Family Vacation in Anacortes, Washington USA

Travel Activities for Kids and Adults on Northwest's Fidalgo Island

May 22, 2009 Susan Lynne Hamilton

Anacortes, on Washington's Fidalgo Island, offers affordable family day trips spring, summer or fall. Kayaking, hiking, biking and beachcombing are all accessible by car.

Fidalgo Island, off the coast of Washington State in the Puget Sound, is the easternmost of the San Juan Islands. It’s easily reached by bridges from the east near Mt. Vernon and south at Whidbey Island. Just 80 miles north of Seattle, it’s also accessible by boat from Victoria, British Columbia. Ferries link Fidalgo’s historic hub of Anacortes to the San Juan Islands of Lopez, Shaw, Orcas and San Juan.

Anacortes’ Historic Downtown and Museum

Commercial Avenue is home to many shops and galleries. Watch chocolate being made while eating ice cream or candy at the Anacortes Chocolate Factory. Nearby Causland Memorial Park is encircled by elaborate mosaic walls constructed from thousands of colorful stones. The two-acre park’s mosaic bandstand and amphitheater host summer public concerts. Fidalgo Community Pool’s indoor features include a water slide, huge climb-on octopus and buoy ball swing.

The Anacortes History Museum, housed in the town’s historic Carnegie Library, includes displays of Native American and early settler life, as well as area fishing and logging industries. Kids of all ages will enjoy the W.T. Preston, a 1939 steam-powered sternwheeler and the last of the snagboats used to remove logs from rivers and bays. Explore three levels of this 163-foot ship, view crew members’ living quarters and engage in hands-on activities.

Sea Kayaking and Whale Watching in Anacortes

Experience the San Juan Islands from the water, where Anacortes is known as the best departure point for sea kayaking in Washington State. Kayak adventures range from 1-1/2 hour family tours in the quiet waters of Bowman Bay to multi-day camping trips. The affordable tours are led by experienced guides as they search for seals, porpoise and marine life in the San Juan Islands. Or rent a kayak to explore the nearby islands.

Whale watching tours depart directly from Anacortes, so visitors don’t have to take the San Juans’ ferry to see these huge mammals in their native habitat. Gray, orca, humpback and minke whale sightings are guaranteed with Island Adventures’ whale watching 5- to 6-hour tours.

Washington, Mount Erie and Deception Pass Parks

Anacortes’ park system includes 18 city parks, 3,000 acres of community forestlands, six lakes and 20 miles of prime hiking/biking trails. Washington Park’s 220 acres face Rosario Strait, offering unparalleled views of Burrows Bay. The two-mile loop around the forested park of rolling hills and grassy meadows is perfect for hiking or biking. Beaches, picnic areas and a playground complete the family-friendly park.

Mount Erie, at 1,270 feet, is the highest point in Anacortes. Its forestland affords sweeping panoramas of the San Juan Islands and the Skagit Valley. Only the brave hang glide off Mt. Erie, but it’s exhilarating to watch them fly from the heights of this mountain.

Deception Pass State Park, at the south end of Fidalgo Island, offers 4,000 acres of old-growth forest and beaches. Rosario Beach, at the north side of this park, has tide pools, picnic spots, sunset views and an underwater park with four dive areas. Sea urchins, hermit crabs and rock fish inhabit the tide pools. Hike to nearby Bowman Bay for more beach activities or a soccer game in the large field.

Anacortes’ historic downtown, numerous parks and opportunities for sea kayaking and whale watching make for an affordable family day trip or vacation without having to take the ferry.

The copyright of the article Family Vacation in Anacortes, Washington USA in Family Travel is owned by Susan Lynne Hamilton. Permission to republish Family Vacation in Anacortes, Washington USA in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

Rosario Beach, Deception Pass State Park	W.T. Preston at Anacortes History Museum	Kayaking off Fidalgo Island
Bowman Bay near Anacortes	Anacortes' Washington Park