I wanted to know if anyone has any recommendations for staying overnight in Anacortes. We are going to the San Juan Islands in the summer for a week and from what I have researched, plan on a long day waiting in lines to get on with a car. Not to mention the two hour drive from Seattle to get to Anacortes and in addition to the time on the ferry inself. It is a long day for a youngster so was thinking of staying overnight at Anacortes to just unwind and then getting an early morning ferry to the islands the next morning. Any recommendations on hotels in Anacortes would be great and any opinions on my idea would also be helpful. Thanks!!!!

Why not stay next to the ferry landing? The Ship Harbor Inn is a nice place and convenient for your plans. Their website is www.shipharborinn.com There are a couple of restaurants you could walk to from there if you're tired of driving around. Charlie's has been around for a long time and is a nice place to eat and watch the ferries come and go.

Thanks so much for your recommendation on the Ship Harbor Inn. I think it will be perfect to be conveniently located next to the ferry. I checked their website and and other links and everyone had positive reviews on it. It's very reasonable and I get a AAA discount as well which is great. I have never been to Anacortes and really don't know what to expect so all the info you gave me is very helpful, even on the restaurants within walking distance of the inn. I will be sure to give "Charlies" a try. Thanks again.

There is a ferry that goes right from SEA Queen Margarite, or something like that. It goes thru the San Juan and they even have cabins you can rent for a reasonable price with a TV and a place to rest.

The Princess Margarite was retired years ago. You may be thinking of the Clipper that runs to the San Juan's and Victoria from Seattle.
What island are you going to be staying on for the week formerjerseygirl? I grew up in Anacortes so let me know if you need any further information.

I am the formerjerseygirl = now jojo7. Doesn't look like my last reply posted so I am trying again and responding to seattlesue. We are staying on San Juan Island at Lakedale Resort in the cabins. It was hard to pick an island but with the kids wanting to be occupied all the time, I thought Friday Harbor had a lot more to offer. By the way I booked the Ship Harbor Inn and took your recommendation. The location is perfect for what we want and everyone had positive things to say about it. They actually remodeled their rooms and are raising the rates slightly but the manager gave me the cheaper current rate which I thought was very nice. We considered Fidalgo Inn but it is 7 miles from the ferry. I am really looking forward to see the San Juan Islands this summer and definitely will have to take the ferry to Orcas which looks beautiful. Any addition recommendations on the islands is greatly appreciated!

You picked the right island. The town of Friday Harbor has all of the restaurants and shops. Roche Harbor is also worth a visit. It's a historical hotel in a beautiful setting with some dining options. A good place to stretch your legs is British Camp where you can learn about the "pig war." The ferry ride itself is a wonderful way to see the islands so have your camera ready. Enjoy your stay in Anacortes. There are plenty of things to do there as well. Perhaps on your next visit?

Hi Seattle Sue,

I am a current Jersey girl, and hope to visit Washington this summer. We only have two weeks, but want to hike in the Mt Baker area, and then make our way down Whidbey Island and on to Olympic Park.

We'd like to fit a day of cruising around the San Juans in if possible. We've stayed on Orcas before, and two years ago took the ferry from Anacotes to Sidney. Could we just walk onto a ferry, perhaps get off at an island or two for beach (or other walking) and lunch? What would you suggest for a full day itinerary?

Hello Clousie. Since you've been to Orcas you should make a trip to Friday Harbor. You can walk-on from Anacortes and make a nice day trip. Have lunch at one of the many good restaurants, shop around, and walk the beach right next to the ferry landing. This is the only good stop for walk-on passengers since the town is right there. Have breakfast in Anacortes before catching the ferry at Calico Cupboard downtown. If you want to have dinner when you get back try the Rockfish Grill (www.anacortesrockfish.com). Both places are on Commercial Avenue in downtown Anacortes.
Sounds like you'll be covering a lot of territory this summer. Have fun!

Seattlesue:
I have one other question I hope you can answer. Is it fairly easy to move around within all the San Juan Islands? We want to go to Orcas island for the day and take our car with us on the ferry. Any info on this would be great since I do not have a clue. Hopefully it's not long lines like in Anacortes. I wouldn't think so but you never know in the summer.

Hello Jojo. Taking your car on the ferry in the summer involves patience for sure. There will be lines, especially on the weekend, so you will need to be prepared to wait. A good book is key. Arrive early for the ferry, park your car in line and grab a cup of coffee. They will let you know how much time your wait will be when you get there. Orcas is a beautiful island. Have a great time.

Seattlesue
You have been most helpful with your suggestions. We now decided to change plans a bit. We are going to take a ferry to Sidney and stay in Victoria for half the week (Royal Scot Hotel) and a ferry to San Juan Island (Lakedale Resort) for the second half of the week. Originally planned to spend the entire week at (Lakedale Resort). At least the WS Ferry accept reservation to and from Sidney. Hopefully the wait will not be to bad on Monday from Friday Harbor to Anacortes but, I am anticipating the worst. Really hope my itinerary works out. It's a decent amount of travel with kids but I think it will fun and we will definitely enjoy the scenery which is suppose to be beautiful on the ferry. Thanks again and hope to return the favor if you ever decide to go to the eastcoast and need any suggestions!