The Best Beaches in Washington – A Guide for Your Summer Vacation

Washington is full of beautiful and unique beaches. From the rugged rocky shores of the Olympic Peninsula to the sandy beaches of the San Juan Islands, Washington’s coastline is a stunningly diverse landscape. Whether you’re looking for a day of sunbathing, a weekend of camping, or a week of kayaking, Washington has a beach for every type of traveler. Here is your guide to the best beaches in Washington.

Olympic National Park Beaches

If you’re looking for a rugged and remote beach experience, then head to Olympic National Park. Here you’ll find some of the most stunning and secluded beaches in Washington. Rialto Beach is one of the most popular beaches in the park. It’s a long, sandy beach with stunning views of the Olympic Mountains and the Pacific Ocean. You can also explore the nearby tide pools, which are teeming with sea life. La Push Beach is another popular spot, known for its dramatic sea stacks and views of the Quileute Indian Reservation. For a more remote experience, check out Second Beach, a secluded spot only accessible via a short hike.

Pacific Beach

Pacific Beach is one of the most popular beaches in the state, and it’s easy to see why. Located just south of Ocean Shores in Grays Harbor County, Pacific Beach is a great spot for swimming, sunbathing, and surfing. The beach is two miles long, and it’s lined with restaurants, shops, and accommodations. The beach also has several public access points, making it easy to explore. If you’re looking for a more secluded spot, head to Damon Point, located at the northern end of the beach. Here you’ll find a stunning viewpoint and a peaceful stretch of sand.

Cape Flattery

Cape Flattery is the northwestern-most point in the contiguous United States, and it’s home to some of the most spectacular scenery in the state. The cape is surrounded by the stunning Makah Indian Reservation, and it’s the perfect spot for a peaceful retreat. There are several trails that lead to the cape, but the easiest way to get there is by boat. Once you’re there, you can explore the rocky coastline and take in the stunning views of the Pacific Ocean. It’s a great spot for kayaking, fishing, and whale watching.

Crescent Beach

Crescent Beach is a stunning beach located on the northern end of Orcas Island. It’s one of the most popular beaches in the San Juan Islands, and it’s a great spot for swimming, sunbathing, and kayaking. The beach faces west, and it’s lined with driftwood and stunning views of the Olympic Mountains. It’s also a great spot for spotting wildlife, including orcas, seals, and sea lions. There are several public access points, and you can also camp at the nearby Moran State Park.

Ruby Beach

Ruby Beach is one of the most stunning beaches in Olympic National Park. It’s a long, sandy beach with stunning views of the Olympic Mountains and the Pacific Ocean. The beach is also known for its unique rock formations, which you can explore at low tide. You can also search for unique sea creatures in the tide pools, and take in the stunning views of the coastline. There are several public access points, and you can also camp at the nearby Kalaloch Campground.

Westport-Grayland State Park

Westport-Grayland State Park is a stunning beach located on the Washington coast. The beach is two miles long, and it’s lined with sand dunes, lush forests, and stunning views of the Pacific Ocean. The beach is a great spot for swimming, sunbathing, and beachcombing. There are also several public access points, and you can also camp at the nearby Westport Marina Campground. From the campground, you can explore the nearby Westport Lighthouse, or take a scenic boat ride to the nearby islands.

Cannon Beach

Cannon Beach is a stunning beach located on the Washington coast. The beach is two miles long, and it’s lined with sand dunes, lush forests, and stunning views of the Pacific Ocean. The beach is a great spot for swimming, sunbathing, and beachcombing. There are also several public access points, and you can also camp at the nearby Cannon Beach Campground. From the campground, you can explore the nearby Haystack Rock, or take a scenic boat ride to the nearby Ecola State Park.

Cape Disappointment State Park

Cape Disappointment State Park is a stunning beach located on the Washington coast. The beach is two miles long, and it’s lined with sand dunes, lush forests, and stunning views of the Pacific Ocean. The beach is a great spot for swimming, sunbathing, and beachcombing. There are also several public access points, and you can also camp at the nearby Cape Disappointment Campground. From the campground, you can explore the nearby Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center, or take a scenic boat ride to the nearby Columbia River.

Long Beach

Long Beach is a stunning beach located on the Washington coast. The beach is two miles long, and it’s lined with sand dunes, lush forests, and stunning views of the Pacific Ocean. The beach is a great spot for swimming, sunbathing, and beachcombing. There are also several public access points, and you can also camp at the nearby Long Beach Campground. From the campground, you can explore the nearby Cape Disappointment Lighthouse, or take a scenic boat ride to the nearby Willapa Bay.

Kalaloch Beach

Kalaloch Beach is a stunning beach located on the Washington coast. The beach is two miles long, and it’s lined with sand dunes, lush forests, and stunning views of the Pacific Ocean. The beach is a great spot for swimming, sunbathing, and beachcombing. There are also several public access points, and you can also camp at the nearby Kalaloch Campground. From the campground, you can explore the nearby Olympic National Park, or take a scenic boat ride to the nearby Ruby Beach.

Cranberry Beach

Cranberry Beach is a stunning beach located on the Washington coast. The beach is two miles long, and it’s lined with sand dunes, lush forests, and stunning views of the Pacific Ocean. The beach is a great spot for swimming, sunbathing, and beachcombing. There are also several public access points, and you can also camp at the nearby Cranberry Beach Campground. From the campground, you can explore the nearby Lime Kiln Point State Park, or take a scenic boat ride to the nearby San Juan Islands.

Conclusion

Washington is full of beautiful and unique beaches. From the rugged rocky shores of the Olympic Peninsula to the sandy beaches of the San Juan Islands, there’s something to suit every type of traveler. Whether you’re looking for a day of sunbathing, a weekend of camping, or a week of kayaking, Washington has a beach for you. So pack your bags and get ready to explore the best beaches in Washington!