Pelican Beach sits in Anacortes in Skagit County on Fidalgo Island, though specific location details and historical documentation about this beach are limited in available records. The beach name likely derives from pelicans, large seabirds that visit Pacific Northwest waters including brown pelicans that have expanded their range northward in recent decades appearing along Washington's coast and inland waters. Anacortes developed as the largest and only city on Fidalgo Island with population of 17,637 at the 2020 census, positioned approximately 60 miles north of Seattle serving as the gateway to the San Juan Islands with Washington State Ferries departing from the Anacortes terminal. Fidalgo Island connects to the mainland via the Swinomish Channel and to Whidbey Island via the Deception Pass Bridge, creating a strategic location for maritime commerce, recreation, and island access.
Beach activities likely include swimming, beachcombing, and wildlife watching typical of Anacortes shoreline locations along Fidalgo Island's varied coastline encompassing protected bays, rocky points, and sandy beaches facing Rosario Strait, Guemes Channel, Padilla Bay, and other water bodies surrounding the island. Wildlife watching in the Anacortes area provides opportunities to observe brown pelicans diving for fish during warmer months when these large seabirds visit northern waters, bald eagles year-round fishing and perching in shoreline conifers, great blue herons stalking shallow waters, harbor seals hauling out on rocks and beaches, and diverse seabirds including cormorants, gulls, scoters, and loons utilizing productive marine ecosystems. Beachcombing reveals smooth stones, driftwood, shells, and beach glass deposited by tidal action along Puget Sound and Salish Sea shorelines. Kayaking and paddleboarding launch from Anacortes area beaches for exploration of island shorelines, channels between islands, and routes toward the San Juan Islands archipelago visible to the west. Fishing from shore yields bottom fish and salmon during appropriate seasons. Views from Anacortes beaches typically capture combinations of the San Juan Islands, Olympic Mountains, Cascade peaks including Mount Baker, and maritime activity including ferries, fishing vessels, pleasure boats, and occasional commercial ships navigating regional waterways.
Anacortes dining offers seafood and waterfront restaurants throughout Fidalgo Island's largest city. Anthony's at Cap Sante Marina occupies downtown Anacortes at the Port with scenic waterfront setting viewing commercial fishing fleet and recreational boating, featuring two outside decks including covered deck with fireplace and fresh Northwest seafood. Secret Cove provides hidden gem with amazing water views where seals and porpoises swim and play, serving great food with friendly service. Adrift Restaurant prepares hearty New American dishes with locally sourced meats, vegetables, and seafood in casual atmosphere. 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 earned Best Restaurant North Sound and Beyond from Best of Western Washington 2019 and Evening Magazine recognition.
