Along the crashing surf and tranquil bays, coastal towns in Washington dot over 3,000 miles of postcard-worthy shoreline. Experience the magic of these small seaside enclaves and beach towns as you walk sandy shores at sunset, soak in a hot tub, or tuck into fresh seafood. Here are just a few communities where you can spot whales, enjoy a paddle, or hike through dense evergreens dripping with moss.
Beach Towns in Washington
Long Beach
Located in southwest Washington, Long Beach sits at the base of a sandy peninsula between the Pacific Ocean and Willapa Bay. The west side boasts one of the longest peninsula beaches in the world, and visitors can enjoy it via the 8.5-mile Discovery Trail. Watch for gray whales, admire art installations and interpretive plaques, and enjoy access to the Long Beach Boardwalk. This Washington beach town is conveniently located near spectacular natural areas, including Willapa Bay Wildlife Refuge, Cape Disappointment State Park (home to two scenic lighthouses), and Leadbetter Point State Park.
In town, the aptly named World Kite Museum shows off a variety of kites (visit in summer for the Washington State International Kite Festival). For deep relaxation, check out the onsen at Snow Peak Campfield, which has a gorgeous soaking pool, sauna, and cold plunge.
Also See: Explore Long Beach with Kids
Tokeland
Just north of the Long Beach Peninsula, tiny Tokeland sits on a spit of land in Willapa Bay. The Old Tokeland Pier is a favorite local spot for crabbing, and Nelson Crab Inc. serves up fresh-caught seafood. In August, don’t miss the chainsaw carving and wood artists at the Tokeland Woodfest, a two-day extravaganza with a beer garden and live music.
For an overnight stay, base yourself at the charming Tokeland Hotel. The hotel bills itself as the oldest continuously operating hotel in the state. Take a dip in the property’s wood-fired hot tub before crafting s’mores by the fire pit. The on-site restaurant, The Wandering Goose, focuses on locally sourced ingredients like Willapa Bay oysters on the half shell.
Westport
North of Tokeland, the Washington beach town of Westport is considered one of the best places to surf in the Pacific Northwest. BigFoot Surf offers private and semi-private lessons from Westport Light State Park. The 4.5-mile Westport Lighthouse Trail explores the coastline, which has plenty of opportunities for crabbing and clamming, while the extensive Westport Maritime Museum exhibits everything from shipwrecks and whales to lighthouse lenses.
Try your luck with rod and reel with Tornado Fishing Charters before checking out one of the numerous seafood restaurants or the Westport Marina observation tower – a multi-story perch with world-class views of king tides in the winter months.
Ocean Shores
Farther up the coast, Ocean Shores might be one of the more well-known beach towns in Washington. This tiny community packs a lot of family fun. In addition to six miles of gorgeous stroll-worthy shoreline, you’ll find the Ocean Shores Golf Course. In March, plan a trip around the Razor Clam and Seafood Festival put on by the Quinault Beach Resort and Casino. Think fresh Dungeness crab, raw oysters, a seafood boil, clam chowder tastings, a clam-gun decorating contest, and live music.
Ocean Shores is surrounded by glorious natural areas like the Oyhut Wildlife Preserve, which is known for birding, and the North Bay Natural Area Preserve, a thriving wetland that supports shorebirds, harbor seal pupping areas, Roosevelt elk, and peregrine falcons.
Seabrook and Moclips
Near the center of Washington’s Pacific Coast, the designed community of Seabrook perches on a bluff along a picturesque stretch of beach. Outdoor enthusiasts will be especially excited about the DNR Mountain Bike Trail System and bite-sized hikes accessible from town.
Swing by Basecamp in downtown, where Pacific Edge Adventures rents bikes, surfing equipment, paddle boards, and ebikes. They also guide clam digging and paddle boarding tours. While downtown, linger in boutiques, make a custom-scented candle, or stop into an eatery – there’s a tequila bar, bakeshop, pizzeria, and more.
A great camping option can be found at nearby Pacific Beach State Park, where the beach is closed to motor vehicles from April through September. Just north of Pacific Beach, the low-key hamlet of Moclips offers quaint resorts and miles of quiet, walkable beach.
