Tksgiving trip Anacortes or Whidbey Island?
 

We or thinking about a Thanksgiving trip and had initially thought about going up to Anacortes. It's drivable from Seattle, scenic, etc. We were trying to avoid a ferry trip as well as we leave Wednesday and come back Sunday – not a long time for what were used to.

However as I began to explore information on the area but seeing that Whidbey Island might be more up our alley – little more to do, more arts which is interesting to us, but we're concerned about getting stuck trying to get on the ferry the day before Thanksgiving and then the Sunday after.

Aside from majestical concerns, any thoughts on comparing the two areas? It look like hotels in Anacortes range from B&B type places to funky motel places with a casino resort is well. Looks like there be more choices if we wanted to go over to Whidbey.

Any thoughts appreciated.

I have never spent time in Anacortes except for passing through, but have spent a lot of time on Whidbey, inlcuding over several Thanksgivings. I really like it. You don't have to take a ferry at all, unless you want to. You are right, the ferry will be busy on Wednesday and Sunday! Just head north on I-5 and cut over on 20 and you avoid the ferry, AND have a very nice drive:)

Wow good to know! About how long is the drive from Sea-tac?

Normally it is about 2 hours to Oak Harbor, but if you are making the drive on that Wednesday, all bets are off! What time are you planning to leave SEA?

Probably not too early- by time we arrive in SEA itll likely be around noon.

Of course you don't need a ferry to get to Whidbey either. You just cross the Deception Pass bridge from Fidalgo Island (where Anacortes is.)

I'd look at Langley (south end) or Coupeville (middle) for Whidbey destinations. Both are very pretty little towns with a range of accommodations. You can explore Whidbey's two terrific state parks - Fort Casey and Deception Pass, both gems.

I'd also look at La Conner, which is equally pretty and just as accessible as Anacortes or Whidbey.

On the Wednesday before Thanksgiving traffic in the whole region is likely to be pretty bad; you can use the HOV lanes whenever they're available.

If you do end up choosing Whidbey, I really like this inn:

http://captainwhidbey.com/

Just an additional FYI on the HOV lanes. F you stick to I-5 you will be fine, but if for whatever reason opt to take 405 north instead be very careful. A good portion of the HOV lanes there are tolled and there are no booths to pay cash as it is all on the Good to Go passes. Fines are heavy and car rental companies add on hefty admin fees.

If you are headed to Langley, I'd brave the ferry traffic rather than two hours plus of extra driving. You would take the ferry from either Edmonds to Kingston or from Mukilteo to Clinton. If your destination is farther north on Whidbey, like Coupeville, driving to Anacortes and crossing over to Whidbey on the Deception Pass bridge makes good sense.

These are all very helpful responses - please add more if you have thoughts!

@Kathie - I have read that the drive itself is very nice, and the extra time isn't a big concern. I get mildly seasick even on short rides and my DH loves to drive so we looked for a way to avoid ferries.

Agrhhh the more research I do the more options i see! What about Bainbridge island? It seems to have more in terms of local artists , more to do but still quiet and peaceful?
All the islands seem amazing, actually. We've been to Vashon and liked it but to enough to go back.

Nothing wrong with Bainbridge, but it is tiny and one afternoon there is more than enough for most people, me included. FWIW. I would still stick to Whidbey.

I consider Bainbridge Island as the "burbs" of Seattle. I mean it would be a nice place to live if you wanted to commute to downtown Seattle by ferry, but not really my idea for a vacation destination (like Whidbey, the San Juans, Victoria, all are).

Yup, I agree with Suze. We often recommend taking the ferry to Bainbridge Island for those with very limited time in the Seattle area, but it is suburbia, not really a vacation destination. An hour is actually enough time for me for Bainbridge. If you have been to Vashon and felt there wasn't enough to take you back there, there is even less on Bainbridge.

I do think that Whidbey is your best option, given your very limited time. You can take a ferry one way (about 20 minutes) and drive the other way.

If you were staying a few more days, one of the San Juans would be a nice option.