Nestled along the Skagit River midway between Seattle and the Canadian border,Mount Vernon is your perfect starting point for a Skagit Valley adventure. Globally known for its breathtaking spring tulip fields and rich agricultural heritage, Mount Vernon offers plenty of things to do, from hiking and biking to beer tasting and antiquing. Use this guide to discover what to see, where to eat, and more.
Things to do in Mount Vernon WA
Outdoors & Nature
Visit a Park
You don’t have to go far to immerse yourself in nature. Downtown is home to the 2.3-mile Skagit Riverwalk, perfect for a scenic stroll along the river. For breathtaking panoramic vistas, head to Little Mountain Park. Explore over 10 miles of trails, and don’t miss the overlook for those spectacular views stretching across the Skagit Valley to the Olympic Mountains. Need a little downtime? Hillcrest Park is a community favorite with playgrounds, picnic areas, and peaceful gardens perfect for families.
Go Biking
The Skagit Valley offers incredible cycling opportunities. Rent an e-bike from local shops like Skagit Cycle in Mount Vernon and effortlessly explore scenic routes along the Skagit River, discovering charming rural landscapes and farmlands at your own pace. Instead of tiptoeing around the tulips, consider a bike tour. Both PNW Explorations and Tulip County Bike Tours offer bike rentals and tour packages so you can see these colorful fields for yourself.
Go Birdwatching
Come winter, the Skagit Valley transforms into a birdwatcher’s paradise. Tens of thousands of migrating snow geese flock to the area, lacing the sky and carpeting farm fields from around November through March. You’ll also spot graceful trumpeter swans and tundra swans during this time. A prime spot for this spectacular show is Wiley Slough, part of the larger Skagit Wildlife Area on Fir Island. It offers well-maintained trails and dikes for easy viewing, where you can often spot impressive flocks of geese, along with various raptors and shorebirds.
Visit Skagit Valley Farms and Farm Stands
Want an authentic taste of the Skagit Valley? Head out to one of the many local farms and farm stands. Places like Schuh Farms, which offers amazing seasonal produce such as sweet strawberries, plus fun U-pick experiences. Be sure to stop by the picturesque white barn for fresh pies.
In South Mount Vernon, Waxwing Farm welcomes you to their honor system farmstand, open from early spring to December, where you can grab certified organic, hand-picked veggies such as crisp salad greens and garlic. Then, take a scenic drive through the rolling fields to Bow and visit Boldly Grown Farm. This certified-organic farm operates a self-serve farmstand year-round, so you can pick up everything from winter squash to unique radicchio and beets whenever you like.
Art and Shopping
In need of some retail therapy? Mount Vernon’s walkable historic downtown is packed with boutique shops and art galleries. At Perry and Carlson, browse a curated selection of home decor, jewelry, and apparel before heading next door to their gallery space. Additionally, LIDO Collective offers a treasure trove of goods from Skagit County artists and makers, all housed in the former Lido Theater Building.
Check out trendy clothing boutiques like elSage for the latest styles, or pop next door to bLoom for all your plant needs. Get lost for hours among rare finds at The Red Door antique mall or Dilly Dally Antiques and Collectibles. And if you’re a music lover, prepare for a wave of nostalgia at Lost In The Groove, a fantastic vintage record store.
Fans of the performing arts should head to the iconic Lincoln Theatre, a beautifully restored venue offering a diverse schedule of films ranging from black-and-white classics to current releases, plus live music and theater productions. North of the historic downtown, McIntyre Hall Performing Arts & Conference Center hosts a wide array of cultural events, from orchestral concerts to theatrical productions.
Take a Day Trip
Looking to explore more of Skagit County? Mount Vernon is a perfect base for easy day trips to charming nearby towns. Head west to artsy Anacortes, the stepping stone to the San Juan Islands. Take a hike at Washington Park, where you’ll find stunning coastline and diverse forests. Then, venture south to the picturesque waterfront village of La Conner. Grab an ice cream cone and stroll along its famous boardwalk, browse boutiques, and even visit the Museum of Northwest Art (MoNA). Finally, make your way east to Sedro-Woolley, often called the gateway to the North Cascades. This historic logging town proudly showcases its heritage with logging-themed murals and chainsaw art decorating downtown.
Annual Events
In April, the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival transforms acres of farmland into a breathtaking riot of color. This renowned festival features stunning tulip fields as well as a lively street fair, art shows, and community celebrations. Due to the event’s popularity, time your visit for weekdays, if possible.
