The beauty of Washington’s coastal towns are their diversity. No two communities feel exactly alike. One town might offer rugged cliffs and dramatic surf. Another invites you into a historic downtown lined with bookstores, seafood shacks, and maritime history. Some are gateways to the wild landscapes of the Olympic National Park, while others feel quietly tucked away, known mostly by locals who return year after year.
For many Washingtonians, summer naturally calls us west. We load up the car with sweatshirts, hiking boots, rain jackets “just in case,” and head toward the coast in search of salt air and a reset. But Washington’s coastal towns are not only summer destinations. Some are arguably even more magical in spring and fall, when mist hangs over the shoreline, crowds thin out, and the coastline takes on an almost ethereal quality.
The Pacific Northwest’s seaside communities offer experiences that range from adventurous to wonderfully simple. You can spend the morning hiking through moss-covered forests, the afternoon searching tide pools, and the evening watching the sun disappear into the Pacific with fish and chips in hand. There are places for razor clam digging, storm watching, whale spotting, kayaking, surfing, beachcombing, and long walks where the only soundtrack is crashing waves and seabirds overhead.
And perhaps that is what makes Washington’s coast so compelling. It never asks you to do much. It simply invites you to slow down, and we need that more than ever.
Here’s a look at ten of Washington’s most memorable coastal towns to visit, each offering its own distinct personality and connection to the sea.
Neah Bay
At the top of the world, as Washingtonians may say, Neah Bay offers the best of both worlds when it comes to ocean fun. On the east side, Neah Bay faces the Strait of Juan de Fuca, with its rugged shoreline, while on the west, the Pacific Ocean invites you to spend time on the beach, or hop in the water for a little surfing or swimming.
While in Neah Bay, visit the Makah Tribe’s museum and cultural center, where you can view artifacts as old as 500 years and tour replicas of significant tribal history.
Explore the area by hiking Cape Flattery Trail, a 1.5-mile roundtrip showcasing Cape Flattery as you explore the trail, taking you along a boardwalk in a bog.
Bremerton
Bremerton isn’t necessarily a place you’ll go to enjoy the beach, but it is a great coastal town in Washington that’s close to Seattle and offers an opportunity to learn more about Washington’s naval history.
The largest city on Kitsap Peninsula with about 38,000 people, Bremerton is a Navy town. With the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard located there, the city is home to the Puget Sound Navy Museum. At the Navy Museum, you can explore the history of the shipyard through interactive exhibits, as well as learn what life was like aboard the USS John Stennis, an aircraft carrier.
While in Bremerton, climb aboard the USS Joy Turner, a destroyer decommissioned 40 years ago. Explore each deck, with its unique exhibits, such as a brig, mess hall, and sleeping quarters.
Long Beach Peninsula
Long Beach Peninsula, or as we called it while we visited, “The LBP”, it’s a quaint little coastal town only 3 hours from Seattle or about 7 hours from Spokane. While there is plenty to do in Long Beach itself, you’ll want to explore the entire Long Beach Peninsula. Long Beach is “home” to the world’s largest beach, with 28 miles of sandy and rocky beaches lining the Pacific Ocean, with access points.
The beach at Long Beach is home to boardwalk trail, and features the World’s Longest Beach Arch (which you can get a picture with, but just watch out for cars!) Known for razor clams, you’ll find people with shovels and buckets patrolling the beach in the early morning hours. In town, Long Beach is home to the World Kite Museum and hosts the International Kite Festival every August.
TNW Tip: Make sure to book your stay in Long Beach months ahead of time if you want to stay during the International Kite Festival, as the town is small and stays within walking distance book up quickly.
While in Long Beach, check out the local souvenir shops – and don’t forget to grab some chowder! Our favorite places to eat in Long Beach were:
- Cape Disappointment State Park
- Dylan’s Cottage Bakery
- Ice Cream at Scoopers Market
Port Townsend
With Port Wilson Lighthouse standing above picturesque Puget Sound, Fort Worden State Park offers an outstanding look into the history of the area. Buildings still stand from the former military post, giving visitors a glimpse into the fort’s role in protecting the sound from potential enemies. Stroll the fort with its gun placements, officers’ quarters, and other buildings.
