Alexander Beach sits near Anacortes and the Cap Sante neighborhood in Skagit County on Fidalgo Island. While specific documentation of Alexander Beach's etymology remains limited in readily available historical records, the beach sits near Cap Sante, which was named in 1877 by Anne Bowman, wife of Anacortes founder Amos Bowman, after Cap-Santé (French for "Cape Health"), a rocky promontory overlooking the St. Lawrence River in Quebec where Anne spent much of her childhood. Anacortes itself takes its name from a Spanish-sounding adaptation of Anne Curtis Bowman's maiden name, with Amos Bowman creating the name to fit his real estate development dreams and the setting. Cap Sante was briefly known as The Portage and then Rocky Point before receiving its present name. The beach provides access to Fidalgo Bay and Puget Sound waters near this historic Anacortes headland.
Kayaking and paddleboarding launch from the beach for exploration of Fidalgo Bay and nearby waters with routes through the San Juan Islands archipelago, views of Cap Sante's rocky promontory, and opportunities to observe maritime activity at nearby marinas. Beachcombing along the shoreline reveals smooth stones, driftwood, shells, and beach glass deposited by tides and currents. Fishing yields salmon, rockfish, and other Puget Sound species during appropriate seasons. Wildlife watching includes harbor seals, bald eagles soaring and perching along the shoreline, great blue herons, and diverse seabirds including cormorants, gulls, and pigeon guillemots. Views capture Cap Sante's distinctive headland rising from the water, Anacortes maritime activity including commercial fishing fleet and recreational boats, and San Juan Islands visible across the water. The beach's proximity to Cap Sante Marina and downtown Anacortes creates access to both natural shoreline and urban waterfront amenities.
Anacortes waterfront dining offers diverse options near Alexander Beach and Cap Sante. Anthony's at Cap Sante Marina serves seafood from the scenic waterfront in downtown Anacortes at the Port of Anacortes marina, with two outside decks including one covered deck with fireplace for year-round outdoor dining and views of commercial fishing fleet and recreational boating. Secret Cove operates as a unique locally owned restaurant on the water. Adrift Restaurant creates fresh local flavors with laid-back coastal vibe in downtown Anacortes. Bob's Chowder and BBQ Salmon has been a Skagit Valley iconic seafood restaurant fixture for years. The Shrimp Shack offers great family-friendly seafood year-round next to State Route 20.
