Situated on the northern shore of Fidalgo Island in Washington State’s Skagit County, the seaside city of Anacortes is popularly known to many as the gateway to the San Juans. Providing ferry access to Vancouver Island, Victoria, BC and most San Juan Islands, Anacortes sees the likes of many wanderlust travelers but rarely do they stop to experience the small harbor town. Next time you find yourself drifting through the region, stop, stay awhile and enjoy the many sights, tastes and other sensory-triggering sensations that make Anacortes final destination-worthy.
Relax and Rejuvenate
You won’t find any chain hotels or skyscraping suites in Anacortes, but instead, a variety of charming and unique B&Bs, inns and seaside lodging facilities warmly await your arrival. Stay downtown at Anacortes’ distinguished Majestic Inn & Spa (which boasts the best bird’s-eye-view of the city) or drive a few minutes out of town for a waterfront retreat at the quaint Ship Harbor Inn.
If beguiling inns and romantic B&Bs aren’t your forte, you can always take to the woods and rough it camping-style at nearby Washington Park or Deception Pass State Park.
Explore and Play
Adventure junkies rejoice! If you love the outdoors, you’ve come to the right place. With everything from whale watching and charter fishing to bike riding and more, Anacortes is an oasis for outdoor exploration. While in town, Mount Erie is a can’t-miss peak. Whether you climb the nearly 1,300-foot trek to the top or drive the steep, paved road to the summit, the picturesque view of Fidalgo and the surrounding San Juans is a sight not to miss. (Note: Lovestruck honeymooners can leave a memento at the top of Mount Erie by adding their padlock to the collection of Paris-inspired love locks at the mountain’s peak.)
If you would rather spend an afternoon shopping or taking in some local culture, plant yourself on Commercial Avenue in downtown and enjoy perusing Anacortes’ many unique shops like Alley Cat Antiques, Watermark Book Company and Anacortes Candle Co, just to name a few.
Happen to be in town on the first Friday of the month? Every first Friday is the Anacortes Gallery Walk where all of Anacortes’ most talented artist come out to display their handiwork at galleries and shops downtown. Follow the arrows to Caveman Al’s Gallery of Small Sculptures—the laundromat sculpture may leave you speechless.
Sip and Graze
During your stay, don’t miss Anacortes’ very own small batch distillery, Deception Distilling. Using an Arnold Holstein German-made still to produce their quality, craft spirits, Deception Distilling currently offers a variety of gins, vodkas and flavored spirits while they patiently wait for their whiskey to age. Take a tour of the distillery, enjoy a taste, then purchase your favorite spirit to take home with you.
After a long day of exploring (or imbibing), pull up a seat at one of Anacortes’ many superb restaurants and treat your famished appetite to gourmet takes on classic pub fare, fresh caught seafood and other culinary delights at restaurants across town. The 5th Street Bistro at the Majestic Inn & Spa offers everything from pan roasted salmon to a gourmet take on mac n’ cheese, as well as a happy hour menu that can’t be beat—$8 for a plate of buttery Pacific steamers? Yes please. For the full experience, enjoy a pint or one of the bar’s signature cocktails in the hotel’s rooftop lounge.
For microbrews, greasy burgers and other pub food favorites, head to the Rockfish Grill and Anacortes Brewery or the Brown Lantern where your dinner will likely come with a side of live music from a local musician.
In the mood for a more farm-to-fork experience? Head to Adrift, where the catch of the day and laid back service are always on the menu. (Note: Thursday is sushi night.)
If you’d prefer to pack a picnic, nearby Cap Sante Park is the perfect setting for a romantic meal silhouetted by the sunset. Pack your picnic basket at The Market at Anacortes where their full service deli offers mouth watering sandwiches, salads and other packable sides that pair perfectly with a bottle of wine and springtime at dusk.
Ready to Plan Your Stay?
Surprisingly enough, this is just a snippet of what Anacortes has to offer. For a full list of things to do in Anacortes, visit the Anacortes’ website for a full list of activities, accommodations and more. And, if you happen to find yourself in Washington’s northernmost archipelago during the spring, don’t forget to stop and smell the tulips.
