A Perfect Spring Day Trip to Skagit Valley: Tulips, Treats, and Tiny Town Charm
There’s something magical about Skagit Valley. Maybe it’s the patchwork of farmland framed by snow-capped peaks, or the way small towns like Edison feel like secrets worth sharing. Whether you're chasing spring tulips or just need a breath of fresh air, here’s a one day itinerary that includes local eats, scenic walks, and plenty of charm.
Just a heads-up, the Tulip Festival can get quite busy, especially on warm days, and even more so on sunny weekends.
Stop 1: Skagit Valley Co-op – Stock Up for the Day
First things first, you’ve gotta bring a cooler with ice packs. Your day is going to be full of delicious stops, and you’ll want to keep your goodies fresh. Start at the Skagit Valley Co-op in Mount Vernon. It’s a local gem for organic snacks, fresh deli items, and the best beverage aisle.
Insider tip: Don’t leave without grabbing a Lionheart Raspberry Low Sugar Kombucha. It’s light, fizzy, and a little addicting.
Stop 2: Edison – Small Town, Big Flavor
Hop back on I-5 and head north to Edison, a blink-and-you-miss-it town packed with personality and seriously good food.
Lunch at Mariposa Taqueria – Fresh, seasonal, & full of major flavor.
Pick up bread from Breadfarm – Their loaves are legendary. You can’t go wrong with the rustic sourdough or the fig anise.
Sip rosé at Slough Foods – A quiet little wine and cheese shop with European vibes and a perfect patio for relaxing.
Grab a cookie & coffee at Tweets – Their tahini peanut butter cookie is next level and worth the detour alone. Check out their weekly fresh menu.
Edison is quirky, artsy, and fun to explore—even if you’re just strolling between stops.
Stop 3: Larrabee State Park – Beach Walk & Playtime
From the charming town of Edison, head west toward Larrabee State Park, winding down scenic Chuckanut Drive to a serene coastal escape. Wander forested trails, explore the rocky beach, and let the kids enjoy the playground. Take a deep breath of salty sea air, stretch your legs, and maybe even dip your toes in the cool, coastal waters. They even have a playground!
Final Stops: Garden Treasures & Tulip Views
Wind your way back through the valley with a few scenic, soul-filling stops:
Christianson’s Nursery – A dreamy garden center nestled into a historic farmstead. Even if you don’t buy a thing, it’s worth wandering the greenhouses. The herb selection is spectacular and a couple animals for kids to check out.
Tulip Fields – If it’s spring, you’re in luck! Cruise by Roozengaarde or Tulip Town and admire rows upon rows of color. Fair warning on nice days it can be extremely busy.
This year, we decided to skip the big-name tulip fields and opted for a quieter experience at La Conner Flats a Garden, located just across the street from Christianson’s Nursery. It’s a smaller, lesser-known spot you won’t find much about online—but that’s part of the charm. For $10 per person, we enjoyed an easy, uncrowded stroll through the blooms, with beautiful views and plenty of space to soak it all in.
Snow Goose Produce – Open seasonally, this roadside stand is known for giant ice cream cones, fresh local produce, and homemade pies. The lines can be wildly long, but go pretty fast.
Samish Bay Cheese - A creamery known for their organic, farmstead cheeses.
Bow Hill Blueberries Farm - a historic, family-run blueberry farm just a short drive from Edison. Depending on the season, you can u-pick fresh blueberries, stock up on frozen berries, or grab one of their small-batch pantry items (the blueberry powder and pickled berries are a must-try). They even have blueberry ice cream!
Skagit Valley is the kind of place that feels different every season—and every visit. Whether you're traveling with kids, friends, or solo, it offers the perfect balance of slow-paced wandering and delightful discoveries.
Winter Bonus: Birding in the Skagit Valley Flats
Skagit Valley isn’t just a spring destination—it’s magical in winter, too, especially for bird lovers. From November through February, the Skagit Valley Flats become a prime birdwatching area, drawing thousands of overwintering birds.
Look for:
Snow Geese by the thousands, filling the skies and fields with their iconic white flocks
Trumpeter and Tundra Swans resting in the wetlands
Bald Eagles soaring overhead or perched in the trees near rivers and open farmland
Bring binoculars and dress warm! Popular birding spots include Fir Island, Conway, and the Samish Flats near Edison. Many areas have viewing pullouts, and it’s an unforgettable way to experience the valley’s wild, quiet side in the off-season.
Have you explored Skagit Valley before? Drop your favorite stops in the comments—I’d love to add them to my next trip!
