Spending a Weekend in La Conner

When you think of Skagit County, you think of spring and the beautiful tulips on display. However, there is more to Skagit County than the Tulip Festival. Tucked away and hidden along the Swinomish Channel is a charming little waterfront town called La Conner. If you are looking for a weekend getaway filled with relaxation, shopping, dining and sightseeing, then La Conner should be top on your list.

Where to Stay

From lodges to hotels, inns and campgrounds, there are many lodging options within the town for each unique traveler. For an elegant and romantic option, the La Conner Channel Lodge is a wonderful option as it is the town’s only waterfront hotel and soak up the view of the Swinomish Channel right from your balcony. Looking for a warm hospitality experience? Then The Herron Inn Day & Spa is a perfect match — and you can book your spa experience without leaving the building. Looking for option with a little night life entertainment and lodging all in one? The Swinomish Casino and Lodge offers just that, and welcomes RV travelers as well. Other options for RVers are the La Conner Marina RV Resort and the La Conner RV and Camping Resort.

Places to check out

There are many quaint little towns in Washington, and La Conner is no exception. From ice cream shops, art galleries, antique stores, unique boutiques, bookshops and custom wood works, La Conner has them all. Art galleries are of plenty here and there are quite a few of them trickled along 1st Street. The Museum of Northwest Art showcases unique exhibits by local artists and is open seven days a week with free admission. Antique collector or looking for rare novelty finds? Then Nasty Jack’s Antiques is a must stop. Handmade La Conner is a hidden gem featuring one of a kind natural skin and beauty care as well as rare unique finds for the shabby chic. Looking for quality woodwork for the home or for gift giving? The Wood Merchant is filled with an amazing selection of custom woodwork from furniture to wall art and everything in between.

Hungry and love a good barbeque? Whitney’s Barbeque is a rare find and truly a must stop. Their ribs, pulled pork and briskets are divine! Looking for a taste of some of the Northwest’s brews? You can do just that at the La Conner Brewery, who also offers a great selection of pub-style food options to go with your brew. 

Ice cream fans should stop at Lulu’s Espresso & Ice Cream for a delicious selection of their favorite flavors, as well as their favorite hot beverage. If you bring your furry friends along, they are also generous enough to send you out with a treat for them, too!

Deception Pass

The famous Deception Pass Bridge and State Park is less than a half an hour’s drive away. The views from the bridge are amazing, but there are also a few trails from the parking area near the bridge that you can take to enjoy a different view of the water below. Not looking to hike? No problem. Drive to Rosario Beach or West Beach located in Deception Pass State Park and enjoy the stunning shoreline just steps from your vehicle.  Beachcomb, fish (a state fishing license is required), picnic or just enjoy the sandy shores and views without wandering too far. But don’t forget to purchase a Discover Pass upon entering the park. 

Whidbey Island

There are an abundance of places to see and things to do on Whidbey Island; however, Coupeville, is one area worth exploring. Less than an hour from La Conner, Coupeville is another quaint little waterfront town with lots of charm. Amazing views of the Penn Cove waters are to be had from the pier of Coupeville Wharf. Enjoy a hot beverage from Salty Mug and sit out and enjoy the view of boats coming in and out of the Penn Cove. Speaking of Penn Cove, delicious Penn Cove mussels are farmed here in these waters and almost every restaurant in the area will offer fresh local mussels on their menu so be sure to give it a try! Looking for a taste from somewhere out of this country? A Touch of Dutch has some pretty interesting selection of Dutch sweets, as well as from Germany, France and beyond. Lastly, you need not look any further beyond Aqua Gifts for one of a kind items for you or that special gal in your life.