Marisa & Chris
Things To Do
Deception Pass State Park
Our venue at the Cornet Bay Retreat Center is located within Deception Pass State Park. There are many hiking trails and beaches to visit, as well as the bridge over Deception Pass itself. Check out the Civilian Conservation Corps exhibit at Bowman Bay, the 'Maiden of Deception Pass' at Rosario Beach, or go swimming at Cranberry Lake!
Kayak Bowman Bay
Anacortes Kayak Tours offers 1.5 hour tours around Bowman Bay in Deception Pass State Park. If you are interested in a longer adventure, they also do several day long trips out of Anacortes and in the San Juan Islands!
Deception Pass Boat Tours
Deception Pass Tours offers one hour jet boat tours with an interpreter through the famous Deception Pass, leaving several times a day from inside the park.
whale watching
There are several companies that leave for whale watching trips from nearby Anacortes. Most of these trips last 4 - 5 hours. Island Adventures also offers a 2.5 hour Deception Pass / La Conner Tour.
PBY Memorial Foundation - Naval Air Museum
This museum highlights Whidbey Island's role in WWII with aircraft, photos & artifacts. The museum is adjacent to the large Naval Air Station on Whidbey Island, and we may hear some 'Growler' jets during the weekend - don't be worried if you feel the ground shaking.
Anacortes and Oak Harbor
These are the two closest towns to our venue, if you are looking for a more urban experience (both are pretty quaint). To the south, Oak Harbor is largely a Navy town, and boasts the 'oldest dive bar in Washington' at the Oak Harbor Tavern. To the north, Anacortes is considered 'the Gateway to the San Juans' as all the ferries leave from there - we like the Brown Lantern Ale House and Adrift for food.