Traveling While Black: Everett, WA
Welcome back to Traveling While Black, where we share our journeys, experiences, and insights on cities across the Pacific Northwest and beyond. In this episode, we’re revisiting Everett, WA, a place we last explored in 2021. That visit was part of our “Potential Mover’s Series,” where we evaluated cities for their livability and potential as new homes. But this time, we’re here to experience Everett from a fresh perspective—a summer getaway in the city.
The Overview
Everett, Washington, is the 7th largest city in the state, known for its naval station and one of the largest factories in the world. Despite its size, Everett maintains a small-town feel, enhanced by its location on the shores of the Puget Sound. With the summer sun shining, we knew we were in for some stunning views and outdoor adventures.
The Drive Grade: Seattle to Everett
The drive from Seattle to Everett is a straightforward one, but it’s important to time your departure wisely. We learned this the hard way when we hit heavy traffic, turning what should have been a quick trip (typically 45 minutes) into a longer one (one hour+). Nevertheless, the route is a breeze with its easy navigation up Interstate 5 North.
Here’s how the drive scored on our scale:
Quality of Views: 1/2 points – The drive doesn’t offer many spectacular views, but you can catch glimpses of the surrounding mountains once you touchdown in Everett, WA.
Roadside Amenities: 2/2 points – On the route, there are plenty of options for food, gas, and more. You’ll pass by the University of Washington and Northgate Mall too. You’ll even pass the city of Edmonds (check out our Edmonds YouTube episode).
Route Simplicity: 2/2 points – It’s a straight shot up the interstate, making it an easy drive.
Roadside Attractions: 2/2 points – There are lots of interesting stops between Seattle and Everett, worthy of a visit on their own. Like mentioned above, the University of Washington and Northgate mall!
Quality Parking Options: 0/2 points – When we were visiting Everett, parking was requiring payment for many places. We even hit “event rates” during our visit, making it pricier.
Our Drive Grade Rating for Everett, WA: 7/10
Level of Fun: Everett, WA
Our return to Everett was all about fun, and the city didn’t disappoint. From its special events to its natural beauty, Everett offered plenty to keep us entertained.
Quality of Activities: 2/2 points - Everett shines in the summer, especially with its outdoor activities. We kicked off our visit with a picnic on Jetty Island Beach. Jetty Island is a human-made island just offshore, boasting the longest sandy beach in the Puget Sound. What makes this beach unique is its warm ocean water! Which is rare because a lot of the water in the Pacific Northwest is cold all year around!
We also immersed ourselves in Everett’s vibrant art culture at the APEX Art & Culture Center, home to the world’s largest and most historically accurate collection of American graffiti and urban art on canvas. Touring the exhibit with Gloryanne Carswell, aka Baby G, the Art Curator for The American Graffiti & Urban Art Conservation Project, was a highlight. We learned about the museum’s mission and the stories behind the art, deepening our appreciation for the culture that inspired it.
For a taste of local flavor, we visited Obsidian Beer Hall, a Black-owned beer hall in the heart of Everett. Not only was the beer fantastic, but the hall also features a gallery showcasing local BIPOC artists—a perfect blend of culture and community.
Demographic Applicability: 2/2 points - Everett offers something for everyone, from families to solo travelers. The Imagine Children’s Museum is a must-visit for families, and the Funko Headquarters—a 17,000 square foot wonderland of Funko Pop Figures—is sure to delight kids and adults alike.
Affordability: 1/2 points - While Everett is one of the more expensive cities in the country, it’s still cheaper compared to other cities in the area.
Quality of Restaurants: 2/2 points - We had some delicious meals at a variety of spots, from Asian-inspired dishes at Fisherman Jack’s to Italian classics at Lombardi’s. We even enjoyed some great coffee and pastries at Choux Choux Bakery and Narrative Coffee Co.
Special Events: 2/2 points - Everett is a hub of summer events. During our visit, we caught two concerts—Music on the Marina and Rock the Boat at Boxcar Park. But the event that stole our hearts was Geekfest West, a locally owned and operated celebration of all things geeky, from cosplay to gaming tournaments.
Our Level of Fun Rating for Everett, WA: 9/10
Comfortability for Black People: Everett, WA
In our previous visit, Everett’s comfort score was impacted by some unfortunate incidents, but this time, we were pleased to see improvements this time we visited.
Here’s how Everett scored for our comfortability for Black people rating:
Black Population Percentage & Number of Black People Seen: 2 points each - total 4/4 points – We saw quite a few other Black people during our visit, and Everett’s 6.3% Black population is considered high for Washington state.
Visibility of Inclusion: 1/2 points – While not as visible as in some other cities, Everett shows some signs of inclusion, particularly through exhibits like the graffiti museum at the APEX Art & Culture Center.
Prevalence of Black History: 1/2 points – Everett has some cool Black history, such as Mary Jane Green, the city’s oldest resident on record, and Manima Wilson, the first Black woman to graduate from the University of Washington.
Personal Comfort: 2/2 points – We felt comfortable everywhere we went in Everett, which was an improvement from our last visit. We would return!
Overall Black Comfort Rating for Everett, WA: 8/10
Final Thoughts:
Our second trip to Everett confirmed that the city has a lot to offer, from stunning summer views to a vibrant arts scene. Whether you’re exploring the city’s rich history, enjoying a picnic on Jetty Island, or sipping on craft beer at a Black-owned beer hall, Everett is a city that welcomes and entertains. Everett is a must-visit destination for any traveler.
