1. Grand Avenue Park

Offers: great views, easy access, picnic tables

Grand Ave. Park is known for its lovely views of the water and mountains, while also being situated on the prettiest street in town. How could you not love this place? There's only one picnic table, but plenty of grassy areas to lay down a blanket.

Grab-n-go Food: J Ramen & Sushi. You’re at a fancy park, might as well take some fancy sushi to-go.

2. Legion Memorial Park

Offers: great views, easy access, picnic tables, covered areas, playground

Legion has plenty of seating, a playground and loads of other amenities like bathrooms, tennis courts, an arboretum, trails, a sweet viewpoint and plenty of space for frisbee and shenanigans.

Grab-n-go Food: Ray’s Drive-In. Grab one of their giant burgers with all the fixings, or a basket of their award-winning fish n’ chips. And don’t forget a milkshake.

3. Pigeon Creek

Offers: hike, secluded area, great views, picnic table

If you’re feeling more adventurous, hop on a bike or strap on some hiking shoes and travel about a mile to visit Pigeon Creek. But don’t worry, the path is paved. At the end of the path, you'll find a small beach with driftwood for sitting, one picnic table and the amount of space you have varies with the tidal changes (way more space when the tide is out). Pigeon Creek kind of makes you feel like you've "gotten away" without going far.

Grab-n-go Food: Sno-Isle Food Co-op. Grab a fortifying smoothie or wrap and take it on that hike with you. Just make sure to take your trash out with you as you leave.

4. Silver Lake Park

Offers: great views, easy access, picnic tables, playground and activities

Technically it's called "Thornton A. Sullivan Park", but we hear most people just call it Silver Lake Park. The park is on Silver Lake (of course), and there's plenty to do. From a large playground, to ping pong, to a fun 9-basket frisbee golf course.

Grab-n-go Food: Trader Joe’s. On your way to Silver Lake, grab some fresh deli items from TJ’s, because you can never go wrong with some dehydrated mangoes, guacamole or smoked salmon.

5. Jetty Island

Offers: seaside dining, beach, great views

Take your own boat to sea and enjoy the nicest beach in Everett (or anywhere in the Seattle area for that matter). Jetty Island is truly remarkable. The sand is soft and the water is shallow, making it nice and warm on sunny summer days. It really feels like you're at the beach. Oh, and while you enjoy your picnic, you can also watch the world-class kiteboarders do their thing. Not a bad setting for a picnic. Not bad at all.

Grab-n-go Food: Valley Organic Deli. Valley Organic has a great selection of sandwiches and salads that are perfect for a picnic. Give them a call in advance, or have your picnic fare delivered to your hotel via Uber Eats.