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Walking along the beach picking up seashells and sea life, or just skipping rocks and finding the most distinct piece of driftwood, has been enjoyed by thousands of people throughout the world. There is nothing more heartwarming than watching a young child run along the beach for hours excitedly pointing out all of the fabulous creatures and seashells that can be found along the seashore.

With so many miles of shoreline on the islands, all covered with nature's treasures, it would be difficult not to find this experience enjoyable. For more detailed information and a glimpse at beach etiquette on the islands, see the Beachwatchers web site at www.beachwatchers.wsu.edu.
 
 
Camano Island State Park
Camano Island State Park is a 134-acre camping park with 6,700 feet of rocky shoreline and beach. The park provides sweeping views of the surrounding mountains.
 
Cavalero Beach County Park
On East Camano Drive just north of the Country Club area. See County Park sign. Turn on Cavalero Road. A nice beach with picnic tables and small boat launch.
 
Utsalady Bay & Point Vista Park
In the days of wood burning steamers and Alaska gold this now peaceful bay was the busiest port in Puget Sound. It still show traces of its past but the real treasures here are winter views of bald eagles gathering along the Skagit River delta and year long views of the Cascade Mountains and Whidbey Island's rugged north east shoreline. At near by Utsalady Point Vista Park, you'll find Picnic tables, Barbecue, spectacular water views, a viewing bench, and historical information board.
 
Iverson Spit Waterfront Preserve
A spit sticking out into Livingston Bay from the SE corner is this 100-acre waterfront preserve, open to public; wonderful area, and unsigned nature trail. There is graveled parking, and coming soon, is a new and improved parking area, interpretive board and signed nature trail.
 
English Boom Historical County Park
Forested, saltwater, and wetlands facing Skagit Bay. Currently in development- a designated parking area, viewing platform, ADA access, trail, and historical interpretive boards.
 
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Deception Pass State Park
(360) 675-2417
Located nine miles north of Oak Harbor. A popular outdoor activity spot.
 
Ala Spit Beach Access
A special favorite of bird watchers. A broad, open area with splendid water and mountain vistas, Ala Spit and vicinity offer unique views of the Skagit River mud flats and attendant bird and marine life. You can also clam dig there. Located off Troxell Road north of Oak Harbor.
 
West Beach
Accessed from Joseph Whidbey State Park. Located three miles northwest of Oak Harbor at Swantown and Crosby.
 
City Beach Park
Located in the heart of downtown Oak Harbor, a 28-acre waterfront park. Beautiful views of the bay and marina, on the waterfront walk. Wading pools, playgrounds, and a full-service RV park and campground, including a kayak campsite.
 
Ft. Casey State Park
Over 10,000 feet of saltwater shoreline on Puget Sound (Admiralty Inlet), including Keystone Underwater Park for SCUBA divers.
 
Penn Cove Beach Access
Primary access is along a series of shoreline roads that circle the cove including Parker Road, Front Street in Coupeville, Madrona Way and Scenic Heights Road.
 
Freeland Park
Located in Freeland, a protected cove, boat launch, playground, picnic area.
 
Double Bluff Beach
Located at the end of Double Bluff Road. Three miles of public beach, clam digging, beachcombing. Popular "off leash" area. Views of Mt. Rainier and Seattle skyline.
 
Sea Wall Park
Located below First Street in Langley. Watch bald eagles and gray whales in season. Picnic area.
 
Ebey's Landing Beach
At sea level below the swell of a beautiful shoreline bluff at the western shore near Coupeville is accessible by following Ebey Road from Highway 20. The beach is about two miles from the highway.
 
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