In Washington, the beach holidays are different from those in California. Washington’s beaches offer more than just sun and surf. They have a variety of natural habitats, opportunities for wildlife watching, and stunning coastal landscapes.
There are unique beaches on sandspits, beautiful views of sea stacks emerging from the Pacific Ocean, and beaches surrounded by forests. If you enjoy the beach but want more than just sand and water, Washington’s best beaches are perfect for you.
These beaches offer the chance to combine a coastal trip with other outdoor activities such as hiking along coastal trails and camping in the woods.
12. Dungeness Spit
This beach is unlike any other beach you’ve seen before. The Dungeness Spit is a long stretch of sand that extends into the ocean, resembling a trail of sand. It extends about five miles into the Pacific from the edge of the Olympic Peninsula. It offers a unique experience with the ocean on both sides.
The beach is characterized by rocks, plenty of driftwood, and not much sand. The Dungeness National Wildlife Refuge is more of an adventurous place rather than a spot for sunbathing. Be on the lookout for wildlife such as seals, orcas, and elephant seals in the distance. One fascinating aspect of this beach is that it is still growing.
It is estimated to have grown approximately 15 feet each year for the past 120 years.
11. Cape Disappointment
The cape used to be called Fort Canby State Park but it’s actually really nice. It’s located on the Long Beach Peninsula and has two miles of beaches, hiking trails, and two old lighthouses to explore. Cape Disappointment is close to the towns of Ilwaco and Long Beach, and you can easily drive there from either one.
If you want to spend more time at Cape Disappointment, you can bring a tent and stay at one of the campsites. Make sure to visit the Cape Disappointment Lighthouse, which is the oldest lighthouse on the West Coast and has saved many lives since it was built in 1856.
10. Long Beach
Long Beach is a city located on the Long Beach Peninsula and is conveniently close to Seattle and Portland. This means you can easily visit the city’s beautiful beaches as a day trip from either of these major cities. The seafood in Long Beach is absolutely amazing and definitely worth trying.
As the name suggests, this Washington city is situated right next to an incredibly long beach. It seems to stretch on endlessly, allowing you to explore to your heart’s content. After you’ve had enough of the sand, take a leisurely stroll along the boardwalk where you can enjoy some ice cream or pay a visit to the North Head Lighthouse.
Additionally, the boardwalk is home to the annual Washington State International Kite Festival, which is a fantastic event for the whole family to enjoy.
9. Deception Pass State Park
Deception Pass State Park offers much more than just beaches. If you’re seeking an active beach getaway, you can indulge in outdoor adventures and watersports. For those looking for a more relaxed experience, the park also offers breathtaking sunsets by the beach and scenic strolls.
The park encompasses vast woodlands where you can enjoy camping, making it an ideal destination for a multi-day trip. Combining time by the sea with the wilderness, the park boasts 14 miles of diverse saltwater shoreline to explore.
Whether you prefer walking along North and West beaches, launching your boat from Cornet Bay, searching for crabs in the tide pools at Rosario Beach, or going sea kayaking, the beach offers endless possibilities for exploration.
8. Rialto Beach
Rialto Beach, located in Olympic National Park, is a breathtaking beach with a similar landscape to Shi Shi Beach. It features magnificent sea stacks emerging from the shallow Pacific waters in the distance, and soothing waves gently rolling onto a shoreline made up of a mix of rocks and sand.
Along the beach, you’ll find an abundance of driftwood, which is easily explainable as the woodlands from the distant hills meet the sea at Rialto Beach. Leave behind the traditional beach activities like building sandcastles and enjoying ice cream; instead, bring your camera and binoculars.
As you explore, be on the lookout for local wildlife and various sea creatures passing by. Take a leisurely stroll along the beach and take your time to appreciate the truly impressive views that Rialto Beach has to offer.
7. Ruby Beach
Can you guess where this beach is located? Yes, you’re right, it’s actually another popular beach in Olympic National Park. The beaches here are incredibly beautiful, which is why many of them have made it onto our favorite list. If you visit Ruby Beach during sunset, you will be treated to breathtaking views.
