Things To Do
Skagit Valley Tulip Festival
The wet and mild climate of the Pacific Northwest, paired with the rich soil of the Skagit River Delta makes for excellent tulip and daffodil growing conditions. Which, in turn, makes for excellent Instagram photo conditions. Only Mother Nature can decide when the flowers bloom, so call ahead to make sure that the fields are looking good before you go. But, if the flowers are up, it can be a sight to behold. John and Lois especially recommend visiting Roozengaarde. John warns of a potentially absurd amount of traffic and an unseemly number of selfie sticks attached to morons.
Pelican Bay Books & Coffeehouse
If you want to get some pick me up coffee or the weather is bad and you're looking for an indoor activity, try stopping by Pelican Bay Books & Coffeehouse for coffee (made with beans from Olympia Coffee Roasters and in house syrups with seasonal rotations) and tasty pastries and snacks while reading an old favorite book by the windowside. It's a local favorite and the coffee shop closes early if they sell out so visiting in the morning hours is recommended. Lois really likes this place.
Go for a ferry ride to the San Juan Islands
Have time for a day trip out in the San Juans? This marine archipelago is a true showcase of Washington's natural beauty. Check out San Juan Island: get lunch in Friday Harbor and then drive out to American Camp for spectacular views of the Olympic Mountains. Or head to Orcas Island and drive up to the top fo Mt. Constitution, the highest point in the island chain. Or go to sleepy Lopez Island, where you can find good ramen at Afuri restaurant and probably spot some harbor seals at Spencer Spit State Park. The options are limitless. Pro tip: make a reservation with the Washington state ferry system for the boats you want to take ahead of time.
Deception Pass State Park
Want to get a great look at an iconic bridge, some spectacular coastal forest, and amazing marine life, and don't want to spend all day? Deception Pass State Park is the place for you. It's just a short drive from Anacortes, and has great beaches to explore and relaxing trails through the woods. Great for dogs, but you have to keep them on the leash.
Whale watching
There's always a chance to spot a pod of killer whales or a group of porpoises from a ferry, but if you want to improve your chances of spotting some whales, purchasing a trip on a whale watching cruise is probably your best bet. There are many options that leave from Anacortes, but we got a discount code from Outer Island Excursions. JOHNANDLOIS will get you 10% off whale watching tours during the week of our wedding. If the code doesn't work online, just call them.
Sea Kayak Tour
If you're feeling adventurous and the weather is good, you might consider taking a kayak tour. Guided trips leave out of the Anacortes area, and can be an excellent way to get out on the water.