What to See & Do in Anacortes: Washington's Gateway to the San Juan Islands

Sightseeing & tours

• Island Adventures Whale Watching Tour: If you're wanting a guaranteed 10/10 experience, this #1 award winning whale watching tour has you covered.Tours are 3-3.5 hours long and perfect for the whole family. Food and drinks are available on board. They stand by their "whale guarantee" - you will almost undoubtedly see Orca and Humpback whales, and other wildlife that call the San Juan Islands home. This is definitely my go-to tour experience for Anacortes.

• Deception Pass Tours: Choose between three tour options aboard this open-air vessel! About a twenty-minute drive from downtown Anacortes, Deception Pass Tours offers a unique on-the-water perspective of Deception Pass State Park (also Washington's most popular state park!) where you'll catch glimpses of wildlife like those stated above and get an exciting POV of the historic Deception Pass Bridge and the surrounding cliffs.

• Anacortes Kayak Tours: Anacortes Kayak Tours offers multiple one-day excursion options with a professional tour guide. Options include 1.5 hour, three or five-hour trips. Explore the ocean up close and personally through this unique experience. Since 2004, Anacortes Kayak Tours has been a favorite for tourists from all over the country, and the world.

More things to do

• Walk Old Town & visit boutiques, thrift and antique shops: Anacortes has a perfect old town with coffee shops and boutiques. Visit Pelican Bay Books & Coffee House for a cup of Joe as you mosey your way to thrift shops. Or, if you're in the mood for a snack and a glass of wine, head to Blackbird Wine Bar and Charcuterie.

• Take the ferry to Guemes Island: If you're wanting to take a ferry ride but not go too far, hop aboard the Guemes Island ferry. It takes you on an about ten-minute ride across the channel to the small island. Check out the Guemes Island General Store, located just up the road from the ferry dock, and don't forget to bring a book to relax at the beach.

• Explore Deception Pass State Park: If you'd like to spend your time in Anacortes in the great outdoors, take the twenty-minute drive to Deception Pass State Park. With over 2 million visitors annually, Deception Pass spans over 3,800 acres with over ten miles of hiking trails, and over 14.5 miles of beach shoreline, and over 100 years worth of park history. Don't forget to walk across the iconic ninety-year-old bridge that connects Fidalgo with Whidbey Island!

• Drive up Mount Erie: If you don't want to drive quite as far out as Deception Pass, take the fifteen-minute drive from downtown to Mount Erie. Fidalgo Island's highest point is at over 1,200 feet. You will be rewarded with sweeping views of Skagit Valley, the Pacific Ocean and the Cascade and Olympic Mountains. Sunset is an excellent time to visit, however, if you have more time and want to stretch your legs. The Anacortes Community Forest Lands offer an extensive trail system that is incorporated into the Mount Erie area.

• Take A walk by the ferry terminal: The Guemus Channel Trail near the Anacortes Ferry Terminal is a flat and paved route along the waterfront — a perfect place for a 2.2 mile stroll just a few minutes from downtown Anacortes with views of the ocean and surrounding islands.

Breakfast

• Calico Cupboard: This cafe has become a longstanding favorite of mine. With an extensive all-day breakfast ranging from Cinnamon Roll French toast (my personal favorite!) to the Gluten Free "Skagit Hash" , there is something delicious for everyone! Lunch menu also available.

• Dad's Diner: If you're feeling something more of a varied, casual sort, check out Dad's Diner, located right across the street from Calico Cupboard. Their "brecky" menu includes everything from "Redneck Benedict" to "Chilaquiles" to a fantastic lunch menu as well.

Lunch

• Gere-a-Deli: My go-to for lunch! The old-fashioned vibe is everything — the walls are covered in antique signs, which will keep your heads in curiosity while you wait in line. Dine-in and carry-out options are available — their main menu focuses on sandwiches, soups and salads, along with some amazing desserts.

Dinner

• Anthony's Seafood Restaurant: This iconic restaurant is nestled along the edge of the Anacortes Marina. Views of the water and Cap Sante Viewpoint make the experience all the more unforgettable with the foothills of the Cascade Mountains in the background. If you're wanting a nice sit-down dinner, Anthony's is the place. This high-quality seafood restaurant has options — if you're just wanting to have a quick beer at the bar top, or if you're feeling more of a three-course meal that is also available.

• Adrift Restaurant: If you're looking for something not as pricey, this restaurant's a great option, as it's a favorite among locals and tourists alike. They have everything from burgers, sandwiches and tacos, and even "brunch-ish" items, as they like to call it.