Overview
La Conner is a town in northwest Washington state, on the Swinomish Channel. Its charming waterfront is tucked away amongst the farmland and tulip fields of the Skagit Valley. The protected farmland around the town is said to be some of the richest in the world.
5 sights · 1 places to eat · 3 places to stay
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about La Conner
Rainbow Bridge
A scenic steel arch bridge over the Swinomish Channel to Fidalgo Island, built in 1957.
Museum of Northwest Art
Showcases a permanent collection of northwest artists, as well as revolving shows throughout the year.
Skagit Valley Tulip Festival
Every spring, the region celebrates the bloom of colorful tulips that paint the Skagit Valley more brilliantly than a Dutch impressionist could. Hundreds of thousands of Washingtonians and international visitors flock to…
Skagit Historical Museum
Museum featuring exhibits related to the local area. Due to its location on a hill, it offers one of the best views of the town.
Pacific Northwest Quilt & Fiber Arts Museum
Has a collection featuring textiles of the Pacific Rim area. Located in one of the oldest homes in town, the Gaches Mansion.
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: Jun–Sep. Summer highs reach about 70°F; winter lows dip to about 33°F. Wettest: Dec and Nov. (climate data from nearby Port Angeles)
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- FRD Friday Harbor Airport, Friday Harbor — 26 mi away. Directions
- BLI Bellingham International Airport, Bellingham — 28 mi away. Directions
- SEA Seattle–Tacoma International Airport, Seattle — 66 mi away (major hub). Directions
La Conner is not on any major highways, making it slightly tedious to get to.
Full “Get in” guide ↓Budget & where to stay
- Places to stay listed here: about $20–$209 a night (typical $150), from 6 listed prices.
- Estimated daily budget per person (room, two meals, local transport and an activity): budget ~$60, mid-range ~$220, comfortable ~$380.
See the Sleep guide ↓ for places to stay.
Sample 1-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning Skagit Historical Museum, Museum of Northwest Art, Pacific Northwest Quilt & Fiber Arts Museum
- Lunch The Scone Lady Bakery
- Afternoon Rainbow Bridge, Skagit Valley Tulip Festival
Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.
Food for you
There are many restaurants along the waterfront and along Morris Street.
Cuisine (tap to filter)
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Photos
Map
Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.
Understand
Visitor information
Get in
By car
La Conner is not on any major highways, making it slightly tedious to get to.
It is about 10 mi west of Interstate 5.
- From the south, exit in Conway for WA-534 West. Stay on the arterial as it turns onto Best Rd., then Chilberg Rd.
- From the north, exit in Burlington for WA-20 West. Take a left onto La Conner Whitney Road.
Either way, the drive through the farmland of the Skagit Valley is especially beautiful.
By bus
Go Skagit Transit
Operates bus service within Skagit County including within and between Anacortes, Burlington, La Conner, Mount Vernon, and Sedro-Woolley. The buses do not run at night. Also offers connecting service from other counties, including route 80X traveling south from Bellingham and route 90X traveling north from Everett. Routes 80X and 90X stop in Burlington and Mount Vernon.
- Bus route 615 travels through La Conner on its way between Mount Vernon Skagit Station and March's Point P&R in Anacortes.
By boat
La Conner is on the Swinomish Channel.
Sailing through nearby Deception Pass is not recommended for novice boaters, as the currents can be notoriously swift.
Get around
La Conner is a great town to walk, with restaurants, museums, artist studios, and boutique retailers all packed into a few blocks. First Street follows the waterfront and intersects Morris Street, which runs the length of town.
Away from the town center, you'll need a car, or a boat, as the valley is spread out and there is little public transportation.
See
See Rainbow Bridge
A scenic steel arch bridge over the Swinomish Channel to Fidalgo Island, built in 1957.
Do
Biking
The lush flat farmland makes for miles of easy biking.
Boating
Events
See Skagit Valley Tulip Festival
Every spring, the region celebrates the bloom of colorful tulips that paint the Skagit Valley more brilliantly than a Dutch impressionist could. Hundreds of thousands of Washingtonians and international visitors flock to see the endless fields of tulips between Mount Vernon and La Conner.
Buy
First Street is lined with gift shops, galleries and clothing stores.
The region grows everything from strawberries to wheat. Many local farmstands sell their produce on the roads leading into town.
Eat and drink
There are many restaurants along the waterfront and along Morris Street.
Eat The Scone Lady Bakery
Come to this small counter in the morning before they sell out of the distinctive fresh-baked berry and fruit scones.
Sleep
The town boasts plenty of charming small inns and Bed and Breakfasts.
Go next
- Anacortes, gateway to the San Juan Islands
- Mount Vernon
- Deception Pass State Park
- Love tulips? Bollenstreek in the Netherlands is the only other growing region than rivals the Skagit Valley.
La Conner is on the North Cascade Loop itinerary.
Nearby
Deception Pass State Park
Park · 41 listings · 7 mi away
Mount Vernon
City / town · 19 listings · 8 mi away
Burlington
City / town · 11 listings · 10 mi away
Anacortes
City / town · 16 listings · 10 mi away
Oak Harbor
City / town · 9 listings · 10 mi away
Edison
City / town · 3 listings · 12 mi away
Sedro-Woolley
City / town · 10 listings · 14 mi away
Camano Island
City / town · 11 listings · 14 mi away
My experience
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