Coupeville and Langley, Whidbey Island
Overlooking Penn Cove on Whidbey Island, Coupeville is part of Ebey’s Landing National Historical Reserve. Home of the oldest commercial mussel farm in North America, Penn Cove Shellfish, Coupeville is famous for its delicious shellfish. Try these bivalves at a number of shoreside restaurants on Front Street, then meander along the Coupeville Wharf. Further inland, check out the Sculpture Forest, where art infuses a verdant coastal forest. For a serene stay, base yourself along the forested shore at Captain Whidbey Inn.
At the south end of the island, the town of Langley is a perfect spot for whale lovers thanks to its proximity to gray whale feeding grounds. Be sure to visit the Langley Whale Center, which focuses on the endangered Southern Resident orcas. To paddle its picturesque waters, rent kayaks from Whidbey Island Kayaking, then relax at a top-notch restaurant or cozy waterside inn.
Also See: Where to go Kayaking in Washington
Port Townsend
Just two hours from Seattle on the north end of the Olympic Peninsula, the Washington coastal town of Port Townsend combines Victorian architecture with laid-back charm. Water Street, which follows the downtown waterfront, is the perfect place to peruse antiques, clothing, bookstores, and art galleries. After working up an appetite, savor the famous chowder at Tommyknocker’s Cornish Pasty, grab a quick burrito from El Agavero Mexican Grill, or indulge in a champagne brunch at Quench Waterfront Kitchen and Bar.
At the very tip of the cape is Fort Worden Historical State Park overlooking Admiralty Inlet – a thoroughfare for whales chasing salmon. Within the park, hike 12 miles of forested trails and two miles of walkable beach or visit the Point Wilson Lighthouse. Afterward, check out the Port Townsend Marine Science Center and the hydrophone to listen to whale song. Connect to Highway 101 to explore the rest of the Olympic Peninsula.
Anacortes
On Fidalgo Island, Anacortes offers dramatic views of Guemes Channel and Fidalgo Bay. Known for its bustling ferry terminal providing access to the San Juan Islands, it has plenty to offer visitors. Anacortes Kayaking Tours can take you on bioluminescence sunset tours or multi-day expeditions. In August, the Anacortes Arts Festival highlights local artisans, while Bier on the Pier celebrates beer and cider in October.
Outdoor enthusiasts shouldn’t miss Washington Park, a 220-acre forested city park and campground with a paved trail and great tide-pooling at Sunset and West beaches. Within city limits, Mount Erie offers miles of hiking trails and fantastic views of Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains.
Friday Harbor, San Juan Island
On the east coast of San Juan Island, Friday Harbor is the most populous town in the San Juan archipelago. This Washington coastal town has a wealth of delightful restaurants, boutiques, art galleries, and outfitters eager to take guests to some of the best kayaking and whale watching in the world. Visitors can learn about orcas at the Whale Museum or try to spot them in the wild from Lime Kiln Point State Park.
Just two miles south of downtown, meander among the driftwood at Jackson Beach. Turn Point County Park, located on a nearby spit, is a fabulous place for a beach stroll. On summer nights, the waters come alive with sparkling bioluminescence.
Also See: Guide to Whale Watching
Eastsound, Orcas Island
Located on horseshoe-shaped Orcas Island, Eastsound sits along a pair of bays. On Crescent Beach, you can get out on the water with a rental from Crescent Beach Kayak Rentals. For art, head to whimsical Orcas Island Pottery, which opened in 1945. Downtown, pop into independently-owned Darvill’s Bookstore before grabbing a bite at stellar eateries like Matia Kitchen, Holume, or Brown Bear Baking. Stay right at the water’s edge downtown at the Outlook Inn. This property combines historic seaside charm with luxurious modern amenities.
About the Author
Ellee Thalheimer is a freelance writer and guidebook author based in the Pacific Northwest who has contributed to publications like Lonely Planet Guidebooks, Alaska Airlines Magazine, and Adventure Cyclist Magazine. When she can’t get outside, she writes fiction, drinks local IPAs, and perfects her handstands.