Are you looking for a quiet place to spend the weekend that includes art, nature, and outdoor activities? This Camano Island day trip itinerary for 2 days will show you the best things to see on the island, from beautiful state parks to cute art shops. Camano Island is a great place to get away from the city without having to deal with boats. It’s only an hour’s drive from Seattle. This plan includes all the best things to do in two amazing days, whether you like to hike, explore the beach, or just relax.
Here are the best things to do on Camano Island with your family for 2 days.
Day 1: Exploring Nature and Outdoor Activities
Morning: Cama Beach State Park
Start your first day at Camano Beach State Park, one of the most loved places on Camano Island because it combines natural beauty with historic charm. This park is on the western end and used to be a fishing spot in the 1930s. It still has an old-world charm. When you see the historic homes in the park, you will feel like you have stepped back in time. Many of them have been beautifully renovated so that they look exactly like they did when they were first built. The romantic, jungle-like atmosphere of the park is kept alive by these homes that remind us of the times when families used to come here for summer vacations.
Start your day with a slow stroll on the sandy beach that stretches for miles along the Saratoga Passage. Wildlife fans will love the beach. If you are lucky, you might spot harbor seals, sea lions or even gray whales passing by. There are plenty of seabirds in the nearby waters, and bald eagles can often be seen perched in old trees. Don’t forget to bring your camera as you may spot wildlife on occasion, which will make your trip even more exciting.
The park has several well-maintained hiking trails that wind through the forests and along the shore, giving hikers the opportunity to see different views at every turn. The Bluff Trail is a must-see as it gives you amazing views of Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains in the distance. This easy to moderate hike passes through both the forests and the coast, so it’s great for people of all skill levels. Cama Beach is a peaceful place to enjoy nature, whether you want to go on a morning hike or a leisurely stroll.
The Interpretive Center at Cama Beach has interesting exhibits about the area’s culture and natural past for those interested in history. Learn about the time when this area was a place for fishing, the Native American groups that previously lived there, and the animals that lived in this setting. This is a great place for families to go as there are shows for children.
There are picnic tables and benches along the shore where you can relax and take in the views of the Cascade Mountains and Puget Sound. Cama Beach is a great place to start your two-day trip to Camano Island, whether you want to take a walk, look for shells, or just relax.
Lunch: Camano Island Marketplace or Picnic at the Park
After a morning of fun outdoors, it’s time to get back to energy. The Camano Island Marketplace is a local hub with a variety of restaurants to suit every taste. The marketplace is more than just a cafe; there are plenty of local food vendors and art shops, so it’s a great place to browse while you eat. You can grab a breakfast sandwich, a fresh pastry, or a great salad, all made with nearby produce. People visit the market for freshly made coffee, which is great for keeping you refreshed in the middle of the day.
If you prefer to eat with a view, you can pack a lunch and head to one of the island’s beautiful camping areas. Camano Beach State Park has beautiful picnic tables right by the water where you can eat your food and enjoy the sound of the waves. You can also visit Camano Island State Park, which has dedicated picnic sites with lots of trees and plants. You can also find quiet places to picnic at the Iverson Spit Preserve, which is made up of marshes and open areas.
For a more private experience, bring a blanket and eat your lunch at one of the beaches that aren’t too busy, such as Barnum Point. You can enjoy the view of Puget Sound from above.
Afternoon: Visit Camano Island State Park and Iverson Spit Preserve
After a relaxing lunch, head to Camano Island State Park, a 173-acre natural oasis with many fun things to do outdoors. The park’s 6,700 feet of rocky shoreline makes it a great place for those who love to walk on the beach, dive into tide pools, and watch marine life. At low tide, you can see interesting tide pools filled with crabs, sea stars, and other animals that live near the shore. There are also beautiful views of the Saratoga Passage and the Olympic Mountains across the water from the beach, which is filled with pebbles.
At Camano Island State Park, you can not only go hiking, but also explore the shoreline by boat. Rentals are offered on site so you can paddle out into the calm waters of Saratoga Passage. If you do this, you can see the island from a different angle as you walk along the steep cliffs and may even spot seals, otters, and the occasional orca. The park also has several places where fishing enthusiasts like to cast their line.
In the late afternoon take a short drive to the northeastern part of the island to visit Iverson Spit Preserve. This secret gem isn’t as well-known, but it’s an even better place to relax and unwind. The park has plenty of ponds, salt marshes, and sand dunes, making it a great place to spot wildlife. The trails are mostly flat and easy, so people of all fitness levels can use them. Birds like herons, eagles, and kingfishers can be spotted while walking the Perimeter Trail, which offers beautiful views of the tidal flats.
Your afternoon will be filled with opportunities to connect with nature at its best, whether you want to explore the varied landscapes of Camano Island State Park or the peaceful beauty of Iverson Spit Preserve.
Evening: Sunset at Barnum Point
Barnum Point is one of the most beautiful and peaceful places on Camano Island. It’s a great way to end your first day. Barnum Point is on the eastern side of the island and offers views of Port Susan Bay, the Cascade Mountains in the distance, and Mount Baker on a clear day. This 129-acre park is a true secret gem. It’s not as busy as some of the other attractions on the island, so it’s a great place to spend a quiet evening.
