Anacortes is located on Fidalgo Island, in the Pacific Northwest and is the destination point for the San Juans and International ferry runs for Washington State. Come explore the island getaway you can drive to, and stroll through our vibrant coastal community. All within walking distance you’ll find casual cafes to elegant dining, quirky to sophisticated shopping, art galleries to antique shops and unique accommodations. Whale watching tours, kayaking excursions, sailing, boating, birding, fishing, crabbing, hiking or biking to name a few. The Skagit Tulip and Anacortes Arts festivals are enjoyed by all ages.
Art galleries are a favorite stop for shoppers, especially on the first Friday of each month when the city’s galleries are open for extended hours to support Anacortes’ monthly Art Walk. You may also notice historic buildings and colorful exteriors that have life-size wall murals based on historical photographs strategically placed throughout the town. When it comes to food in Anacortes you will find a wide variety of dining experiences. From casual fish and chips to candlelight dinners, one thing is for certain; the chefs in Anacortes create mouth watering dishes from traditional Northwest favorites like salmon, halibut, and Dungeness crab. Among the quaint cafes, unique storefronts, and gift shops, you will also find specialty shops whose display cases are filled with fresh baked goods and handmade chocolates that will satisfy any sweet tooth.
For those seeking outdoor adventure, Anacortes is full of breathtaking beauty. On the northwest side of Fidalgo Island, you will find plenty to do in Washington Park’s 220 acre spread or in The Anacortes Community Forest Lands where 2,800 acres of beautiful territory is speckled with Heart Lake, Whistle Lake, Lake Erie, and Cranberry Lake along with 50 miles of well maintained hiking and biking trails. Mount Erie offers spectacular vistas of the San Juan Islands, Mount Baker and Puget Sound. This 1,273 foot peak offers four viewpoints that can be reached by foot, bike, or car.
The most popular park in Washington State, Deception Pass State Park, is located on both sides of Deception Pass featuring several beaches, beach combing, exploration of tide pools, and miles of forest trail. The historic bridge over Deception Pass that connects Whidbey and Fidalgo Islands is worth the drive alone. Anacortes is also known for its whale watching tours with local companies offering excursions that often guarantee Orca, Minke, Gray and Humpback whale sightings 95% of the time. Other adventures commonly found in Anacortes include kayaking excursions, sailing, fishing, crabbing, birding, and boating.
Anacortes Arts Festival
Each August the streets of Anacortes will fill with 250 outstanding booth artisans, fine art exhibitions, culinary art, festive music, and creative youth activities. Pre-festival activities begin August 1st with the Art Dash half marathon, 10k and 5k.
Waterfront Festival
Enjoy the Pacific Northwest splendor of the sea and waterfront each June. Located at the Cap Sante Marina.
Oyster Run
Since 1981 Anacortes has been the host of the largest motorcycle rally in the Pacific Northwest. If you are visiting Skagit County on the last weekend of September you are likely to see the 20,000 bikes and riders who fuel their way into the main streets of Anacortes.
Manieri Jazz and Swing Collection
An amazing collection of over 500 books and 1,500 CD’s and DVD’s available at the Anacortes Library, donated by Patricia Manieri in honor of her late husband Dominic Manieri. Headphones and CD players are available for listeners to sample varieties of classical and new recordings.
Guemes Island
A five minute ferry ride from Anacortes will transport you to a piece of Skagit County unlike any other. Guemes Island, knows the meaning of “island time”. The 15 miles of paved roads on the island are traveled lightly by the annual population of 800. Upon arrival, you will be met by the Guemes Island General Store and Café. The only other commercial establishment is the Guemes Island Resort, on the north end of the island. Whether you are driving, walking, running or taking a leisurely bike ride around this island, you will be greeted with friendly waves by the locals. Before you know it, you will be the one initiating the greeting. The island is 8 square miles in size, with rolling hills, incredible views in every direction and two prominent parks. Schoolhouse Park is located directly in the middle of the island and includes covered picnic tables, playground equipment and a soccer field. Young’s Park is located on the northeast tip of the island, with thousands of feet of shoreline to explore.