Discover Camano Island, "The Easy Island"
Camano Island is the second of the two main islands in Island County with an easy drive to Seattle – no ferry required. Breathtaking vistas and views are found in hidden retreats, modern getaways, and bungalow homes. The local chamber of commerce has positioned the island as a retirement haven or vacation retreat where residents find peaceful getaways at Utsalady Bay in the north, Madrona Beach on the western shore, Driftwood Shores along Triangle Cove, and the island’s eastern coast, and southeasterly by South Camano Drive along the banks of the Saratoga Passage. Known for spectacular seafood, people are often found digging the sand for butter clams or finding mussels on the rocky shoreline.
Camano Island is just a 60-mile drive from Downtown Seattle and without ferries, tickets, or tolls, it makes the perfect destination for a day trip or weekend getaway. Here, we’re adding some of the best things to do and places to go when you visit.
Camping & Lodging
Sea Mist Waterfront Inn: Camano Island’s newest Bed & Breakfast, this inn offers beautiful views of the Saratoga Passage and a private beach. Plus, the décor has a classical, yet extremely cozy charm that’ll make you feel right at home.
The Beach House at Tyee: This is a fully furnished vacation home on the southwestern end of Camano Island that comes equipped with everything you’ll need for a comfortable stay for up to four guests. The sunsets here are epic – get ready to enjoy beautiful, colorful views skies over calm waters.
Cama Beach Cabins: Constructed out of trees from Cama Beach State Park, these cabins feature high-vaulted beam ceilings, stained glass, and lots of wood detailing. You can choose between standard cabins, deluxe cabins, and beachside bungalows depending on how many people you’re bringing with you.
Camano Island Inn: This elegant inn, situated on the western shores of Camano Island, offers spectacular year-long views of its serene water, habitat, and landscape surroundings. Amenities include a private beach, walking paths, beautiful gardens, and a relaxing spa.
Camano Island State Park: If you’re looking to spend a night or two under the stars, this is a great camping or RV destination. All campsites are first-come, first-served, so make sure to get their early if you’re headed out on a busy weekend. The vibe is mellow, yet friendly, so it’s the perfect spot to spend a relaxing, nature-filled weekend away.
The Great Outdoors
Camaloch Golf Course: If you’re looking for a fun day-time activity, look no further than the 18-hole, par 72 Camaloch Golf Course. It’s well known as having some of the best greens in the entire state and since Camano Island is located in the western Washington’s “sun belt,” you’ll be much more likely to enjoy a rain-free day of golf than in surrounding areas.
Canopy Tours Northwest: Located at Kristoferson Farm, this zip-line course offers two-and-a-half hour tours through their wooded property on six different zip lines. It’s regarded as one of the finest zipline experiences in the entire Northwest and is the perfect activity for family fun!
Freedom Park: Sponsored by the Stanwood Camano Rotary, this park was built by a group of 1,000 volunteers in just five days in 2007. A true community project, Freedom Park is loved by all and appropriate for kids of all ages—it’s a great place to bring your kids!
The Center for Wooden Boats: Located in Cama Beach State Park, this center spans over 433 acres of waterfront with a forested backdrop. It is connected to Camano Island State Park by a mile-long trail, providing easy access to both state parks. Best of all—the Center for Wooden Boats is open to all with free access to walk the beach, explore the boats, and browse the exhibits.
Camano Ridge Trail: The trail at Camano Forest Preserve is great for outdoor enthusiasts that love spending time in the great outdoors. It’s particularly beautiful in autumn when the maple trees are at their best. Spend an afternoon hiking through the forest with friends or family.
Grab a Bite
Cama Beach Cafe: Located at Cama Beach, this café operates seasonally and offers down-home comfort food including homemade soups, pastries, and sandwiches. Their breakfast offerings are made with eggs that are laid just two miles down the road so you can ensure they’re fresh (and delicious). Stop in to enjoy a nice breakfast on the deck or a late-night bite so you can watch the Cama Beach at sunset.
Rockaway Bar & Grill: After a day of golfing at the Camaloch Golf Course, stop by this local eatery that is situated on the same grounds. A beer-centric pub and restaurant, this spot is just for adults, though their take-out offerings do include kiddo options. It was voted the best place to eat on Camano Island, so you know the food has to be good!
The Camano Commons: When you’re hungry but don’t know where to go, consider coming here. With a variety of food destinations in this area, you’ll have a bounty of food options, including The Baked Café for bread, breakfast, and burgers; Tapped Camano for draft beer and pub food; Brooklyn Bro’s Pizza for New York style pizza; and Orlando’s BBQ for a family-run, Alabama-inspired menu.
The Camano Island Marketplace: Right beside the Camano Commons, you’ll find the Marketplace that has a variety of sweeter, café-style foods including pastries, espresso, organic juices, and ice cream. Yum!
Edward Lynne Cellars & Dusty Cellars Winery: When you’re in the mood for wine tasting, try out these two family owned and operated boutique venues. The best time to go is the first Saturday or Sunday of each month and make sure to keep up to date with their special themed events!
Unique Shops & Antiques
The Spare Room Flea Market: A family-run, local business, this flea market functions like an antique mall, renting space to local vendors. With over 40 local shop owners selling here, you’ll have a lot to choose from, including furniture, jewelry, garden art, and more. Plus, there are vintage, handmade, and new items to peruse!
2nd Chance Thrift Shop: Run mostly by volunteers, this thrift shop is actually a non-profit devoted to assisting the Camano Senior Services Association—in fact, they provide nearly half the budget for the association! It’s a great place to find vintage pieces and best of all, you’ll feel good about your purchase since it directly helps the community.
To learn more about Camano Island and keep up to date with special events and happenings, please visit Camano’s website, here. We love Camano Island and hope you will, too!