This Is The Most Welcoming Town In Washington
In 1929, developers began building a French-inspired seaside suburb and named it after Normandy. Months later, the stock market crashed, and the area sat half-finished for nearly two decades.
Today, in Washington's Normandy Park, people can enjoy the view of Mount Rainier in the distance, share a sandwich and chat about life. The views are particularly great from Marine View Park, where a day at the beach also beckons along Puget Sound.
The town itself is resident-oriented, with a big welcome to visitors and those passing through. Families gather at the water or local parks for a BBQ and a swim, and throughout the year, events like Food Truck Wednesdays and the Fourth of July Celebration keep the warm atmosphere going.
A French-Inspired Dream, Delayed
Normandy Park was laid out as a suburb south of Seattle back in 1929. The town took its name from France's Normandy region, and the design was also inspired by it. Those who wanted the water views without the crowds chose Normandy Park. It sits along Puget Sound and features more than 100 acres of green spaces and parks. Neighbors still live close to each other at the waterfront, but not so close that they feel crowded. And, away from the water, the houses are spaced a little further apart to give homeowners a sense of privacy while being close enough to ask to borrow a cup of sugar from next door.
Unfortunately, 1929 was also the year of Black Tuesday and the start of the Great Depression. Development came to a screeching halt and only picked up again after the Second World War. Normandy Park was officially incorporated in 1953 and has, since then, continued to build a reputation as one of the friendliest towns in Washington.
Life on the Water's Edge
The friendly locals are found throughout the town, including Marine View Park, where people hike the trails and enjoy the unmatched beauty of the sound. Marine View Park is a 27-acre park is the ideal place for nature lovers to start a conversation about western red cedar trees or for birdwatchers to hold their breath as they wait to see bald eagles and blue herons.
A stretch of sand along the sound is accessible from the park, making it easy to set up a lazy picnic and relax next to the lapping waves. There are tide pools where families have hours of fun spotting sea stars and plenty of space for beachcombing.
At The Cove, more views await, and they open up along the hiking trails and from the water. The Cove is a members-only community with a private waterfront attraction that features a boat ramp, where people can launch their boats and kayaks. Members can also make the most of their automatic access to swimming pools and pickleball courts. Those who want to spend some time out on the open water might just spot a whale or two (in season). And, on land, there are eagles, owls, egrets, and ducks to see.
People also choose Normandy Park because of Marvista Park. The park was built to hold crowds, which is why so many events are held here. It is also the site of the community garden lottery, which awards lucky residents a plot of land to create a vegetable garden.
Gatherings to Pencil In
At the time of this writing, the event the residents of Normandy Park look forward to sharing with visitors is the annual Winterfest. This fun festival brings Santa to Normandy Park Towne Center by motorcade and also includes a traditional tree lighting ceremony. More than 3,000 people attend every year, with kids receiving free toys and candy canes, and there is also snow to get things in the festive mood.
Throughout the year, Normandy Park hosts dozens more festivals and events, including the Fourth of July Celebration that starts with a parade near Marvista Elementary and ends at The Cove. The parade is followed by a festival at the beach with good food and live music. In July and August, Music in the Park brings visitors and locals together at Marvista Park, while Chili-Oktoberfest is all about beer and chili cook-offs.
Dining In Style
The welcoming atmosphere is also strong throughout the restaurants and eateries in town. At Peyrassol West, eclectic wine and Western European fare is the order of the day. Teak House is more relaxed and offers traditional dishes full of flavor. And those who want burgers will find just that and craft beers on tap at Normandy Park Ale House.
Cozy Accommodation: Where To Stay Nearby
Visitors who want to get to know Normandy Park a little more will find friendly staff and excellent accommodation all around town. In keeping with the uncrowded vibe, there are no big hotels or B&Bs in Normandy Park itself. But the drive is short to places like Three Tree Point Bed & Breakfast in Burien and the Marina Inn in Des Moines. Three Tree Point comes with a hot tub and views of Puget Sound. The Marina Inn offers an airport shuttle and is within walking distance to the local marina. Cedarbrook Lodge in SeaTac is another option, just 10 minutes away. The lodge sits in the middle of 18 acres of wetlands and is home to the popular Copperleaf Restaurant & Bar.
Beyond Normandy Park: Island Hops and Day Trips
Experiencing a true American welcome in Normandy Park inevitably puts visitors in the mood to explore even further. Vashon Island is just a short ferry ride away, and this 13-mile-long island offers views of Mount Rainier and the chance to relax in Point Robinson Park. Historic Steilacoom is 40 minutes from Normandy Park and home to Sunnyside Beach Park, where people take long walks on the beach before taking the ferry to Anderson Island to explore nature.
A Town That Feels Like Home
Normandy Park had a lot to overcome throughout its history, and it did so beautifully. Its past is still present in its streets and buildings, but the town keeps building towards the future, creating a welcoming place for locals and visitors alike. Today, it is one of those Washington towns that blur the lines and make visitors feel like they are at home.
