Need a scenic seaside escape in the Pacific Northwest? Head to Anacortes! Located on Fidalgo Island, Anacortes is a charming coastal town known for ferry rides, whale watching, forest hikes, and stunning views of the San Juan Islands. Whether you’re kayaking through quiet coves or strolling the historic downtown, Anacortes is a gateway to adventure and relaxation.
Anacortes, WA Highlights:
- For Nature Lovers: Hike at Washington Park – Forest trails, panoramic bluff views, and tide pools right by the Salish Sea.
- For Whale Watchers: Take a San Juan Islands boat tour – Cruise the waters in search of orcas, seals, and eagles.
- For Shoppers: Stroll Commercial Avenue in Downtown Anacortes – Find cozy cafés, boutiques, and galleries in a walkable historic district.
- For Couples: Catch a sunset at Cap Sante Park – Drive or hike up for sweeping views of the marina, bay, and islands.
- For Families: Explore the Anacortes Ferry Terminal area – Watch ferries come and go, enjoy a picnic, or take a walk along the shoreline.
Best Time to Visit Anacortes, WA
The best time to visit Anacortes is from May to September, when skies are clearer, temperatures are pleasant, and whale watching is in full swing. Spring brings wildflowers and fewer crowds, while fall is ideal for hiking and peaceful waterfront strolls.
How to Get to Anacortes, WA
- If you are traveling by car: Anacortes is about 1.5 hours north of Seattle via I-5 and WA-20.
- By Plane: The nearest major airport is Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA), or fly into Bellingham International Airport (BLI), about 1 hour away.
- By Ferry: Washington State Ferries connect Anacortes to the San Juan Islands and Sidney, B.C. (seasonal service).
Where to Stay in Anacortes, WA
- Recommended for Families: Anacortes Ship Harbor Inn – Convenient to the ferry terminal, with spacious rooms and water views.
- For Couples: Majestic Inn & Spa – Historic downtown boutique hotel with cozy rooms, rooftop views, and a relaxing spa.
- For a Quiet Escape: The Gateway B&B – Quaint bed & breakfast with a personal touch and garden surroundings.
Best Things to Do in Anacortes, WA
1. Visit picturesque Sunset Beach in Washington Park
Washington Park is a gorgeous 220-acre city park at Fidalgo Island's western end, extending from western Anacortes into Rosario Strait. Washington Park, which is a popular site for day-use recreation throughout the summer months, is home to picturesque Sunset Beach, which offers a boat launch, children's playground area, and reservable picnic shelters.
Additional day-use picnic sites are available at Green Point, where visitors can embark on a 2.3-mile hiking loop journey and enjoy unparalleled views of Burrows Bay, the San Juan Islands, and the nearby Olympic Mountain range. 68 overnight campsites are available, including a reservable group tent site and RV hookup areas.
Find it at this Address: 6300 Sunset Ave, Anacortes, WA 98221, Phone: 360-293-1918
2. Enjoy stunning views from Cap Sante Park
Cap Sante Park is a lushly-forested 37-acre park along Anacortes' eastern edge, known for its stunning overlook views of Fidalgo Bay, March Point, and the Cascade Mountains.
The park, which is located above the Cap Sante Boat Haven Marina, is a popular family-friendly recreation site throughout the summer months. A short mile-long roundtrip hiking trail traverses grassy stretches and glacial outcroppings as it gains 100 feet in elevation, passing by a thickly-forested area that is home to day-use picnic sites. At the trail's end, visitors can enjoy unparalleled views of nearby Mounts Erie and Baker. Remains of a former amphitheater are showcased on the park's eastern banks, making for interesting photo opportunities.
Find it at this Address: 1000 W Avenue, Anacortes, WA 98221, Phone: 360-293-1918
3. Hike the trail to Mount Erie
Mount Erie frames the skyline of Skagit County, known as one of the Anacortes area's most recognizable landmarks.
