Anacortes

Anacortes

Anacortes is located on Fidalgo Island, directly east of the San Juan Islands.  It can be reached by a bridge crossing over the Swinomish Channel, a narrow inlet of water that separates Fidalgo Island from the mainland.    

Although many visitors pass through Anacortes as a convenient ferry port for travel to the San Juan Islands, Anacortes has spectacular natural surroundings worth exploring, with large tracts of forest, eight lakes and breathtaking views from mountain summits.  Three of the best city parks include Washington Park, Mt Erie and Cap Santa Park, and Deception Pass State Park is only a short distance away.

Things to do at Anacortes

1. Washington Park: Washington Park is directly west of Anacortes, and features a 2.2 mile one-way “Loop Road” around a coastal headland.  The drive has numerous pull-outs, with spectacular vistas of the San Juan Islands.   The paved road is popular with cyclists and pedestrians alike, and there is also a 1.5 mile “Fidalgo Head Loop Trail” for hikers.  Year round camping is available, in addition to picnic shelters and a boat launch.
2. Mt Erie: Mt Erie is 4-miles south of Anacortes, and at 1,273 feet is the highest point on the island.  Visitors can drive to the top of this mountain, and walk to different viewpoints from the parking lot.  The best viewpoint is tucked away adjacent to the Radio Tower, with sweeping vistas of Whidbey Island and Deception Pass.  
3. Cap Santa Park:  Cap Santa Park is a 37-acre park located near the Cap Santa Boat Haven (marina).  This viewpoint faces east across Puget Sound to snow-capped Mt Baker and the Cascades, and also has a bird’s eye view of the marina.
4. Deception Pass: Deception Pass is 20-minutes south of Anacortes, and is a spectacular strait between Fidalgo Island and Whidbey Island.  Cross the Deception Pass Bridge to explore Whidbey Island, including the townships of Coupeville and Langley.
5. Heart Lake & Whistle Lake: There are also some beautiful lakes just outside Anacortes, including Heart Lake and Whistle Lake.  Whistle Lake requires a 1-mile hike from a parking lot, and is popular for swimming.  Heart Lake is visible along “Heart Lake Road” just before the turn-off to Erie Mountain.
6. Historic Downtown:  Anacortes has an attractive Historic Downtown area along Commercial Street, with art galleries, a bookshop, and the historic Majestic Inn.  Stop by scrumptious "Le Crema Cakes" for coffee and a sweet treat [913 6th Street], then browse a great selection of books at the "Watermark Books Company".  
7. Anacortes History Museum [1305 8th Street  Anacortes]: The Anacortes History Museum is only a few blocks away from downtown, housed in the elegant Carnegie Library Building.
8. W.T Preston Snagboat Heritage Center [713 R Avenue]: Visitors can tour an authentic steam powered sternwheeler, originally operated by the US Army Corp of Engineers.   To avoid disappointment, always call ahead to check hours, 360 293 1915 (seasonal closures).  The Depot Arts Center is adjacent to the the sternwheeler, housed in the historic Great Northern Depot, built 1911. 
9. Whale Watching, Boat Charters, Kayaking:  If you'd like to get out on the water, book a kayaking tour or private boat charter to the San Juan Islands from Anacortes wa.  See list of tour operators below.

TIP:  If interested in hiking or mountain biking this area, please contact the “Anacortes Visitor center” at 819 Commercial Ave, 360 293 7911 for maps. The trails are difficult to navigate without a map. 

Anacortes Restaurants

For the ultimate dining experience, try "Anthonys at Cap Sante Boat Haven" on the waterfront, with a lovely ambience and patio dining in summer.    The "Adrift Restaurant" and the "5th Street Bistro" are some other great options, located in historic downtown.

Anacortes Lodging

If you wish to stay in historic downtown Anacortes, book a room at the upscale Majestic Inn & Spa.  Another great option further from downtown, is the colonial style Nantucket Inn.  Review the table below for a full list of Inns and Hotels, including the Anacortes Inn, Anaco Inn, Marina Inn, and Fidalgo Inn.

Anacortes Ferries

Anacortes Ferries travel to a range of destinations; including Friday Harbor, Orcas Island, and Sydney BC.  Check the Anacortes Ferry Schedule.