Anacortes packs a lot into a small, walkable waterfront town—perfect for travelers who like to stay active, explore on foot, and spend time on the water. From a stroll-worthy downtown and scenic trails to kayaking, whale watching, arts, and food, Anacortes invites you to slow down and dig in. Locals take pride in their strong sense of community and visitors quickly feel welcome.
Get Outside: Trails, Views, and Fresh Air
Just steps beyond downtown, you’ll find an abundance of hiking and biking routes leading to some of the most beautiful viewpoints in the region. Favorites include Mount Erie, the summit at Cap Sante Park or Washington Park, then a bit farther to Deception Pass and Sharpe Park—each offering sweeping views of islands, water, and forest.
Anacortes Community Forest Lands (ACFL)
The crown jewel for walkers and hikers is the Anacortes Community Forest Lands. Spanning more than 2,950 acres, ACFL features over 50 miles of trails winding through forests, wetlands, lakes, and open meadows.
A local nonprofit, Friends of the ACFL, serves as steward for this remarkable resource. Proudly self-described “tree huggers,” the group hosts guided hikes and walks year-round, offering an easy way to explore with knowledgeable locals.
All trails are open to hikers, with select areas allowing bicycles, horses, and two-wheeled motorcycles (motorcycles permitted April 1–October 31).
Uptown & Downtown Delights: Markets, Shops, and Coffee
Anacortes is made for wandering. Browse boutique shops, hunt for treasures at standout thrift stores, and settle into favorite gathering places like Pelican Bay Books (complete with its own coffee stand), Gere-A-Deli, Dad’s Diner, Rockfish Grill, Fidalgo Drive-in, Anthony’s and Penguin Coffee. On Saturdays, the Anacortes Farmers Market brings together local produce, food vendors, and community spirit.
More ideas on the Chamber of Commerce website:
https://business.anacortes.org/list/category/restaurants-food-beverage-767
Summer Celebrations & Signature Events
If you visit in summer, you’re likely to catch one of Anacortes’ lively festivals. Highlights include the Waterfront Festival, a classic Fourth of July celebration with parade and fireworks, and Shipwreck Days—a large-scale, quirky, marine-themed community garage sale.
On the Water: Kayaks, Sailboats, and Whales
Anacortes sits at the heart of island-studded waters, making it an ideal launch point for boating adventures. Departing from Anacortes means skipping ferry lines and getting straight to the action. These calm waters are home to orcas as well as humpbacks, minke, and gray whales.
- Anacortes Kayak Tours
This local company offers everything from short paddles near town to multi-day sea kayaking adventures through surrounding islands. - Anacortes Community Boating (ACB)
A hub for water activity, ACB offers youth and adult sailing classes, rowing programs, rentals (small sailboats, kayaks, paddleboards), boat storage, and the Anacortes Seahawks Sailing Team. - Island Adventures Whale Watching
Located at Cap Sante Marina, this operator runs a larger catamaran and offers whale watches, history cruises, July 4 trips, and private charters. - Blue Kingdom Tours
A family-owned company offering fast, 17-passenger boat tours and charters from March through September. - Outer Island Excursions
High-speed powerboat tours and private trips through the dramatic scenery of the San Juan Islands.
Discover Anacortes on Foot: Self-Guided Tours
Walking is one of the best ways to get to know Anacortes. Several self-guided tours make it easy:
- Historic Building Walking Tour
Offered by the Anacortes History Museum, this map highlights 30 historic downtown buildings. Enjoy it as a single 90-minute walk or two shorter loops. - Bill Mitchell Mural Project Walking Tour
A smartphone-friendly tour showcasing iconic murals throughout town, also presented by the Anacortes History Museum. - Public Art Tour
More than 50 artworks are displayed across Anacortes and Fidalgo Island. An easy-to-use online map guides you to sculptures, murals, and installations in public spaces. - Music Map of Anacortes
An interactive map from the Anacortes Museum and Parks & Recreation pairs music with place. Listen to songs written by local musicians as you walk to the locations that inspired them.
Museums & Maritime History
- Anacortes Maritime Heritage Center & W.T. Preston
This compact but engaging museum explores the town’s working waterfront. Tour the W.T. Preston, a National Historic Landmark steamboat, and view vintage films, large-scale historic photographs, and newly added artifacts.
Free admission; steamboat tours require a small ticket fee. Open weekends in May. - Anacortes Museum
Housed in a 1909 Carnegie Library, the museum tells the story of Anacortes through rotating and permanent exhibits. Artifacts, photographs, and interactive displays explore maritime life, logging, pioneer settlement, and Indigenous heritage.
Free admission.
Shop, Play, and Stay
Walkable downtown Anacortes is the heart of the community. Historic buildings now house restaurants, bars, shops, and galleries, all within easy reach of lodging, the waterfront, marinas, and trailheads.
Festivals and events throughout the year celebrate everything from art and wine to parks and the waterfront. Plan a return visit for the Anacortes Arts Festival (July 31–August 2 this year) or Anacortes Beer Near the Pier, held each October.
Music Hot Spots
Live music is one of the best ways to enjoy your time in Anacortes. Several locations to consider. Usual music nights are listed but check times and dates at each place.
- Summer Concert Series: Port of Anacortes hosts free concert Series at Seafarers’ Memorial Park. from 6–8 p.m., usually Wednesdays and Fridays during July and on Fridays during the month of August.
- Rockfish Grill-Wednesday and Saturdays
Heart of Anacortes-Check their calendar - Brown Lantern-Saturdays
- Buxton-Check their schedule
For more current events and trip-planning details, visit the Anacortes Chamber of Commerce Events page and see what’s happening during your stay.