There’s plenty of things to do in Burlington, WA. Lots of places to explore, delicious meals to taste, and many activities to experience in the beautiful city of Burlington, Washington.
Many intriguing adventures await you on the San Juan Islands, Skagit County farmlands, Mount baker, et cetera. You can also strike a bargain in the several local artisan shops available.
Burlington, Washington, has over 50 restaurants with some of the best dishes you will ever taste in the world to help quench your hunger.
The article covers some of the most amazing fun activities to partake in Burlington, Washington.
Let’s learn more about this beautiful city!
Where is Burlington, Washington?
In the United States, the city of Burlington is located in Washington’s Skagit County.
Its population was recorded at 8,388 in the census of 2010.
It is part of the Anacortes Metropolitan Statistical Area and is halfway between Vancouver, British Columbia, and Seattle.
The city of Burlington was founded in 1882 by William McKay and John Millett, who started a logging camp. It was incorporated in 1902.
Before it was incorporated, the businesses in the area were located on the former Fairhaven Avenue.
Today, the area is the center of the city’s old downtown. In 2007, the city hall and library were opened.
See Also: Fun Things to Do in Gig Harbor (WA)
Fun Things to Do in Burlington, WA
There are several things to do in Burlington, Washington, and they include the following;
1. Drive Down the Winding Chuckanut Drive
Take a day trip up Chuckanut Drive in the Skagit Valley and explore the attractions that it has to offer. It starts at Interstate 5 and goes west of the town of Burlington.
In 1896, prison crews constructed Washington’s first highway, State Route 11, which connects Whatcom and Whatcom counties to the town of Chuckanut.
It served as a convenient alternative to other modes of transportation during that time, such as steamboats, trains, and dugout canoes.
Today, it is a popular route for sightseers and motorcycle clubs due to its curvy and windy design.
One of the most geologically diverse areas in Washington, Chuckanut Drive features mountains that touch the shores of various marine waterways.
This makes it an ideal location for mountain biking and hiking. In addition, the area’s relatively low elevation and proximity to salt water make it snow-free most of the time.
On the western and southern portions of Chuckanut Drive, families can enjoy a day at one of the area’s state parks, such as Larrabee State Park.
On the uphill part of the road, hikers can explore the numerous trails that lead to various hidden attractions.
The southern portion of Chuckanut Drive passes through some of the most fertile farmland in the region.
During the winter season, thousands of migratory ducks and trumpeter swans flock to these areas to look for the root of their cornstalks.
During the day, travelers can explore the various attractions along the highway, such as art galleries and antique shops.
The northern portion of Chuckanut Drive ends in the town of Edison and Allen.
The end of the road also leads to the historic town of Fairhaven in Washington. This area features a variety of unique shops, restaurants, and coffee shops.
2. Deception Pass State Park
Located in Washington State’s Deception Pass State Park, this 4,134-acre marine and camping facility features over 70,000 feet of saltwater shoreline and over 33,900 feet of freshwater shoreline.
During the summer season, sun-seekers can enjoy a dip in the refreshing waters of nearby Cranberry Lake or the nearby waters of Puget Sound.
The beauty of the scenery provided by the state parks in Washington is not only impressive, but it also allows travelers to see what’s most popular among the area’s residents.
One of the highlights of this park is the dramatic cliffs that drop dramatically into the waters of Deception Pass.
Two spans of green metal, constructed in the 1930s, are located 180 feet above the swirling water and provide a transportation route for Whidbey Island.
The park is also known for its beautiful views and various activities such as hiking and camping.
Although it’s open year-round, it’s advised to call ahead to reserve campsites.
Another state park located in the same region is Bowman’s Bay State Park, which features a hiking trail that runs through the bluff and beach. Kids can additionally explore the park’s pools.
Address: The Deception Pass State Park is located at 41229 State Route 20, Oak Harbor, WA 98277.
3. Eagle Watching
The Bald Eagle is a common bird in the area of the Skagit River.
However, each winter, the population of these birds increases dramatically due to the return of salmon.
All five species of salmon living in the river area return to spawn and die along the river’s shores.
This natural cycle has resulted in an abundance of food for eagles, which flock to the area whenever possible.
Thousands of people visit the area of the river in Washington State each year to watch as bald eagles gather in the area.
This is one of the largest populations of these birds in the continental US.
Although they can be seen in November or March, the best time to view them is from December to February.
The eagles’ numbers peak around Christmas time as the salmon runs begin.
Despite being listed as an endangered species, the number of bald eagles has been steadily recovering.
