Nestled in the Pacific Northwest, Point Roberts, Washington, offers visitors a unique and charming destination. Known for its picturesque landscapes and quaint community atmosphere, this small town is an ideal spot for travelers seeking tranquility and adventure. With many activities and attractions suitable for all ages, Point Roberts guarantees an unforgettable experience for all who visit.
A highlight for art enthusiasts visiting Point Roberts is the Blue Heron Gallery, which features a wide array of local artistic talents and handcrafted items. For outdoor lovers, a visit to Lighthouse Marine Park offers stunning coastline views and opportunities for wildlife sightings. History buffs can delve into the past at Point Roberts History Center, where photos and information on the town’s history are housed.
Whether you’re interested in exploring nature reserves or browsing unique gift shops, Point Roberts has something for everyone. Visitors will enjoy modern amenities, charming shops, and fascinating historical attractions while experiencing the town’s unmistakable coastal charm.
Table of Contents
Point Roberts’ Geographical Location
Point Roberts is a unique pene-exclave located in the state of Washington. This small community is situated on the Tsawwassen Peninsula, just south of Vancouver, Canada. Despite being part of the United States, it can only be accessed by land through Canada, making it a geographical oddity.
With a population of just 1,191 residents as of the latest census, Point Roberts offers a quiet escape for those seeking a break from the hustle and bustle of city life. This serene destination is surrounded by water on three sides, with the Strait of Georgia to the west, Boundary Bay to the east, and the water of the Salish Sea to the south.
Given its location, Point Roberts is a haven for water-based activities such as boating, sailing, and kayaking. The Point Roberts Marina provides facilities for more formal boating, while Lighthouse Park offers a free launching ramp for casual boaters and kayakers.
Nature enthusiasts will also find much to enjoy in Point Roberts, with its rocky, rugged beaches scattered with driftwood and opportunities for wildlife spotting. Encounters with hermit crabs, sand dollars, and eagles on land are common, while seals and sea lions can often be seen swimming offshore.
In addition to its natural beauty, Point Roberts offers a unique blend of American and Canadian cultures. This blending is evident in local attractions like Blue Heron Gallery and eateries like Mario’s Kitchen. Hiking enthusiasts will enjoy exploring the maintained trails at Lily Point Marine Reserve, which offers stunning views of American and Canadian coastlines.
Whether you’re seeking an outdoor adventure or a peaceful retreat, Point Roberts’ unique geographical location presents visitors with various experiences to enjoy.
Beaches and Parks
Lighthouse Marine Park
Lighthouse Marine Park is a beautiful spot in Point Roberts, offering visitors a picturesque setting to enjoy the outdoors. The park features clean facilities and open space for picnicking, making it the perfect location for a family outing. Its vantage point provides an awesome view of nearby landmarks, including the surrounding mountains and islands.
Boundary Bay
Boundary Bay is a popular destination in Point Roberts, featuring a mix of rock and sand beaches. The area provides ample opportunities for kids to explore, with various rocks and logs scattered along the shore. It is an ideal location for beachgoers looking to unwind and collect unique rocks while appreciating the stunning views of the Bay.
Beach Access and Picnic Areas
Point Roberts offers four public beaches, each with unique features and attractions. These beaches are popular spots for picnics and social gatherings, providing ample open space and picturesque views of the surrounding landscape. Visitors can access the beaches through well-maintained and secure paths, ensuring a safe experience for all.
Walking and Hiking Paths
For those who enjoy forested walks and exploring nature, Point Roberts offers various walking and hiking paths. These trails cut through lush greenery, leading hikers to cliffside views and serene beach areas. The accessible nature of these paths makes them suitable for individuals of all ages and activity levels, allowing everyone to enjoy the beauty Point Roberts has to offer.
Historical Sites and Attractions
Monument Park
Located at the border between the USA and Canada, Monument Park is a fascinating point of interest in Point Roberts. Visitors can observe the obelisk marking the border, with people on one side belonging to Canada and the other to the USA. This unique location allows tourists to explore the intersection of two different countries while admiring the monuments and statues that make this park an important part of the area’s history.
