Explore Fidalgo Island

Anacortes is situated on Fidalgo Island (41 square miles), of which the city takes up 11.8 square miles. The name Anacortes comes from Anna Curtis, the maiden name of the town founder Amos Bowman. A Spanish twist was placed on the name because of all of the other Spanish place names in the area. Anacortes is known as the “gateway to the San Juans” and has flourished in the tourism, shipbuilding, fishing and fish processing industries as well as oil refinement. Boating activities thrive (6 marinas within city limits!) due to our proximity to the protected San Juan Islands and our drier weather—thanks to the Olympic Mountains rain shadow effect.

Fidalgo Island is connected to the mainland in two locations making for easy access; on the northeast side by the main twin bridges linking Anacortes to the I-5 corridor via HWY 20 and on the southeast side linking the island to the quaint shopping town of LaConner. We get the best of both worlds—living island style, yet free and easy access to the hustle and bustle. The south side of Fidalgo is linked to Whidbey Island by Deception Pass bridge—a beautiful, scenic bridge which is on The National Register of Historic Places!

There are so many things to do and see around Anacortes. Feel free to pick up a map at our store and we’ll walk you through the possibilities! For starters, there’s Mt Erie lookout (1200’ elevation—you can drive to the top), Rosario Beach (a locals favorite) and Bowman Bay, Deception Pass, Washington Park, the downtown area (a quaint shopping district), 2800 acres of Anacortes Community Forest Lands to hike and bike, 7 lakes to explore, and so much more!

Anacortes provides plenty of reasonably priced quality lodging, great food, shopping, and many outdoor activities. Browse our links below for more information about things to do and see here around Fidalgo Island.

Hotels & Motels

Bed & Breakfasts

Rental Cabins

RV Resorts and Camping

Restaurants

Sport Fishing

Transportation

Other Things To Do & See

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