Laura & Joe
Things To Do
Washington Park
Washington Park sits on a peninsula at the west end of Fidalgo Island. The 220-acre city park features camping, a boat launch, day use picnic sites and a group tenting area. A scenic paved 2.2-mile loop road winds through the park’s forested hills and meadows with views of the San Juan Islands and Olympic Mountains
Cap Sante Park
A beautiful viewpoint to sit and eat lunch at or hike to the amphitheater and down to the beach. Cap Sante Park is a 37 acre forested promontory at the eastern edge of Anacortes. It is primarily a viewpoint overlooking the marina, the City of Anacortes, March Point, Fidalgo Bay and the Cascades. A remnant of an amphitheater is located on the east bank of the park.
Mount Erie Viewpoint and Hike
1300 feet, Mount Erie marks the high point of Fidalgo Island. While it's accessible via a road, the hike up to the summit is heart-pounding, and makes an excellent outing for the day, or just a few hours.
Deception Pass State Park
Spanning two islands and connected by a series of iconic bridges, Deception Pass features a mix of rugged ocean cliffs and quiet old growth forests. Best known for its panoramic views and jaw-dropping sunsets, this park is a go-to for locals and international travelers alike.
Deception Pass Tours and Whale Watching
Take a unique ride on a seated open deck boat and enjoy a 360° unobstructed view as we pass through the waters of Deception Pass.
Explore Guemes Island
Guemes Island is not a large island only consisting of 5505 acres in size or about 8.6 sq. miles. But, there is a diversity of wildlife to be found on the island. Just a short 8-minute ride on the Guemes Island Ferry will get you some great parks, hiking trails, events, and photography moments. Enjoy hiking up Guemes Mountain, biking around the island, or walking off the ferry simply to grab a drink at the Guemes store and enjoy the view!
San Juan Islands (by Ferry)
Anacortes is the gateway to the beautiful San Juan Islands. You can make ferry reservations ahead of time to go by car, or you can walk on. The ferry route includes arrivals and departures at San Juan Island (Friday Harbor, including Roche Harbor), Orcas Island (including East Sound town village, Moran State park, and Mount Constitution), and Lopez Island. Favorites of Joe and Laura’s include breakfast and window shopping in Eastsound, Lavender farm on Friday Harbor, and eating at Westcott Bay Shellfish.
Island Adventures
One of the best opportunities to see wild orcas in the world is right here in the Salish Sea. The booming population of mammal-eating Bigg's killer whales feed throughout the region year-round. In addition to killer whales, humpback whales, minke whales, and gray whales are also frequently seen throughout the year along with a variety of other marine wildlife.
Anacortes Kayak Tours
Start your San Juan Islands kayaking tour in style. Washington State kayaking trips with Anacortes Kayak Tours are the ultimate experiences in 'soft adventure'. No kayaking experience is necessary and the San Juan Islands ferry hassles are not required. Join us for sea kayaking in the San Juan Islands!
Visit La Conner
A 20 minute drive from Anacortes, this small and charming town is filled with art galleries, boutiques, and can’t-miss spots to dine and drink. Located on the Salish sea, you won’t be disappointed by the water views and sea life.
Visit Bellingham
This growing city is where Joe and Laura have put down roots. Bellingham is a coastal city, near the Canadian border. Enjoy farm to table menus, craft brews, a vibrant arts scene and charming historical treasures.
Coffee: Penguin Coffee
Laura and Joe’s favorite coffee shop in town. Although it’s up town a bit, you find a better cup of coffee in town! We highly recommend a white chocolate mocha americano, with the powder!
Coffee: Pelican Bay Books & Coffeehouse
A Coffeehouse in a bookstore, nothing gets better than that! A cute little shop that has house-made syrups, baked goods, and artisan coffee. Highly recommend treating yourself to a latte and finding a reading treasure while you wait!
Breakfast: Anacortes Calico Cupboard Café & Bakery
Great for breakfast/brunch with fresh baked pastries, right in old town Anacortes.
Breakfast: Good Bagels Cafe
A newer addition to Anacortes, this is a great place for morning fresh bagels and other breakfast options, including espresso and coffee drinks.
Breakfast: Dad's Diner
An American diner with breakfast/brunch and lunch, great service and eclectic vibes!
Breakfast/Lunch: Cosmic Veggies (Drink Your Veggies)
For our friends with food allergies and vegetarian/vegan diets…this is your spot! Laura and Joe often grab lunch here or grab a smoothie on the go…specifically the cold Brew smoothie! Highly recommend!
Lunch: GERE-a-DELI
An absolute must, this deli is famous in Anacortes for their amazing sandwiches, deli offerings, and their homemade brownies! A great place for large groups and families.
Lunch: Guemes Island General Store
Walk on the Guemes Ferry in Anacortes for a 5 minute crossing time. You will see the Guemes general store right when you walk off the ferry, it’s a quick walk. With a wonderful view, this store has great sandwhiches, salads, burgers and rotating taps.
Lunch: Taylor Shellfish Farms
Samish Oyster Bar at Taylor Shellfish is a perfect afternoon outing with more than just fresh seafood to offer! Enjoy the scenic trip along Chuckanut drive on your way there and feast on a variety of oysters or Dungeness crab at their waterfront picnic area, overlooking Samish bay. It’s great for large groups and families.
Lunch/Dinner: Adrift Restaurant
One of Joe and Laura’s favorites, this restaurant is great for a dinner in town. Offers burgers and locally sourced seafood, as well as great drinks! If you are here on a Wine Wednesday, it is half off all bottles!
Lunch/Dinner & Drinks: Brown Lantern Alehouse
21+ If you are a fan of sweet potato fries, this is your place! The Brown Lantern Alehouse was established in 1933, a true Anacortes staple and a favorite to locals. You’ll find great pub fare, a variety of local beers on tap, and even live music every weekend.
Lunch/Dinner: Anthony's At Cap Sante Marina
Great happy hour, they do take reservations too! Anthony’s at Cap Sante Marina is unique to the Anacortes community – reflecting the style and personality of the neighborhood. With unmatched views, every detail of the dining experience from the service to the quality of our fresh northwest seafood is designed to create a memorable meal.
Dinner: A'Town Bistro
A’Town Bistro is focused on local, seasonal fare, the community, the bountiful Skagit Valley and the Anacortes Farmer’s Market. We source our food from local farmers, fisherman and foragers whenever possible to bring the freshest, made to order flavors to your palate.
Dinner & Drinks: Bistro & Bar At the Majestic
Set against the backdrop of magnificent sunsets and gorgeous views of the San Juan Islands, we invite you to experience local farm-to-table cuisine, microbrews and hand-crafted cocktails from the only rooftop vantage point in town. Simply named the “Rooftop Lounge,” it’s open seasonally and weather permitting, with fire pits and blankets for a cozy ambiance on otherwise chilly nights.