Point Roberts History Center
For those interested in the history of Point Roberts, a visit to the Point Roberts History Center is essential. This facility houses a remarkable collection of historical postcards, photographs, and artifacts representing the unique past of the area. As guests explore the exhibits, they can gain a deeper understanding of the people, places, and events that have shaped Point Roberts’ identity.
Kora’s Corner Country Store
Lastly, visitors to Point Roberts should not miss the opportunity to explore Kora’s Corner Country Store. Although not a historical site per se, this charming store provides a glimpse into the town’s character and atmosphere. With a wide range of items, from local crafts to various gifts and memorabilia, Kora’s offers a memorable shopping experience for guests looking to take home a piece of Point Roberts.
| Points of Interest | Address |
|---|---|
| Monument Park | 25 Marine Dr, Point Roberts, WA 98281 |
| Point Roberts History Center | 1437 Gulf Rd, Point Roberts, WA 98281 |
| Kora’s Corner Country Store | 1480 Gulf Rd Point Roberts, WA 98281 |
Outdoor Activities
Point Roberts offers a variety of outdoor activities for visitors to enjoy, including golf, kayaking, and hiking in the beautiful surroundings of the Pacific Northwest.
Bald Eagle Golf and Country Club
The Bald Eagle Golf and Country Club is a top destination in Point Roberts for golf enthusiasts. The club is conveniently located near the Canadian border, making it accessible to both US and Canadian visitors. The course features a challenging design, with well-maintained greens and fairways that cater to players of all skill levels.
Golfers can take in the stunning views of the surrounding mountains while playing a round. The club offers competitive rates and ample parking for guests. With its picturesque setting and excellent facilities, Bald Eagle Golf and Country Club is a popular choice for those looking to enjoy a day on the links.
Kayaking
Point Roberts offers excellent opportunities for kayaking in its protected bays and along the coastline. Paddlers can explore the area’s tranquil waters while taking in the remarkable scenery and wildlife. The calm conditions make it suitable for beginners, while more experienced kayakers can venture further out for a challenging excursion. Be sure to pack a camera, as the area is known for its breathtaking vistas and vibrant marine life.
Hiking
For those who prefer to explore on foot, Point Roberts boasts a variety of hiking trails suited to all levels of experience. Walkers can traverse lush forests, coastal paths, and rolling hills for an immersive nature experience. The Enchanted Forest Trail, in particular, is a popular choice for hikers seeking a peaceful and scenic outing. With its diverse landscape and unparalleled beauty, Point Roberts is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts looking to connect with the great outdoors.
Camping and Accommodations
Lighthouse Marine Park Camping
Located in Point Roberts, on the southern tip of the Tsawwassen Peninsula, Lighthouse Marine Park is a 21-acre oceanfront park that offers a campground for outdoor enthusiasts. This park provides beach access, stunning Strait of Georgia views, and is one of the best places to spot Orca whales from land. The park’s facilities make it an ideal destination for a camping getaway.
At the park, campers can find beach access and various picnic areas for daytime relaxation and meals. The serene surroundings also make this site great for photographs and offering opportunities for boating and fishing on the shoreline. The park includes a boat launch area and a pier for fishing enthusiasts.
Leashed pets are welcome at Lighthouse Marine Park, so visitors can enjoy their stay with their furry companions. Make sure to always keep your pets on a leash and clean up after them to maintain the park’s cleanliness.
Lighthouse Marine Park Camping season runs from April 1st through October 31st. Reservations must be made in advance with Whatcom County. Reservation can be made starting December 1st for the following season for all campsites and group camps. The campsite rental rates per night are $23 for Whatcom County residents and $30 for non-residents. Please note that there is a non-refundable reservation fee of $13 per continuous reservation.
The campground does have some restrictions to consider. For example, there are no fire rings at the campsite, and tents are not allowed.
To make your reservation, please visit the official Whatcom County website or call 360-778-5850.
