Washington coastal towns you have to visit
Washington's coastal towns offer more than just beach getaways; they provide opportunities to partake in festivals, enjoy local music, capture movie-inspired photos, and fulfill various interests, making them ideal destinations for a diverse range of experiences.0
From the stunning vistas of the Olympic Peninsula to the sandy beaches near the Oregon border, check out the best coastal towns in Washington.
Just a short distance from the Oregon border, this Washington coastal town is easily accessible from cities like Portland, making it a nice vacation option for Oregonians. Of course, Long Beach has more going for it than a convenient location. The stunning beach makes it one of the best places to visit on the Washington Coast.
Mile after mile of sandy shoreline awaits, with fishing available in the surrounding ocean waters. If you’d prefer to catch your dinner on land, time your vacation with the annual Razor Clam Festival—you can bring a bucket of delicious mollusks back to your vacation rental for an authentic West Coast clambake! Those more interested in other types of sightseeing won’t be disappointed—miles of hiking trails and stunning lighthouses and vistas at Cape Disappointment are all great ways to while away the hours.
If you’re looking to thrill the kids on your next vacation to the Pacific Northwest, make sure to stop by Ocean Shores. The town sits between the famous Olympic Peninsula and the beaches of the southern half of the state, and boasts its own stretch of shoreline very similar to that of Long Beach. On top of swimming and sunbathing, the beach is amazing for kite-flying, thanks to the stable winds.
Those looking to stretch their legs can head further inland for some hiking, or zip through the fresh ocean air on a bicycle. Time your visit right, and you can enjoy one of the city’s frequent music festivals, featuring styles as far-flung as Celtic flutes and country riffs. Fortunately for kids, the arcades and go-kart tracks are open year-round!
Just south of the Olympic Peninsula, the small town of Westport is one of the loveliest places to visit along the Washington Coast. With the Pacific Ocean to the west and the waters of North Bay to the north, the town has a startling variety of waterfront scenery to explore. On top of taking in the beaches, you can visit sites adjacent to the water, like Grays Harbor Lighthouse surrounded by towering pines. Of course, what really sets Westport apart are the waves: bring your own surfboard when you visit, or rent and take lessons from BigFoot Surf School.
Located on the northeastern reaches of the Olympic Peninsula, there’s a reason Port Angeles is nationally regarded as one of America’s best small towns: it’s got a little bit of everything. The rural location near the woods and ocean provides you with a peaceful atmosphere during your visit, but venues like Wine on the Waterfront and First Street Haven add some refinement in town. Olympic National Forest is just to the south, with hours of hiking beneath the shade of the pines.
To the north is the vast expanse of the Strait of Juan de Fuca, which you can experience by the bay or on the beach at the Ediz Hook Reservation. Sunbathing, kayaking, and boating await, and Victoria, BC, is only an hour and a half away by ferry.
The tiny town of Moclips is home to just a few establishments and a few secluded neighborhoods, and that’s how locals (and vacation rental guests) like it. Towering pines frame the misty beaches, where you’re likely to find freshly deposited seashells and perhaps a sand dollar. It’s quiet, small, and off the beaten path.
If you’re hoping to recharge in nature, Moclips provides ample opportunity. Bring your foul-weather gear and go fishing in the waves, hike in the surrounding forests, or build a bonfire on the beach. A Moclips beach house is the perfect place to bring a dog, your kids, or just your significant other—in any case, this small Washington Coast town will feel refreshingly off the grid.
Port Angeles’s smaller neighbor to the east, Sequim is only a short distance away from the strait. Take in the natural beauty at one of the pebbly beaches running between the John Wayne Marina and Washington Harbor. Just south of town, Sequim Bay State Park features breathtaking waterfront views as well as docks for boating, trails for hiking, and space for baseball and basketball games in the fresh ocean air. Between that and all the hiking you could ever want in nearby Olympic National Forest, it’s hard to think of a better town for jaw-dropping sights than Sequim.
While the towns of the San Juan Islands are coastal towns in Washington, they’re not technically towns on the Washington Coast. But don’t let that stop you from seeing some of the best small communities in the region.
Friday Harbor on San Juan Island is easily the largest. It offers busy streets lined with shops and restaurants, all leading to the forest of masts that is the bustling port. There’s even a whale museum for the kids. Afterward, complement your museum visit with a whale-watching excursion out on the sound.
Lopez Island, on the other hand, is cozy and cute. The tiny town’s main attraction is the weekly Lopez Island Farmers Market, featuring local produce, handmade arts and crafts, and treats like fresh-made fudge. Small businesses like Holly B’s Bakery and Isabel’s Espresso round out the town’s offerings.
Eastsound on Orcas Island is a nice mix of the two. It’s larger than Lopez Village but less busy than Friday Harbor. Lovely waterfront sights, plenty of shops and restaurants, and the exhibits of the Orcas Island Historical Museum await.
