Things To Do In Anacortes | 12 Fun-filled Activities to Try!

Located on Fidalgo Island, Anacortes ranges from offering small-town charm to seaside recreation. It boasts stunning views of the Cascade Mountains and archipelago in the Pacific.

And with great eateries, museums, antique shops, beautiful beaches, and recreational parks, you will have plenty of things to do.

Anacortes location — Anacortes, Fidalgo Island

Anacortes may not be the most popular city in the US, but it’s a great tourist destination.

This is especially true if you’re looking for fun and relaxing activities. Below are the top tourist attractions, so you can experience what sets Anacortes apart from other destinations.

Table of Contents

1. Tour Through Washington Park

Washington Park is one of the huge highlights of Anacortes and a must-visit while you’re in the city.

This 220-acre city park comprises picturesque beaches, children’s playgrounds, campsites, and picnic shelters.

Visitors can enjoy unparalleled views of Burrows Bay, Rosario Strait, San Juan Islands, and the nearby mountain range.

Be sure to take a nature walk along the trails and explore the rocky shorelines with fantastic tide pools.

2. Enjoy The Views At Cap Sante Park

This lushly-forested park is isolated and elevated, thus allowing visitors a quick escape from the city’s noise.

Cap Sante Park in Anacortes — Cap Sante Park

You’ll get beautiful views of Fidalgo Bay, surrounding islands, the marina, and the Cascade Mountains.

This park is also a great place to watch the sunrise and sunset while the trails that run deeper into the forests satisfy your adventurous side.

3. Attend Anacortes Festivals

The city has year-round events, festivals, and live entertainment.

For starters, Anacortes hosts one of the largest art festivals in the Northwest every year.

And throughout the month, the city is filled with unique art by talented local artists.

Other yearly festivals you can plan your trip to Anacortes around are:

The Tulip Festival in April
Shipwreck Days in July
Bier on the Pier in October
Waterfront Festival in June
Spring Wine Festival in April
Brewgrass Festival in November
Port of Anacortes Summer Concert Series in July-August
Anacortes Coastal Christmas in December
Live Music at Rockfish Grill and The Brown Lantern (throughout the year)

4. Camp In The Wild At The Skagit Island Marine State Park

This 25-acre public recreation area is ideal for those looking for an adventure. For starters, it’s only accessible by boat or kayak, and the conditions must be favorable.

But while there, you’ll be treated to stunning views of the San Juan Islands, forested areas, and rugged coasts.

It’s also an excellent spot for camping, especially on the sheltered beaches.

During the day, you can transverse the Cascadia Marine Trail for wildlife watching and nature walking.

5. Drive Or Hike To The Top Of Mount Erie

Mount Erie is a popular climbing spot in Washington and the highest point on Fidalgo Island.

Thus, it offers panoramic views of the city and its surroundings.

You’ll appreciate the gleaming San Juan Islands, glowing Olympic Mountains, and shimmering lakes.

The southern viewing area lets you watch the sunset as the colors shift over the mountains.

The trail is easy enough for beginnings, but you can get to the top by driving.

6. Visit The Anacortes Museum For Some History Lessons

This historical museum has artifacts, photographs, and memorabilia that tell Anacortes’ history.

They even feature life-sized fishing boats that were used before the invention of motorized watercraft.

While you’re here, drop by the adjacent Causland Memorial Park, which features a lush, green landscape and small pockets of trees.

Visitors appreciate the colorful mosaics and artwork on the walls. There’s also an amphitheater for hosting local events.

7. Have A Tasty Meal

The dining scene in Anacortes is quite versatile, with lots of local seafood.

Some top restaurants and eateries to consider include:

Rockfish Grill for the best Northwest cuisine and brick-oven pizzas
Anthony’s at Cap Sante Marina
Frida’s Gourmet Mexican Cuisine for the best traditional Mexican recipes
Swinomish Sports Bar and Grill for mouth-watering American-style entrees and pub fare.
Bob’s Chowder & BBQ Salmon offers seafood staples
Adrift Restaurant
A’Town Bistro
13moons restaurant
Dad’s Diner
Vagabond for delicious food made with fresh ingredients
The Store Grocery for the best muffins and cookies around
Calico Cupboard Cafe and Bakery

8. Engage In Water-Based Activities

Being an island, Anacortes is surrounded by water, which makes it ideal for all kinds of water activities.

Visitors can kayak in Bowman Bay, which is relatively calm and makes for an easy first-time experience.

Another popular water activity is going on a whale-watching cruise.

You’re almost guaranteed to see orcas, grey whales, humpback whales, porpoises, harbor seals, and otters. It’s best to take a guide as these animals are primarily seen in the wild.

The city has breathtaking beachfront stretches.

Most beaches sit inside state parks like Washington Park, which houses Sunset, Rosario, and West Beaches.

This offers several amenities to keep visitors occupied.

9. Gaming At The Swinomish Casino And Lodge

If you’d like a place to play and stay, the Swinomish Casino &Lodge is worth considering.

Their gaming floor has 800 slots and 16 table games, including craps, roulette, blackjack, and poker.

And they offer opportunities for big payouts. Of course, the casino is only open to adults.

But guests can enjoy other amenities in the resort, including full-service restaurants and bars.

10. Find Fresh Produce At The Farmers’ Market

Farmer's market in Anacortes — Farmers’ market

If you want the freshest veggies, fruits, and other foodstuffs during your stay in Anacortes, head to the Farmers Market.

Being a seaside town, you can expect plentiful seafood, including crabs, shellfish, shrimps, and various fishes.

You’ll also find various handmade products and specialty foods from local food vendors. Not to mention, it’s a great opportunity to get a sense of the community.

The market runs from May to October and opens on Saturdays from 9 am to 2 pm., but there are seasonal openings throughout the year.

11. Visit Predators Of The Heart

This is different from your typical animal park. It rescues and rehabilitates animals, especially those that can’t survive in the wild anymore.

The sanctuary is home to various exotic animals, such as wolves, native birds of prey, exotic reptiles, bobcats, and cougars.

The center offers Wolf Encounters tours so visitors can experience the animals up close.

You can pet, hug them, take selfies, or enjoy their friendly demeanor. This rare experience is bound to make your trip to the city worth it.

12. Explore Deception Pass State Park

Deception Pass State Park in Anacortes — Deception Pass State Park

This park is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Washington State. It features ancient forests, hiking trails, swift streams, and tide pools.

But it’s the 1,487-foot-long bridge that draws people to this park, offering a thrilling experience to stand on.

You can get across the bridge by walking, driving, hiking, or riding under the bridge in a boat.

Conclusion

There’s something for everyone in Anacortes, from solo travelers to couples, girls/boys trips, corporate retreats, and even family trips. It’s a top spot for boating and nature activities.

Also, visitors can enjoy outdoor activities thanks to the good weather, especially in the summertime. Include this city in your next travel plans, and you can expect a trip of a lifetime!