GETTING TO ANACORTES
[This is for out-of-staters. If you're a Washingtonian, we assume you know how to get there.]
STEP 1: Fly to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA). [Flying into Bellingham will lead to a slightly shorter drive, but it will likely be a costlier ticket and you would probably have a layover at Seattle-Tacoma anyway].
STEP 2: Rent a car. Alternatively you can reserve a spot on the Bell-Air Airporter shuttle (http://www.airporter.com/shuttle). Note that the shuttle won't take you directly to your hotel, but to defined drop-off points in Anacortes (http://www.airporter.com/schedules/airporter-shuttle-boarding-locations#ana). The Shell Station on Commercial Ave. would be a good drop-off point for those staying at any of the hotels on Commercial Ave. listed in the Lodging Options below. Subsequent steps assume you rent a car (if you get on the shuttle, they'll know how to get to Anacortes).
STEP 3: Follow signs for Interstate 5. This will put you on WA-518 E for a mile. Merge onto I-5 North. You'll be on I-5 North for about 75 miles. Depending on Seattle traffic, you should be on this step for about an hour and a half so get comfortable.
STEP 4: Take exit 230 for WA-20 toward Burlington/Anacortes/Skagit Airport. Turn left on WA-20 West toward Anacortes. If you find yourself headed in the direction of refinery smoke stacks (we know it's not the most welcoming sight), it means you're on the right path.
STEP 5: Final steps will be dependent on your lodging location (some options below).
LODGING OPTIONS