The rugged, sea-sprayed beauty of the Washington coast is unlike anywhere else in the Pacific Northwest. The Evergreen State is lined with quiet fishing villages, dramatic cliffs, iconic surf spots, and memory-making beach boardwalks—each one offering its own flavor of coastal charm.
Let’s explore.
Featured vacation rental: SeaQueen
Twenty-eight miles of sand await at the aptly-named "World's Longest Beach." Morning fog burns off to reveal perfect kite-flying conditions and endless driftwood for fort building. Fun fact: Unlike most beaches, you can legally drive your car right on the sand here—beachfront parking doesn't get better.
Featured vacation rental: Salty Kisses
This peninsula packs in kid-friendly activities: gentle waves for beginning boogie-boarders, go-kart tracks for the speed-obsessed, moped rentals for teens seeking freedom, and mini golf for the entire family. Six miles of safe beaches for sandcastle competitions by day, with boardwalk treats and taffy shops after sunset.
Featured vacation rental: Jaeger House
This working fishing village doubles as the state's surf capital. Westport Light State Park delivers reliable swells while the jetty offers protection for novices still mastering pop-ups. Between sets, devour fish tacos from weather-beaten shacks run by ex-pros. Post-session, hit a brewpub for craft IPAs among fellow wave-hunters.
Featured vacation rental: Blufftop on Freshwater Bay
The gateway to Olympic National Park offers coastal, mountain, and rainforest experiences in a single day. Cycle the Olympic Discovery Trail before breakfast, whale-watch by lunch, summit mountain trails by afternoon, and relax in downtown bistros by sunset. The only predictable thing here is spectacular views across to Canada's Vancouver Island.
Featured vacation rental: Sunset Beach Getaway
Cell service fades as ancient spruce forests meet thundering surf. Driftwood-strewn beaches stretch for miles without another soul in sight. Wake up to panoramic ocean views and watch as storms put on theatrical performances against picture windows. No need to jump on the WiFi (though our homes offer it). Here, you’re meant to unplug.
Featured vacation rental: Eagles' Nest Paradise
Lavender-scented vistas await in America's driest coastal town. Hike Hurricane Ridge's wildflower meadows before lunch, kayak among harbor seals by afternoon, and watch alpenglow paint the Olympic Mountains purple by evening. Thanks to its unique rain shadow microclimate, Sequim gets just 16 inches of rain annually—less than Los Angeles.
Featured vacation rental: Haven on Hilltop House
These emerald gems scattered across Salish Sea waters promise slow-paced magic. Cycle Lopez Island's gentle roads, kayak Friday Harbor's protected coves, or hike Mount Constitution on Orcas Island for breathtaking panoramas. Farm-to-table isn't a trend here—it's just lunch.
Featured vacation rental: Driftwood Retreat
Come spring, you’ll spot resident orca pods hunting salmon. In the summer, you’ll be treated to humpback and minke whale sightings. Between whale tours, explore tidepools at Washington Park or hike Sugarloaf Mountain's vista points. Fun fact: The Salish Sea contains the highest concentration of orca whales in the continental United States.
Featured vacation rental: Town View Room 201 at The Belmont Hotel
This Victorian seaport remains frozen in its 1890s glory days. Ornate mansions built during the 1890s shipping boom still line bluffs above the working waterfront. Wander brick streets lined with eclectic boutiques, independent bookstores, and charming cafes. Later, dine at waterfront restaurants serving fresh seafood with views of the bay.
Featured vacation rental: Condra Cove
This untamed stretch delivers raw Pacific Northwest intensity. Ancient rainforests meet pounding surf where Roosevelt elk emerge at dusk. Dig razor clams at low tide, then cook your catch over driftwood campfires as bald eagles patrol overhead. Fun fact: Copalis Beach is the only beach airport in Washington—planes can land directly on the hard-packed sand at low tide.
