Spring brings a new life into the dark winters of the Pacific Northwest, from cherry trees, magnolias, camellias, and daffodils to our favorite tulips. Several festivals happen across the state to celebrate this beautiful season. One such must-see extravaganza is the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival, an annual event that transforms the landscape into a breathtaking vista of color.
Abhi and I attended this annual event last year and were amazed to see acres and acres of tulip fields right in our Washington State. Who needs a trip to the Netherlands, right? When you can visit these gorgeous tulip fields with the mighty Cascades in the backdrop. Just kidding, Keukenhof is a must-visit destination for sure. 😉
In this blog post, I will share everything about the festivals and some nearby spots you can check out, basically a one-stop guide to have a perfect day exploring the Skagit Valley.
How did tulips reach Washington State?
Tulips are not native to North America. George Gibbsin, an immigrant from England, introduced these stunning flowers to American soil in 1883. He moved to Orcas Island and began growing apples and hazelnuts. A few years later, he bought five dollars worth of flower bulbs to grow and realized their potential to grow outside Holland.
In 1920, the country held its first tulip festival in Bellingham, which was discontinued during the Great Depression. In 1946, William Roozen came to the United States from Holland and started his farm in 1950, making him the leader among the four flower-growing families in Skagit Valley.
Tulip Gardens in Skagit Valley
Skagit Valley is home to four incredible gardens: Tulip Town, Tulip Valley Farms, Roozengaarde, and Garden Rosalyn. All gardens are close by and offer a unique experience. We visited Roozengaarde, the largest of the bunch.
These gardens have over 200 varieties of tulips and daffodils, serving as a perfect backdrop for stunning photos. You can also indulge in delicious treats at their on-site eateries and buy souvenirs and fresh-cut tulips from the shop.
Planning your visit to Skagit Valley
Best time to visit Skagit Valley
Mid-April is the best time to visit the tulip fields as the peak bloom typically occurs during this time. However, the bloom also depends a lot on the weather. So, we recommend checking the website for the latest bloom update before planning your trip. A bright and sunny day gets you the most vibrant photos and enjoyable walks.
Tickets & Visiting Hour
The festival happens annually from April 1st to 30th, and the tickets range from $13.50 to $20. We highly recommend taking advantage of online discounts by booking your tickets in advance on their website. You can also buy tickets from the booth, but the cost is higher, and you might have to stand in a long queue, especially during weekends.
Reaching Roozengaarde
Reaching Roozengaarde by public transit is challenging as it involves multiple bus transfers and a long walk. Thus, renting a car is the best option. Alternatively, you can take a guided tour that offers pickup and drop from a nearby rendezvous point or hotel. We rented ours from Avis for $120 a day. It also gave us the freedom to explore some nearby locations that I’m going to share below.
Skagit Valley Beyond the Blooms
While the tulips are the main attraction, Skagit Valley is home to several spots worth visiting. Keep reading to know what we covered on our trip to Skagit Valley.
La Conner
After having a delightful time at Roozengaarde, we headed to La Conner, a quaint town near Anacortes, known for its charming waterfront and vibrant art scene. Thanks to its proximity, La Conner is a popular resting spot for people visiting Skagit Valley.
We walked around the historic district, admiring the 19th & 20th-century buildings, explored several art galleries and antique shops, and tried out many eateries. Our first stop was at Nastyjack’s Antique shop, located inside a 130-year-old building filled with American, English, and mid-century antiques to suit every taste and budget. Then we grabbed some freshly-made scones from The Scone Lady Bakery and relished them by the channel. Next to the bakery was a wine shop with a large collection of local wines called Hellam’s Vineyard. If you’re a wine enthusiast, this is a must-visit.
We then headed to the Winston General, a cute grocery store filled with locally-made products. Lastly, we visited the LaConner Ice Cream Tower, a family-owned business known for its delicious ice cream and frozen treats. And finally got our lunch packed from Santo Coyote Mexican Kitchen, one of the top-rated restaurants in La Conner offering lip-smacking Mexican food.
Washington Park, Anacortes
Washington Park was our picnic spot, just a 30-minute drive from La Connor. Resting on a peninsula at the western tip of Fidalgo Island, this crown jewel of Anacortes offers a variety of outdoor adventures.
We spread our picnic blankets and were ready for a relaxing meal by the water with breathtaking views of the San Juan Islands and the majestic Olympic Mountains. Followed by a quick round of tide pooling by the beach.
Deception Pass
We then headed to Deception Pass State Park, which was the final leg of our day trip, and explored all the top spots. The park is situated between two islands, Whidbey Island and Fidalgo Island, connected by two iconic arch bridges. Read my Deception Pass State Park blog post, where I have more details about my trip and things to do.
San Juan Islands
You can also visit the San Juan Islands, an archipelago known for its natural beauty. It’s one of the best places to spot marine wildlife like Grey Whale and Orcas. Thousands of visitors flock here for whale watching and other adventurous activities like kayaking, hiking, and biking. Here’s a whale watching tour from Friday Harbor we recommend.
North Cascades National Park
North Cascades National Park is another great spot to visit near Skagit Valley that will leave you spellbound by its beauty. The park offers towering peaks and gorgeous blue lakes. You can read all about this national park and the things you can do in a day on my blog and watch this video for more inspiration.
The Skagit Valley Tulip Festival is beyond just flowers. It’s a celebration of spring and a chance to explore one of the most scenic regions of Washington State. With this guide, you’re all set for a blooming good time!
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