Don’t forget to come during the golden hour! Take some time to walk along the beach with your bare feet and search for beautiful seashells. Throughout your walk, you will also be able to admire the stunning views of tall and unique sea stacks, which stand next to even larger tree-topped sea stacks.
The beach itself has a combination of pebbles, sand, and large piles of driftwood. You will definitely appreciate the diversity that Ruby Beach has to offer!.
6. Fort Worden Historical State Park
Fort Worden Historical State Park is located in Port Townsend and offers a perfect combination of history, beaches, and beautiful views. You can enjoy a two-mile stroll along the beach while taking in the breathtaking sights of the Strait of Juan de Fuca.
As you explore the park, you’ll come across various remnants of its military past, such as the old Victorian-era homes that were once occupied by officers, parade lawns, and worn-down bunkers. This park was once home to over 1,000 troops who trained and lived here, preparing to protect Puget Sound from potential enemy attacks.
Nowadays, you can relax on the beach or even extend your stay by camping at one of the available campgrounds.
5. Westport
Westport is a beautiful city located near Grays Harbor. You can enjoy visiting its scenic marina and find relaxation in watching the boats sway on the sea. One great thing about Westport is that the beaches in the area are very welcoming to dogs, allowing every member of the family to join in the fun.
You can spend your days engaging in activities like observing whales, indulging in fresh seafood, and embarking on fishing trips either at sea or from the shoreline. Take leisurely walks along nearby beaches such as Cohasset Beach, Twin Harbors State Park, or Westhaven State Park.
Many of the beaches close to Westport also offer campgrounds, providing the perfect opportunity for an adventurous beach experience surrounded by nature.
4. North Jetty (Ocean Shores)
The North Jetty marks the northern limit of Grays Harbor. It was built in 1916 and took nine years to complete. The construction was challenging because it involved placing heavy rocks in front of powerful waves.
Once you reach the jetty, you can climb up the rocks to the highest point and witness the waves crashing dramatically against the rock barrier. It’s important to be cautious on windy days as the waves can be rough. After enjoying the sight, you can take a leisurely walk on the dark sand beach located on the other side of the jetty.
While strolling, you can breathe in the fresh sea breeze and let the sound of the waves relax you.
3. Shi Shi Beach
Shi Shi Beach is located within Olympic National Park. The landscape is incredibly unique, with rugged sea stacks rising out of the ocean and providing a striking contrast to the sandy shore. There are also tide pools where you can discover crabs and other interesting marine creatures.
Unlike traditional beaches for sunbathing, Shi Shi Beach offers a different experience, perfect for scenic walks. To reach the beach, you can take the 6.7 mile-long Shi Shi Beach Trail, an amazing trail that combines stunning oceanfront views with forest scenery in Olympic National Park.
This way, you can enjoy the journey and make the most of your time at the beach.
2. La Push Beaches
The La Push community has three beaches known as the La Push Beaches that are surrounded by lots of evergreen trees. These beaches are named First, Second, and Third Beach. First Beach can be directly accessed by car, while the other two require a short stroll.
Second Beach offers beautiful woodland trails and sea stacks, while Third Beach is a great spot for tidepooling where you can try to find colorful starfish clinging to rocks. You can also admire fallen trees and intricately twisted roots shaped by the sea and time along these beaches.
All three beaches offer scenic views of the ocean, woodlands, and rocky shoreline.
1. Alki Beach (Seattle)
If you’re in Seattle and want to go to the beach, this is the place to go. There are two miles of beach with amenities like volleyball courts and grills for cooking burgers. Kids can explore tidepools and there are plenty of restaurants, bars, and cafes nearby as the beachfront is along the city’s edge.
If you want a more exciting activity, you can rent a kayak and paddle out into the Pacific. Keep in mind that there is more seaweed and driftwood than soft sand, but that’s part of the Pacific’s charm! You can easily get there by taking a water taxi from downtown Seattle.
