Looking for waterfront charm and artsy small-town vibes? Head to La Conner! Nestled along the Swinomish Channel in the Skagit Valley, La Conner is a picturesque town known for tulip fields, boutique shops, and a peaceful maritime setting. Whether you’re museum hopping, dining dockside, or exploring nature, La Conner is a perfect Northwest escape.
La Conner, WA Highlights:
- For Art Lovers: Explore the Museum of Northwest Art (MoNA) – Contemporary works celebrating Pacific Northwest artists in a sleek gallery setting.
- For Nature Enthusiasts: Visit the Skagit Valley tulip fields – A colorful spring spectacle of tulips and daffodils (March–April) just outside of town.
- For Shoppers: Browse downtown La Conner – Unique art galleries, antique shops, and handcrafted goods line the historic waterfront streets.
- For Couples: Enjoy sunset by the Swinomish Channel – Dine al fresco with water views and a quiet romantic vibe.
- For Families: Stroll the La Conner boardwalk – A peaceful, scenic walkway along the water great for birdwatching and boat-spotting.
Best Time to Visit La Conner, WA
The best time to visit La Conner is from March to October. Spring offers tulip fields and festivals, while summer and early fall provide mild weather ideal for walking, kayaking, and exploring the town’s outdoor spaces.
How to Get to La Conner, WA
- By Car: La Conner is about 1.5 hours north of Seattle via I-5 and WA-20, and 2.5 hours south of Vancouver, BC.
- By Plane: The nearest major airport is Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA), with smaller airports in Bellingham and Anacortes nearby.
- By Boat: Boaters can reach La Conner via the Swinomish Channel; the town offers moorage for recreational vessels.
Where to Stay in La Conner, WA
- Recommended for Families: La Conner Country Inn – Rustic yet cozy accommodations with fireplaces and a central location.
- For Couples: The Heron Inn & Day Spa – Elegant rooms with spa services and pastoral views, ideal for a relaxing retreat.
- For Boutique Style: Hotel Planter – Historic inn with charming, individually decorated rooms in the heart of downtown.
Best Things to Do in La Conner, WA
⮕ Pacific Nothwest Quilt and Fiber Arts Museum
Explore intricate quilts, admire stunning fiber art and textile exhibits.
© Pacific Nothwest Quilt and Fiber Arts Museum
The Pacific Nothwest Quilt and Fiber Arts Museum is housed in the triple story Gaches Mansion. The Victorian home was built in 1891 and provides 4500 square meters of display area for exhibits. The 11 foot high ceilings are ideal for the presentation of quilts and textiles. The museum collection focuses on traditional and contemporary specimens from the Pacific rim region. Thematic exhibitions are open for several weeks or months. There is additional space set aside for lectures, workshops and interest groups to meet. The museum organizes the annual International Quilt and Fiber Arts Festival in October.
703 South Second Street, La Conner, WA 98257, Phone: 360-466-4288
⮕ Visit the FREE Museum of Northwest Art
Discover regional art, admire contemporary works and rotating exhibits.
© Museum of Northwest Art
Art Hupy, a freelance commercial photographer, founded this museum in 1981. For the first 14 years it occupied the second floor of the Gaches Mansion. In 1995, the current premises were renovated and provided 1200 square meters of exhibition space. There are quarterly exhibitions and eight permanent collections, focusing on artists from the northwest Pacific region. A variety of art forms are on display, including pottery, photographs, paintings, quilts and illustrations. There are annual auctions and artists' award dinners. The guides are knowledgeable and the gift shop is well-stocked. Entrance is free and the museum is open 7 days a week.
Museum of Northwest Art, 121 First Street, PO Box 969, La Conner, WA 98257, Phone: 360-466-4446
⮕ La Conner Rainbow Bridge
Walk along the bridge, admire breathtaking waterfront views and sunsets.
© Euskera Photography/stock.adobe.com
The bright red La Conner Rainbow Bridge spans the Swinomish Channel, connecting Fidalgo Island and the mainland, at La Conner. The riveted steel bridge, built in 1957, has a solid rib design. It has a single span of 167 m, with a total length of 240 m and a clearance of 23 m. It is the longest bridge of its kind in Washington and received an honorable mention from the American Institute of Steel Construction in 1958 for its pioneering design. It was placed in the National Register of Historical Places before it was 50 years old. The views of the bridge from town and vice versa are equally picturesque.
Activities and Attractions for Couples and Singles:
⮕ Shop at Nasty Jack's Antiques
Browse unique antiques, discover vintage treasures and collectibles.
© Nasty Jack's Antiques
'Nasty' Jack Wilkins and 'Diamond' Jim Reynolds, two colorful characters, started this enterprise in 1972. Jim left the business and, sadly, Jack passed away in 1994, leaving his daughter and son-in-law to run the store. American and English reproduction furniture, collectible tin signs and other novelty items are sold in the 12000 square foot of space. Magazines from one of the largest collections of LIFE and Saturday Evening Post, from 1937 to 1972, are on sale. Deliveries are made as far as Tacoma in the south and the Canadian border in the north. The store is open 7 days a week.
Nasty Jack's Antiques, 103 East Morris St., La Conner, WA 98257, Phone: 360-466-3209
⮕ Skagit County Historical Museum
Explore local history, admire exhibits showcasing Skagit Valley’s heritage.
