Families flock to Jetty Island (425/257-8300, www.everettwa.org [1]) as regularly as the waterfowl and sea mammals. This two-mile stretch of sand is a happy byproduct of dredging done at the nearby mouth of the Snohomish River.
The island is an ideal spot to strike out with binoculars dangling from your neck and a picnic basket from your arms. Don't forget a bathing suit—the shallow water nearby warms up to 70°F by August. A free passenger ferry (425/257-8300, www.everettwa.org [1]) departs Marina Park for Jetty Island every half hour from July to mid-September.
Links:
[1] http://www.everettwa.org