Skagit Valley: Tulip Festival tour from Seattle with guide

Summary

Spring colors, tulip fields & small-town charm in Skagit Valley

You’ll leave Seattle behind for Skagit Valley’s famous tulip festival, wandering colorful fields at Roozengaarde Farm and sampling local treats. Explore La Conner’s cozy streets with time for lunch, then watch snow geese gather on the delta before heading back — moments you’ll remember long after the trip.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll admit, I didn’t expect the drive north from Seattle to feel like such a shift — but somewhere after Everett, the city just sort of faded out and everything got quieter. Our guide (I think his name was Mike? Or maybe Mark — I’m terrible with names) pointed out the old strawberry fields near Marysville and told us how it used to be called “Strawberry City.” I could almost smell the sweet earth through the van window. There was a bit of drizzle on the glass, but honestly it made all those green fields look even brighter.

The first real wow moment hit at Roozengaarde Farm. You step out and there’s this patchwork of tulips — pinks, reds, yellows — stretching way further than I imagined. It’s not just flowers though; there’s chatter from families posing for photos, someone selling kettle corn (the buttery-sweet smell kind of floats everywhere), and a little beer garden tucked off to one side. We tried some local cider while dodging puddles. The trolley wasn’t running because of the weather, but nobody seemed to mind much. I did get mud on my shoes — totally worth it for that photo where my friend tried to make me laugh by pretending to be a tulip.

Afterwards we headed into La Conner. It’s one of those towns that looks like it belongs in a postcard but still feels lived-in. We had two hours to wander and eat (I went for clam chowder at a place with creaky wooden floors). There was this old guy outside an art gallery who waved at everyone passing by — he looked like he’d been doing it forever. The rain let up just enough for us to walk along the riverfront before heading back toward Seattle.

On the way home we stopped near Fir Island Farms hoping to spot snow geese. No guarantees with wildlife, right? But we lucked out — huge flocks lifting off all at once, their wings making this soft whooshing sound you could actually feel in your chest if you stood still long enough. I still think about that moment sometimes when things get too noisy back home.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Skagit Valley Tulip Festival Tour

• Depart Seattle Downtown
• Optional stop in Marysville Strawberry City
• Pass Smokey Point area
• View Mount Vernon Tulip Festival area
• Visit Roozengaarde Farm
• Explore blooming tulip fields
• Free time and dining in La Conner
• Snow Geese watching at Skagit River Delta
• Return to Seattle

Top questions

How long is the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival tour from Seattle?

The tour lasts one day with pickup and drop-off in Seattle.

Is entry to Roozengaarde Farm included?

Yes, your entrance ticket to Roozengaarde Farm is included in the tour price.

Are meals or drinks provided during the tour?

Snacks and bottled water are included; meals in La Conner are at your own expense.

Will we see snow geese on this tour?

The tour includes a stop near Fir Island Farms for snow goose watching; sightings depend on season and luck.

Is transportation included from Seattle?

Yes, round-trip transport by air-conditioned vehicle with driver guide is included from pickup to drop off in Seattle.

Are trolley rides available at Roozengaarde Farm?

Trolley rides are available weather permitting; they may not run if conditions are poor.

Can infants or small children join this tour?

Infants can join but must sit on an adult's lap or ride in a stroller/pram; public transport options are nearby as well.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup and drop-off in Seattle by air-conditioned vehicle with a local driver guide, entry ticket to Roozengaarde Farm’s tulip fields, bottled water and snacks along the way, plus parking fees covered so you can just enjoy each stop without worrying about logistics.