Peaceful Cape Cod–Style Lodge Fronting the Swinomish Channel

On a private balcony, saltwater scents fill the air while fishing boats float toward the arching Rainbow Bridge and seabirds circle above. The La Conner Channel Lodge, built by a sea captain a century ago, lends itself to such tranquil scenes—beginning in the lobby, where a river-rock fireplace radiates warmth and a live musician tickles the ivories of a grand piano on weekend evenings. From the cedar-shake shingles on the exterior to the surrounding woodland gardens, the classic northwest design of the lodge reflects the quaint, romantic character of the seaside enclave in which it resides.

In the King Parlor suite, chocolate and champagne await visitors upon check-in, inviting an evening curled up in front of the fireplace or out on the private balcony beneath a spread of stars. Luxurious touches such as the jacuzzi tub in the bathroom blend seamlessly with the cozy cottage feel of the space. After a quiet morning of gazing at sites such as the Swinomish Channel from the balcony, lodgers indulge in a pair of in-room 60-minute classic massages (included in the package) that work on full-body destressing or targeting specific aches and pains.

La Conner, Washington: Quiet Seaside Enclave off the Beaten Path

Accessed by country roads, the town of La Conner sits on the tip of the Swinomish Channel at a peaceful distance from its closest metropolises. The varied terrain in the northwest corner of Washington unveils picturesque scenery at almost every turn, where vibrant tulip fields color the ground and distant mountains stretch toward the clouds. A stroll through La Conner reveals the architectural charm of this former fishing village, glimpsed in the historical buildings and Victorian houses lining the waterside streets. Museums, including a contemporary downtown art museum filled with northwest-themed works, do their part to preserve La Conner's history and culture. Shoppers converge on First Street, where various boutiques and gift shops mingle with galleries and restaurants.

Offshore, a Coast Guard ship captain and tour guides lead boats full of passengers to explore Deception Pass, a state park known for rugged cliffs and a historical bridge rising about 180 feet above crashing waves, depending on the tide. On the open deck of catamaran-style ship, travelers get 360-degree views of the water, the bridge, and surrounding canopies of old-growth forests. Local wildlife frequently makes appearances, from sky-surfing majestic bald eagles to whales, seals, porpoises, and the occasional hitchhiking sea serpent.