© Skagit County Historical Museum
The Skagit County Historical Museum
was founded in 1968 in order to preserve and interpret artifacts that relate to the unique culture and history of Skagit County. Two hundred thousand items are displayed on a rotational basis. These include clothing, quilts, dolls, tools and farm equipment. The museum operates a reference library and offers consultation on caring for and storing heirlooms. Workshops, educational programs and guided tours are conducted on the premises. Videos and props for history lessons are for hire. The store sells books on local and regional history, old-time toys and Native American crafts. The museum is closed on Mondays.
501 4th Street / P.O. Box 818, La Conner, WA 98257-0818, Phone: 360-466-3365
⮕ Skagit Cellars
Savor handcrafted wines, enjoy tastings in a cozy, welcoming atmosphere.
© Skagit Cellars
Skagit Cellars started as a hobby in a garage and a cellar and now ships wine across the United States. Mark and Gloria Hulst source organically grown grapes from sustainable vineyards to create their award-winning wines. The maturation process is wholly natural with no artificial additives. The winery is in Burlington, 20 minutes drive from La Conner. The tasting room is situated alongside the Swinomish Channel and is open on weekends only. There is a second tasting room in Manson. Dinners and concerts are held throughout the year, at the winery. Wine Club subscribers receive a selection of four wines, twice a year.
106 S 1st St La Conner, Washington, Phone: 360-708-2801
⮕ Kukutali Preserve
Walk scenic trails, explore protected land with stunning coastal views.
© Mark Pouley/stock.adobe.com
The Swinomish Indian Tribal Community, in partnership with Washington State Parks, has established the Kukutali Preserve. The primary objectives are to conserve the area, conduct research and provide public education programs. There are two miles of hiking tracks through the 93 acre preserve, most of which is on Kiket Island. Several fish species, shellfish and eelgrass beds can be found along the two miles of shoreline. Waterfowl and several threatened and endangered species make their home in the preserve. Away from the water, there is a delicate meadow ecosystem. The preserve is open daily from dawn to dusk.
⮕ Pioneer Park
Enjoy peaceful picnics, explore nature trails and family-friendly green spaces.
© Euskera Photography/stock.adobe.com
A short distance from the Railway Bridge is the small urban Pioneer Park. Visitors are free to wander anywhere in the park but a few hiking trails have been laid out. There are stairs that rise 75 feet from the lower levels to the bridge. A rustic bandstand and bench seats are used on occasion for outdoor performances. The large picnic area is under cover and has drinking water on tap. The trail across the Rainbow Bridge leads across the Swinomish Channel to the tribal park and village on the other side. The trail below the bridge leads to artistic murals.
Where to Eat in La Conner, WA
- Recommended for Families: Calico Cupboard Café – Beloved bakery and restaurant serving hearty breakfasts and fresh pastries.
- For Fine Dining: Nell Thorn Waterfront Bistro – Seasonal, locally sourced fare with elegant plating and stunning water views.
- For a Casual Meal: La Conner Brewing Company – Great spot for wood-fired pizza, craft beer, and a relaxed setting.
If you are interested in local events:
- For Flower Fans: Skagit Valley Tulip Festival (April) – Celebrate spring with acres of blooming tulips, farm tours, and photo ops.
- For Art Lovers: Art’s Alive Festival (November) – Showcasing regional art, workshops, and live music throughout town.
- For Holiday Fun: La Conner Christmas Boat Parade (December) – A festive celebration with decorated boats and waterfront lights.
Day Trip Itineraries Within 30 Minutes of La Conner, Washington:
- For Island Explorers: Deception Pass State Park (25–30 min) – Stunning bridges, dramatic cliffs, and lush hiking trails await on Whidbey Island.
- For Garden Enthusiasts: Roozengaarde Display Garden (10–15 min) – Visit tulip fields and display gardens even outside peak season.
- For History Buffs: Skagit County Historical Museum (5–10 min) – Dive into local history atop scenic hilltop grounds.
- For Beach Time: Bay View State Park (20–25 min) – Picnic, beachcomb, and enjoy coastal views across Padilla Bay.
- For Bird Watchers: Fir Island (20 min) – A prime destination for spotting snow geese, bald eagles, and wetland wildlife.
Frequently Asked Questions:
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Question: How did La Conner get its name?
Answer: La Conner was named after Louisa Ann Conner, the wife of the owner of the trading post, back in 1870.
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Question: How large is La Conner, and what is its population?
Answer: La Conner is half a square mile in extent and has fewer than 1,000 inhabitants.
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Question: What is La Conner known for in terms of agriculture?
Answer: La Conner is on the edge of the largest tulip-growing region in the world.
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Question: What annual event is celebrated in La Conner?
Answer: The annual Skagit Valley Tulip Festival is celebrated each April.
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Question: What notable bridge connects La Conner to Fidalgo Island?
Answer: The Rainbow Bridge spans the Swinomish Channel, connecting Fidalgo Island to the mainland.
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Question: What is located across the Rainbow Bridge?
Answer: Across the Rainbow Bridge is the Swinomish Native American village and reserve.
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Question: What parts of La Conner are listed on the National Register of Historical Places?
Answer: The center of La Conner and the Swinomish Channel are listed on the National Register of Historical Places.
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