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Once an island girl, always an island girl! I grew up looking at Camano Island, just across Puget Sound from Whidbey Island, the island I grew up on. With just the Saratoga Passage separating the two islands, I am almost ashamed to admit I had yet to visit until very recently.
Just a short drive off the mainland, sleepy and beautiful Camano Island is about a one-and-a-half-hour drive north of Seattle on Interstate 5. Separated from the mainland by a sliver of water, Camano Island is the perfect destination for a weekend island getaway.
I recently partnered with Go Whidbey Camano for a weekend adventure on Camano and was so grateful to finally have some time to explore this picturesque Pacific Northwest island. With a handful of restaurants, a few country style grocery stores, two beautiful state parks, easy beach access, fascinating fine art galleries and breathtaking views of the Olympic Mountains and Puget Sound, Camano Island is a treasure island getaway.
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My husband, S, and I headed north on Interstate 5 from our home in Seattle on Saturday morning and made it to Camano Island just in time for a most delicious brunch hosted by Cama Beach Cafe. Located inside Cama Beach State Park, Cama Beach Cafe is worth the drive alone to Camano.
With views of the Saratoga Passage, outside seating when the weather is nice under Madrone and Cedar Trees, amazing customer service and outstanding food, Cama Beach Cafe is an absolute hidden gem of a cafe with an amazing view. (I'm not kidding when I say this cafe is a hidden gem, if almost an island secret. There no signs or advertising and it's hidden inside a state park!)
I still dream about the swedish pancakes and scones. My husband still talks about his biscuits and gravy. Brunch at Cama Beach Cafe was quite possibly one of the best Pacific Northwest meals we've ever eaten! We left with pie and plans to return. (see our amazing meal at Cama Beach Cafe on Instagram HERE + HERE!)
Following brunch we left Cama Beach State Park, with plans to return the next day to explore the park more. We made a quick stop at nearby Camano Island State Park for a short walk in nature and to stretch our legs after the drive from Seattle.
Camano Island State Park is a 134 acre park offering beach-combing, trails for hiking, an underwater park for scuba diving, year round fishing, seasonal clamming and campsites and cabins for overnight stays. We took note and considered the park for a return camping visit and headed north on West Camano Drive to the Camano Island Inn to check-in.
The Camano Island Waterfront Inn, Restaurant and Spa is a beautiful nine room waterfront inn with incredible Saratoga Passage views. Just a close drive from both Cama Beach State Park and Camano Island State Park and centrally located on the island, the Camano Island Inn offers waterfront views in a serene setting with a warm and inviting ambience.
From our private waterfront deck I enjoyed looking cross the Saratoga Passage to Whidbey and soaking in our private hot tub while stargazing. I slept like a baby in our plush bed with the fluffiest of blankets and enjoyed a delicious breakfast of pancakes Sunday morning. With a private beach, walking trails, and gardens (don't miss the moon gate!), this treasure of an inn is a warm sanctuary I never wanted to leave.
But we did, because we had more of Camano Island to explore!
After checking in to the inn, we headed to Dusty Cellars Winery for a hosted wine tasting. A small family owned and operated winery, Dusty Cellars, with award winning wines and part of the North Sound Wine Trail, is committed to hand crafting the finest wines with fruit from Eastern Washington's best vineyards. We particularly enjoyed the Spartan and Temperanillo! (see our visit to Dusty Cellars on Instagram HERE!)
For our Saturday night dinner we decided on the Rockaway Grill, located on the Camaloch Golf Course. It was the perfect choice for a relaxing evening with beautiful views. We enjoyed sitting at the bar, having the opportunity to chat with locals and the food was delicious!
After a restful night sleep and fireside breakfast, we checked out of the Camano Island Inn and headed back to Cama Beach State Park for some exploring. In addition to the location of the incredible Cama Beach Cafe, Cama Beach Historical State Park is a spectacular forested 472-acre waterfront park and the site of a historic fishing resort.
From the 1930s to the 1960s, Cama Beach was a summer destination for families to rent cabins, boats and fishing gear and enjoy activities. Newly restored in 2008, you can once again rent a waterfront cedar cabin or bungalow and enjoy the scenic beauty of Camano Island's southwest shore! They have been refurbished with modern conveniences (electricity, heat) and are available to rent year round.
Also located in Cama Beach State Park is the Center for Wooden Boats, which offers boat rentals and sailing lessons. S and I enjoyed exploring Cama Beach and noted we definitely wanted to rent a cabin there in the future for an overnight stay, possibly along with a sail.
Our next stop was Kristoferson Farm, a family owned farm that has been an active agricultural enterprise for over 100 years run by six generations. Kristoferson Farm offers farm to table dinners, a zip-line through the tree canopy with Canopy Tours Northwest, a challenge course, crafting workshops, a fall festival, and is the perfect spot for hosting special events.
We visited the gift shop, the perfect spot for a Camano Island souvenir. Think lavender, jams and butters from from Kristoferson Farm, as well as t-shirts, hats, postcards and local island wines (we even spotted Dusty Cellars!)
Our final island destination for the weekend was the Camano Island Marketplace. Home to Camano Island Coffee Roasters (such a caffeine dream!) and the Pierre Fauvet Pastry Cafe & Bakery (hello almond croissants!), the commons is considered the "hub" of Camano Island and the perfect last spot to catch a snap for the 'gram.
Thank you so much Go Whidbey Camano for an amazing weekend on Camano Island! We can't wait to go back!
What's your favorite weekend getaway? Please leave your travel tips in the comments!
xoxo
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