Anacortes, the crown jewel of Fidalgo Island, is conveniently situated halfway between Seattle & Vancouver BC, and is the destination point for the San Juan Islands and International Ferry runs. The island is known for its historic waterfront, 50-miles of hiking trails, and a mix of annual festivals.
Its year-round music scene is lively and visitors can soak up a range of tunes from rock to bluegrass to jazz at outside venues during the summer and restaurants and bars throughout the year. The culinary scene is ever-growing and you’ll find a variety of restaurants with farm-to-table menus, scratch and house-made ingredients, and their specialties like BBQ, fusion, and rustic scratch.
Your Island Getaway, All Year-Round
No matter what time of year, there is plenty to do. February kicks off our annual event series, with Anacortes UNCORKED. This food and wine experience pairs well with a romantic getaway to Anacortes. Spring ushers in whale watching season as well as kayak, stand-up paddle-boarding, and boat tours under Deception Pass Bridge. The annual tulip festival brings in visitors from all over the world.
In summer, the Saturday Anacortes Farmers Market is the place to be for everything local like farm-fresh cheeses, handmade bread, gourmet nuts, jewelry, and more. Afterward, hike one of the many trails and feast on a picnic lunch with a view of the islands.
Fall brings our well-loved annual beer and cider festival — Bier on the Pier, as well as crisp, cool air, changing scenery, and cozy weekends in town. With fun downtown Halloween activities and more, you don’t want to miss fall in Anacortes!
Winters are mild and perfect for hiking or exploring the town’s history on a self-guided walking tour. Or, for an experience that keeps on giving, set out on a fishing charter to stock your freezer with fresh-caught fish from the Salish Sea. Our annual tree lighting kicks off Coastal Christmas — enjoy holiday festivities, cheer, and events all December long.
A favorite year-round activity is to explore downtown boutique and antique shops, enjoy a drink and savory bite, and then drive up to Cap Sante to watch the sunset over historic downtown and the San Juan Islands.
If you have questions or would like to learn more about Anacortes, check out our Experience Anacortes Magazine or to speak to someone directly call our friendly team of volunteers in the Visitor Information Center at (360) 293-3832.