Arlington city centre is the historic heart of Arlington, Washington, centered on Olympic Avenue and its six-block main street. From Arlington Motor Inn, it’s about 3.5 miles away, with a drive of about 7 minutes or a walk of about 79 minutes.
- Historic center: Olympic Avenue
- City walking-tour starting point: City Hall at Third Street and Olympic Avenue
- Downtown park and visitor center: Legion Park, at 114 North Olympic Avenue
- Trail: The paved Centennial Trail passes through central Arlington
How far is Arlington city centre from the hotel?
Arlington city centre is about 3.5 miles from Arlington Motor Inn. The drive takes about 7 minutes, while walking takes about 79 minutes.
The downtown core follows Olympic Avenue, which the City of Arlington describes as its historic six-block main street. It was originally called Railroad Avenue. City Hall, at Third Street and Olympic Avenue, is identified as the heart of downtown and a suggested starting point for the Main Street walk.
For broader route options, getting around Arlington, WA includes local transportation context. Community Transit routes serve Arlington and the wider area, but the route information does not establish a stop at the hotel.
Driving and parking in the city centre
Downtown parking is available on public land by City Hall and at Legion Park. The City of Arlington’s Main Street walking-tour page says the City Hall area also includes City Hall, the City Council Chambers and the Police Department.
Legion Park, at 114 North Olympic Avenue, has both off-street and on-street parking. If you plan to use transit instead, the city’s transportation page links to Community Transit maps, fares and passes, and its trip planner.
Finding current visitor information
Legion Park is a useful place to find visitor information and orient yourself in downtown Arlington. The city lists a Visitor Information Center there; the building at 114 North Olympic Avenue is a replica of the former railroad depot and also serves as a rest area.
The original depot closed in 1972 and was removed in the 1980s. The city later built the replica for the visitor center. Some railroad tracks first laid in 1890 still operate behind the park; farther north, the tracks have been replaced by the Centennial Trail.
Legion Park also has benches, a gazebo and stage, picnic tables, restrooms, public art and a veteran’s memorial. The park hosts many Arlington events and is decorated for the winter holidays. For the current visitor and event details, check the official site before you go.
Planning a short visit
Start at City Hall and walk along Olympic Avenue to get a feel for the historic main street. Then head to Legion Park for its visitor center and amenities.
If you want to add a longer outdoor stretch, the Centennial Trail is a 10-foot-wide paved trail that runs through central Arlington and extends about 22 miles between the Skagit County border and the City of Snohomish.
Downtown Arlington has retail stores, boutiques and restaurants. The city also names activities such as the Art Walk, farmers markets, car shows, a street fair and music in the park. Special events take place throughout the year, with current details in the city’s event listings.
For a fuller itinerary, planning a one-day visit around Arlington can help you think through how much to combine. If you’re considering a small-group reservation for the park’s stage or gazebo, note that these spaces are unavailable on Saturdays from June 1 through September 30 because the park is generally used for public special events.
Getting back to your accommodation
After your downtown visit, you can return to Arlington Motor Inn by car or on foot using the same travel times given above. Community Transit describes Route 220 as connecting Arlington with Smokey Point Transit Center, and the city links to a trip planner for checking transit options.
For arrival logistics at the hotel, Arlington Motor Inn arrival planning covers check-in, parking and Wi-Fi.
FAQs
What is Arlington’s historic main street?
Olympic Avenue is the historic six-block main street. It was originally called Railroad Avenue.
Where does the Main Street walking tour start?
The city suggests starting at City Hall, at Third Street and Olympic Avenue.
Is there a visitor center downtown?
Yes. The Visitor Information Center is at Legion Park, in the replica depot at 114 North Olympic Avenue.
Does the Centennial Trail pass through Arlington?
Yes. The paved trail runs through central Arlington and is about 22 miles long.