5 romantic spots in Snohomish County

Looking to surprise someone special with a Valentine’s outing? How about an adventure by bus using Community Transit? Transit takes you safely and conveniently from where you are to where you want to be. Riding the bus allows you to focus on each other rather than traffic and road conditions. To celebrate Valentine’s Day, we asked locals about their favorite romantic places in Snohomish County. Some might surprise you. These five hidden gems are accessible using transit.

Ebey Waterfront Trail
1404 First St, Marysville 98270
Route 201

Come explore the Qwuloolt Estuary on Ebey Slough, where you and your companion will enjoy the best that nature has to offer. If you’re chilly when you step off the bus, a Vietnamese restaurant offering hot pho is steps away, before you make the one-block walk to the beautiful natural slough. Easy, paved, wheelchair-accessible walking trails are lined with benches along the water to sit together – or propose.

The vistas at this Tulalip Tribes restoration project are beautiful, and you may be serenaded by continuous sounds of wildlife. Depending on the time of day or year, you may see eagles, hawks, herons, and ducks, and in the water an occasional seal. The water runs into Puget Sound, and from the trail you’ll enjoy sunsets over the water, and a view of Mt. Rainier. For amenities, there are restrooms and picnic tables. You might even see kayakers floating by. If you plan on taking your valentine during February, be sure to bundle up. It’s still winter after all.

Sky Valley Bakery

117 W. Maple St. Monroe 98272 (in Savoy Building)

Routes 270, 271

Your ride to Monroe will be comfortable, but you might be chilly when you step off the bus. How about treating your sweetheart to something sweet, fresh, and hot? Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to be expensive when you take transit to a hidden gem bakery steps away from the bus stop. From pecan sticky buns and brioche maple bars, to quiche, biscuits and sausage gravy, or an array of cakes, love in Monroe starts with the stomach. Order ahead, or for spontaneous lovers of culinary treats, pick from the specials menu as everything is made fresh daily with whole ingredients. Add coffee or tea and two can dine for under $20.

The Mukilteo Lighthouse Park

609 Front Street, Mukilteo 98275

Routes 113, 417, 880

Constructed back in the 1950s, the Mukilteo Light Station at Lighthouse Park is a great stop on Route 113 any time of year and a spectacular spot on the waterfront for love. A comfortable ride on Community Transit will conveniently deliver you to a breathtaking backdrop for one of the most romantic marriage proposal spots in Snohomish County. For those seeking cozy conversation over s’mores or roasted appetizers, the park offers six recreational firepits along the beach at the park, available on a first-come basis. If the weather is wet, there are three picnic shelters at Mukilteo Lighthouse Park to wait out the rain while your bus home arrives.

Bistro San Martín

231 N. Olympic Ave., Arlington 98223

Routes 220, 227, 230

Getting to this fine-dining treasure in Old Town Arlington is easy on Community Transit buses. There are three routes serving five nearby stops, with the closest one at North Olympic and East Third only steps from the front door of this quaint hideaway. Inside, the atmosphere is intimate with a sense of classic comfort and charm. Chef Martín Estrada-Perez’s menu is curated around fresh, seasonal seafood, poultry, meats, and local harvests to create world-inspired regional cuisine. Whether celebrating an anniversary, Valentine’s Day, or another special event, the service, and hospitality will commemorate your occasion. Call ahead for reservations as the owners of this family-owned establishment have announced a pending retirement sometime in 2024.

The Wallace Falls Lodge

14424 Wallace Lake Rd, Gold Bar 98251

Routes 270, 271

If you’re looking for a breathtaking 265-foot waterfall to wow the one you love, hop aboard Community Transit to visit this 10-bedroom, 10-bathroom vacation log cabin chalet, nestled in the beautiful Cascade Foothills. It’s frequently booked for weddings, vacations, and work retreat space, but when it’s not rented to a group, they offer single rooms and even some last-minute specials. Bring your own ingredients to cook in the family-style kitchen, your swimwear to enjoy the property hot tub, and a pair of tennis shoes as the lodge is only a half-mile from the trailhead at Wallace Falls State Park leading to the spectacular waterfall. 

For overachievers—or those pawing their way out of the doghouse — here’s one more that’s sure to please.

Chocolate Crawl 2024

1237 W. Main Street, Monroe 98272

Routes 271, 424

So what if you forgot Valentine’s Day this year – or you’re double booked? Fortunately, the third-annual Monroe Chocolate Crawl takes place Feb. 17, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., the Saturday after Valentine’s Day. No tickets are necessary this year. There will be a variety of food trucks, restaurants, businesses, vendors, sidewalk sales, and more in an open-air market along Main Street. Enjoy some decadent chocolate with your partner and celebrate February in a delectable way with transit as your chauffeur.  

What are some other romantic destinations you’ve traveled to by bus?

Route information is accurate as of this article’s publication date. As our communities grow, Community Transit makes changes to stops and routes to best serve riders. For the most updated route information use our Plan My Trip tool.