Things To Do
Anacortes is Skagit County's 2nd largest city and home to Washington State Ferries northernmost terminal serving the San Juan Islands and Sidney/Victoria, Canada. With its active, working waterfront, extensive park system, community forestlands, abundant wildlife and recreational opportunities, it has become a 'base camp' for visitors seeking to explore the vast and diverse region that exemplifies the Pacific Northwest experience.

Anacortes' park system boasts 18 city parks, 3,000 acres of community forestlands, six lakes, scenic Mount Erie with its spectacular views, 20 miles of choice hiking/biking trails and one of the richest "eel grass" basins on the West Coast. Another local gem just three minutes drive from downtown Anacortes is the Cap Sante lookout and its near 360° views. From here you'll see boats coming and going from Cap Sante Marina, deep-water activity on the Guemes Channel, glacier-capped Mount Baker and a good portion of the city.

Marine activities include excellent saltwater fishing, sailing, kayaking, whale watching, scuba diving, yachting and beachcombing. Anacortes offers boaters five major marinas and nautical services to accommodate any related boating needs.

The beaches here invite leisurely searches through fascinating tide pools. Pick up a picnic lunch from any of the wonderful restaurants, deli's or artisan bakeries in town, grab a book from one of the three independent bookstores and select your own secluded spot to relax and enjoy the natural atmosphere.

For family fun, try the community pool, which features a buoy ball swing, a giant climb-on octopus, diving board, pool toys and a water slide named Twister. The bowling center features 10-pin bowling, video games and a restaurant. Bike and kayak rentals are available and offer exciting opportunities to see the Island from a different perspective. A tour of the Bunnies By The Bay workshop is a favorite for kids of all ages. Topped with a visit to the ice cream parlor or chocolate shop, you are assured to get rave reviews as a vacation planner. The local casino offers gaming, entrainment and dancing but is meant strictly for the grown-ups in your group.

If it's shopping you like, you can browse the many antique and specialty shops or walk the marinas to dream about that perfect boat. Relax afterwards with a coffee or dessert at one of the quaint sidewalk cafés.

For the athlete at any level, try the trails and roads for biking or hiking, kayak the waters around Fidalgo Island, workout at one of the local gyms, rock climb up Mt. Erie (walk, bike or drive if that's more your speed), walk or run the loop at Washington Park or go for a swim at the community pool. With two whale watching outfits, a dive shop, a kayak outfitter, a bicycle shop with rentals, sales and service plus all the fishing and boat charters you could hope for, it's easy to see that Anacortes is your natural destination for activity and adventure.

Whether you are planning for a family vacation, an individual retreat, an eco-adventure or a romantic getaway, there is much to do in Anacortes to enhance your stay. Here is a list of 101 things to do, just to get you started!

1 See the 360° view from Mt. Erie
2 Go whale watching
3 Browse the antique shops
4 Watch the sunset at Sunset Beach
5 Walk the loop at Washington Park
6 Go swimming at the Fidalgo Pool
7 Ride the ferry to Sidney/Victoria, B.C.
8 Watch chocolate making
9 Fly fish at Pass Lake
10 Watch large ship repairs at Dakota Creek Industries
11 Picnic at Bowman's Bay
12 Go bird watching at the Heron Rookery
13 Have a great cup of coffee overlooking the marina
14 Check out the glacial till at Rosario Beach
15 Kayak to Hat Island
16 Watch the boat builders
17 Shop at the oldest marine hardware store on the west coast
18 Go scuba diving
19 Photograph the tulips
20 Sail model boats
21 Hike around Little Cranberry Lake
22 Buy a yacht!
23 Workout at the gym
24 Look through tide pools
25 Ride the Guemes ferry
26 Mountain bike on the forestland trails
27 Jump off the cliff at Whistle Lake
28 Row to the island on Campbell Lake
29 Discover the "Lady of the Sea"
30 Go to the Quilt Show & Walk
31 Watch for eagles and falcons
32 Attend a local wine tasting
33 Go to an antique container opening!
34 Enjoy the Waterfront Festival
35 Go to the Saturday Farmer's Market
36 See the Vela Luka Dancers
37 Take in a movie at the Anacortes Cinemas
38 Rent a canoe
39 Charter a fishing boat
40 Go crabbing
41 Visit the Depot Art Gallery
42 Tour the W.T. Preston
43 Take your kids to Storvik park
44 Visit the Causland Park Memorial
45 Visit the Padilla Bay Interpretive Center
46 Walk across Deception Pass bridge
47 Drive or walk to Cap Sante Lookout
48 Take sailing lessons at South Harbor Park
49 Fish off Curtis Wharf
50 Hang glide off Mt. Erie
51 Take the kids to story time at the new library
52 Tour the Anacortes Historic Murals
53 Hike to the cave at Little Cranberry Lake
54 Go to the Skagit Symphony at Brodniak Hall
55 Feast at a salmon barbeque
56 Dance the night away at a pub
57 Water-ski at Campbell Lake
58 Take a photo at the 'lookout tree' at Washington Park
59 Ride the ferry to Friday Harbor for the day
60 Buy fresh shrimp and salmon at the docks
61 Golf at Similk Golf Course
62 Take an airplane ride over the islands
63 Take a dinner cruise on the Sound
64 Try your luck at the local casino
65 Go bowling
66 Take your kids to the skateboard park
67 Fly kites at South Harbor Park
68 Take a kayak safety class at the pool
69 Hike the Whistle Lake trail
70 Look for seals on the rocks & logs
71 Go clam digging
72 Take a drive around the island
73 Relax in the hot tub at a hotel
74 Take a nature walk through Forestlands
75 Learn the art of knot tying
76 Browse the downtown art galleries
77 Go to the Arts and Crafts Festival
78 Watch the town crier competition
79 Find the lighthouse at Bowman's Bay
80 Have a family picnic at Washington Park
81 Take a walking tour of the shipyards
82 Attend a church service
83 Walk the docks at the marinas
84 Have a Berry, Berry smoothie!
85 Go to the First Friday Art walk
86 Find a treasure at Shipwreck Days
87 Take your child to Kids R Best Fest
88 Check out the Powell story poles
89 Visit the Anacortes Museum
90 Pick up an Anacortes t-shirt
91 Go to a play at ACT
92 See the Harleys at Oyster Run
93 Row a boat on Heart Lake
94 Enjoy a Sunday brunch
95 Shop for smoked salmon
96 Go on a tour of Bunnies By the Bay
97 Crew with OARS (Old Anacortes Rowing Society)
98 Play softball at Volunteer Park
99 Look at property on Fidalgo Island
100 Take a Yoga or Pilates class
101 Make a new friend from Anacortes