As a result, they were downgraded to threatened status due to this steady increase in their numbers.
Address: The Skagit River is located in northwestern Washington in the United States.
See Also: Fun Things to Do in Coupeville (WA)
4. Skiing and Snowboarding
With the 2010 Winter Olympics in Canada’s southwestern region, the world’s focus has been on the region’s winter recreation opportunities.
From cross-country skiing and downhill mountain biking to snowboarding, residents and visitors alike are only a couple of hours away from some of the best facilities in the country.
For those who are into the sport of snowboarding, Mount Baker is considered to be the Holy Land of the sport.
According to some, the sport was invented in the area. But, if not created, it was at least put on the map by individuals such as Dan Donnelly and Craig Kelly. The mountain also has several miles of ski trails.
The North Cascades Highway is closed during winter to allow snow to accumulate on the blacktop.
However, until the spring thaw, the forests and roads outside the gates are still open. Free trials are available for those looking for a unique and fun winter activity.
Address: The North Cascades Highway is located in State Rte 20Washington, USA.
5. Skagit Speedway
The highly regarded racing facility, the Skagit Speedway, is located 9 miles north of Alger on Old Highway 99.
It is the site of Northwest’s premier motorsports event. Hundreds of thousands of people flock to the facility each year to enjoy the excitement of racing.
The 3-10th mile clay track was first established as a race facility in the 1950s.
Aside from sprint car racing, the facility hosts other high-profile racing events.
These include the Jim Raper Memorial Dirt Cup, Bob’s Burgers & Brew 360 nationals, and the World of Outlaws week.
For the past 55 years, the facility has provided a top-notch racing entertainment venue.
In addition, it’s just a few miles away from some of Washington State’s most beautiful scenery.
From pasture racing to the modern complex that it is today, the facility has been providing a variety of entertaining racing events for its fans.
Address: The Skagit Speedway is located at 4796 Old Hwy 99 North Rd, Burlington, WA 98233, United States.
6. Camping and Fishing
Situated in Northwest Washington’s Cascade Mountains, the state’s Skagit County is known for its numerous outdoor attractions.
With hundreds of lakes and forests, it’s no wonder that people flock to this area for hunting, fishing, camping, rock-hounding, and paragliding.
One of the most popular outdoor activities in the area is fishing.
The Skagit River, which is one of the longest rivers on the West Coast, moves from its headwaters in Canada to its delta about 150 miles southwest of the famous tulip fields of the Valley.
Five species of salmon call this waterway home. Each year, they return to the river to feed on the gravel “reds” in the area.
One of the most popular fisheries in the county is Vogler Lake, a 5-mile-long body of water located southeast of Mount Vernon.
It’s also known for its bass fishing. It’s not uncommon for dedicated individuals to spend their time fishing at the Lily pads.
Address: The state’s Skagit County is located at 11768 Westar Ln A, Burlington, WA 98233, United States.
7. Golfing
The public golf courses in the area of Skagit Valley are known for their various challenges and appeal to players with varying abilities.
For those who prefer a more challenging course, the choice is between the Big Lake or Similk Beach courses in Anacortes.
The Silk Beach course features a variety of holes and is designed for players new to the game.
The 9-hole course at the Overlook is ideal for a more challenging round.
For those who prefer a more leisurely afternoon, try the Eaglemont Club in Mount Vernon or the Avalon Club in Anacortes.
Address: The Eaglemont Club is located at 4800 Eaglemont Dr. Mount Vernon, WA 98274.
8. Washington State Ferry
Washington State Ferries is the largest ferry fleet in the US. It operates 28 vessels that travel across the Sound and carry over 26 million passengers annually.
In Anacortes, Washington, travelers can board a state ferry and explore the various islands of the San Juan Islands.
There are also multiple ports on the islands, such as Lopez, Orcas, and San Juan.
Those looking to explore more culture can head to Vancouver Island and take a ferry to Sydney, British Columbia.
Address: The Washington State Ferry can be accessed at 2901 3rd Ave Seattle, WA.
9. Go hiking
Numerous hiking trails are available in the region and vary widely in difficulty. In the urban areas, more accessible routes are often found.
In Mount Vernon, take a drive to the Little Mountain lookout, which offers a variety of trails among tall timber.
Also, look at the Cascade Trail in Burlington, which follows a railroad line.
Take a walk through some of the region’s best-preserved forests, and head west to Anacortes.
There, you’ll find a variety of terrain and views at Washington Park and nearby Mt. Erie.