When summer rolls around, experience classic Americana at the Skagit County Fair, typically held in August. Think thrilling rides, livestock shows, live bands, delicious fair food, and competitions showcasing local talents.
In July, immerse yourself in Celtic culture at the annual Skagit Valley Highland Games & Celtic Festival. Enjoy traditional pipe band performances and Highland athletic competitions such as the caber toss and hammer throw. Find a bustling market area and a beer garden to quench your thirst, where the ale and whiskey flow all day.
As fall approaches, the Skagit Farm to Pint Fest in September celebrates the valley’s vital role in craft brewing. Highlighting the journey from local barley and hops to delicious beers, this festival offers tastings from numerous breweries, live music, and local food vendors in a convivial atmosphere.
Where to Eat and Drink
Ristretto Coffee Lounge & Wine Bar is a stylish spot offering expertly crafted coffees and fantastic mid-day paninis, as well as a selection of wines. Sink into one of their overstuffed couches or browse art from a rotating selection of local artists.
Mount Vernon also offers a wide selection of global cuisines, from Mexican and Thai to Italian. Downtown favorite La Catrina Tacos & Tequila serves up authentic Mexican cuisine and boasts a wide selection of margaritas. Craving something spicy? Head to Rachawadee Thai Cafe. This tiny spot whips up authentic Thai dishes, from fragrant curries to savory noodles. Grab some takeout and head to Riverfront Park to enjoy your meal with a sunset view. Local tip: Spice levels lean toward hot, so order with care if you’re sensitive to heat. For a laid-back Italian dining experience, head to Il Granaio Authentic Italian Restaurant for a wide selection of hearty mains and pastas like spaghetti carbonara.
For a nightcap, head to Revival Lounge for a truly vintage vibe. Imbibe on a classic whisky sour or a fun creation like “The Flapper” from their extensive menu of handcrafted cocktails and mocktails. It’s the perfect swanky spot to be treated in style.
Mount Vernon and the greater Skagit Valley are also home to some standout breweries. Sample classic and creative seasonal brews made with local grains at Farmstrong Brewing Company. Enjoy live music and bites from the on-site food truck, Rooted Kitchen. Bonus: The beer garden and taproom are dog- and kid-friendly.
In Mount Vernon’s historic downtown, Temperate Habits serves up tasting flights and pub grub within walking distance of boutique shops. The brewery is operated by two cousins and former pharmacists who dreamed of taking their chemistry knowledge and applying it to beer. Along the nearby Skagit Riverwalk, District Brewing, located in the cool old Lyric Theatre building, offers beer with incredible views of the river. Head west of downtown to North Sound Brewery for ales inspired by the United Kingdom and Ireland with a Pacific Northwest twist.
Where to Stay
Whether you prefer a classic hotel, a boutique inn, or a cozy farm stay, the Skagit Valley has a perfect place for you to rest your head. Want a truly one-of-a-kind experience? Consider Willowbrook Manor, an English-style farm stay only 20 minutes outside Mount Vernon.
For a more traditional stay, La Quinta Inn by Wyndham in Burlington is a reliable and comfortable option, offering all the standard amenities. A short drive away, in the picturesque waterfront village of La Conner, find The Heron Inn and Day Spa, where elegant rooms and rejuvenating spa services await.
Near Anacortes, the Swinomish Casino & Lodge, operated by the Swinomish Tribe, offers the best of entertainment and luxury. Enjoy gaming, fine dining, and comfortable lodging overlooking Padilla Bay.
Know Before You Go
While spring brings famous blooms—and more crowds, especially on April weekends—summer is perfect for outdoor adventure, and you can find charm and a slower pace during the cooler and wetter fall and winter months.
You can easily reach Mount Vernon by car, as it’s conveniently located off Interstate 5, making it accessible from both Seattle to the south and Vancouver, B.C., to the north. While having a car is handy for exploring the wider Skagit Valley and its scenic drives, downtown Mount Vernon is walkable.
About the Author
MaryRose Denton is a freelance travel writer who grew up in Seattle and now calls Anacortes her home. She enjoys writing about local culture, PNW history, and the state’s rich agriculture along with sustainability and wellness adventures. Her work can be seen in Seattle Refined, Edible Seattle, NW Travel & Life, Irish Independent, Wander With Wonder, and her blog, MerakiTravels.org.