50 Ways to Make the Most of Summer in the Northwest
Summer in the Pacific Northwest is something special. Long evenings on the water, fresh seafood enjoyed dockside, sunsets that seem to last forever, and weekends spent exploring new places with the people you love.
This year, we’re inviting you to make the most of every sunny day with the Anthony’s Summer Bucket List—a collection of Northwest experiences, seasonal flavors, and waterfront moments worth checking off before summer ends.
Whether you’re discovering a new waterfront destination, savoring seasonal Northwest flavors, or watching the sunset from your favorite Anthony’s patio, these are the moments that make summer memorable.
We asked our teams across the Northwest to share their favorite summer traditions, hidden gems, and can’t-miss experiences near their restaurants. Here’s what they recommended.
North Sound
From mountain vistas and waterfront trails to sandy beaches and sunny patios, summer in the North Sound is packed with opportunities to get outside and explore.
☐ Take in the views from Artist Point
Just up the Mount Baker Highway, Artist Point offers breathtaking mountain scenery and panoramic views that make the drive well worth it.
☐ Cool off at Whatcom Falls Park
Explore scenic walking trails, the iconic stone bridge, and one of Bellingham’s favorite spots to cool off on a warm summer day.
☐ Enjoy a Mixed Berry Cocktail on a sunny patio
Fresh Northwest berries, sunshine, and waterfront views make this the perfect summer sip.
☐ Spend a day on Jetty Island
Take the seasonal ferry to the longest sandy beach in Puget Sound, where you can soak up the sun, play in the sand, and watch windsurfers glide across the water.
☐ Sit on Emory’s patio—the largest restaurant patio in Snohomish County
Relax lakeside, enjoy the sunshine, and take in one of the region’s best outdoor dining experiences.
☐ Watch the sunset from Samish Crest
A local favorite offering sweeping views of the San Juan Islands, Bellingham Bay, and surrounding mountains.
☐ Catch Music at the Marina in Everett
Grab a chair, find a spot along the waterfront, and enjoy live music at Port Gardner Landing while the sun sets over the marina.
☐ Enjoy a Dungeness Crab Dinner at Cap Sante Marina
A Northwest summer isn’t complete without gathering around the table for fresh Dungeness crab.
South Sound
Harbor towns, waterfront parks, live music, and unforgettable sunsets—summer in the South Sound moves at its own pace.
☐ Take a gondola ride through Gig Harbor
Glide through the harbor aboard an authentic Italian-style gondola while taking in waterfront views, passing boats, and soaking up the charm of one of Washington’s most picturesque maritime communities.
☐ Explore Point Defiance Park
Spend the day hiking scenic trails, relaxing at Owens Beach, or exploring one of Tacoma’s most iconic destinations.
☐ Taste wild salmon while it’s in season
One of the Pacific Northwest’s most anticipated summer traditions, available for only a limited time each year.
☐ Walk the Gig Harbor waterfront
Browse local shops, admire the boats, and experience the charm of this historic maritime community.
☐ Catch a concert at Skansie Brothers Park
Bring a lawn chair or blanket and enjoy live music overlooking Gig Harbor’s waterfront.
☐ Hike Green Mountain
One of Kitsap County’s most popular hikes, offering rewarding summit views of Puget Sound and beyond.
☐ Catch live music on Thursday nights at Anthony’s HomePort Olympia
Grab a seat on the patio, enjoy fresh Northwest seafood, and soak up live music with waterfront views every Thursday evening.
☐ Explore the Museum of Glass
Discover world-renowned glass art and one of Tacoma’s most iconic cultural attractions.
Seattle Area
Seattle summers are legendary for a reason. Long sunny days invite you to explore iconic landmarks, waterfront neighborhoods, and local favorites from Edmonds to Kirkland.
☐ Walk through the Ballard Locks
Watch boats move between Puget Sound and Lake Union and, during the summer months, see salmon making their journey up the fish ladder.
☐ Take a ferry ride across Puget Sound
Whether you’re heading to Bainbridge or simply enjoying the views, few experiences feel more Pacific Northwest.
☐ Explore Pike Place Market
Browse local vendors, watch the fish fly, and snack your way through one of Seattle’s most iconic destinations.
☐ Visit Chinook’s and watch the fishing fleet come and go
Experience Seattle’s working waterfront up close at Fishermen’s Terminal.
☐ Watch the sunset at Gas Works Park
One of the city’s best spots for skyline views and golden-hour photos.
☐ Order Dockside at Anthony’s HomePort Kirkland
Kick back on the waterfront with fresh Northwest seafood, a cold drink, and views of Lake Washington.
