Discovering the Tulip Festival in Washington

Discovering the Tulip Festival in Washington

You might be surprised to learn that in Washington State, thousands of miles away from the Netherlands, there’s an annual tulip festival that rivals the famous flower fields of Holland. The Skagit Valley Tulip Festival not only attracts locals but is also an ideal spot for anyone wanting to experience the beauty of tulips without having to travel all the way to Europe.

The festival takes place throughout April each year (and may extend depending on the season) in Skagit County in the northwest of Washington. While there are vibrant activities throughout Skagit County, the main highlights are found at four gardens and farms: RoozenGaarde, Garden Rosalyn, Tulip Town, and Tulip Valley Farms.

Joining the Festival

Visitors have two options to participate in the festival: you can either map out a route around the tulip farms to admire the blooms from a distance for free, or purchase admission to get up close and join in on-site activities. Each farm and garden has different entry fees.

RoozenGaarde is the largest of the four gardens, boasting over a million bulbs across 50 acres, showcasing tens of millions of tulips. Garden Rosalyn, while smaller, is equally impressive with its seven acres of tulip fields and charming landscape features like a pond and a Dutch-style windmill.

Must-Visit Spots

If you’re considering purchasing tickets, Tulip Town and Tulip Valley Farms are two places worth investing your time and money. At Tulip Town, ticket prices range from around $15 to $21 depending on the day, which includes parking, access to indoor and outdoor displays, and seasonal food and drinks for those of legal drinking age. At Tulip Valley Farms, entry fees are about $16 to $18, with an additional charge if you want to pick your own tulips.

One exciting feature is that Tulip Valley Farms hosts a Night Bloom experience on select evenings throughout the festival.

The Mount Vernon Area

If you plan to visit the tulip festival, the Mount Vernon area where the festival takes place is a fantastic addition to your Pacific Northwest road trip. This region lies between Seattle and Vancouver, and if you visit in April to enjoy the tulips, you’ll definitely need a car— the flower farms stretch about 15 miles, and festival events are held at various locations throughout the county, including BBQs, afternoon teas, street fairs, art exhibitions, and photo contests.

Accommodation Near the Festival

Since the tulip farms spread over a vast area of Skagit County—and traffic can quickly become congested during peak bloom season—many people choose to turn this trip into an overnight getaway rather than trying to see everything in one day. Staying in La Conner or Mount Vernon will make it easy to reach the main tulip farms and allow you to arrive early before the crowds.

The La Conner Channel Lodge is located right by the Swinomish Channel and is just a short walk from the restaurants and shops in La Conner. It’s an ideal stopover that doesn’t feel too far from the festival area.

Romantic Getaways

For couples, staying just outside of town or along the coast offers a unique experience, especially if you visit midweek or during off-peak times. The Heron Inn & Day Spa in La Conner is a charming option with an on-site spa and a location away from the busy roads, providing a relaxing retreat after a long day exploring the farms.

An Airbnb cabin by the coast near La Conner is also a delightful choice. This cabin sits right on the shore with views of Whidbey Island and the Olympic Mountains, offering privacy for those who wish to escape the hustle and bustle of the festival.

More Information

For additional information on deals and places to stay, dine, and shop during your trip to Skagit Valley, you can download the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival Passport app.