Washington’s beach vacation is different from the California sun-and-surf beach holidays. Washington beaches are surrounded by a variety of wildlife viewing opportunities, stunning coastal scenery, and natural habitats.
You will find beaches with unusual shapes and views, sandspits that are unique, as well as beaches with stunning views of Pacific Ocean sea stacks. There is also a lot of beautiful beaches that surround you by forests. Washington’s best beaches are for you if you enjoy the sea but wish there were more to it.
If you are looking to combine a beach vacation with outdoor adventure, such as hiking along the coast trails or camping in the woods, this is the state for you.
12. Shi Shi Beach
Olympic National Park is home to Shi Shi Beach. It is a stunning landscape with rugged sea stacks sticking out from the ocean that perfectly contrast the sandy beaches.
You can find crabs in tide pools. Shi Shi Beach is not the place to sunbathe, so your day will look a bit different. It is absolutely beautiful for scenic walks!
You can walk to the beach from the halfway point of the Shi Shi Beach Trail (6.7 miles long), which is a spectacular oceanfront and forest trail within Olympic National Park.
11. Cape Disappointment
DreamstimeFort Canby State Park was once the name of this cape. The cape is located on the Long Beach Peninsula. It’s far from being disappointing, even though its name suggests otherwise. Two miles of sandy beaches are available, as well as lush trails for hiking and two historic lighthouses that can be found along the way.
Cape Disappointment can be reached easily by car from both Long Beach and Ilwaco. You can stay overnight at Cape Disappointment and enjoy the beautiful beaches.
Cape Disappointment Lighthouse is the West Coast’s oldest and most prominent lighthouse. It was constructed in 1856. This historic lighthouse has saved many lives!
10. Rialto Beach
DreamstimeRialto Beach, another beautiful beach within Olympic National Park is Rialto Beach. This beach looks very similar to Shi Shi Beach. There are large sea stacks visible in the distance, and the waves roll onto the shoreline which is made up of rocks and sand.
Driftwood is abundant along the beach, which makes it easy to understand why. At Rialto Beach, the forests that extend from the hills meet the ocean.
Bring your camera, binoculars and some sandcastles. Take your camera and binoculars with you to see the wildlife around the area.
9. Westport
c) ShutterstockAt the mouth of Grays Harbor is Westport. You can relax at the marina, and watch the boats drift up and down the water. The best thing about Westport? It has beaches that are dog-friendly, so everyone can enjoy it!
You can spend your time whale-watching and eating fresh seafood. You can also stroll along the nearby beaches of Cohasset Beach, Twin Harbors State Park and Westhaven State Park.
Many beaches around Westport also have camping areas, which can be great for those who want an outdoor adventure.
8. Dungeness Spit
(c) DreamstimeThe beach here is unlike any other you have ever seen. Dungeness Spit, a long sandspit that can be seen as a trail stretching into the sea, is what you will see. The Pacific Ocean is just five miles away from the Olympic Peninsula.
Enjoy a relaxing day at the beach, with an added twist: the ocean can be found on one side.
The Dungeness National Wildlife Refuge has a lot of rocks, lots and driftwood, but not much sand. It is more intended for an adventure rather than a tanning spot.
You should keep an eye out for animals like elephant seals, orcas, and seals. The coolest thing about the ocean splitting? It is still growing! For the past 120 years, it’s grown approximately 15 feet per year!
7. Fort Worden Historical State Park
(c) ShutterstockPort Townsend is home to Fort Worden Historical State Park. This is the ideal beach getaway for those who love history just as much as the sea and sand.
Enjoy two-miles of beautiful beach, and take in the stunning views of Strait of Juan de Fuca. Then, explore the park’s history, once it was a military base. It still has evidence from its history, such as the Parade Laws and the worn-down bunkers, which belonged to former officers.
Over 1,000 soldiers used to live and train here in order to protect Puget Sound against any hostile attacks. If you wish to spend more time here, you could enjoy a day on the beach or camp in one of these campgrounds.
6. Deception Pass State Park
c) ShutterstockDeception Pass State Park offers more than beaches. Outdoor adventures, watersports and a variety of other activities are available for active beach getaways. There are also breathtaking sunsets at the beach, and beautiful scenic walks for those who prefer to relax.
There are many camping opportunities in the park. Bring your camp gear and make it a multi-day trip. Deception Pass State Park offers the ideal place for combining time at the beach with the wild.
You won’t be bored at the beach with 14 miles worth of diverse saltwater shoreline. There are many options: you can choose to walk on the North or West shores, take a boat out from Cornet Bat and look for crabs at Rosario Beach’s tide pools, or do sea kayaking.
5. North Jetty (Ocean Shores).
(c) ShutterstockGrays Harbor’s northern border is marked by the North Jetty. The nine-year construction of this massive jetty took place in 1916. It was not an easy job, as heavy rocks were placed in front of the crashing waves.
Once you have arrived, make a climb to the top of each rock and then watch as the waves crash into the wall of rocks on the opposite side. If you are coming in the wind, be aware that waves can become quite rough.
Take a walk along the beach’s dark sand shoreline and enjoy the ocean breeze. The sound of the waves will take your worries away.
4. Alki Beach (Seattle)
c) ShutterstockThis is the place to go if you are in Seattle and want to take a day trip down to the seaside. Two miles of sandy beach are available, along with excellent beach amenities like public grills and volleyball courts. Bring some hamburgers! ).
The beachfront is a great place to take the children, as there are many tidepools they can explore. There’s also plenty of bars and restaurants right next to the beaches. You want something more? You can rent a kayak to paddle into the Pacific.
Keep in mind that there is more driftwood and seaweed than gold sand. But, that’s Pacific charm! From downtown Seattle, you can easily take a water taxi to get there.
3. La Push Beaches
c) ShutterstockThree beaches are located near La Push, which collectively is called the La Push Beaches. The surrounding vegetation along the beachline is what makes them distinctive.
These beaches can be referred to as First, Second and Third Beach. First Beach has direct access by car, but you will need to walk a bit to reach the two other more remote beaches. Second Beach offers great trails through the woods and sea stacks. Third Beach is great for tidepooling. Try to spot colorful starfish sticking to rocks. ).
Admire the beautiful fallen trees that line the beaches, as well as the intricately twist roots created by time and the ocean. From all three beaches, you can enjoy scenic views over the ocean and woodlands as well as the rocky shoreline.
2. Ruby Beach
DreamstimeYou know where that beach is located? It’s another favourite in Olympic National Park. It’s not surprising that so many beaches from this area have been included in the top 10. Ruby Beach is home to some of the most beautiful sunsets, so make sure you go for golden hour.
You can spend a couple of hours strolling along the shore looking for beautiful shells. Enjoy the stunning views of the tall and chimney-like sea stacks, which are surrounded by larger tree-topped ones. Each one is unique and beautiful.
You will find a mixture of pebbles and sand on the beach, as well large piles of driftwood. Ruby Beach is a place you will love!
1. Long Beach
c) ShutterstockLong Beach, located on Long Beach Peninsula is the name of this city. You can easily visit Long Beach from any of the major cities by taking a day-trip. Fresh seafood is a must-try!
This Washington city, as you might guess from its name, is located right next to a large stretch of sandy beach. Seriously, it’s endless. It’s possible to walk endlessly and find more beaches.
After you are done playing in the sand have a stroll along the boardwalk, stop by the North Head Lighthouse or get an ice-cream. You can also find the Washington State International Kite Festival on the boardwalk – a great event for all ages!
Washington State Map showing the location of beaches
Faqs
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