Discover the best of Anacortes with a weekend getaway that blends the town’s rich maritime heritage with its vibrant working waterfront. Created in partnership with the Downtown Anacortes Alliance, this itinerary is packed with stunning natural beauty, delicious local seafood, and unique insights into Anacortes’ seafaring soul. Perched on the northern tip of Fidalgo Island just an hour and a half drive from Seattle—no ferry ride required—this hidden gem boasts breathtaking views in nearly every direction, accessible to adventurous hikers and scenic drivers alike. Get ready to explore historic sites, marvel at modern shipyards, and soak in the character of a real, working maritime town.
Pro tip: Schedule your visit to align with one of Anacortes’ many maritime events and festivals! The whimsical Earth Day and Procession of the Species is a community favorite each April. Big street fairs include the Waterfront Festival in June and Anacortes Arts Festival in August. Bargain hunters can time their visits with June’s Whale of a Sale lining the downtown sidewalks or July’s Shipwreck Days, a massive community garage sale that has grown out of the longstanding tradition of commercial fishermen selling their used gear as yard art on Commercial Ave.
Day One: Relaxing in History
If you’re driving to Anacortes from the mainland, you can take Highway 20 west from I-5 directly onto Fidalgo Island—no ferry necessary. Coming from Whidbey? Drive north off the island via Deception Pass Bridge (see below for our recommendations in the park!) and take a left at the roundabout when you hit Fidalgo Bay.
Pro tip: Anacortes is a fantastic destination for boaters, with the beautiful Cap Sante Marina—home to over 100 guest slips—offering unparalleled access to downtown.
Start your visit at Deception Pass or Kukutali Preserve
Discover Pass required for both sites
As you make your way into Anacortes, kick off your adventure with breathtaking views at one of two unique state parks. Anacortes shares an island with Deception Pass State Park, Washington’s most-visited state park. Marvel at the iconic bridges that span dramatic tidal currents and walk across the bridges for thrilling views, or explore the numerous trails and viewpoints around the park.
For an experience a little further off the beaten path, explore the serene beauty of Kukutali Preserve State Park Heritage Site, a lovely waterfront park featuring an island that you can walk to at high tide. This preserve, co-managed by Washington State Parks and the Swinomish Tribe, offers peaceful trails through forests and along the shoreline. At low tide, a “tombolo” connects the mainland to a small island, well worth exploring with advance plans. Both parks provide spectacular backdrops for a memorable sunset, so plan your visit to catch the golden hour.
Indulge in a Seafood Dinner in Downtown Anacortes
Anacortes is a seafood lover’s paradise. As evening falls, make your way to downtown Anacortes, where you’ll find a delightful array of restaurants offering fresh, locally sourced seafood. You can savor the flavors of the Pacific Northwest at the Adrift Restaurant, which offers locally sourced food like salmon from Nerka or the Rockfish Grill which serves up classic fish and chips.
Day Two: Wealth of the Waterfront
Watch Ships from Cap Sante Park or Mount Erie
Start your day with panoramic views of the working waterfront, Salish Sea, and surrounding islands. For a scenic hike, hike to the top of Cap Sante Park. Beginning just a short drive from downtown, a well-maintained trail leads you to a breathtaking overlook where you can watch tugboats, fishing vessels, and pleasure craft navigating the bustling waters below.
Alternatively, for an easier ascent, drive to the summit of Mount Erie, the highest point on Fidalgo Island, for expansive views that stretch from the San Juan Islands to the Olympic Mountains, offering an incredible vantage point for ship spotting or for catching a glimpse of jets from the Whidbey Naval Air Station.
Spend an Afternoon on the Water…
Experience Anacortes’ maritime spirit firsthand by getting out on the water. Options abound, from whale watching tours to historic boat cruises and yacht charters or fishing charters. You can also rent kayaks, paddleboards, or small boats for a more intimate exploration of the calm bays and channels. For a longer experience, book a tour with Anacortes Kayak Tours. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option, take the local-favorite Guemes Island Ferry to and from the island just for the views.
Pro tip: Brought your own small boat? Put in at Washington Park Boat Launch at the west end of the island.
…or Explore Anacortes by Land with a Historic Walking Tour
More of an architecture buff than a seafarer? Head to the Anacortes Museum near downtown, located in a historic Carnegie Library building. While there, pick up their self-guided historic walking tour brochure, which leads you on a fascinating 90-minute stroll through town. This tour highlights approximately thirty historic homes and buildings, offering insights into the architectural styles and the lives of early Anacortes residents.
