72 Hours in Bothell

Dreaming of a spontaneous weekend getaway, but don’t know where to start? We’ve got you covered — and we’ve got just the place for you!

Scroll through for a packed long weekend itinerary of all the great places to eat, drink, shop, and explore in Bothell.

Friday

Kick off your weekend getaway by checking into McMenamins Anderson School! 

McMenamins transformed Bothell’s first junior high school campus into a hotel, which means you can order drinks at the Principal’s Office and play pinball at The Woodshop.

Grab a whiskey cocktail by a fireplace at The Shed, an outdoor bar on the Anderson School campus to start your trip off right.

Extra credit: Book a stay at Anderson School through our Sip & Stay package, which offers discounts to the hotel, as well as up to two complimentary Passports to Taste from Woodinville Wine Country that can be used all year.

Walk down Main Street, where you’ll find a myriad of stores, including First and Main Design Market. Whether you’re looking for interior design inspiration or ogling the window displays, Bothell’s Main Street is the perfect place to wander.

Wrap up your first day of exploring with dinner and a show at The Cottage. The Bothell bistro has cozy outdoor seating with live music every Friday night.

Extra credit: Extend your trip and stick around for The Cottage’s Break-even Bottle event every Tuesday, when the restaurant breaks out their rarest spirits to share.

Saturday

Up and at ‘em! For breakfast, head to Caffe Ladro, which is conveniently located across the street from Anderson School. The coffee shop offers freshly baked pastries, including apple butter and cream cheese turnovers, cappuccino muffins, and raspberry scones. 

If we were you, we’d buy a few molasses cookies for later (and for good measure).

After you’re fully caffeinated and satiated, make your way to the Bothell Historical Museum, which consists of the Hannan House, Bothell’s First Schoolhouse, and the Andrew and Augusta Beckstrom Log Cabin. Although the museum is generally closed April through October, that doesn't mean you can't still explore the grounds and admire the historic architecture, which has been meticulously preserved decades later.

After going back in time, walk across the recently replaced Old Bothell Walking Bridge and meander along the Sammamish River Trail. The expansive, ten-mile trail rolls along the Sammamish River and offers additional views of the Sammamish River Valley, Cascade foothills, and Mt. Rainier.

Extra credit: If you’re visiting during the summer, rent a kayak from WhatsSup Stand Up Paddle and Surf, and drift along the river. Better yet, sign up for our Beers and Gears package to enjoy Bothell’s best craft brews while biking along the Sammamish River Trail!

After working up an appetite, enjoy a This is NOT a Cuban Sandwich and an ice cold IPA from The Bine. The pub offers delicious small plates — like Beer Battered Cheese Curds! — sandwiches, and an excellent selection of beers. While you’re at it, take home a few crowlers as the perfect Bothell souvenirs.

Sunday

Rise and shine and brunch at Alexa’s Cafe! 

For the last day of your trip, treat yourself to the ultimate breakfast spread at an establishment that takes brunch seriously. Alexa’s serves up dishes like the Flying Pig Scramble, Strawberry Nutella French Toast, and Country Grub.

Before checking out of Anderson School, make sure to take a dip in the North Shore Lagoon Swimming Pool, a relaxing saltwater swimming pool with temperatures of around 90 degrees. 

And don’t forget to pick up a few souvenirs at The Market, McMenamins’ largest gift shop to date!

How about a few tacos for the road? We don’t blame you!

Before heading back on the road, order a few Baja Fish Tacos and Chilaquiles at Poquitos, which serves authentic Mexican cuisine. 

It’s the perfect bookend to a fun weekend away at Bothell!

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