Anacortes Travel Guide, Washington

39 miles South of Bellingham on the way to the San Juan Islands lies a little town known as Anacortes. If you have been in the area you probably have heard about it, too. But if your knowledge about the town stops here (you have just heard about it) you should read more and find out a bit about this otherwise overlooked town.

You just have to take your time to discover it, that’s all it needs a bit of your time. It is just as you pass by a beautiful flower and you do not notice its beauty because of your rush. It is true that most people drive through it and o not stop enough to have a look and that’s a pity because they miss some great historic places dotted with Victorian homes, good restaurants, nice shops, a business district, great birds eye view from atop Mount Erie over the area, pleasant walks in the waterfront park and plenty of water views as the town is set on an island too, an island called Fidalgo Island.

With water nearby it is only natural to think that part of the town’s economy is based on fishing and boat building which give it a particular feel. It is very important to know that you can enjoy whale-watching in the Anacortes area.

Besides discovering what the town has to offer you can also save some money by making Anacortes your base for exploring the San Juan Islands, the accommodation on the islands costing more than here. Nature is at home here or maybe it would be more appropriate to say that the town is hosted in a natural surrounding that is jut as beautiful. There are the Washington Park and the Deception Pass State Park at the south end of the island. So if you think twice either way you look at the choices it is better to set camp here and visit both San Juan and Anacortes. Not only will you be left with more money but you will also enjoy more views and have a broader view of the area.

The town is ideal for recreational activities and its parks are fully accomplishing their role as people of all ages take advantage of their beauty and fresh air. There is a wide variety of programs and events to meet everybody’s needs of both adults and children. You need to check the information office for the events scheduled for the period you are visiting the town. You will be able to choose between mountain biking, bike rodeo, sailing program, youth events and sporting events. You can even do some sea kayaking and rentals are available at a reasonable price.

One of the favored parks for nature lovers is the 220-acre Washington Park located at the west end of Fidalgo Island short distance past the ferry terminal. Sitting on a peninsula there is also a beach called Sunset Beach facing San Juan Islands. You can have a picnic there, camp, go boating or hiking on several miles of trails get on top of the hills and enjoy the views of Olympic Mountains. Another park south of the town that offers great views is the Mount Erie Park called after Mount Erie. If you reach its top you can see the other mountains around.

If you have just a few hours at your disposal you can still enjoy some of the local natural beauty as there is Causland Memorial Park, a bit of an unusual park that boasts some rock walls in form of huge mosaics. Narby is the Anacortes Museum featuring exhibits connected to local history.

Another interesting sight to see in the centre of Anacortes is W. T. Preston Snagboat that stands in a small park. The boat dating 1890s stands as a reminder of the past.

Art buffs can visit the Arts Center, boasting collections of regional artists.