Day Three: Exploring Anacortes
Meet Local Legends through the Bill Mitchell Murals
Contributing to its quirky, small-town charm, Anacortes boasts more than 150 life-sized murals depicting local history and characters. Scattered across buildings, alleyways, and street corners, these colorful works by beloved local artist Bill Mitchell invite you on a walking tour through time.
Start your morning with a coffee in hand and set out on a mural scavenger hunt! Use billmitchellmuralproject.org to map out your route, or simply wander down Commercial Street and see how many you can spot along the way. Can’t decide where to start? Here are some of our favorite maritime-themed murals around town:
- “Guemes Ferry skippers Weyrich and Bernsen (near the Guemes Ferry Dock) and ferryboat Captain Bill Kasch on the rope factory’s north wall” – Anacortes Museum Director Bret Lunsford
- “Divine Divas of the Deep: The gals get fishy near the marina” – Maritime Washington Program Director Alex Gradwohl
- “Kelp forest with local fishes (on 4th and Commercial) and the Manchu Dragons tribute to Chinese cannery workers near Causland Memorial Park.” – Maritime Washington Communications Specialist Carson Meacham
Peek into Dakota Creek Industries Shipyard
Continue your exploration of downtown with one of the most unique features of Anacortes: the massive shipyard at the end of downtown. Dakota Creek Industries is a prominent shipyard that builds and repairs vessels for various industries, including large ships like those of the Washington State Ferries system. Although the yard itself is closed to visitors, there are plenty of spots around town to witness modern shipbuilding in action from the street or nearby docks. You’ll have a great view into the shipyard from 3rd Street between Commercial and R Aves, or from the very northern end of Commercial Street.
Explore the Maritime Heritage Museum and W.T. Preston Snagboat
Dive deeper into Anacortes’ seafaring past at the Anacortes Maritime Heritage Museum. Explore exhibits showcasing the town’s fishing, logging, and shipbuilding history. Adjacent to the museum, marvel at the massive W.T. Preston, a preserved sternwheeler snag boat. Snagboats were used to remove navigational hazards like logjams from the bays and harbors of Puget Sound, as well as tributary rivers. Today, the National Historic Landmark steamboat has been retired from tree-snagging duty and sits on land as a museum ship. Don’t miss your chance to climb aboard with a guided tour!
Enjoy a Picnic Lunch at Q’elech’ilhch Park
Grab a sandwich from local-favorite Gere-a-Deli and head to Q’elech’ilhch Park. Formerly Weaverling Spit, this pocket park was renamed by the City of Anacortes and Samish Indian Nation in honor of the village that once stood on these shores. Q’elech’ilhch (pronounced kuh lutch eeth ch) translates as Ironwood Village. This waterfront park offers picnic tables and beautiful views across the water—as well as great glimpses into the working waterfront— providing a relaxing end to your morning explorations.
Walk the Guemes Channel Trail & Ship Harbor Trail or Washington Park Loop
After your picnic, stroll along the Guemes Channel Trail for flat, accessible paths with views of the channel and passing boats. This short “out-and-back” trail hugs the north side of Fidalgo Island and show off the ferry terminal and the traffic of Guemes Channel. As you walk, keep an eye out for the La Merced breakwater. This tree-filled hull—now used to shield a marina from the waves—was built in 1917 as a four-masted schooner.
Alternatively, drive 10 minutes to the northwestern tip of the island and embark on the Washington Park Loop, a paved scenic drive and walking trail that winds through a forested peninsula, offering stunning vistas of the San Juan Islands, Rosario Strait, and the Olympic Mountains.
Pick up Seafood to Take Home
Before you depart Anacortes, grab some fresh seafood to enjoy later or share with friends and family. Anacortes boasts excellent local fish markets like Black Rock Seafood or the Anacortes Seafood Market, where you can purchase everything from fresh salmon and halibut to Dungeness crab and oysters, ensuring a delicious memory of your trip. Looking for something special? Prepare for your crab boil at Pacific Dream Seafoods or get smoked salmon from Sea Bear.
Itching for an Extra Walk? Try the Tommy Thompson Trail
If you have time for one last scenic stroll on your way out of town, hop onto the Tommy Thompson Trail. This 3.3-mile paved railway trail extends into Fidalgo Bay, offering serene views of the water, marinas, and local wildlife: a perfect final breath of fresh, salty air for walkers and cyclists to bid farewell to Anacortes.
To start your walk or ride, park at the Port of Anacortes, between 9th Street and Seafarer’s Way. Check signage for parking time restrictions, and hop onto the trail that runs along Q Avenue. Head southeast on the trail which will take you across Fidalgo Bay and end at March Point Road on the eastern shore.
This project was made possible thanks to generous funding from the State of Washington Tourism’s Rural Tourism Marketing and Production Grant Program.