☐ Sip on a Best of Season Lemonade
Made with the flavors of the season, it’s the perfect refresher for a warm summer day.
☐ Go wine tasting in Woodinville
Spend the afternoon discovering local wineries just minutes from Seattle.
☐ Play in the sandbox at Anthony’s Beach Cafe in Edmonds
Let the kids dig, build, and play just steps from the beach while you relax with waterfront views and a bite to eat. It’s one of Edmonds’ favorite family-friendly summer traditions.
Eastern Washington
With endless sunshine, scenic rivers, award-winning wineries, and outdoor adventures around every corner, Eastern Washington offers a different side of summer in the Northwest.
☐ Save room for Peach Slump
Sweet peaches, warm cobbler-style topping, and ice cream make this Northwest favorite the perfect summer dessert.
☐ Ride the Numerica SkyRide over Spokane Falls
Experience breathtaking views of Spokane Falls from above on one of the city’s most iconic attractions.
☐ Spend the day on the Columbia River
Boat, paddleboard, or simply relax by the water while soaking up Eastern Washington’s sunshine.
☐ Watch the sunset from Howard Amon Park
Take a stroll along the Columbia River, enjoy the waterfront, and end the day with one of Richland’s most beautiful sunset views.
☐ Browse the Spokane Farmers’ Market
Pick up fresh cherries, peaches, local produce, and handmade goods while supporting local growers and makers.
☐ Walk or bike the Centennial Trail
Follow the Spokane River through scenic parks, neighborhoods, and beautiful riverfront views.
Beyond Washington
From lake days in Idaho to mountain adventures in Oregon, these destinations offer plenty of ways to make the most of summer.
Boise
☐ Float the Boise River
Grab a tube, gather some friends, and enjoy one of Boise’s favorite summer traditions.
☐ Enjoy oysters and champagne on the patio
A little luxury, plenty of sunshine, and the perfect excuse to celebrate summer.
☐ Explore the Boise Farmers Market
Shop local produce, artisan goods, flowers, and seasonal treats from Idaho makers.
☐ Spend an evening at Alive After Five
One of Boise’s most beloved summer events featuring live music, food, and community.
☐ Visit Idaho Wine Country
Drive the Sunnyslope Wine Trail and discover the heart of Idaho’s growing wine scene.
☐ Treat yourself to a Prix Fixe Three-Course Dinner with Wine Pairings
Savor a thoughtfully curated meal paired with wines selected to complement each course.
Coeur d’Alene
☐ Toast to summer with Happy Hour on the patio
There’s no better place to relax after a day on the lake than with great food, refreshing drinks, and waterfront views.
☐ Cruise Lake Coeur d’Alene
Take in stunning lake views while enjoying one of North Idaho’s most iconic summer experiences.
☐ Hike Tubbs Hill
Explore scenic shoreline trails with panoramic lake views just steps from downtown.
☐ Spend the day at Coeur d’Alene City Beach
Swim, paddleboard, or simply relax along one of the Northwest’s most beautiful lakes.
☐ Stroll Sherman Avenue
Browse local boutiques, art galleries, and ice cream shops in the heart of downtown Coeur d’Alene.
☐ Watch the sunset over Lake Coeur d’Alene
End the day with golden skies and unforgettable waterfront views.
Bend
☐ Float the Deschutes River
One of Bend’s favorite summer traditions and the perfect way to cool off on a sunny day.
☐ Explore Smith Rock State Park
Hike scenic trails and take in one of Oregon’s most iconic landscapes.
☐ Drive the Cascade Lakes Highway
Discover alpine lakes, mountain views, and some of Central Oregon’s most breathtaking scenery.
☐ Spend the evening on the patio before a concert at Hayden Homes Amphitheater
Kick off the night with dinner, drinks, and mountain views before enjoying live music under the stars.
☐ Take in the views from Pilot Butte
A short hike rewards you with panoramic views of Bend and the Cascade Mountains.
☐ Spend the day at Elk Lake
Paddleboard, kayak, swim, or simply relax along the shore of one of Central Oregon’s favorite summer destinations.
How many can you check off this summer?
From mountain views in Bellingham to harbor strolls in Gig Harbor, sunsets in Seattle, lake days in Coeur d’Alene, and evenings along the Boise River, we hope this bucket list inspires you to slow down, explore somewhere new, and make memories with the people you love.
Tag us in your adventures using #AnthonysSummerBucketList and show us how you’re making the most of summer across the Northwest.
