for a romantic dinner or weekend brunch for a relaxed, flavorful start to your day.
Local tips: Make a reservation, especially for weekend evenings or brunch. Don’t skip dessert—the panna cotta is a sleeper hit.
How to Get to Amaro Bistro: From I-405, take Exit 23 for WA-522 W toward Bothell. Turn right on Bothell Way NE; Amaro Bistro is located on the ground floor of the Six Oaks building, near downtown.
Address: 18333 Bothell Way NE #105, Bothell, WA 98011
Phone: 425-485-2300
7. Celebrate Flavor at Grazie Ristorante Italiano
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"Enjoy classic pastas and fine wines in a warmly refined setting."
Location: Bothell, WA
Recommended For: Pizza lovers, date nights, Italian food fans, jazz enthusiasts, and special-occasion diners.
What we Love: "Wood-fired pizza, warm lighting, and the sounds of live jazz? Grazie is the kind of place where dinner becomes a memory. It’s both rustic and refined, just like a good risotto."
- Savor traditional brick-oven pizzas—from margherita to creative options like barbecue chicken and Greek-style with feta and sun-dried tomatoes.
- Indulge in rich pasta dishes such as crab and shrimp cannelloni or classic lasagna, paired with expertly prepared chicken and veal entrees.
- Experience the ambiance of Italy with cozy European decor and weekend live jazz performances by top Pacific Northwest artists.
Cost: Moderate to upscale; expect entrée prices between $18–$35. Live music included with dinner service on weekends.
Best time to visit: Friday or Saturday evenings for the full jazz dining experience; weekdays for a quieter, cozy meal.
Local tips: Reserve ahead for live music nights—they fill up fast. Ask for a seat near the music stage for the best vibe.
How to Get to Grazie Ristorante Italiano: From I-405, take Exit 26 and head east on Bothell-Everett Hwy. Grazie is located in the Canyon Park area, on the east side of the highway near 228th Street SE.
Address: 23207 Bothell-Everett Hwy, Bothell, WA 98021
Phone: 425-402-9600
Local Events
- Music in the Park (Summer) – Weekly free concerts at Bothell Landing Amphitheater.
- Bothell Block Party & BrewFest (June) – Craft beer, food trucks, and live music in downtown Bothell.
- Tree Lighting Festival (December) – Holiday cheer with lights, music, and visits from Santa.
Day Trips Within 30 Minutes of Bothell, Washington
- Woodinville (10–15 min) – Sip award-winning wines, visit tasting rooms, or stroll through beautiful winery grounds.
- Kenmore (5–10 min) – Explore waterfront parks, paddle Lake Washington, or visit the Burke-Gilman Trail.
- Kirkland (15–20 min) – Walk the lakeside promenade, browse art galleries, or dine at scenic waterfront restaurants.
- Lynnwood (20–25 min) – Shop at Alderwood Mall, visit community parks, or catch a local performance or event.
- Mill Creek (15–20 min) – Enjoy a walkable town center, wooded trails, and family-friendly restaurants and cafés.
- Mountlake Terrace (20–25 min) – Relax in nature parks, enjoy casual dining, or access the Interurban Trail.
- Lake Forest Park (20–25 min) – Browse Third Place Books, stroll tree-lined neighborhoods, or enjoy peaceful parks.
- Redmond (25–30 min) – Explore Microsoft’s hometown, bike the Sammamish River Trail, or visit Marymoor Park.
- Everett (South Side) (25–30 min) – Tour the waterfront, visit the Funko HQ, or explore the local arts district.
FAQ
- Where is Bothell located?
- Bothell is a lovely suburb of Seattle located within Snohomish and King Counties. It has historically served as a major business bedroom community for Seattle workers throughout much of the 20th century.
- What are some attractions in Bothell?
- Today, Bothell is a destination in its own right, home to entertainment and retail centers like Canyon Park and North Creek. Visitors can use the city as a launching-off point to explore major landmarks in the Seattle area.
- Bothell Historical Museum: Preserves historic buildings at the Park at Bothell Landing, offering a glimpse into the city’s past.
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