Sunset Beach sits in Edmonds in Snohomish County along the city's waterfront, though specific location details distinguishing this beach from other Edmonds waterfront parks are limited in available documentation. The beach name derives from sunset viewing opportunities over Puget Sound with the Olympic Mountains creating western horizon where the sun sets during evening hours, a common beach naming convention throughout the Pacific Northwest. Edmonds developed as a waterfront community on Puget Sound with ferry terminal connecting to Kingston on the Kitsap Peninsula, extensive beach parks including Brackett's Landing North and South, Marina Beach, and Olympic Beach, all designated as marine sanctuaries protecting coastal ecosystems. The city's waterfront features a connected system of beaches, walkways, piers, and parks creating comprehensive shoreline access for residents and visitors approximately 20 miles north of Seattle.
Beach activities likely include swimming during warm summer months when Puget Sound waters moderate though temperatures remain cool year-round, beachcombing along shorelines revealing smooth stones polished by wave action, driftwood, shells, and beach glass deposited by tidal cycles. Wildlife watching provides opportunities to observe harbor seals in nearshore waters, bald eagles soaring overhead and perching in shoreline trees, great blue herons stalking tideline areas, and diverse seabirds including cormorants, gulls, scoters, mergansers, and loons utilizing Puget Sound's productive marine ecosystem. Views capture the Olympic Mountains rising dramatically across Puget Sound to the west creating spectacular sunset displays during clear weather, with the Edmonds-Kingston ferry visible crossing between communities throughout the day. Walking along waterfront pathways connects Edmonds' four beach parks creating extended shoreline strolls with benches, public art, and viewpoints along the route. The marine sanctuary designation protects intertidal zones and marine life with regulations prohibiting collection of creatures and plants, requiring visitors to observe without disturbing sensitive coastal habitats. Low-tide exploration reveals diverse marine life in tide pools and intertidal areas including sea stars, anemones, crabs, barnacles, and small fish. Picnicking likely utilizes tables and grassy areas adjacent to beach access points typical of Edmonds waterfront parks.
Edmonds waterfront dining offers excellent seafood restaurants throughout the city near beach parks. Anthony's HomePort Edmonds serves fresh locally sourced seafood including salmon, halibut, and crab for dinner, happy hour, or casual lunch at Beach Cafe with family-friendly atmosphere and outdoor seating. Arnies Restaurant Edmonds provides consistently delicious seafood with stunning water views and warm service, featuring Pacific Northwest items like calamari and oysters. Salt and Iron in downtown Edmonds features fresh oysters sourced from Taylor Shellfish farms, premium steaks, and extensive seafood options near the Kingston Ferry. MARKET Seafood Eatery prepares best fish and chips, chowder, lobster rolls, crab rolls, and fresh local seafood. The Hook Seafood Broiler celebrates over a decade of success with BBQ short ribs, Northwest salmon, and clam linguini in generous portions creating lively community hub.
