Anaco Beach takes its name as a shortened combination of Anacortes and coast, reflecting its location in the city of Anacortes on Fidalgo Island's shoreline. Anacortes itself carries a romanticized Spanish-sounding adaptation of Anna Curtis, the maiden name of Anne Curtis Bowman, wife of early Fidalgo Island settler and town promoter Amos Bowman, who platted the town in 1876 and gave it this distinctive name to better fit his real estate development dreams and the area's scenic setting. The beach sits along Anaco Beach Road in the Clearidge neighborhood, providing residents and visitors access to the protected waters of Puget Sound with views across Rosario Strait toward the San Juan Islands. Fidalgo Island, where Anacortes and Anaco Beach are located, takes its name from Spanish explorer and cartographer Salvador Fidalgo who explored these waters in 1790, adding layers of maritime heritage to the area. The beach features typical Pacific Northwest characteristics with mixed sand and gravel shoreline, driftwood deposits from winter storms, and the gentle lapping of sound waters against the shore. As the gateway to the San Juan Islands, Anacortes serves as departure point for Washington State Ferries, making Anaco Beach part of a vibrant maritime community where commercial fishing, pleasure boating, and ferry traffic create constant waterfront activity.
Beachcombing at Anaco Beach reveals smooth stones polished by Puget Sound currents, driftwood in various sculptural forms, shells from local mollusks, and occasional sea glass worn smooth by wave action. Tide pooling during low tides exposes marine life including purple and orange sea stars, green anemones, hermit crabs, barnacles, and various intertidal species adapted to the twice-daily rhythm of tidal exposure. Bird watching rewards observers with sightings of great blue herons stalking the shallows for fish, bald eagles perched in shoreline conifers or soaring overhead, various duck species including scoters and mergansers, and gulls patrolling for food opportunities. Kayaking from Anaco Beach allows exploration of Fidalgo Island's protected shorelines and access to nearby islands, though paddlers should monitor weather and currents as conditions can change quickly. Fishing from shore attracts anglers pursuing salmon during migration seasons, bottom fish, and other Puget Sound species, with regulations requiring proper licensing and adherence to seasonal restrictions. Walking along the beach provides gentle exercise combined with salt air and water views, popular with local residents seeking daily waterfront access. Photography captures island views across Rosario Strait, dramatic Pacific Northwest weather patterns, wildlife encounters, and the interplay of light on water throughout changing seasons. Swimming is possible during warmer summer months when Puget Sound temperatures rise slightly, though the water remains cold enough to require wetsuits for extended immersion, and no lifeguards patrol this neighborhood beach. The residential setting creates a local beach atmosphere rather than tourist destination, with neighbors sharing this coastal amenity.
Anacortes offers diverse dining showcasing Pacific Northwest ingredients and maritime influences. Anthony's at Cap Sante provides scenic waterfront dining at the Port of Anacortes Cap Sante Marina overlooking the commercial fishing fleet and recreational boats, featuring fresh Alaska salmon, local halibut, Puget Sound mussels and clams, spot prawns, and classic seafood preparations, with two outside decks including one covered deck with fireplace for year-round outdoor dining. A'Town Bistro delivers farm-to-table delights with seasonal menus highlighting local produce, creative preparations of northwest ingredients, craft cocktails featuring regional spirits, and intimate atmosphere perfect for special occasions. Bastion Brewing Company at the entrance to the San Juan Islands features a seven-barrel brewing system crafting clean and flavorful ales and lagers paired with fast-casual dining menu including burgers, sandwiches, salads, and appetizers designed to complement their handcrafted beers. Adrift Restaurant serves Pacific Northwest cuisine with water views, featuring fresh seafood daily specials highlighting the best catches, locally sourced meats and produce, creative preparations, and seasonal menu changes. Dad's Diner provides classic American comfort food in a casual family-friendly setting, serving hearty breakfasts with pancakes and omelettes, burgers and sandwiches for lunch, homestyle entrees, and desserts perfect for refueling after beach exploration.