Barnum Point is known for its varied environments such as coastal cliffs, tidal flats, and forested areas. Sunsets in front of this mix of landscapes will be a beautiful sight. There are easy trails leading to the beach or lookout points, where chairs are placed so you can watch the sun set.
If you like taking photos, Barnum Point is magical. These viewpoints are great for taking photos of the island scenery at dusk, when the calm waters of Port Susan are lit up with golden light and the Cascade Mountains can be seen in the background.
Those who prefer wine can also choose from a carefully selected list of local Washington wines that go well with your meal while you relax and enjoy the sound of the water nearby.
By the end of the evening, you will not only have eaten some of the best food on Camano Island, but you will also experience the peace and beauty that makes this island such a unique place to visit.
Day 2: Art, Culture, and Relaxation
Morning: Sculpture Park and Local Art Galleries
Explore the art scene on your second day on Camano Island, which is home to a vibrant community of makers and artists. Start your day by visiting the Matzke Fine Art Gallery and Sculpture Park. Art lovers will love it. Modern sculptures stand out among lush gardens, tall trees, and tranquil ponds in this beautiful 10-acre park, which blends art and nature in a way that is truly unique. Along the park’s winding paths, you’ll see more than 100 sculptures made of metal, stone, wood, glass, and other materials. Each one is carefully placed to blend in with the natural surroundings.
Inside the Matzke Gallery, there are changing exhibits that showcase the work of some of the Pacific Northwest’s best artists. Paintings, glass work, pottery, and mixed media are just some of the art you can see here. All of these show how deeply this island is connected to both art and nature. In addition to showcasing art, the gallery gives visitors the chance to interact with artists during classes and special events. This is a great opportunity to learn more about how they make art and what inspires them.
After that, continue your art exploration by visiting one of the many shops run by local artists that are scattered throughout the Camano Island.
People love visiting Camano Island Pottery because they can watch skilled artists create one-of-a-kind pottery right before their eyes. These unique pieces are often influenced by the island’s coastal scenery. They feature earthy colors and natural textures that look like the area’s natural features. There are also unique items here that you can buy and keep or give as gifts.
Next, visit The Seagrass Gallery, which is another great place on the island to see a wide range of handmade goods made by local artists. The store has a wide range of art, from sculptures made of blown glass to jewelry with elaborate designs. It also has paintings and photographs that show how people live on the island. Each piece has a story to tell, and the artists here often use things from the island, like sea glass, driftwood, and local plants.
Sunyshore Studios is another great place to visit. It’s a friendly, warm atmosphere where you can see watercolor landscapes, oil paintings, and other art inspired by the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest. The studios often have shows with artists from different generations of the island, telling a rich story about the island’s artistic history.
Lunch: Farm-to-Table Dining at Kristoferson Farm
For lunch, try some of Camano Island’s traditional foods by visiting the famous Kristoferson Farm, which has been run by the same family for over 100 years. The farm is renowned for its environmentally friendly farming practices and its dedication to providing the community with fresh, organic food from the surrounding farms. Surrounded by tall trees and rolling fields, the farm is a peaceful and beautiful place to dine.
Farm-to-table dining is everything at Kristoferson Farm. Every dish is made with vegetables grown on the farm or from nearby local farmers. This ensures that the food is fresh and reflects what Camano Island has to offer at that time of year. The Camao Beach Café located on the farm is a hidden gem. Its delicious menu changes with the seasons so guests can enjoy the best of the island’s rich soil.
Visitors to Kristoferson Farms can dine, take a farm tour, or simply stroll through the beautiful lavender fields, where the scent of the plants is very relaxing. The farm often offers events and classes about sustainable farming, farm crafts, and even lavender distilling. These give visitors a chance to learn about the farm’s commitment to farming in a way that’s good for the environment.
Afternoon: Freedom Park and Kristoferson Farm Ziplining
Take your time during lunch and then visit Freedom Park to relax and enjoy the natural beauty of Camano Island. This park is run by the community and has plenty of open space, picnic sites, and a large playground for children of all ages. The wooden castle is the main attraction of the park. Kids can climb, explore, and exercise their brains while you’re relaxing. The open areas around the park provide plenty of space to play Frisbee or kites or simply lay down a blanket and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere. Freedom Park is a great place for families to relax and have fun at the same time. It’s a great place to spend an afternoon relaxing.
What makes Freedom Park unique is that it’s based on the idea of togetherness. The park, which was paid for by donations from families and businesses on Camano Island, is a sign of how close and helpful the community is. The park has several picnic tables shaded by tall trees, making it a great place for lunch. The island has a quiet atmosphere that you can enjoy with a packed lunch or snack while watching the kids play.
For those who like to try new things, Kristoferson Farms is a great place to visit, both for delicious farm-to-table meals and thrilling ziplining. The farm has one of the many exciting ziplines in the Northwest that take you above the island’s lush forest. This tour features six ziplines, the longest of which is over 660 feet. From the top, you can see the farm’s winding fields and the beautiful Puget Sound in the distance. As you go from platform to platform, trained guides tell you interesting facts about the area’s past, the wildlife that lives nearby, and the farm’s eco-friendly practices.
