Flying into Seattle on July 5 then being shuttled to Anacortes for 2 day meeting. Wondering what to do with the extra days as we won't fly back out of Seattle until July 10. Reviewed many of the posts for that area but confused on how to divide our time with so many parks to choose from. Should we plan a day in Seattle to see the city? The ferry rides sound interesting in Anacortes. Would anyone recommend them? We will probably rent a car so getting from place to place shouldn't be a problem.

If I were you, I would divide the extra time between Orcas Island and Seattle.

Orcas Island is a beautiful place: http://orcasislandchamber.com/2015-V...de-for-Web.pdf

Book ferry reservations well in advance.

HTtY

www.takeaferry.com

Yes, the ferry through the San Juans is lovely. You could choose an island and stay there for a few days (as per happy's suggestion) or you could take the ferry to Victoria, Canada and stay there. If you want to take the ferry, do make reservations: the link above will take you to the place to make a reservation.

Do plan some time for Seattle - decide what you want to see there so you will know how much time to spend.

Kathie, You mentioned Saltspring Island elsewhere. It that a place that can be visited fairly quickly when traveling south to Victoria?

HTtYY

Happy, Salt spring Island has sparse ferry service. My sister and her husband spent a week there and loved it. We have intended to go, but have never made it there - in part because of that sparse ferry service. There are some lovely places to stay.

Thanks, Kathie. Perhaps we will rearrange our trip to spend a night or two on Saltspring Island. It has been on my list for a few years.

HTtY

If you do, please report back!

Happytrailstoyou--thank you for your response. Haven't had much time to investigate but from what I have found the islands are a must see. We will be bused from the airport to Swinomish casino lodge hotel. After the meetings we are staying a few extra days so we will need to provide our own transportation which is why I wondered if we should rent a car and drive on the ferry or find transportation to the ferry, walk on then rent a scooter car? Would you change hotels and stay on the island? We will have to find transportation back to Seattle. Are there shuttles? Thanks in advance for your help.

IMHO the best access to the Gulf Islands is the BC ferry from Horseshoe Bay outside of Victoria to Nanaimo.

http://www.bcferries.com/files/image...routes_map.pdf

Something to consider for a future trip...Anacortes is too far away.

The Swinomish Casino Hotel is outside of Anacortes. So you are not walking distance to restaurants and shops in Anacortes.

If you just want to cruise through the San Juans, you can walk on the ferry. But if you intend to get off and stay a couple of days, you will need a car. I have no idea what a scooter car is, nor do I think you can rent them in the San Juans. Ask the casino if they have a shuttle to Seattle - some casinos do.