🌊 Exploring Anacortes, WA: A Perfect Base for Whidbey, San Juan Adventures, and Whale Watching 🐋

About This Trip

We spent four unforgettable nights in the charming coastal town of Anacortes, Washington — the perfect launch point for exploring Whidbey Island, San Juan Island, and beyond. From spectacular whale watching tours 🐳 to breathtaking views at Deception Pass 🌉, each day was packed with natural beauty, small-town charm, and exciting adventures. Here’s everything that made our stay so special — and plenty of tips if you’re planning your own Pacific Northwest getaway! 🌲

---

🛏️ Staying at the Anacortes Ship Harbor Inn

Our home base for the trip was the Anacortes Ship Harbor Inn, a hidden gem perched on the hillside overlooking the ferry terminal and shimmering waters of the harbor ⛴️🌅.

Fun Fact: The Ship Harbor Inn has been welcoming travelers for decades with its warm hospitality and unbeatable views. Originally established to serve ferry passengers and island visitors, it has maintained its reputation as a relaxing and scenic escape — blending a cozy, rustic charm with modern comforts.

Each morning, we woke to sweeping views of the ferry coming and going, with the sun casting a golden glow over the water 🌞. The grounds are beautifully kept, with plenty of outdoor seating areas to soak in the views and sip coffee or wine in peace ☕🍷. It was the perfect spot to start and end each day.

---

🚗 Day One: Exploring Whidbey Island Treasures

We kicked off our adventure with a day trip to Whidbey Island, revisiting some of our favorite places:

• Greenbank Farm Wine Shop — where we sampled every delicious Loganberry wine 🍷 and chatted with the wonderful Holley.
• Whidbey Island Distillery — tasting their award-winning Rye Whiskey, fruit liqueurs, and my new favorite, the Lavender Loganberry Liqueur 🍇.
• Deception Pass State Park and Bridge — a highlight of the day! 🌁

Fun Fact: The Deception Pass Bridge, completed in 1935, connects Whidbey Island to Fidalgo Island and is one of Washington’s most photographed landmarks 📸. The towering cliffs, swirling waters, and panoramic vistas were simply breathtaking — standing on the bridge and looking out over the pass was a moment I’ll never forget 💙.

---

🐳 Day Two: Whale Watching with Outer Island Excursions

Day two was pure magic ✨. We joined Outer Island Excursions for a whale watching tour — and it was spectacular.

Fun Fact: The waters around the San Juan Islands are one of the best places in the world to see orcas in the wild 🐬, along with humpbacks, gray whales, minke whales, and porpoises.

Our knowledgeable guides took us straight to the action:

• We spotted pods of playful orcas, their dorsal fins slicing through the water 🌊.
• Bald eagles soared overhead 🦅.
• Curious seals bobbed alongside the boat 🦭.

It was an experience full of awe, excitement, and connection to nature 🌎. If whale watching is on your bucket list, Outer Island Excursions should be your go-to.

After the tour, we spent the afternoon exploring Anacortes — strolling its charming downtown 🛍️, browsing boutiques, and grabbing fresh seafood for dinner 🐟.

---

⛴️ Day Three: Ferry to Friday Harbor and San Juan Island Adventures

We boarded the ferry bright and early for a day trip to Friday Harbor, the heart of San Juan Island.

Once on the island, we explored:

• The Whale Museum — a fascinating spot to learn about the local marine life 🐋.
• San Juan Island National Historical Park — where British and American forces once peacefully co-existed during the “Pig War” 🐖📜.
• Lime Kiln Point State Park — often called one of the best places in the world for whale watching from land 🌊🧭.

We also enjoyed leisurely walks along the waterfront 🚶‍♀️, savoring the laid-back island vibe before ferrying back to Anacortes.

---

📌 Quick Guide to Your Trip

Fun Facts About Anacortes:

• Anacortes was founded in the late 19th century as a major railroad terminus 🚂, but after the railroad skipped town, it reinvented itself into a fishing 🎣, canning 🥫, and tourism hub.
• The name “Anacortes” is a Spanish-sounding twist on the name of Anna Curtis Bowman, wife of an early settler 👒.

---

📅 Best Time to Visit:

Late spring through early fall (May–October) offers the best weather for outdoor activities, whale watching, and sightseeing ☀️.

---

🏨 Where to Stay:

• Anacortes Ship Harbor Inn – for stunning harbor views and cozy accommodations.
• Majestic Inn and Spa – if you want to stay right in the heart of downtown Anacortes for more walkability 🚶.

---

🌟 Top Experiences:

• Stay at Ship Harbor Inn and watch ferries glide through the water.
• Explore Deception Pass State Park and walk across the iconic bridge.
• Go whale watching with Outer Island Excursions.
• Take a day trip to Friday Harbor and tour San Juan Island.

---

📷 Don’t Miss:

• Sunset views from Deception Pass Bridge — bring your camera! 🌅
• Watching the ferries come and go from your balcony or patio at Ship Harbor Inn.

---

🥾 If You Have Extra Time:

• Visit Washington Park in Anacortes for breathtaking coastal trails and picnic spots 🌲🧺.
• Hike Mount Erie for panoramic views of the San Juan Islands and beyond 🏔️.
• Stop at Cap Sante Park for a stunning overlook of the marina and downtown Anacortes ⛵.

---

🧳 Plan Your Trip (Checklist):

• Best Time to Visit: May–October
• Where to Stay: Ship Harbor Inn (scenic) or Majestic Inn and Spa (downtown convenience)
• Top Activities: Whale watching, Deception Pass, Friday Harbor ferry trip, wine and distillery tastings 🍷
• Local Tip: Always book ferry reservations in advance if you’re taking a car — San Juan ferries can fill up quickly! 🚗⛴️