Anacortes Travel Guide

Trek Zone

City

Facts and practical information

Located in the stunning Washington region, Anacortes is a captivating city that offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, outdoor adventures, and rich cultural experiences. Nestled on Fidalgo Island, this charming destination is known as the gateway to the San Juan Islands, making it a haven for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.

Anacortes is renowned for its picturesque landscapes and breathtaking views. With its proximity to the Puget Sound and the surrounding mountains, visitors can indulge in a myriad of outdoor activities. Explore the miles of hiking trails that wind through lush forests and lead to stunning viewpoints, offering panoramic vistas of the surrounding islands and waterways. For a unique experience, visit the renowned Washington Park, where you can stroll along the scenic waterfront, enjoy a picnic by the beach, or even embark on a kayaking adventure.

Beyond its natural wonders, Anacortes also boasts a vibrant arts and culture scene. The city is home to numerous art galleries, showcasing the works of local and international artists. Immerse yourself in the local art scene by visiting the Anacortes Arts Festival, an annual event that features live music, art exhibitions, and interactive workshops.

History buffs will find plenty to explore in Anacortes as well. Take a step back in time by visiting the Anacortes Museum, which houses fascinating exhibits on the city's history, including its early settlers and maritime heritage. Don't miss the opportunity to visit the W.T. Preston, a historic steam-powered paddle wheeler that has been transformed into a museum, providing insights into the region's rich maritime past.

Food enthusiasts will be delighted by Anacortes' culinary offerings. The city is home to a vibrant food scene, with a wide range of restaurants and cafes offering delectable dishes made from locally sourced ingredients. Indulge in fresh seafood, savor farm-to-table delicacies, or enjoy a leisurely meal with stunning waterfront views.

Alternative names: Population: 16.4 thous.Area: 15.65 mi²Elevation: 13 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 48°30'38"N, 122°36'43"W

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WashingtonUnited States

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Anacortes Top Attractions

Anacortes Attractions - What to See and Explore

Anacortes offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: The Business, Mount Erie, W. T. Preston, Cape Sante Marina. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Music venue • Commercial Avenue
The Business
The Business is an independent record store, music distribution company and concert venue located on Commercial Avenue in Anacortes, Skagit County, Washington, United States. It formerly also housed a book store, a photography studio, a café-bistro, a recording studio and a record label.
Trail • Park
Mount Erie
Mount Erie is a mountain on Fidalgo Island in Skagit County, Washington, United States. It is on public park land owned and managed by the city of Anacortes and is located in the south of the Anacortes Community Forest Lands.
Specialty museum • Museum
W. T. Preston
W. T. Preston is a specialized sternwheeler that operated as a snagboat, removing log jams and natural debris that prevented river navigation on several Puget Sound-area rivers.

48°30'49"N • 122°36'36"W
Cape Sante Marina
Sailing • Park • Marina
Nature • Natural attraction • Lake
Little Cranberry Lake
Little Cranberry Lake is located within Anacortes Community Forest Lands on Fidalgo Island in the northwestern corner of the U.S. state of Washington. The lake is deepened by a dam on the northern end which was constructed in the 1930s.
Nature • Natural attraction • Lake
Whistle Lake
Whistle Lake is a small lake located within city limits in Anacortes Community Forest Lands southeast of central Anacortes, Washington. Though not directly accessible by vehicle, Whistle Lake attracts thousands of visitors each year.
48°29'32"N • 122°41'2"W
R&R Charters
Fishing charters and tours • Tours • Outdoor activities
48°29'32"N • 122°41'2"W
Jolly Mon Charters
Boat tours • Fishing charters and tours • Outdoor activities
48°29'35"N • 122°41'2"W
Island Express Charters
Boat tours • Outdoor activities • Tours
48°31'3"N • 122°36'47"W
Wilson Hotel
The Wilson Hotel is a historic building in downtown Anacortes, Washington, United States. It was built in 1890 during a speculative land boom when cites across northern Puget Sound were competing to become the western terminus of the Great Northern Railway's transcontinental route.

Day trips

Anacortes – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of Anacortes, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Peace Arch State Park (Blaine), Snohomish County Centennial Trail (Snohomish), Puget Sound Coast Artillery Museum (Port Townsend).

35 milesN
Monument and lawns on U.S./Canada border
Peace Arch State Park, Blaine
Nestled on the border between the United States and Canada lies Peace Arch State Park, a historical landmark that embodies the enduring friendship between these two nations. Located in the charming city of Blaine, Washington, this park is home to the iconic Peace Arch...
47 milesSE
Hiking, Trail, Hiking trail
Snohomish County Centennial Trail, Snohomish
The Snohomish County Centennial Trail is a 30-mile-long rail trail in Snohomish County, Washington, connecting the cities of Snohomish, Lake Stevens, and Arlington to Skagit County along the corridor of Washington State Route 9.
27 milesS
Museum, Military museum
Puget Sound Coast Artillery Museum, Port Townsend
Puget Sound Coast Artillery Museum is a military museum located at Fort Worden State Park on Puget Sound, in the State of Washington. The museum occupies part of Building 201, a former barracks at Fort Worden.
18 milesN
Museum
Pickett House, Bellingham
The Pickett House is the oldest house in the city of Bellingham, Washington, located on 910 Bancroft Street. Built in 1856 by United States Army Captain George Pickett, who later became a prominent general in the Confederate States Army during the Civil War, the house was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1971.
27 milesS
Park
Fort Worden, Port Townsend
Fort Worden Historical State Park is located in Port Townsend, Washington, on 433 acres originally known as Fort Worden, a United States Army Coast Artillery Corps base constructed to protect Puget Sound from invasion by sea.

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Best Time To Visit Anacortes

Learn when is the best time to travel to Anacortes weather-wise and what to expect in each season.

Popularity among visitors

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July and August are the busiest months in this location. Many people also choose to visit in June.

Average temperatures in °F

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The highest air temperature is in June, July, August and September. While the coldest is in January, February and December.

Monthly rainfall in inches

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The lowest rainfall is recorded in July and August. Most of it rains in November and December.

Length of day in hours

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We can expect the longest days in June, while the shortest in December.

Sunrise

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are the top attractions to visit in Anacortes?

The top attractions to visit in Anacortes are:

What is the best time to visit Anacortes?

July and August are the busiest months in this location. Many people also choose to visit in June. The highest air temperature is in June, July, August and September. While the coldest is in January, February and December.