If you’re looking for a beautiful beach to relax on, Washington State has some good options.
From the rugged Pacific coastline to peaceful lakeside beaches, there’s something for everyone in this listing of the 8 best beaches in Washington State. So, pack your sunscreen and swimsuit and prepare for any day's fun in the sun.
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1. Pacific Beach
If you’re looking for a place to visit within the Pacific Northwest which has amazing beaches, take a look no beyond Pacific Beach, Washington. This beach town is located around the Olympic Peninsula and it is noted for its pristine coastline and wonderful weather.
The sweeping shoreline and picturesque qualities of the beach have drawn people to its sandy shores for a long time. With lots of activities to keep visitors busy, Pacific Beach is a great spot to visit with family and friends.
For those looking for a beautiful beach to relax on, Pacific Beach is the best spot. Miles of coastline provide plenty of room to start, and also the soft sand creates a thrilling time. Visitors can take advantage of swimming, fishing, kayaking, and much more in the area.
The stunning stretch of sand offers everything from hiking and biking trails to excellent surfing conditions. There are also several restaurants and shops obtainable in the region for those looking to explore. Additionally, there is parking available on the road and in nearby lots. The beach can get quite crowded on weekends and during the summer months, so be ready for some business. If you’re looking for the best amazing beach getaway, make sure to take a look at Pacific Beach.
2. Long Beach
Long Beach is located in Pacific County and stretches for 28 miles. The lovely coastline, forests, and rolling hills make it a perfect place to relax or take part in outdoor pursuits like fishing, kayaking, birding, and hiking. Long Beach has also been rated because the best beach in Washington by many people publications. It’s easy to see why with its wide sandy beaches and pounding waves.
Visitors will find lots of amenities here including picnic areas, restrooms, showers, along with a playground. There’s also a small-town feel to Long Beach with several mom-and-pop shops and restaurants to explore. Whether you’re looking for a quiet destination to relax or would like to get active with a few activities, Long Beach has something for everyone.
Besides, the waves listed here are perfect for surfing, and also the sand is soft and white. You can also enjoy great views of the Olympic Mountains from here. Moreover, annually in August, the boardwalk provides a fascinating vintage spot during the Washington State International Kite Festival.
So pack your sunscreen and beach towel and directly down to Long Beach. If you’re searching for a beautiful beach escape that won’t break the bank, Long Beach should be towards the top of your list.
3. Dungeness Spit
The Dungeness Spit, five-mile-long, is located in Washington State and it is a beautiful and unique landmark. The spit is really a long sandbar that stretches out into the Strait of Juan de Fuca. This beach is common as it hosts the longest sand spit in the usa and is worth a trip. It covers a distance of about 5 miles long. Moreover, for safety purposes and also the best experience, visit the Dungeness Spit during low tide.
The Dungeness Spit can also be home to the Dungeness National Wildlife Refuge, that is a good way to see wildlife close up. The refuge hosts bald eagles, peregrine falcons, seals, deer, and sea lions. You can also often see orcas in the shoreline. Thus, this spit is a well-liked location for beachcombing, watching birds, exploring, and picnicking.
There is really a small entrance fee towards the Dungeness National Wildlife Refuge, but it’s well worth it to see all the amazing wildlife that inhabits el born area. There are also several trails that wind with the dunes and supply stunning views of the bay.
4. Alki Beach
Alki Beach is a world-famous tourist destination located in Seattle, Washington. The beautiful scenery and endless activities available make it one of the most popular beaches in the region. Whether you’re searching for a spot to relax and take in the sun or want to try out some of the more adrenaline-pumping water sports, Alki Beach has something for everyone.
With its proximity towards the city, Alki offers stunning views of Downtown and Puget Sound. Visitors can enjoy many activities at this beach, including sunbathing, swimming, fishing, and whale watching. Using its miles of uninterrupted shoreline and breathtaking views of the Olympic Mountains and Seattle skyline, it’s no wonder why this beach is a top tourist destination.
Whether you’re seeking to have a relaxing stroll across the coast, go for a swim or paddleboard ride, enjoy some delicious food truck fare, or just relax and experience it all, Alki Beach got all that's necessary. There's also several restaurants and bars in the region, making it the perfect spot for a night or day out.
Despite free entry, possess some extra dollars for parking fees. Thus, if you’re searching for a great beach to go to in Washington, make sure to check out Alki Beach.
5. Ocean Shores
This beach is situated in Grays Harbor County and is a well known spot for windsurfing, kitesurfing, and surfing. The beach is also great for fishing, crabbing, and clamming. You'll find many charter boats that provide trips to the ocean. Also, the existence of many horses to ride and boats to rent makes a place fascinating for most users. For those who love watching the fascinating scenes from the waves, the best spot to be reaches its northern border Jetty.
