Anacortes, Washington

Located halfway between Seattle and Vancouver B.C., Anacortes is a must-visit on your way to or from the famously beautiful San Juan Islands. A quintessential yachting town, one of the more popular attractions in Anacortes is whale watching, as it is the home port to three pods of orcas. 

Popular activities include fishing, crabbing and kayaking. If a long voyage at sea has you craving dry land, then perhaps one of the many hiking trails may be your adventure of choice. Just 10 miles from downtown Anacortes is Deception Pass State Park, which consists of 4,134 acres of rich wildlife and sprawling ancient trees. Make sure you bring your camera if you hike across the 77-year-old Deception Pass Bridge, it's one of the most photographed places in Washington State for good reason!

While you’re in the area, we recommend visiting Friday Harbor on San Juan Island.