Also, in the area near Mount Vernon, look at the Pacific Crest Trail, which crosses the Chuckanut Mountains. This 2,500-mile trail is a quiet and challenging walk.
10. Chihuly Garden and Glass
The Chihuly Garden and Glass exhibit at the Seattle Center features the studio glass of renowned artist Dale Chihuly.
Chihuly has played a significant role in developing the glass art scene.
The museum also features a 40-foot-tall structure known as the Glass-house, which features a 100-foot-long sculpture made of glass.
Address: The Chihuly Garden is located at 305 Harrison Street, Seattle, WA 98109.
11. The Museum of Flight
The Museum of Flight is a private air and space museum located in the county airport in Tukwila.
It features over 150 aircraft. It’s the largest museum of its kind in the world.
Address: The Museum of Flight is located at 9404 E. Marginal Way S, Seattle, WA 98108.
12. Sky View Observatory
The Sky View Observatory is in Seattle’s Columbia Center.
It’s the largest public observatory in the Northwest United States and offers a 360-degree view of the city.
The observatory can also show notable landmarks such as the Space Needle and the Cascade Mountains.
Address: The Sky View Observatory is located at 701 5th Avenue, Seattle, WA 98104.
See Also: Fun Things to Do in La Conner (WA)
13. Pike Place Market
The Pike Place Market is a popular public shopping area located in Seattle’s Elliot Bay.
It’s been operating since 1907, and it’s one of the oldest continuously functioning markets in the country.
The market features various types of goods, such as local artisans and farmers. It’s also known as a tourist attraction.
Address: The Pike Place Market is located at 85 Pike Street, Seattle, WA 98101.
14. The Wing
The Wing, also known as the Wing Luke Museum, was established in 1967 in Seattle’s Chinatown.
It’s a history museum that focuses on the Asian Pacific American community.
It features a variety of exhibits that celebrate the achievements of individuals who have made significant contributions to the city.
Address: This attraction is located in Seattle’s Chinatown-International District, 719 South King Street, Seattle, WA 9810.
15. Space Needle
The Space Needle is an iconic building in Seattle constructed in the Seattle Center during the 1962 World’s Fair.
It features a rotating restaurant and an observation deck that’s situated at about 500 feet.
The tower offers a 360-degree view of the city and the surrounding areas.
The observatory can also show notable landmarks such as the Space Needle and the Cascade Mountains.
Address: The Space Needle is located at 400 Broad Street, Seattle, WA 98109.
16. America’s Car Museum
The LeMay America’s Car Museum is in Tacoma, next to the Tacoma Dome.
It features over 350 cars that are impressive for various reasons. Harold LeMay, a successful businessman, established the museum.
It also features various other vehicles designed to play a significant role in the history of American cars.
Address: The LeMay America’s Car Museum is located at 2702 E D Street, Tacoma, WA 98421.
17. Benaroya Hall
The Benaroya Hall is a complex with two halls, and it’s the home of the Seattle Symphony.
The main hall is known as the Mark Taper Foundation Auditorium, while the smaller Illsley Ball is a recital hall. It’s also frequently used for various performances.
Address: The Benaroya Hall is located at 200 University Street, Seattle, WA 98101.
18. Hands on Children’s Museum
The Hands-On Children’s Museum is an interactive museum designed to help children develop their skills through various programs and exhibits.
It features various types of exhibits, such as art and science. The museum’s galleries are additionally equipped with over 150 exhibits.
Address: This museum is located at 414 Jefferson Street NE, Olympia, WA 98501.
19. Mount Saint Helens Visitor Center
A few years after the eruption of Mount Saint Helens, the nearby museum was established.
It features a variety of programs and exhibits that talk about the area’s history and the volcano’s impact on the ecosystem.
The mountain can also be seen from the visitor center.
Address: This attraction is located at 3029 Spirit Lake Highway, Castle Rock, WA 98611.
20. Columbia River Gorge
The Columbia River Gorge is a national park with a canyon located in the Cascade Mountains. This area is protected from development.
Address: The Columbia River gorge is located at 902 Wasco Avenue, Suite 200, Hood River, OR 97031.
21. Washington State Capitol
The Washington State Capitol is the official home of the state’s government.
It features the governor’s office, the chambers for the legislature, and the Supreme Court.
Address: The Washington State Capitol is located at 416 Sid Snyder Avenue SW, Olympia, WA 98504.
Running out of things to do in Burlington, Washington, is impossible as the city is full of exciting activities designed to keep you occupied.