Summer is a popular time for guests to visit Anacortes – we completely understand why! With our mild summer temperatures, lush forest lands to explore, and water that surrounds us on all sides, staying here is a great way to spend your summer vacation.
Summer is a popular time for guests to visit Anacortes – we completely understand why! With our mild summer temperatures, lush forest lands to explore, and water that surrounds us on all sides, staying here is a great way to spend your summer vacation.
Anacortes is known for its thriving music scene, including home-grown bands The Lonely Forest, Spoonshine, and River Talk. All year, local venues like the Rockfish Grill, 13moons, The Brown Lantern, and the Guemes Island General Store rock with musicians. In summer, Seafarers’ Memorial Park, the Farmer’s Market at the Depot, and The Heart of Anacortes amp up the ambiance with inviting outdoor stages. Sometimes there’s a cover, but usually, it’s free with beverages and savory bites available. At Seafarers’ Memorial Park all one needs to do is bring a chair or a blanket and some goodies to snack on. Whatever musical vibe you’re into, Anacortes has it.
See how many kinds of boats you can discover at the 950-slip Cap Sante Marina. The marina is open to the public – please be safe when walking around, and respectful to the boaters who have their slip there.
Learn about Deception Pass, the Bridge, and the surrounding area on this amazing tour aboard the “Island Whaler.” Enjoy the thrill of the fast jet boat through Deception Pass with a knowledgeable interpreter. Take a unique ride on a seated open deck boat and enjoy a 360° unobstructed view as we pass through the waters of Deception Pass on a one-hour tour. Also, look for wildlife such as bald eagles, seals, porpoises, and maybe an occasional whale. Tickets can be purchased for Deception Pass Tours at the ticket booth in the parking lot at the south end of the bridge.
The Anacortes Farmers Market happens every Saturday from early May through late October – it’s a great place to go for fun, farm produce, and value-added local goodness, fabulous foods, and incredible art. Enjoy live music every week and educational workshops in the Depot every other week. It’s the biggest and best season ever so come and be part of the magic – it couldn’t happen without you!
Go camping in Washington Park. City-owned Washington Park (6300 Sunset Avenue), is located at the very west end of the city on Rosario Strait and contains a wide variety of facilities. The site is divided into two basic parts: a day-use area consisting of a boat launch, picnic shelters, restrooms, children’s play equipment, and an open play area. Overnight camping area consisting of 68 campsites for RVs and tents, with restrooms, showers, and laundry facilities. Only about 41 of the 200 acres are developed but a 2.3-mile paved road runs through the entire park for use by cars, joggers, bicyclists, and walkers. For information about any park amenities, please call 360-293-1918.
You can also camp at Deception Pass State Park. The entrance to Deception Pass State Park is conveniently located a short 10 miles and 20 minutes from downtown Anacortes. A 4,134-acre marine and camping park with 77,000 feet of saltwater shoreline, Deception Pass State Park offers 33,900 feet of freshwater shoreline on three lakes. While there are several routes leading visitors to one of the most visited parks in our nation, the two most popular routes from downtown Anacortes are either by way of State Highway 20 (follow signs out of Anacortes along Hwy 20 to Oak Harbor), or if you prefer a more scenic route, begin your expedition at the junction of 12th Street and D Avenue.
Anacortes has many fun festivals happening on a year-round basis, and these are the summer ones that are family-friendly!
Early June – The Anacortes Waterfront Festival celebrates the nautical heritage of Anacortes with a fun, family-friendly event, which runs the first Saturday and Sunday in June at the beautiful Cap Sante Marina.
June – Bark in the Park, hosted by the City of Anacortes
Mid-July – 10 blocks of treasures can be found at the Annual Shipwreck Day Flea Market on the third Saturday in July.
July – Kids ‘R’ Best Fest, hosted by the City of Anacortes
Early August – In its 6th decade, the Anacortes Arts Festival, is a celebration of arts in all forms. The festival runs the first full weekend in August each year. Plan to stay for the weekend and enjoy one of the area’s longest-running festivals.
