Things to Do
Anacortes is the first of the San Juan Islands, accessible by bridge. From here you could take a ferry to Vancouver Island, British Columbia, or to the San Juans. But you may want to stay right here, as there is much to do in Anacortes and surrounds.
Whale watching, kayaking, hiking, bicycling, fishing or diving are all possibilities. But if you just want to relax and unwind, we offer that too. Choose an outside table at a downtown restaurant and sip coffee or wine, or relax on Autumn Leaves' patio to the soothing sound of the waterfall. You could browse through shops, take a boat ride or stroll around the marina. Or you could take the 10 minute ferry ride to Guemes Island, where you could explore the beach or have a cup of coffee while watching the boats go by. Whatever your activity level, there is much for you in Anacortes. Take a look at some of the pictures in our Gallery.
Many guests come here to celebrate a special occasion, such as a birthday or anniversary. Autumn Leaves is a romantic, luxurious place to stay and there are some good restaurants in town. After dinner you could go to the beach and watch the sunset over the islands. Other ideas:
Whale watching cruises
Orca, minke and humpback whales
www.island-adventures.com
www.mysticseacharters.com
Downtown
Small town charm, great antique and gift stores, art galleries
Evening entertainment
Movies, bowling, casino, community theatre (www.acttheatre.com).
Some of the restaurants have live music in the evenings.
Charter boats
For parties, weddings or charters
www.mysticseacharters.com
abcyachtcharters.com
www.ayc.com
www.paracletecharters.com
www.lujacsquest.com
www.sBoats.com
www.deepseacruise.com
One hour boat tour
www.deceptionpasstours.com
Beaches
Grassy Sunset Beach or sandy Rosario with tidepools, fabulous views, picnic areas
Deception Pass State Park
The state's busiest park. The much-photographed bridge connects Fidalgo Island with Whidbey Island to the south.
Kayaking
Take a kayak tour with www.anacorteskayaktours.com.
They provide the kayak and everything you need, no experience required.
Ferries
Take a ferry to one of the San Juan Islands for the day or catch the international ferry to Vancouver Island (Plan to stay at least one night there and take your passport.)
Ferry information: www.wsdot.wa.gov/ferries
River rafting, birding and eagle watching
Great blue heron, eagles and hawks are a common sight. In winter great clouds of snow geese can be seen in neighboring fields, along with trumpeter swans. Bald eagle season can bring over 200 eagles to the Skagit River. www.blueskyoutfitters.com
Scenic cruises
Romantic, unique, fabulous.
www.paracletecharters.com
www.mysticseacharters.com
www.island-adventures.com
www.deepseacruise.com
Scuba diving
www.lujacsquest.com
www.deepseacruise.com
Sport fishing
www.rrcharters.com
www.catchmorecharters.com
Views
Anacortes has some of the finest views in the Pacific Northwest: water, islands, mountains and forest. You can hike or drive up Mt. Erie, the island's highest point, for an unforgettable panoramic view. Or walk, cycle or drive the 2.3 mile loop road in Washington Park for more breathtaking views and great picnic spots.
Walking, bicycling or mountain biking
Anacortes has 2700 acres of forest lands with many miles of trails. We'll lend you a trail map; remember to bring a backpack for the picnic! There are trailheads a short walk from our house. Or join a bicycle tour of Skagit Valley: www.countrycycling.com
Gift shops, flowers, gift baskets, wine
www.donatelloflowersandgifts.com (flowers, gifts)
www.sheelysfloral.com (gifts, flowers)
www.baysidesweets.com (hand crafted chocolates)
www.compasswines.com (wine or picnic, delivered)
www.seabear.com (smoked salmon, gift food items)
Restaurants
Some of our guests' favorites:
www.adriftrestaurant.com
www.anacortesrockfish.com (restaurant and brewery)
Greek Islands 293-6911
Il Posto (Italian)
www.deceptioncafe.com
http://www.cameronslivingroomdining.com/
(Anacortes is casual, you don't have to dress up.)
