Anacortes is quintessential “small-town America”—a place of great schools, Fourth of July parades, low crime, community theatre, and friendly neighbors. Anacortes is 90 minutes from two major metropolitan areas—Seattle and Vancouver, BC—and their markets, as well as an easy commute from Whidbey Island Naval Air Station. It is also the destination point for the San Juans and International ferry runs for Washington State.
Anacortes’ climate is mild, with annual rainfall of 26″ and daytime temperatures averaging in the 40s during the winter and 70s in the summer. The city typically receives several inches of fleeting snowfall each year.
Anacortes offers housing in a wide variety of locations and styles with a price point to suit your pocket. Choose a location to suit your lifestyle: waterfront mansions, vintage homes close to downtown, quiet rural properties, friendly subdivisions, townhouses and condominiums as well as comfortable retirement communities. Prices range from starter homes to those over $1 million. Property taxes are moderate and the ocal sales tax is 8.2%
a sampling of the exciting Activities you can enjoy in Anacortes
Visit our Anacortes links to find out more about Anacortes.
Boating
Starting out for a great day of sailing
As the home-port for boating in the San Juan Islands, Anacortes has become the destination of choice for boating enthusiasts from Washington State and we boast the second largest bare boat fleet in the world! Our great marinas are easily accessible to several affordably priced food markets. Cap Sante marina provides the best-priced fuel in the San Juan Islands, and has two groceries, a liquor store, affordable restaurants, unique retailers and great lodging all within walking distance of well maintained berths. All of the marinas in Anacortes offer laundry and bath facilities
Antiques and Galleries
Lots of antique stores in downtown
Anacortes boasts a host of art galleries and antique shops. Shoppers can browse galleries featuring both known and emerging artists, encompassing a variety of media including paintings, sculpture, jewelry, glass-work, photography and mixed media. The city’s art galleries open their doors for extended hours the first Friday of each month. Sample both emerging and established regional artists, offering painting, sculpture, glasswork, jewelry, and decorative arts.
Entertainment
Outdoor entertainment in the Summertime
Anacortes provides a wide variety of entertainment options, ranging from community theatre to live music, from a monthly art walk to a self-guided mural tour. There is something for every visitor. A number of venues offer jazz, blues, rock, and folk. Performers vary from local entertainers to national headliners.
Fishing and crabbing
Crab catch, YUM!
The San Juan Islands support an amazing variety of wildlife and people come from around the world to look at some of them, and to eat others! Among the most popular species that sport fishers target are Pacific salmon, rockfish, lingcod, and the delicious Dungeness crab.
Ferries
Catch a ferry to any of the Beautiful San juan Islands
Anacortes serves as the departure point for the San Juan Islands and Sidney, BC ferries. Either route is an absolutely beautiful journey through pristine waters. Bring your camera: in addition to rugged and picturesque vistas, there is a wealth of wildlife to see, including orca whales, eagles, sea lions, dolphins and a wide variety of sea birds.