Evening: Quiet Beach Walk
As day two comes to an end, relax by strolling to one of Camano Island’s many peaceful beaches. Maple Grove Beach is a great choice. It’s a secret spot that’s less frequented and has a quiet, private atmosphere. This beautiful beach has expansive views of Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains, making it a great spot for a quiet evening stroll. As you walk along the beach, the sound of the calm water lapping against the pebbles is soothing. Beachcombing is a great activity at Maple Grove Beach, where you can look for driftwood, sea glass, and shells. When the tide is low, the beach transforms and many tidal ponds appear, filled with crabs, small fish, and bright sea anemones.
Now is a great time to watch the island’s coastal environment at work and perhaps spot a great blue heron or eagle soaring overhead. You can also head to Iverson Spit Preserve for a similarly peaceful adventure. The Spit’s large salt ponds and mudflats are very quiet at night and have some of the most beautiful sunset views on the island. You’ll be able to watch one of the most beautiful nature shows on the island as the sky turns from golden to deep purple. The wide, flat paths along Iverson Spit make it easy to walk. At dusk, the scene changes dramatically; seabirds call from afar, and the stillness of the marsh creates a calm, contemplative atmosphere.
Where to Stay on Camano Island
For a truly immersive experience, consider these exceptional lodging options on Camano Island.
1. Cama Beach State Park Cabins
Staying in one of the vintage homes at Cama Beach State Park is a great way to enjoy the outdoors. These country rooms were built in the 1930s for fishing. They have modern amenities while still retaining their vintage charm. The homes have spectacular views of Saratoga Passage and the natural beauty surrounding them as they are right on the water’s edge. Wake up in the morning to the gentle sound of the waves and head straight to the beach to find seashells, tide pools, and hiking trails. Each home has basic amenities, such as a full kitchen, so you can cook your own meals while out in the wilderness. The park is a unique and peaceful place to relax because of its historic feel and beautiful scenery.
2. Camano Island Inn
If you want a nice place to stay, the Camano Island Inn is a great choice. This cute little inn has rooms that are tastefully decorated and offer beautiful views of the Puget Sound. The inn’s kitchen focuses on creating meals using fresh, seasonal ingredients from the island and surrounding area. This inn is the perfect place for a love break or a relaxing getaway as it has a cozy, high-end feel. You can have a relaxing breakfast on the patio, take a stroll along the water, or after a day of exploring, relax in the warmth of your room.
3. Camano Island State Park Campsites
For people who love camping, Camano Island State Park has several sites that are suitable for both traditional and basic camping. The park has well-maintained campsites with clean bathrooms and showers, and more basic sites that offer a more basic experience. You can fully enjoy the island’s natural beauty while camping here. Hiking trails, beaches, and spectacular views of the local scenery are all nearby. At night, you can sleep under the stars, and in the morning, you can wake up to clean North American air.
Additional Tips for Your Camano Island Trip
1. Pack for the Weather
The weather on Camano Island isn’t always reliable, probably because it’s so close to the water. It’s important to bring clothing because even in the summer it can be cool in the mornings and at night. As the weather changes, a small jacket or sweater will keep you warm. Rain gear is a must for the colder months because the Pacific Northwest gets a lot of rain, especially in the fall and winter. Also, sturdy, waterproof shoes are a must if you want to explore the island’s many trails and beaches. Being prepared will allow you to enjoy your outdoor activities without any pain.
2. Wildlife Spotting
One of the best things about visiting Camano Island is seeing the amazing wildlife that lives there. To see the wildlife, make sure you bring a pair of good glasses or a camera that can zoom. Bird watchers love the island because it is home to a variety of birds, such as beautiful bald eagles, herons, and ospreys. While you are there, keep an eye out for seals resting on the rocks or swimming near the beach. If you are lucky, you may even spot a gray whale or orca passing through Puget Sound. The best time to see the wildlife is early in the morning or late in the afternoon, when they are at their busiest.
3. Local Events
Before you visit Camano Island, check out their event list to plan a better trip. Throughout the year, there are many community events on the island, such as art walks, farmers markets, and seasonal fairs featuring area artists, farmers, and craftspeople. Many people look forward to the Camano Island Studio Tour and the Camano Island Crab Derby each year. The studio tour gives you the opportunity to visit workshops of local artists. Going to one of these events is a great way to learn about the island’s history, meet locals, and learn more about what makes it special.
Conclusion
Camano Island is a great place to get away from the busy city for two days because it has beautiful natural scenery, a rich artistic culture, and plenty of things to do outdoors. The Camano Island Day Trip Itinerary 2 Days shows you the best things to do on the island, so your short trip will be both relaxing and fun. There’s something for everyone on Camano Island, from climbing and swimming to visiting art shops and eating fresh seafood. Today is the day to plan a trip to visit this hidden gem in the Pacific Northwest and enjoy its beauty and tranquility.