SPECIAL EVENTS INCLUDE:
Anacortes Art Walk the first Friday of each month
April 1-30 Anacortes Quilt Walk
April Skagit Valley Tulip Festival all month (bloom dates up to God), www.TulipFestival.org
April 16-18 Tulip Festival street fair, Mount Vernon
April 10-11 Spring Wine Festival
May 15-16 Anacortes Waterfront Festival
June 18-20 St. Mary's Merryfest carnival
July 4 parade, program in the park and fireworks
July 10-11 Skagit Valley Highland Games, www.CelticArts.org
July 17 Anacortes Shipwreck Day flea market
July 23-24 An-O-Chord barbershop concerts
July 25 An-O-Chord barbecue in the park
August 6-8 Anacortes Arts Festival, www.anacortesartsfestival.com
August 20, 21, 22 Eagles salmon barbecue
Sept. 11 Anacortes antique engine and machinery show
Sept. 16 Anacortes Home and boat tour
Sept. 18 Fidalgo Bay Day
Sept. 26 Oyster Run motorcycle rally
October 19 Octoberfest "Beer on the Pier" anacortes.org/octoberfest_2010/
December 3-4 Anacortes winter art walk
December 18 Christmas lighted boat parade
PLANNING YOUR TRIP TO ANACORTES
Whether you have one day or longer, you won't run out of things to do. Here are some suggestions:
First day:
Stroll around Anacortes shops and art galleries. There are many coffee shops and cafes. Have a leisurely lunch, rest and begin to unwind.
Drive or walk to Cap Sante Marina to see the boats and water views.
At 3 p.m. you may check in at Autumn Leaves. We will bring you a beverage and snack as you relax in the parlor or on the patio by the waterfall.
Before or after dinner, take in the fabulous view from Washington Park as you drive or walk the loop road. If you still have time, Mt. Erie is a short drive away, with more breathtaking views.
For dinner look through our folder of menus and choose one of the fine restaurants on the island. Then you may want to check out the brewery or go bowling.
If you return to Autumn Leaves before 10, let the jetted tub soothe tired muscles before you sink into your antique queen size bed.
Second day:
Start with a mouth watering breakfast at Autumn Leaves. Allow time to enjoy each delicious course as you chat with hosts and other guests.
Stop by the deli for a sandwich or salad to take with you on a whale watching cruise. Take a warm jacket; it can be cold on the water. Take sunscreen too!
When you return, rest a while at Autumn Leaves. This would be a good time for the reading nook. Check out the 1950's magazines. We'll bring you a beverage, or you may help yourself from the refrigerator in the sunroom.
Dinner could be followed by a movie or an early night. You might be tired after a day on the water.
Third day:
Another wonderful Autumn Leaves breakfast, then it's time to work it off.
Walk in the Anacortes forestlands, or go on a kayak tour. Kayak rental with instruction is available; you don't have to be experienced.
In the afternoon, a massage might be in order. Or take the short drive to Deception Pass Bridge. You could have a picnic there or on a grassy beach in Washington Park. Another good picnic spot is Rosario Beach, where you could peer into tidepools and listen to the oyster catchers.
That evening, try your luck at the casino.
Fourth day:
A leisurely breakfast at Autumn Leaves. This is your third sinfully delicious breakfast in three days, so strenuous exercise is called for.
(1) Golf at Similk Golf Course OR (2) A trip to the outlet mall in Burlington. Visit shoe, clothing, fabric and kitchen stores.
Then back to Autumn Leaves to get ready for dinner and perhaps a sunset cruise. For a special dinner, try Star Bar or Il Posto. Unwind and relax . You'll wish you never had to go home.
Fifth day:
After breakfast at Autumn Leaves drive to the ferry terminal (about 3 miles). Park your car and walk on the ferry, thus avoiding the wait in line and the expense of taking your car. Enjoy the boat ride, spend a few hours in Friday Harbor and return to Anacortes in the early evening.
Of course, all good things must come to an end, but then it's time to start planning your next Northwest island adventure.... Let us help you plan a really special getaway.
For more information visit, www.anacortes.org
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