If you’re searching for a place to stay, there are many hotels and motels situated in Ocean Shores. However, if you’re searching for something a bit more unique, there's also several holiday rentals available. There are also different affordable local eateries and shops and you may be spoilt with choices.
No fees are essential here. Moreover, if you’re staying in among the nearby hotels or motels, they may offer free parking for guests. Probably the most fascinating thing to do is drive on the beach. Vehicles are allowed and you may wander around while you try to look for an ideal picnic spot. Make sure to drive on packed sand or risk getting stuck.
Additionally, the Ocean Shores is also the place to find the Ocean Shores Convention Center, which hosts a number of events all year round. Overall, Ocean Shores is a superb destination to enjoy the beach and all it provides.
6. Rialto Beach
Located within the Olympic National Park, Rialto Beach is really a stunning strip of coastline that offers visitors unparalleled views from the Pacific Ocean and it is ever-changing landscape. Using its rocky shorelines and sprawling sandbars, Rialto Beach is a favorite destination for beachcombers, and wildlife enthusiasts alike.
Hiking the Olympic Coast is a must-do when visiting Washington State and Rialto Beach is the perfect starting point. Moreover, if you are to spend the night time hiking, you'll need a permit. The rocky shoreline of the beach is ideal for exploring the diverse marine life that inhabits the coast.
There’s additionally a beautiful forest trail that runs parallel to the beach, which makes it perfect for a day of hiking, picnicking, and exploring. Rialto Beach can also be noted for its tide pools and sea stacks that are large rocks that have been drowned through the sea over time. It also has numerous downed trees making the region sometimes referred to as a “tree graveyard”.
Besides, you need to pay $30 for national park fees and buy a 7-day car pass. There are many places to spend an evening including the popular Mora campground. Thus, whether you’re seeking to explore the natural wonders of Washington State or just relax and eat the spectacular views, a trip to Rialto Beach is certainly worth your time.
7. Kalaloch Beach
Kalaloch Beach in Washington State is among the most beautiful and secluded beaches in the country. With miles of pristine shoreline and stunning views, it’s obvious why this beach is really a favorite destination for visitors and locals alike. Whether you’re looking for a quiet spot to relax or wish to explore the area’s natural splendor, Kalaloch Beach is worth a visit.
This beach is situated in Olympic National Park near Ruby Beach. It’s a great location for fishing, crabbing, and clamming. You can also find many tide pools to explore at low tide. Kalaloch Beach is also a beautiful place to watch the sunset. The beach is situated on a bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean, making it an ideal destination to watch the sun's rays dip underneath the horizon.
This beach may be worth a trip if you’re looking for an unforgettable experience. The Tree of Life is also located here, that is a massive Sitka spruce tree which was struck by lightning and burned. However, the tree has since regrown in between two cliff edges and is now a well known location for visitors to take photos.
Additionally, you'll have to purchase national park fees in addition to purchase a pass great for 7 days of car camping. If you’re planning on spending the night time, there are several campgrounds located nearby. However, you will have to obtain a permit before camping in Olympic National Park. So pack your sunscreen and don’t forget your camera – Kalaloch Beach is waiting for you.
8. Ruby Beach
The beach is within the Olympic National Park in a place known as Kalaloch. It is among the busiest and most popular beaches in Washington. The key reason with this is because of its accessibility because it is just a couple hours drives from Seattle.
The name “Ruby Beach” comes from the ruby-like stones that can be found along the shoreline. These beautiful stones are agates which have been smoothed and polished by the waves over time. Because the waves crash from the shore and the wind whips using your hair, you can’t help but feel at peace. Such is the situation when visiting Ruby Beach in Washington State.
With its serene atmosphere and panoramic views, Ruby Beach is a must-see destination for any nature lover. Marine every day life is abundant at Ruby Beach and includes sea stars, anemones, crabs, and octopuses. Winter brings whales near to the coast and offers visitors with excellent opportunities for whale watching. It is possible to see orcas, humpback whales, and gray whales from the shore.
Another big plus with Ruby Beach is that it’s a great spot for watching birds. So look out and you will just get lucky enough to see one of these majestic creatures. However, you need to spend park fees of $30 and buy a car pass great for seven days.
Ruby Beach is indeed among the best places to visit in Washington State if you’re looking for breathtaking scenery as well as an chance to see some amazing wildlife. So don’t miss out on this gem of a beach.
Conclusion
Washington is renowned for its breathtaking natural scenery, and the state’s coastline isn't any exception. From dramatic cliffs and rocky coves to long stretches of sandy beaches, Washington has something for everybody when it comes to coastal exploration. Hopefully, the above mentioned list of the eight best beaches in Washington State has been informative. Have a great vacation.
