Anacortes Washington - Introduction

Anacortes is the largest city on Fidalgo Island, the jump-off point to the rest of the San Juan Islands and very beautiful in its own right. Fidalgo Island is accessible from the mainland via bridges to the east (for Fidalgo is the easternmost of the islands). It's also connected via bridge to Whidbey Island. Much of the San Juan archipelago is inaccessible save by boat, but Anacortes is the site of the Washington State Ferry terminal. From here, you can not only explore the rest of the San Juans, but Sidney/Victoria, British Columbia.

Don't make the mistake of treating Anacortes as a jump-off point and nothing but, however. Name an outdoor activity and Anacortes is perfect for it, whether you like watersports like power boating, kayaking, sailing or scuba diving, or wildlife watching, be they birds or whales. You'll be certain to find a charter for any of these activities with ease. Beach combing alongside the clear waters is a lovely way to spend an afternoon - or sport fishing. Golf, mountain biking and hiking are all popular activities here, and anywhere on the island is worth a walk. Mount Erie, Bowman's Bay, the bird-filled Heron Rookery and South Harbor Park are just a few of the green and natural spots you can visit in Anacortes. /p>

But beyond watersports and shoreline activities, ferry rides and beach strolls, Anacortes has plenty of cultural attractions and quiet festivals. Visit the Saturday Farmer's Market or the Quilt Show, or check the schedules of Brodniak Hall - you won't want to miss the Skagit Symphony. Nor will you want to miss out on the historic murals painted around Anacortes.

Anacortes is on WA-20, about 81 miles north from Seattle and 40 miles south of Bellingham.