Learn more about the town of Port Townsend itself at the Rothschild House Museum, near the Old Ferry Dock. Definitely try and see if you can get a docent to show you around, as they are incredibly knowledge about the area and the house itself. About two hours from Olympic National Park, you can plan a hiking tour of the park, or head for a sightseeing cruise to Protection Island National Wildlife Refuge, where you can partake in fun bird watching activities.
Poulsbo
With a Viking sculpture greeting visitors, Poulsbo celebrates its Scandinavian heritage with shops, restaurants, and a bakery. The U.S. Naval Underwater Museum offers a look at life in submarines, and what makes them work. An impressive historical look into the Navy’s underwater missions, as well as a few special exhibits, makes the museum a must when visiting Poulsbo. Offering hands-on experience with sea life, such as star fish and other marine animals, the Sea Discovery Center is fun for adults and children. Prefer non-aquatic animals? Pet an alpaca or llama at the Sawdust Hill Alpaca Farm.
Oak Harbor
Only about 2 hours from Seattle, Oak Harbor is a beautiful, craggy seaside town. Deception Pass State Park is Washington’s most-popular park, attracting visitors for its coves and rugged cliffs.
A great spot for hiking, kayaking, and swimming, Deception Pass State Park is known for its breath-taking sunsets. Located on two islands – Fidalgo and Whidbey – the park is connected by Deception Pass Bridge, a two-lane bridge 180 feet above the water, sending chills down some people’s spines.
Oak Harbor itself is a quaint coastal town, known for the oak trees that shade the community. Home to the Pacific Northwest Naval Air Museum, you can view aircraft that have served the Whidbey Naval Station from World War II through today.
Ocean Shores
Fly a kite on the beach, or maybe take a guided horseback ride with the Pacific Ocean only a few feet away. Ocean Shores is a fabulous beach community, home to all kinds of fun activities, including kayaking and hydrobiking, as well as fishing.
Learn more about the area at the Coastal Interpretive Center, where you’ll find shipwreck items, local history, and more.
Westport
With three main breaks, Westport ranks as one of the top places to surf in the world. Whether you enjoy “hanging ten,” or watching in awe as men and women delicately negotiate the giant waves of the Pacific Ocean, there’s plenty to enjoy at this coastal beach town. You can bring a picnic to the Westport Viewing Tour, with striking views of the ocean and downtown Westport area.
Its beaches are perfect for walking, whale watching, and enjoying amazing sunsets. Westport’s beaches are also known for razor clamming and catching oysters.
Port Ludlow
Only about 2 hours from Seattle, Port Ludlow is a charming and small community with incredible hiking trails and even a local waterfall. For a long time, many Port Ludlow residents were retirees or those with vacation homes, but lately as working-from-home becomes more common, you’re beginning to see many more people live there year round.
While visiting Port Ludlow, be sure to check out Shine Tidelands State Park, which is known for its shellfish harvesting, kayaking opportunities, and plenty of walking. You also won’t want to miss Ludlow Falls, which is just an easy walk/small hike down from the gravel parking lot.
Not sure where to eat in Port Ludlow? No need to leave – visit Molcajete for delicious Mexican food and Cove Coffee Co. for coffee and pastries.
Where should you stay in Port Ludlow? Check out Paradise Heights Bed and Breakfast, which is tucked away from the town and just off the Hood Canal Floating Bridge. If you’re looking for an escape from the noise, you’ll find it at Paradise Heights, which features only three bedrooms, jaw-dropping views, and a decadent breakfast served every morning.
Seabrook
With a beautiful coastline, Seabrook offers the best of two worlds, with easy access to the Pacific Ocean and Olympic National Park.
A surfer’s delight, Seabrook’s beach offers one of the best spots for cold water surfing. Perfect for whale watching and boating! Seabrook is also a nice spot to enjoy a walk along its beaches. Enjoy a drive along the Olympic Peninsula Loop, taking you around the perimeter of the national park, with its mountains, forests, and natural attractions, including waterfalls.
This summer, consider taking the long way west. Roll the windows down as the forests begin to thicken, stop in the small towns you would normally drive past, linger a little longer on the beach, and let the coast set the pace. Washington’s shoreline has a way of reminding us that salt air, sandy shoes, and a cup of chowder overlooking the water is indeed the best medicine. The most beautiful places have been waiting just a few hours from home for you to explore for the first time or the hundredth, but are no less precious.