Anacortes Map

Description: This map shows streets, trails, houses, buildings, hospitals, piers, beaches, viewpoints, and parks in Anacortes.

Description: This map shows streets, trails, houses, buildings, cafes, bars, restaurants, hotels, monuments, museums, parking lots, public toilets, shops, churches, points of interest, picnic areas, and parks in Downtown Anacortes.

Description: This map shows where Anacortes is located on the Washington Map.

Other Maps of Anacortes

Anacortes is a city located in Skagit County, Washington, situated on the northern tip of Fidalgo Island. With a population of approximately 18,000 residents, the city serves as the primary gateway to the San Juan Islands through its Washington State Ferries terminal. The city is connected to the mainland via the Swinomish Channel and Highway 20, which crosses the channel on two bridges. Anacortes occupies a strategic position on Puget Sound, approximately 80 miles north of Seattle and 90 miles south of Vancouver, British Columbia.

The city was officially incorporated in 1891 and named after Anna Curtis, the wife of early settler Amos Bowman. Bowman originally planned to name the town after his wife but added a Spanish-sounding ending to give it a more romantic character, creating "Anacortes." The area was originally inhabited by Coast Salish peoples, particularly the Samish and Swinomish tribes, who utilized the rich marine resources of the surrounding waters.

Economy and Industry

Anacortes developed primarily as a fishing and lumber town in its early years, with salmon canning and timber processing forming the backbone of the local economy. The city's deep-water port facilities attracted industrial development, and it became home to two oil refineries operated by Shell and Tesoro (now Marathon). These refineries remain significant employers in the region, though the city has diversified its economic base to include tourism, maritime industries, and manufacturing.

The Washington State Ferries terminal in Anacortes is one of the busiest in the state system, providing daily service to the San Juan Islands including Lopez, Shaw, San Juan, and Orcas islands, as well as Sidney, British Columbia. Ferry operations contribute substantially to the local economy through both direct employment and tourism-related businesses. The marine trades industry, including boat building, repair, and maintenance, plays an important role in Anacortes' economy.

Geography and Parks

Anacortes features diverse geography including forested hills, rocky coastline, sandy beaches, and protected harbors. Washington Park, located on the western shore of Fidalgo Island, offers camping facilities, hiking trails, and scenic viewpoints overlooking the San Juan Islands and Rosario Strait. The Anacortes Community Forest Lands, comprising over 2,800 acres, provide an extensive network of hiking and mountain biking trails maintained by volunteers.

Cap Sante, a prominent rocky headland rising 360 feet above the city, offers panoramic views of the surrounding islands, mountains, and waterways. The city maintains numerous parks and public waterfront access points, including a downtown marina and breakwater walkway. The mild marine climate, influenced by the Olympic rain shadow, results in less precipitation than nearby Seattle, with dry summers and moderate winters typical of the region.

Culture and Tourism

Anacortes maintains a vibrant arts community with numerous galleries, murals depicting the city's maritime history, and cultural events throughout the year. The Anacortes Arts Festival, held annually, attracts artists and visitors from the Pacific Northwest. The city's downtown commercial district features historic buildings, specialty shops, restaurants, and maritime-themed attractions.

Tourism peaks during summer months when visitors pass through en route to the San Juan Islands or explore Anacortes itself as a destination. The city serves as a provisioning point for boaters and a departure location for whale watching tours and kayaking expeditions. The nearby Deception Pass Bridge and State Park, while technically separate from Anacortes, attract significant tourist traffic through the city. Anacortes has developed as both a working waterfront community and a recreational destination, balancing industrial heritage with growing tourism and outdoor recreation economies.

Main sights in Anacortes

How to Get to Anacortes

Anacortes is located on Fidalgo Island in northwestern Washington State and serves as the gateway to the San Juan Islands. Here are the main ways to reach this charming coastal city:

By Car

Driving is the most common way to reach Anacortes:

• From Seattle: Take I-5 North to Exit 230 (Highway 20 West). Follow Highway 20 for approximately 30 miles to Anacortes
• From Vancouver, BC: Cross the border at Peace Arch and take I-5 South to Exit 230, then Highway 20 West
• From Spokane: Take Highway 2 West to I-5 North, then follow directions from Seattle
• Total driving time from Seattle: Approximately 90 minutes

By Air

The nearest major airports are:

• Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA): 90 miles south, rent a car or take shuttle services
• Bellingham International Airport (BLI): 45 miles southeast, smaller regional airport with limited flights
• Anacortes Airport: Small local airport for private aircraft only

By Bus

Public transportation options:

• Skagit Transit Route 410: Connects Anacortes to Mount Vernon and other Skagit County locations
• Greyhound: Service to Mount Vernon, then transfer to local transit
• Airport shuttles: Available from Seattle-Tacoma Airport with advance booking

By Ferry

Anacortes is a major Washington State Ferry terminal:

• From the San Juan Islands: Regular ferry service from Friday Harbor, Orcas Island, and other islands
• From Sidney, BC: International ferry service available seasonally
• Note: Anacortes ferry terminal is located at 2100 Ferry Terminal Road

Important Tips

• Summer travel: Book ferry reservations early as services fill up quickly
• Winter weather: Check road conditions, especially on Highway 20
• Fuel up: Gas stations become less frequent as you approach Anacortes
• Parking: Downtown parking is generally available, but ferry terminal parking can be limited during peak season