Anacortes

Anacortes is a city in the North Cascades region in Washington. It is the major Washington State Ferries terminal to the San Juan Islands. The City of Anacortes occupies roughly half of Fidalgo Island, the easternmost island in the San Juan archipelago. The city comprises 15 square miles, approximately half of which is public park and recreational lands and waters. The city has 12 miles of shoreline and 67 miles of public trails. Its population was 18,000 in 2021. The city is home to thousands of boats.

By car
From Interstate 5 (I-5) north or south, take the exit for Highway 20 in Burlington and head westbound. This runs turns into Commercial Drive, and runs through the heart of town, and on to the Washington State Ferries terminal.

By ferry
For security and immigration processing when traveling between the US and Canada, a 60-minute advance arrival is strongly suggested for vehicle traffic. Walk on passengers need to arrive 30 minutes in advance. Vehicle reservations are recommended. Please speak with Washington State Dept of Transportation Information Agents in Seattle at or, or reserve online. Passports are required to enter either country.

By private boat
Anacortes is an official U.S. ports-of-entry and can process boaters through customs. The Cardinal Rule is touch land at customs dock before any other stops, fines for not doing so can be up to $5000. Besides a passport for everyone on board, you will need your boat's license number and User Fee Decal number.

Customs enforces USDA guidelines for what foods are acceptable to bring into the country and these guidelines are constantly changing so it is best to check in with them before arriving. Boaters are responsible for knowing the prohibited foods and can be fined for not declaring them.

By plane
The nearest airport with flights from out of state locations is in Bellingham and the nearest major international airport is Seattle-Tacoma International Airport.

Get around

 * Bus route 40x connects March's Point Park & ride to Mount Vernon on WA-Hwy 20 and 536.
 * Bus route 409 travels within Anacortes
 * Bus route 410 travels between the Washington States Ferries' Anacortes ferry ferminal and March's Point Park and Ride via Anacortes. For public transit travel beyond Anacortes, riders must transfer at March's Point Park and Ride on WA-Hwy 20
 * Bus route 615 connects March's Point Park & ride to Mount Vernon through La Conner via a different route than 40x.
 * Bus route 615 connects March's Point Park & ride to Mount Vernon through La Conner via a different route than 40x.


 * Bus route 411W connects Whidbey Island to March's Point P&R, near Anacortes, via Deception Pass.
 * Bus route 411W connects Whidbey Island to March's Point P&R, near Anacortes, via Deception Pass.

See
Fidalgo Island is a beautiful place, covered in northwest forest, with a number of freshwater lakes, Mt. Erie, many parks, and a thriving small town. The city serves as a wonderful "home port" for boaters exploring local waters or on their way to Alaska--in fact, Anacortes has been named on many "best boating" destination lists over the years.

The flavor and character of Anacortes has been largely maintained in the city's area, which is north of 12th St. On Commercial Avenue, just eat of old town, is roughly ten-block stretch boutiques, restaurants, and hotels. This area is very walkable and a great excursion for shoppers.



Do
The city offers a full service marina,, operated by the Port of Anacortes. The marina is within easy walking distance of old town and easy re-provisioning. A number of boat chartering companies operate out of the Boat Haven, offering half-day whale watching, fishing and transport services, or the rental of boats on a weekly (or longer) basis. There are also a number of kayaking companies, offering equipment and/or tours. Many use Anacortes as "home port" for additional journeys throughout the sound.

Anacortes is a boater's paradise, with an award-winning marina and a wide variety of services.

There are over 67 miles of public trails, maintained by the city. The system connects to a number of freshwater lakes, stocked with fish, and a number of other scenic points. Bag lunches are available from local restaurants and delis.



Buy
Anacortes is home to a variety of interesting hotels, restaurants, and stores. Come check out antiques, book stores, crafts, art galleries. The city is home to the oldest marine hardware store west of the Mississippi.

Eat
Anacortes offers a wide variety of restaurants, offering cuisines ranging from Mexican to Asian, Mediterranean and Northwest fare.

Drink
Anacortes offers a wide variety of drinking establishments, from upscale restaurants to wonderful pubs & taverns, many of which offer live music nightly.

Sleep
Anacortes offers a full spectrum of lodging, with accommodations ranging from high-end European-style hotels to economy rooms. There is truly something for every budget.