Sunrise Beach sits in Anacortes in Skagit County on Fidalgo Island, serving as a community gathering location for events including the annual Anacortes Polar Bear Plunge on New Year's Day bringing several hundred people to the beach for cold water swimming tradition. The beach name likely derives from its eastern exposure creating optimal conditions for watching sunrise over the Cascade Mountains and nearby islands, with morning light illuminating the water and shoreline. Anacortes developed as Fidalgo Island's largest city with 17,637 residents at the 2020 census, positioned as the gateway to the San Juan Islands approximately 60 miles north of Seattle with ferry terminal, maritime industries, and extensive shoreline access along the island's varied coastline. Washington Park encompasses 220 acres on Fidalgo Island's northwestern tip providing recreational facilities including beaches, boat launch, trails, and picnic areas managed by the city of Anacortes.
Swimming attracts hardy participants year-round including the New Year's Day Polar Bear Plunge creating community tradition of cold water immersion to start the new year, with warmer summer months bringing more conventional swimming when water temperatures moderate though Puget Sound waters remain cool requiring tolerance for Pacific Northwest marine conditions. Beachcombing along the shoreline reveals smooth stones, driftwood, shells, and beach glass deposited by tidal action and currents. Wildlife watching includes bald eagles soaring overhead and fishing nearshore waters, great blue herons stalking tideline areas, harbor seals occasionally visible in Anacortes waters, and diverse seabirds including cormorants, gulls, and loons utilizing productive marine ecosystems. Views from the beach capture sunrise over the Cascade Mountains to the east with Mount Baker's distinctive volcanic peak visible on clear days rising to 10,781 feet, and panoramas of nearby islands, channels, and maritime activity including ferries departing the Anacortes terminal for the San Juan Islands. Kayaking and paddleboarding launch from the beach for exploration of Fidalgo Island shorelines with routes toward Washington Park's varied coastline, Guemes Channel separating Fidalgo from Guemes Island, and protected waters suitable for paddle craft. Fishing from shore yields bottom fish and seasonal salmon runs when regulations permit. The beach's role as community gathering place for events like the Polar Bear Plunge reflects Anacortes' strong community identity and connection to waterfront traditions.
Anacortes dining features seafood restaurants and waterfront options throughout the city. Anthony's at Cap Sante Marina sits in downtown Anacortes at the Port with scenic waterfront setting viewing commercial fishing fleet and recreational boating activity, offering two outside decks including covered fireplace deck and fresh Northwest seafood. Secret Cove creates hidden gem atmosphere with amazing water views where seals and porpoises swim offshore, serving great food with friendly service. Adrift Restaurant prepares hearty New American dishes using locally sourced meats, vegetables, and seafood in casual laid-back setting. 13moons Restaurant at Swinomish Casino and Lodge features hand-cut alder wood grilled seafood and meats with freshest Northwest flavors, receiving Wine Spectator's 2025 Award of Excellence. The Shrimp Shack won Best Restaurant North Sound and Beyond recognition from Best of Western Washington 2019 and Evening Magazine.
