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. The vibrant seaside town, which is located halfway between Seattle and Vancouver, spans 15 square miles throughout Fidalgo Island, more than half of which has been set aside as public park land and recreational waters.
Anacortes, WA Events:
- Anacortes Farmers Market
- Anacortes Arts Festival from August 1 - 3, 2025.
- Anacortes, WA Events
Getting to Anacortes, WA:
Anacortes, WA is 1 hr 40 min from Seattle (80.6 miles via I-5 N).
Best time to visit Anacortes, WA:
Plan your vacation during the summer months (June - August) to make the most of the outdoor activities.
Where to stay in Anacortes, WA:
- Ship Harbor Inn
- Majestic Inn & Spa
Visit picturesque Sunset Beach in Washington Park
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.
Find it at this Address: 6300 Sunset Ave, Anacortes, WA 98221, Phone: 360-293-1918
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.
Find it at this Address: 1000 W Avenue, Anacortes, WA 98221, Phone: 360-293-1918
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. 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.
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.
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.
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. 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
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.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.
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. In addition to the main season market, a special holiday farmer's market event is held each year in November at the Port Warehouse.
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 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
Have fun in John Storvik Park
John Storvik Park is a lovely 8.7-acre public park in Anacortes. Nautical and maritime-themed play equipment includes suspended bridges and play ferries, incorporated with fantasy-themed elements such as climbing castle towers and a stage for children to perform on.Other attractions include basketball courts, a multipurpose youth soccer field, and day-use picnic sites.
Find it at this Address: 1110 32nd St, Anacortes, WA 98221, Phone: 360-293-1918
Learn about local history at The Maritime Heritage Center
The Maritime Heritage Center preserves the maritime history and industry of northwest Washington State, offering museum exhibits related to shoreline activities throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Find it at this Address: 703 R Avenue, Anacortes, WA 98221, Phone: 360-293-1915
Enjoy the views from Sharpe Park
Sharpe Park is a gorgeous county park on Fidalgo Island, located adjacent to the island's section of Deception Pass State Park. The park offers stunning views of nearby Deception Pass and is known as a top hiking spot within the Anacortes area.
Find it at this Address: 14676 Rosario Rd, Anacortes, WA 98221
Visit Ship Harbor Interpretive Preserve
The interpretive exhibit at Ship Harbor Interpretive Preserve showcases a network of trails and boardwalks that meander through the area's freshwater wetlands, showcasing interpretive signs detailing the area's flora and fauna.
Find it at this Address: Edwards Way, Anacortes, WA 98221, Phone: 360-293-1918
Take the boeat to Skagit Island Marine State Park
Skagit Island Marine State Park is a lovely 25-acre public recreation area on Skagit Island, accessible via boat from nearby Fidalgo Island and Deception Pass State Park's Cornet Bay.
Find it at this Address: Skagit Island, Anacortes, WA 98221, Phone: 360-675-3767
Pick up a sweet treat at Calico Cupboard Cafe and Bakery
The charming homestyle Calico Cupboard Cafe and Bakery prepares all of its traditional entrees from scratch in house, using fresh-milled organic flours and grains in all of its baked goods.
Find it at this Address: 901 Commercial Ave, Anacortes, WA 98221, Phone: 360-293-7315
Take the kids to Rockfish Grill
Rockfish Grill is a family-friendly bar and gastropub in Anacortes' Old Town district, known for its high-quality bar fare and delicious brick-oven pizzas.
Find it at this Address: 320 Commercial Ave, Anacortes, WA 98221, Phone: 360-588-1720
Dine at Frida's Gourmet Mexican Cuisine
Frida's Gourmet Mexican Cuisine is an authentic Mexican-style restaurant in Anacortes, named in honor of famed 20th-century Mexican artist Frida Kahlo.
Find it at this Address: 416 1/2 Commercial Ave, Anacortes, WA 98221, Phone: 360-299-2120
Have Fun at Swinomish Sports Bar and Grill
Swinomish Sports Bar and Grill is the signature restaurant of the Swinomish Casino and Lodge, known for its immerse sports-themed design and hearty American-style entrees.
Find it at this Address: 12885 Casino Dr, Anacortes, WA 98221, Phone: 888-288-8883