The mountain is believed to have been formed during the Jurassic Period and was named in modern times by members of the Wilkes Expedition in 1841. Since the 1960s, it has been a popular climbing spot in Washington State, offering stunning panoramic views of its surrounding areas from its summit. Its surrounding lands are operated as a city park by the City of Anacortes and are accessible by hikers throughout the year.
Visitors can climb a moderately-strenuous trail to the top of the summit or connect to the Sugarloaf Summit Trail halfway through the climb for additional panoramic views.
For a Relaxing Day Out
4. Best Romantic Thing to Do: Relax on Rosario Beach
Rosario Beach is a beautiful sandy cove along the southwestern edge of Fidalgo Island, known for its extensive beachfront stretches and charming wildlife.
The beach area is believed to have been occupied for at least 3,000 years, originally used by regional Coast Salish Samish indigenous tribes as a hunting and fishing site. Today, the beach's Maiden of Deception Pass story pole carvings honor Samish legends connected to the beach area, a remnant of development of the area in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps. A former kitchen shelter developed by the CCC has been converted into a field classroom today. Gorgeous century-old trees frame the beachfront, while an overlooking meadowy bluff is populated by beautiful wildflowers throughout the summer months.
5. Walk along the Tommy Thompson Trail
Tommy Thompson Trail is a gorgeous 3.3-mile out-and-back blacktop trail spanning between the Port of Anacortes and March Point, offering unparalleled views of Mount Baker.
The ADA-accessible trail easily accommodates wheelchairs and strollers, making it a great recreation choice for visitors with mobility concerns or families spanning multiple generations. Its path meanders along an abandoned railroad trestle and traverses the western shoreline of Fidalgo Bay, offering opportunities to see regional marine life such as blue herons and sea lions. Accessible restrooms are offered along the route, along with unique trailside attractions such as a colorful totem pole.
In all, the trail only gains 25 feet of elevation throughout its course, making it an easy walk for hikers of all ability levels.
Attractions for Couples
6. Stay at Swinomish Casino and Lodge
Swinomish Casino and Lodge is Anacortes' premiere destination for gaming, located overlooking the beautiful natural landscape of Padilla Bay, Swinomish Channel, and the San Juan Islands.
Visitors can enjoy top casino games 24 hours a day at the resort, including a full gaming floor stocked with more than 800 of the most recent high-tech slot machines. Top table games such as craps, roulette, blackjack, keno, and pai gow also offer opportunities for testing luck and strategy for big payouts. All of the resort's 98 stylish guest rooms and suites are decorated in honor of the area's Swinomish indigenous heritage, showcasing local artwork and luxurious amenities.
Resort guests can also hit the green at Swinomish Golf Links or enjoy delicious international cuisine options at their choice of the resort's full-service restaurants and bars.
Find it at this Address: 12885 Casino Dr, Anacortes, WA 98221, Phone: 888-288-8883
7. See rare orchids near Little Cranberry Lake
Little Cranberry Lake is a picturesque lake on Fidalgo Island, located within the 2,800-acre Anacortes Community Forest Lands natural preserve.
The lake, which is the anchor of a 10-mile wilderness corridor within the lovely city, was originally only a small pond but was deepened twice by damming in the early 20th century. Today, it has become a popular natural swimming site in northwestern Washington State, best known for hosting the annual What the Heck Fest summer music festival.
More than 20 miles of wilderness trails are accessible near the lake, perfect for hiking and mountain biking through the area's spectacular second-growth forest terrain and spotting rare orchid varieties.
Recommended Activities for Families
8. Pick up a fesh snack at Anacortes Farmers Market
Anacortes Farmers Market brings diverse crowds and entertainment to Anacortes' historic downtown district each Saturday morning between May and October.
The market is hosted on the spacious town plaza at 7th Street and R Avenue, located adjacent to the Depot Community and Arts Center. Visitors can sample the bounty of the Skagit Valley and shop for locally-cultivated produce, farm-fresh meats, wild-caught seafood, and a plethora of pantry and baked goods made by local vendors. An artist's market area showcases the creations of local artisans and crafters, ranging from apparel and accessories to fine arts, ceramics, and mosaics. Local food and beverage vendors sell coffee and specialty foods throughout the morning.
