Burlington (Washington) Travel Guide

Explore the beautiful city of Burlington in Washington with our comprehensive travel guide, including must-see attractions, hiking and biking routes, food and drink scene, where to stay, and more.


Burlington (Washington) is a small city located in North Cascades, in Washington (state), in Pacific Northwest, in United States of America, in North America. It offers fantastic outdoor adventures, natural beauty, and top-rated attractions for visitors of all ages. In this comprehensive travel guide, we will provide all the information you need to plan a perfect vacation in Burlington (Washington).

Introduction to Burlington (Washington)

Burlington (Washington) is a charming city situated on the Skagit River. It was founded in the late 19th century and has a rich history. Today, Burlington is a popular tourist destination known for its stunning nature, outdoor adventures, picturesque views, and cultural attractions.

List of Places to Visit in Burlington (Washington)

There are plenty of things to see and do in Burlington (Washington). Let’s take a look at some of its top-rated attractions:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • The Children’s Museum of Skagit County: It is a fun-filled attraction for kids that offers interactive exhibits, educational programs, and plenty of play areas.

  • The Heritage Flight Museum: This museum showcases aviation history and has an extensive collection of vintage aircraft.

  • The Burlington Historical Museum: You can learn about the history of Burlington (Washington) and its surrounding areas at this museum.

Natural Attractions of Burlington (Washington): Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • The Skagit Valley Tulip Festival: The festival takes place in April and May, and you can see millions of tulips in bloom.

  • The Little Mountain Park: It has over six miles of hiking trails and offers stunning views of the Skagit Valley.

  • The North Cascades National Park: This park offers breathtaking views, hiking trails, camping opportunities, and more.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Burlington (Washington)

Burlington (Washington) has several hiking and biking routes. Here are some of the best options:

  • The Skagit River Walk: It is a scenic trail along the Skagit River that connects several parks and green spaces in Burlington (Washington).

  • The Cascade Trail: The trail is a 22-mile long flat rail-trail that connects Sedro-Woolley and Concrete.

  • The Mount Vernon Trail: The trail is a 10-mile long flat trail that runs along the Skagit River and offers stunning views.

Best Things to Do in Burlington (Washington): Activities and Tours

  • The Skagit River Bald Eagle Interpretive Center: You can see bald eagles in the winter months from this center.

  • The La Conner Channel Lodge Whale Watching Tour: You can spot whales, sea lions, seals, and other marine life on this tour.

  • The Tulip Town Observation Deck: You can see the tulip fields from a height of 80 feet from this deck.

Week-Long Itinerary for Burlington (Washington)

  • Day 1: Visit the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival.
  • Day 2: Explore the North Cascades National Park.
  • Day 3: Hike the Little Mountain Trail.
  • Day 4: Visit the Children’s Museum of Skagit County.
  • Day 5: Go on a whale watching tour.
  • Day 6: Explore the Cascade Trail on a bike.
  • Day 7: Visit the Heritage Flight Museum.

Food and Drink Scene of Burlington (Washington)

Burlington (Washington) has a fantastic food and drink scene. Here are some of the must-try dishes and drinks:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Fresh Seafood: The city has several seafood restaurants that serve fresh and delicious seafood dishes.

  • Farm-to-Table Cuisine: You can taste the local produce at several farm-to-table restaurants in Burlington (Washington).

  • Burgers and Fries: The city has several burger joints that serve juicy burgers and crispy fries.

Local Beverages

  • Wine: Skagit Valley is known for its excellent wine, and you can taste it at several wineries in Burlington (Washington).

  • Craft Beer: The city has several craft breweries that offer a wide range of beer and cider.

Where to Stay in Burlington (Washington): Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Burlington (Washington) offers several accommodation options that cater to all budgets and preferences. Here are some of the best hotels, hostels, and guesthouses:

  • The Hampton Inn & Suites Burlington: This is a top-rated hotel in the city known for its excellent service and amenities.

  • The Burlington RV Park: It is an affordable and comfortable option for travelers with RVs.

  • The Cocusa Motel: It is a budget-friendly option that offers clean and comfortable rooms.

What to Buy in Burlington (Washington): Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Burlington (Washington) has several local products and souvenirs that you can bring home as a memory of your trip. Here are some of the best options:

  • Tulip Bulbs: You can buy tulip bulbs from the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival.

  • Artisanal Cheese: Skagit Valley is known for its excellent cheese, and you can buy it from several local stores and markets.

  • Handmade Crafts: You can buy handmade crafts, jewelry, and other items from several local shops and galleries.

Local Culture and Customs of Burlington (Washington)

Burlington (Washington) has a rich cultural heritage that reflects in its art, music, and festivals. The Skagit Valley Tulip Festival, the Summer Meltdown Music Festival, and the Anacortes Arts Festival are some of the top-rated cultural events in the city.

Best Time to Visit Burlington (Washington)

The best time to visit Burlington (Washington) is from April to October, when the weather is pleasant, and several outdoor activities and events take place.

Do’s and Don’ts of Burlington (Washington)

Do:

  • Do respect the local culture and customs.

  • Do dress appropriately for the weather and the activity.

  • Do leave the natural areas and attractions clean and litter-free.

Don’t:

  • Don’t disturb the wildlife.

  • Don’t trespass or venture off-trail in natural areas.

  • Don’t disturb the peace and quiet of the surroundings.

Safety and Health

Safety in Burlington (Washington)

Burlington (Washington) is a safe city with low crime rates. However, travelers should take standard safety precautions, such as keeping an eye on their belongings and staying aware of their surroundings.

Health in Burlington (Washington)

Burlington (Washington) has good healthcare facilities and no major health risks. However, travelers should always carry a basic medical kit and have health insurance.

Getting to Burlington (Washington): Transportation Options and Logistics

Burlington (Washington) is easily accessible by air, road, and bus. Here are the options:

Airports Near Burlington (Washington)

  • Bellingham International Airport: It is the closest airport to Burlington (Washington), located 30 miles away.

  • Seattle-Tacoma International Airport: It is located 80 miles away from Burlington (Washington).

Bus Stations Near Burlington (Washington)

  • Skagit Station: It is the primary bus station in downtown Mount Vernon.

  • Burlington - Conway Park & Ride: It is located on the I-5, providing easy access to several destinations.

Other Options

  • Car Rentals: You can rent a car from several major car rental companies at the airports and in the city.

How to Get Around in Burlington (Washington)

Burlington (Washington) is a small city, and the best way to get around is by car or bike. There are several bike rentals and car rental companies in the city.

Where to Go Next from Burlington (Washington): Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Anacortes: It is a charming seaside town known for its art galleries, restaurants, and scenic views.

  • Whidbey Island: It is a beautiful island known for its beaches, parks, and historic sites.

  • Seattle: It is a world-famous city known for its entertainment, culture, and outdoors.

Conclusion

Burlington (Washington) is a fantastic destination that offers something for everyone. Whether you’re a nature lover, a history buff, or a foodie, you’ll find plenty of things to see and do in this charming city. We hope this comprehensive travel guide helps you plan a memorable trip to Burlington (Washington).