The Happiness Function

A few years ago, my brother and his family were living outside of Seattle so when we went to visit, they treated us to Washington’s famous Skagit Valley Tulip Festival. During the spring, this part of the state attracts locals and visitors alike seeking nature’s art on full display. It is here you can experience some of Mother Nature’s most stunning blooms.

From breathtaking fields of multi-colored flowers to exciting events throughout the valley, there are plenty of things to do in the area. It is one of the most beautiful places I have ever been and I’m sharing activities you can do on a weekend getaway.

Along with visiting the annual Tulip Festival every April, you’ll want to explore Mount Vernon, hike, walk around, visit Padilla Bay, and check out the local wineries.

Tour the Tulip Fields

Nothing signals spring quite like the vibrant, colorful blooms of tulips. At the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival, you can find fields of these gorgeous flowers from April 1st through April 30th each year. This is prime time tulip viewing — so if you can, plan to visit in April.

Visiting the Skagit Valley during tulip season makes for a fun outdoor getaway for all, including couples and families. The flower fields are magical and make for the perfect adventure. Walking around most of the fields is free.

Explore Mount Vernon

After visiting the fields of flowers, head into the charming town of Mount Vernon. When we visited, I thought it was a quiet and friendly community.

You can enjoy dining at local restaurants, checking out the local shops, and walking the river trail. The area is surrounded by beautiful views of the Northern Cascades.

Visit Padilla Bay

If you have time, be sure to drive out to the bay. It is about 20 minutes from downtown Mount Vernon to Bay View State Park.

You can walk around and take in the views of the bay and the San Juan Islands.

Visit Wineries, Orchards, and Go Wine Tasting

Washington has a huge agriculture scene. On top of tulips in the area, there are grape vineyards, wineries, and fruit orchards. Check out some of the local wineries during your getaway to Skagit Valley.

Below is a list of the best wineries and vineyards close to Mount Vernon:

• Pasek Cellars
• Tulip Valley Winery
• Bertelsen Winery

Go Hiking Near Mount Vernon

Mount Vernon and the surrounding area are absolutely gorgeous. Find some places to explore and hike close by, such as Little Mountain Park and the Riverbend Loop Trail.

If you are up for getting further out of town, discover hiking trails in the Northern Cascades. We like to use the AllTrails app to locate hikes when we travel.

When To Visit

As I was saying before, the best time of year to visit the Skagit Valley is during the month of April.

The flowers bloom depending on mother nature, so you’ll have to keep a lookout on the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival website for when they anticipate the fields blooming.

Where is the Tulip Festival?

The town of Mount Vernon, Washington, hosts the festival annually. The festival consists of tulip farms in the surrounding area.

Check out the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival annual brochure to see all of the fields participating. Then, all you have to do is drive to the specific fields you want to visit, park, and walk around.

Things To Know Before You Arrive

Bring shoes you don’t mind getting dirty for your visit. You will be walking through farm fields and along dirt roads. Most likely, it has recently rained, and the fields could be muddy.

Bring a rain jacket or umbrella if it rains while you’re visiting. Most importantly, don’t forget a camera.

Have a Good Time

We hope you have a lovely trip visiting these famous flower fields. Tour the farms, explore Mount Vernon, visit Padilla Bay, treat yourselves to wine tasting, local goodies, and hike or wander the local trails.

Visiting the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival is incredible and makes for the best weekend getaway. All of your friends will think you went to Holland.

Ashlee & Pablo

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