April in Skagit Valley is pure spring magic: acres of vibrant tulip fields, charming small towns, and scenic backdrops straight out of a postcard. If you’re planning a long weekend getaway, the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival fits the bill beautifully. It offers the perfect mix of iconic blooms, local flavor and easy outdoor adventure.
This Skagit Valley Tulip Festival 3-day itinerary is ideal for couples, families, friend groups, and photographers looking to experience the best of bloom season. Even better, it helps you have fun without feeling rushed. From flower fields and waterfront strolls to delicious meals and sunset views, this guide helps you make the most of your time.
Be sure to reserve tulip garden tickets and accommodations early because April fills up fast.
Day 1: Arrival, Tulip Fields & a Relaxed Evening in Skagit Valley
Your Skagit Valley Tulip Festival adventure begins with a seamless arrival and a gentle introduction to the colors of spring. Maybe you’re driving in from Seattle, or perhaps you’re flying into a nearby PNW airport.
Day 1 is all about settling into the “valley pace.” Next, enjoy your first glimpse of the world-famous blooms before a cozy local dinner.
Learn more about what to bring to the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival, including packing tips.
Morning: Arrive in Skagit County
Most visitors arrive by car after flying into one of the region’s nearby airports:
- Seattle–Tacoma International Airport (SEA) is about a 1.5-hour drive.
- Bellingham International Airport (BLI) is roughly 35 minutes away.
- Vancouver International Airport (YVR) is about 2 hours away, depending on border conditions.
We strongly recommend getting a rental car because tulip fields and scenic backroads are spread throughout the valley. After arriving, check in to your hotel or lodging and take a moment to get settled before heading out.
If you’re still deciding where to get a room, explore our Places To Stay page for spectacular Skagit County lodging choices.
Afternoon: See the Tulips
Ease into your festival weekend with a visit to one official Skagit Valley Tulip Festival garden. Starting with a single garden on Day 1 gives you time to explore at a laid-back pace. And you still soak in those first unforgettable tulip views: Take your time wandering the paths and snapping photos.
Evening: Dinner, a Show, & Unwinding
For dinner, enjoy a delicious meal at COA Mexican Eatery. It’s a local favorite known for its modern Mexican dishes and welcoming atmosphere.
If you’re up for it, catch a performance or film at the historic Lincoln Theatre. Or simply unpack and unwind back at your lodging and rest up for a full day of exploration.
After a day of travel and your first taste of the tulip fields, settle into your lodging and embrace a slower pace. Whether you’re staying in a cozy B&B, a waterfront hotel, or a local vacation rental, tonight is all about preparation and rest.
Make sure to monitor the next day’s weather forecast and check our Bloom Status page for all your tulip updates.
If you haven’t already, ensure your digital tickets are on hand; cell service can be spotty in the heart of rural flower fields. A little planning tonight ushers in a stress-free experience when you head out tomorrow morning.
Day 2: A Full Day of Tulips, Towns, & Local Flavor
On your second day, you dive deep into the heart of the festival. This part of the 3-day itinerary balances tulip gardens’ high-energy beauty with waterfront communities’ historic charm.
We recommend a bloom-to-boardwalk approach. In other words, spend your morning among the flowers and your afternoon exploring the valley’s charming culture.
Morning: Explore the Tulip Fields
Get an early start! Your second day is the heart of your Skagit Valley Tulip Festival experience.
Visit one to two different tulip gardens than the day before. Morning hours typically mean fewer crowds and a more tranquil adventure.
Afternoon: Adventure Through Skagit County
After visiting the tulip gardens of your choice, head to the beautiful, quaint town of La Conner. Grab a bite to eat at Firehall Kitchen & Taphouse before you begin your stroll through the lovely waterfront town.
Wander First Street, and browse local boutiques, art galleries and specialty shops. Then, make time for the Museum of Northwest Art (MoNA) to experience rotating exhibitions from local Pacific Northwest artists. Take a leisurely walk along the boardwalk to enjoy views of the Swinomish Channel and classic small-town scenery.
Evening: Dine at the Waterfront & Stroll at Sunset
Stay in La Conner for dinner and enjoy one of the town’s many dining options, such as Nell Thorn Waterfront Bistro. Dining locally keeps your evening relaxed and walkable after a full day of exploring.
Wrap up the night with a peaceful outing through town or a glass of wine or nightcap at a local spot. Or simply enjoy a quiet evening by the water reflecting on the day’s serene sensory highlights.
Day 3: Slow Morning, Local Shopping, & Departure
Take a moment to soak in the Skagit Valley community atmosphere before concluding your Skagit Valley weekend getaway.
We designed Day 3 for a relaxed departure. This gives you time to savor a classic valley brunch and pick up unique artisan souvenirs. Plus, you head home with a taste of Skagit’s famous hospitality.
Morning: Grab Brunch
Enjoy a laid-back pace on Sunday morning with brunch at Calico Cupboard Café, a Skagit Valley classic known for generous portions and comfort-style favorites.
Afternoon: Discover Downtown Mount Vernon
Before heading home, spend some time ambling through downtown Mount Vernon, one of Skagit County’s most welcoming communities. If you’re visiting between mid- to late April, stop by the Tulip Festival’s Art Exhibit inside Small Spaces to see local tulip-inspired creativity.
Pick up road trip snacks from the Skagit Valley Food Co-op, and browse local shops like Bloom Floral Design, Kids Stuff, and the LIDO Collective. Stop by the festival office headquarters to grab official Tulip Festival merchandise as a parting souvenir.
Departure: Head Home with Colorful Memories
Leave after lunch to help avoid peak traffic. This also gives you one last relaxed window to enjoy the valley. Allow approximately 90 minutes to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, 45 minutes to Bellingham or 2 hours to Vancouver BC, depending on traffic and border conditions.
Pro tip. April weekends are incredibly popular. Booking accommodations, rental cars and Skagit Valley Tulip Festival tickets ASAP helps ensure a smooth, memorable trip. We provide bloom updates, garden and ticket information, event information, FAQs and planning tools here on the website.
Ready To Experience the Magic of Skagit County Spring?
Don’t let the magic of Skagit pass you by. Our Skagit Valley Tulip Festival 3-day itinerary lets you plan a flawless trip that balances world-class floral displays with our communities’ best.
Purchase your tulip garden tickets online. We look forward to seeing you for your extended getaway!
