Washington State, located in the Pacific Northwest corner of the United States, is a land of dramatic contrasts — from the rain-soaked temperate rainforests of the Olympic Peninsula to the volcanic peaks of the Cascades and the arid shrub-steppe of the east. Home to Seattle, one of America's most dynamic cities, the state blends state-of-the-art technology culture with stunning wilderness, world-class food and coffee scenes, and some of the continent's most diverse outdoor adventure.
Top beaches
A ranked editor’s shortlist of the coastline worth planning a day around in Washington.
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- Wild and dramatically scenic Pacific coast
- parking
- pit toilets
- interpretive signs
Ruby Beach
One of the most photographed beaches in the Pacific Northwest, Ruby Beach features sea stacks rising from the surf, enormous driftwood logs, and tidal pools. Part of Olympic National Park's wild coastline — undeveloped and breathtaking.
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- Remote and rugged Olympic coastline
- parking
- restrooms
- trailhead access
Rialto Beach
A dramatic Pacific beach with massive driftwood piles and the remarkable Hole-in-the-Wall sea arch accessible at low tide. One of Washington's most iconic coastal destinations, offering dramatic sunset views and excellent tidepool exploration.
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- Classic seaside resort town with wide sandy beach
- boardwalk
- restaurants
- shops
- restrooms
- parking
- visitor center
Long Beach Peninsula
Washington's longest beach — 28 miles of wide, sandy Pacific coastline. Long Beach town offers classic American seaside resort amenities: kite shops, clam chowder restaurants, amusement rides, and the World Kite Museum. Popular for razor clam digging.
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- Family beach resort town
- hotels
- restaurants
- shops
- restrooms
- dune buggy rentals
- casino
Ocean Shores
Washington's most accessible Pacific coast resort community, with a wide sandy beach, canal system for boating, dune buggies, and a full range of family amenities. A classic Pacific Northwest beach getaway popular with Seattle families.
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- Remote wilderness beach with sea stacks
- primitive camping
- pit toilets (seasonal)
- Makah Recreation Pass required
Shi Shi Beach
Often listed among the most beautiful beaches in the US, Shi Shi Beach requires a 2-mile hike through old-growth forest to reach. Dramatic sea stacks, Point of the Arches rock formations, and complete solitude reward the effort.
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- Secluded wilderness cove
- trailhead parking
- pit toilets
Third Beach
A 1.3-mile hike leads to this spectacular wilderness cove with waterfall, sea stacks, and tidal pools. Quieter than nearby First Beach and far more dramatic, Third Beach is ideal for those seeking solitude on Washington's wild coast.
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- Urban beach with stunning Seattle skyline views
- restrooms
- restaurants
- cafes
- volleyball courts
- parking
- bike rentals
Alki Beach
Seattle's most beloved urban beach on the West Seattle peninsula, offering 2.5 miles of waterfront promenade with views of the Seattle skyline and Olympic Mountains. Popular for cycling, rollerblading, and beachcombing. Where Seattle's first settlers landed in 1851.
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- Working fishing town with surfing beach
- surf shop
- restrooms
- parking
- restaurants
- whale watching charters
Westport Beach
Westport hosts Washington's most accessible surfing beach, with consistent Pacific swells and a surf school. The adjacent marina offers whale watching and fishing charters. Twin Harbors State Park provides camping with beach access.
Beaches by vibe
Pick by the mood you want — quiet, social, family, or active — and we point you at where that style lives along the coast.
Family
Family-friendly
Ocean Shores and Long Beach offer resort amenities, dune buggies, and classic seaside vacation experiences
Sport
Active & sporty
Westport Beach for surfing; Alki Beach for cycling and rollerblading
Social
Lively scene
Alki Beach in summer has a lively beach promenade atmosphere with restaurants and rentals
Wild
Wild
Olympic National Park's coastline (Ruby Beach, Rialto, Shi Shi) offers wild, undeveloped Pacific coast scenery with dramatic sea stacks
Things to do at the beach
Beyond swimming and sunbathing — the activities that make a coastal day in Washington memorable.
Razor Clamming
Digging for razor clams on Washington's Pacific beaches is a beloved regional tradition; check WDFW for open season dates
Long Beach Peninsula, Ocean Shores, Twin Harbors State Park
Tidepooling
Washington's rocky Pacific coast shelters extraordinary tidepool ecosystems with sea stars, anemones, chitons, and hermit crabs
Rialto Beach, Ruby Beach, Shi Shi Beach, Tongue Point
Surfing
Cold-water surfing with consistent Pacific swells, best in fall and winter when swells are largest
Westport, La Push, Shi Shi Beach
Kite Flying
Washington's coastal winds make it ideal for kite flying; Long Beach hosts major kite festivals
Long Beach Peninsula, Ocean Shores
Whale Watching (Shore-Based)
Gray whale migration passes Washington's coast March-May; orca pods visible from Olympic Peninsula beaches
Kalaloch, Ruby Beach, Cape Flattery
Practical beach info
What to know before you head to the coast — season, getting there, facilities, and what it costs.
Best season
Washington's Pacific beaches are accessible year-round, though cold water temperatures (45-55°F year-round) limit swimming; summer months offer the best weather and longest days; fall and winter bring dramatic storm watching
Getting there
Most beaches are free to access; Olympic National Park beaches require a park pass ($35/vehicle); Makah Reservation beaches require a Makah Recreation Pass ($20)
On-beach facilities
Olympic National Park beaches have minimal facilities; Ocean Shores and Long Beach have full resort amenities; Alki Beach has excellent urban facilities
Costs to budget
Clam digging requires a shellfish license ($20/year for residents; $52 for non-residents); surf rentals in Westport from $25/hour; kayak rentals at Alki from $25/hour
What to bring
A short packing list for a comfortable beach day — adjust for season and the specific spot.
- Sun protectionHigh-SPF sunscreen, hat, polarised sunglasses, light long-sleeve cover-up.
- HydrationReusable bottle, salty snacks for longer days, electrolyte sachets if it’s hot.
- FootwearWater shoes for pebble or rocky entry, flip-flops for sand, dry pair for the trip home.
- Swim & coverQuick-dry towel or sand-resistant mat, change of swimwear, light cover-up for restaurants.
- Cash & valuablesSmall notes for beach clubs and rentals; waterproof pouch for phone, keys, cards.
- ExtrasReef-safe sunscreen near protected coastline, a book, a small first-aid kit for jellyfish or scrapes.
Beach safety
Hard-earned guidance — read this before you swim, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the coast.
Critical
Swim where lifeguards are posted and follow flag warnings — green is safe, yellow is caution, red means no swimming. Rip currents are the leading beach hazard worldwide.
Caution
Watch for tide changes and marine life — jellyfish blooms, sea urchins on rocky entries, occasional shark or stingray advisories. Don’t swim alone, especially at dawn or dusk.
Tip
Reapply sunscreen every 90 minutes and after every swim. Take shade between 11 am and 3 pm — the sun is harsher than people expect, even when the air is cool.
Practical
Keep valuables out of sight or back at the accommodation. Beach theft is a small-but-real risk at busy beaches; never leave bags unattended while you’re in the water.