Beaches

South of the border...

Anacortes
Washington Park at the northwest tip of Fidalgo Island has a couple of rocky beaches that can be reached via a scenic 2.2 mile paved loop for pedestrians, bicycles and autos.

San Juan Island
Heading south from Friday Harbor and past American Camp you will find South Beach, a two mile long stretch of sand, rock and driftwood, a place where you really get away from it all.

Bellingham
Clayton Beach is found in Larrabee State Park off Chuckanut Drive. It’s a beautiful drive to the park and then a ¾ mile walking trail to the beach. Wonderful rocks to climb on and explore.

Marine Park is just down from Fairhaven. The peaceful stretch of land offers views of the San Juan islands and a respite from the city.

Boulevard Park is situated on Bellingham Bay between downtown and Fairhaven with walking trails to each area but there’s still plenty of parking if you bring your car.

Birch Bay
Birch Bay State Park has 8,255 feet of saltwater shoreline and is located at the south end of Birch Bay. A great beach for clamming, crabbing and building sandcastles. Plenty of picnic tables.

Blaine
Marine Park features a walking trail along Semiahmoo Bay overlooking White Rock. Several shelters provide an ideal setting for sunset picnic dining. Concerts are played in the amphitheater.

Semiahmoo Park is located on the 1.5 mile Semiahmoo sandspit. Visit the Drayton Harbor Maritime Museum and walk to Semiahmoo Resort for lunch at Packers Restaurant.

Point Roberts
Lighthouse Marine Park is located on the southwest corner of Point Roberts. While it doesn’t have a lighthouse, it does have a boat launch and offers spectacular sunsets, picnic shelters and the best land-based whale watching. Educate yourself at the Lifeforce Foundation Orca Center.

Maple Beach has the warmest swimming water in Puget Sound. Located on the northeast corner of Point Roberts the tide goes out almost a mile, making the beach fun to explore at low tide.

North of the Border...

White Rock, B.C.
White Rock Beach is a popular destination for its 1,500 foot long pier and proximity to Marine Drive which is lined with restaurants, shops and galleries.

Crescent Beach is located on the northern end of Semiahmoo Bay and has a quieter, more rustic feel.

Crescent Rock Naturist Beach is just south of Crescent Beach past the boulder. Clothing is optional.

Tsawwassen, B.C.
Centennial Beach is on Boundary Bay. It has lovely views and a sandy beach with warm water. Popular for picnics and volleyball games. Nature trails and interpretive signs make it a great place for families to explore.

Richmond, B.C.
Despite being next to Vancouver International Airport, Iona Beach Regional Park offers visitors a sandy beach to stretch out on beside some driftwood. Two jetties shelter the beach.