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Area Information
Anacortes is the crown jewel of Fidalgo Island, easternmost of the San Juan Islands and jump-point to the rest of the world-renowned archipelago. Fidalgo, the "drive-to" island, is accessible by bridges from the east and from Whidbey Island to the south. Anacortes boasts a myriad of recreational activities for all ages, interests and skill levels. Here you can enjoy sailing, power boating, whale watching, hiking, kayaking, mountain biking, golf, camping, sport fishing, bird watching, scuba diving, beach combing and much more. There are four full-service marinas and three public boat launches.
- Washington Park: Located between Rosario Strait and Burrows Bay, this incredibly beautiful park features lots of hiking trails, pristine salt water beaches, pleasant picnic areas and playgrounds. The road around the point offers some truly dramatic ocean views. Don't miss a visit to this wonderful scenic area!
- Downtown Anacortes: Charming Anacortes will beguile you with its turn-of-the-century charm and maritime ambiance. Stroll along the historic district of Commercial Avenue with its antique and gift shops ... poke into a real old-time marine chandlery ... drive past street after street of restored Victorian era homes ... and find all the necessities of modern life in a wide array of food, clothing and specialty stores. Stay at Heron House Guest Suites when you come to town for the Anacortes Arts Festival happening every August - ever growing and now one of the most popular art festivals in Washington State! Special note: Kayak rentals and boat charter companies are located in Anacortes - jumping off point for the fabled San Juan Islands.
- Mount Erie: A short drive up Mount Erie brings you to an absolutely thrilling view of Campbell Lake, the San Juan Islands, and the lush green farmlands of the Skagit Valley. On a clear day you can see well up into the Canadian Coastal Range, north to Mount Baker, west to the Olympics and all the way south to Mount Rainier. Be Careful: Stay within the well marked viewing areas; venturing out onto the rock promontories is very dangerous.
- Deception Pass: Built in 1935, Deception Pass Bridge spans the narrow gap between Whidbey Island and Fidalgo Island (where Heron House Guest Suites is located.) You won't want to miss seeing this dramatic sight as you drive or walk a dizzying 182 ft. over the turbulent water below. Adjacent state park beaches are welcome places to stroll, there are picnic tables for al fresco dining, and trails for your enjoyment. Want to see more? Just to the north of the bridge, Bowman Bay park and Rosario Beach park await with hiking trails and intriguing little inlets well worth the visit.
- La Conner: One of Western Washington's favorite getaways, La Conner is a haven of delightful upscale shops and boutiques, dotted with nice restaurants and interesting sights. Several museums are located here, all within walking distance of wherever you happen to park: the Skagit County Historical Museum, La Conner Quilt Museum, and the Northwest Museum of Art are all worth a visit. From a top-notch chocolate factory to cozy bookstores to one-of-a-kind arts and crafts, you'll find lots to do and see (and eat!) in this charming out-of-the-way village. La Conner is also home to the ever popular Tulip Festival in early spring, (Mother Nature dictates the schedule here). Plan another stay with us at Heron House Guest Suites when you come to see fields in full bloom and all the festivities.
- The San Juan Islands: Fidalgo Island, where Heron House Guest Suites is located, is one of 172 islands of the San Juans archipelago. Most of these stunningly beautiful islands are uninhabited, others are private. But four of the larger islands - Lopez, Shaw, San Juan, and Orcas - are accessible by Washington State Ferry. You can catch the ferry at Anacortes (with your car or on foot) and enjoy an incredible cruise through one of America's most beautiful inland waterways. The sights are endless: swooping gulls, graceful sailboats and motorboats of all kinds, marine mammals, and gorgeous vistas of water, pristine beaches and evergreens. Check in the Common Room for a current ferry schedule.
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