In addition to the main season market, a special holiday farmer's market event is held each year in November at the Port Warehouse.
9. Visit Cap Sante Marina
Cap Sante Marina, also known as the Port of Anacortes, is a spacious marina and port-of-entry within Fidalgo Bay, located adjacent to Anacortes' historic downtown district.
The marina serves as the primary waterfront entryway to the charming city, which is known as one of the Pacific Northwest's top destinations for boaters. 950 slips are offered for vessels up to 120 feet in size, along with up to 200 berths for guest moorage. Fuel, bait, ice, and snacks are sold at Fido's Fuel Dock, with offers a floating pump-out station. Restrooms, showers, and laundry service are also available for marina guests, along with night security locks for vessels. Restaurants, grocery stores, and entertainment options are all located within easy walking distance of the marina within historic downtown Anacortes.
The marina is open to the public seven days a week throughout the morning and afternoon hours.
Find it at this Address: 100 Commercial Ave, Anacortes, WA, 98221, Phone: 360-293-0694
Where to Eat in Anacortes, WA
- Recommended for Families: Dad’s Diner – Local favorite for breakfast and hearty lunches with a retro twist.
- For Seafood Fans: Anthony’s at Cap Sante Marina – Fresh Pacific Northwest seafood with marina-side dining.
- For a Cozy Meal: A’Town Bistro – Farm-to-table American dishes in an intimate, rustic-chic setting.
If you are interested in local events:
- For Art Fans: Anacortes Arts Festival (August) – One of the region’s best outdoor festivals featuring art booths, music, and food vendors.
- For Boating Enthusiasts: Waterfront Festival (June) – Enjoy boat shows, kids’ activities, food, and live music by the marina.
- For Holiday Fun: Anacortes Christmas Parade (December) – Festive floats, lights, and small-town cheer in the heart of downtown.
Day Trip Itineraries Within 30 Minutes of Anacortes, WA:
- For Island Adventures: San Juan Island via Ferry (30 min ferry) – Visit Friday Harbor, explore parks, and go whale watching or kayaking.
- For Wildlife and Trails: Deception Pass State Park (25 min) – Dramatic cliffs, suspension bridges, and stunning coastal hikes.
- For Wine and Lavender: Lopez Island (via ferry) – Tranquil island with scenic roads, farms, and boutique wineries.
- For Small-Town Charm: La Conner (20 min) – Browse shops, stroll the boardwalk, and enjoy fresh seafood by the channel.
- For Tulip Season: Roozengaarde or Tulip Town (Mount Vernon) (30 min) – Stunning fields of tulips and photo ops in spring.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Q: What is Anacortes, WA known for?
- A: Anacortes, WA, is one of the Pacific Northwest's top spots for boating and nature activities, best known as the destination port for several of the San Juan Islands' top ferry lines.
- Q: Where is Anacortes located?
- A: Anacortes is a vibrant seaside town located halfway between Seattle and Vancouver.
- Q: How large is Anacortes, and what makes its location unique?
- A: The town spans 15 square miles throughout Fidalgo Island, with more than half of its area set aside as public park land and recreational waters.
At a Glance:
Best Time to Visit
Places to Stay
Tips for Visiting
Spring (March-May) – Mild temperatures and blooming coastal scenery.
The Majestic Inn & Spa – A charming boutique hotel with a rooftop lounge.
Visit Washington Park – Hike scenic trails and enjoy breathtaking water views.
Summer (June-August) – Warm and perfect for whale watching and outdoor adventures.
Ship Harbor Inn – A cozy stay with stunning water views.
Take a whale-watching tour – Spot orcas and other marine wildlife in the San Juan Islands.
Fall (September-November) – Crisp air, fewer crowds, and beautiful autumn colors.
Anacortes Ship Harbor Inn – A peaceful stay near the ferry terminal.
Explore Deception Pass State Park – Walk the iconic bridge and enjoy scenic coastal hikes.
Plan Your Trip