Tugboat Beach sits in Anacortes on Fidalgo Island in Skagit County, a small sandy beach stretching approximately 0.24 kilometers along the shoreline serving the Skyline neighborhood. The beach name likely derives from tugboat activity in Anacortes waters, though the specific naming context is not well documented in available historical records, with Anacortes developing as a maritime community supporting fishing, shipping, and boat traffic through the San Juan Islands and Puget Sound. The beach maintains primarily private access for Skyline residents though visitors may visit the shoreline, representing one of numerous small neighborhood beaches along Fidalgo Island's varied coastline. Anacortes itself takes its name from Ana Curtis, wife of early settler Amos Bowman, with the Spanish-style spelling chosen to give the town a more distinctive character.
Swimming in the protected waters attracts some visitors during warm summer days with reports that ocean water temperatures run warmer than other island locations, though the beach is not generally considered a prime swimming destination and lacks lifeguard supervision requiring swimmers to assess their own abilities and water conditions. Beachcombing along the sandy shoreline reveals smooth stones, driftwood deposits, shells from marine life, and beach glass accumulated over years of tidal action, with low tides exposing rocky areas for tide pooling. Wildlife watching includes harbor seals and otters frequenting the waters offshore, providing opportunities for marine mammal observation from the beach, with seabirds including gulls, cormorants, and mergansers utilizing the nearshore marine environment. Building sand castles and beach structures using driftwood provides entertainment for families visiting the small beach, with the intimate scale creating a quiet alternative to larger developed parks. The beach offers a destination for packing picnic lunches and relaxing on the sand while soaking up sunshine during favorable weather, though visitors should be aware that no restrooms or facilities exist on-site. Street parking near the entrance provides access without dedicated beach parking lots, maintaining the neighborhood beach character.
Anacortes dining offers seafood and waterfront options throughout the city near Tugboat Beach. Anthony's at Cap Sante Marina features fresh Northwest seafood with scenic waterfront setting at the Port of Anacortes viewing commercial fishing fleet and recreational boaters, offering two outside decks including covered deck with fireplace for year-round outdoor dining. Secret Cove serves great food with friendly service and amazing water views where seals and porpoises can be seen swimming and playing offshore. Adrift Restaurant prepares hearty New American dishes made with locally sourced meats, vegetables, and seafood in casual laid-back atmosphere emphasizing regional ingredients. 13moons Restaurant at Swinomish Casino and Lodge creates hand-cut alder wood grilled seafood and meats with freshest Northwest flavors, receiving Wine Spectator's 2025 Award of Excellence. The Shrimp Shack won Best Restaurant North Sound and Beyond recognition from Best of Western Washington 2019 and Evening Magazine.