Dining and Restaurants
Point Roberts, Washington offers a variety of restaurants to satisfy your cravings and enhance your dining experience during your visit. In this section, we will explore three popular eateries with unique offerings: Saltwater Cafe, South Beach House, and Kiniski’s Reef Tavern.
Saltwater Cafe
Located on the scenic Point Roberts peninsula, Saltwater Cafe is a delightful establishment that takes pride in serving delicious food in a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Their menu features a variety of dishes, such as breakfast items, soups, and paninis. Customers often praise the quality of their coffee and the delectable taste of their meals. With its quaint indoor seating and outdoor patio, the café provides an excellent ambience to enjoy a sumptuous meal.
- Specialities: Breakfast, Soups, and Paninis
- Price Range: $$
Kiniski’s Reef Tavern
A casual den that attracts both locals and tourists, Kiniski’s Reef Tavern is an excellent place to unwind and savor tasty bar food. Known for their mouthwatering fish and chips and signature Reef’s Point Bob burger, this lively establishment offers a comfortable environment for an enjoyable dining experience. The bar is stocked with an excellent selection of drinks, making it a great spot to relax and have a good time.
- Specialities: Bar Food, Fish and Chips, Burgers
- Price Range: $
Border and Transportation
Can Americans visit Point Roberts?
Yes, Americans can visit Point Roberts, Washington, as it is part of the United States. However, it is important to note that to access Point Roberts by land, one must cross the Canadian border. Therefore, travelers need a valid passport, NEXUS card, or Enhanced Driver’s License to enter and exit Point Roberts.
Canadian Residents
Point Roberts is a popular destination for Canadian residents due to its close proximity to the Canadian border. Canadian residents visiting Point Roberts must also bring a valid passport, NEXUS card, or Enhanced Driver’s License for crossing the border.
The border between Point Roberts and Canada is often referred to as the longest undefended border in the world. The boundary is marked by an obelisk known as the Survey Monument Number One, as well as a traffic barrier.
Ferry
Although there is no direct ferry service connecting Point Roberts to mainland Washington, there are several ferry options in nearby locations. Visitors can take a ferry from Tsawwassen, British Columbia, to Swartz Bay on Vancouver Island. From there, they can take another ferry to Anacortes, Washington, which is about a two-hour drive to Point Roberts.
Visitors can also use the Washington State Ferries to travel between mainland Washington and various locations within the San Juan Islands, which can provide a scenic route while traveling to Point Roberts. However, please note that this option involves a combination of driving and ferry rides.
Check out Visit Point Roberts to find out more about getting to this unique location.
Is Point Roberts Worth a Visit?
Point Roberts, Washington, is a unique and intriguing destination that offers visitors a variety of activities and experiences. Nestled at the southernmost tip of the Tsawwassen Peninsula in Delta, British Columbia, this small, unincorporated community is accessible by land only through Canada, adding to its allure.
This quaint location is home to a few attractions that are definitely worth exploring. One notable place, the Blue Heron Gallery, is a must-visit for art enthusiasts. Visitors can appreciate the collection of crafty and artistic items showcased there, reflecting the creativity and spirit of the local community.
Another popular destination in Point Roberts is the Lighthouse Marine Park. This picturesque park offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape and ocean, as well as opportunities for birdwatching and wildlife encounters. The park’s serene atmosphere makes it an ideal location for picnics, leisurely strolls, and photography.
In addition to its charming attractions, Point Roberts boasts a selection of local restaurants and eateries. For instance, Mario’s Kitchen is a well-known destination for pizza and burger lovers, perfect for grabbing a delicious meal after a day of sightseeing.
When planning a visit to Point Roberts, it’s essential to consider the logistics of transportation. Accessing the area by land requires driving through Canadian territory, so it’s crucial to carry proper identification and be aware of border crossing regulations. Alternatively, visitors can also reach Point Roberts by small plane, ferry, or private boat.
Overall, Point Roberts is worth adding to your list of travel destinations for its artistic attractions, beautiful outdoor spaces, and local dining experiences. Due to its unique geographical location and accessible, yet secluded, charm, it’s a destination that offers a distinctive character and charm worth exploring.
