Long Beach, Washington: A perfect weekend getaway on the washington coast

Dawn in Long Beach.
As I stood there, barefoot in the wet sand, the waves washing over my toes, my fingers wrapped around a hot coffee…I watched the sky slowly change colors with the rising sun over the Pacific.

The salty air felt crisp and clean, and for the first time in a while, my jaw and shoulders finally relaxed.
No phone buzzing.
No deadlines.
No rushing about.
Just the steady sound of the waves rolling in and the wind moving through the beach grass.

Having lived in the Pacific Northwest for most of my life, I have been to the Long Beach Peninsula many times, through all the chapters of life, and I can tell you that if life has been feeling a little loud lately… this quiet stretch of the Washington coast might be exactly what you need.

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Why Long Beach, Washington is the perfect coastal getaway

I’ve come by myself when I needed space. I’ve come with my partner for a fun road trip, day trip, and overnight adventure.

I have also come out many times for our annual Fourth of July getaway with a house full of family and friends.

My very first trip here was with my son when he was 13.

We rode along the boardwalk, rode go-karts, ate chowder and fries, walked the beach for miles, and I still somehow found quiet moments just sitting and watching the waves.

Long Beach is one of those places that works for whatever season of life you’re in.

It’s about a 3 to 4 hour drive from Seattle, or 2 to 3 from Portland, depending on traffic.

Long Beach is the southernmost beach in Washington, just above where the Columbia River meets the Pacific.

The nearby towns, such as Seaview, Ilwaco, Ocean Park, and Oysterville, are all worth a visit, and the whole area is easy to get to for a quick getaway.

That being said, I have spent many a 4th of July there, as that is our annual family trip…and believe me, it is super fun and energetic.

Not typically the time for quiet moments, however, I always make sure to carve out time for a few of them.

The scenic drive to long beach, Washington along Highway 101

I live between Seattle and Tacoma, so for me, the scenic part of the trip always starts on Highway 101 south, after the Aberdeen exit.

You pass Raymond and then drive along the marshy coastline of Willapa Bay, through South Bend and Bruceport, and past a few nature preserves, including the Willapa National Wildlife Refuge. It’s a peaceful stretch… just marsh and sky, and sometimes you spot Elk and amazing birds, such as Eagles, Herons, Falcons, and Hawks.

Add a good Spotify playlist, and you’re already off to a great start.

After that stretch, you turn North onto Highway 103 at Seaview… which is also a cute little town to check out, and head straight into the city of Long Beach.

Long Beach is a cute little town that’s perfect for a weekend away.

There are wide open beaches, pretty hiking and biking trails, and plenty of space to just relax. Weather-wise, summers are great for the beach, since summer temps in the PNW have been increasing in recent years, giving us long, hot, and dry days that can be a bit overwhelming for us locals.

The cooler coastal breezes can be quite welcome.

The weather on the washington coast

Along the coast, it is common to get cooler, foggy, cloudy mornings and evenings, so layers are lifesavers.

A cozy hoodie is always on my packing list for the Washington coast. If you are looking for one for your own trip, I have a few PNW-inspired sweatshirts and hoodies in my shop that fit the vibe perfectly.

Rain is always a possibility, especially from fall through spring, but that just means fewer crowds and a cozier vibe.

If you’re lucky, you’ll get some sun, but honestly…you never really know in the PNW.

My best advice is to come prepared for all seasons, no matter the season, and let the weather be part of your adventure.
A little mist,
a windy gust,
or an unexpected sunset…
can all make the trip more memorable.
Either way, it’s a great place to spend a few days.

Long beach peninsula

The Long Beach Peninsula in Washington state has one of the longest stretches of continuous sandy beach in the US… 28 miles of beach in fact.

I love just walking for hours along the sandy shores, watching the waves come in and out and seeing the various shorebirds running along shoreline.

The Long Beach Washington Beach is not only a beautiful stretch of sand but also the longest drivable beach in the world.

In fact, it is an official state highway with a speed limit of 25mph.

The sand near the water is wet and compact, easy to drive on, and it is a fun, worthwhile experience.

That said, I wouldn’t venture far from that compacted shoreline without a Four Wheel Drive vehicle, as the sand gets thick, loose, and dry.

I have seen many people get stuck in the sand, and you do not want to be in that situation.

If you are feeling more adventurous, you can try surfing or paddleboarding.

Or just bring a kite and let the wind do its thing.

The beach is wide and breezy, always feeling open and forgiving.

Walk or bike the discovery trail

If you want to get in a good hike or bike ride, the Discovery Trail is a favorite.

It’s an 8.5-mile paved path from the Port of Ilwaco up to the north end of the Long Beach boardwalk, with lots of places to hop on and off.

There is ample parking at Beard’s Hollow, and you’ll typically find restrooms at major trailheads like Ilwaco and the north end by the boardwalk.

The trail goes past Cape Disappointment and Beard’s Hollow, both of which have beautiful wetlands and big coastline views.

Cape Disappointment State Park is one of my favorite places around here.

If you’re into coastal history and dramatic views, you’ll love it too.

There are campsites, cabins, and even yurts at the park, allowing you to use the park as your basecamp for the rest of your Long Beach adventure.

explore cape disappointment and the historic lighthouses

The Cape Disappointment Lighthouse is still my favorite lighthouse in Washington.

It is the oldest operating lighthouse in the state, and the walk up to it adds to the experience.

Between the forest, the bluff, and the wide-open view where the Columbia River meets the Pacific, the whole area feels a little wild and wonderfully dramatic.

Fort Canby is nearby, too, which adds another layer of history to the visit.

Between the old military sites, wooded trails, and lighthouse views, this part of the peninsula feels like one of those places where the scenery and the history are completely tangled together.

Standing up by the lighthouse, with the sharp breeze in my face and the roar of the waves below, I imagine the relief and awe Lewis and Clark must have felt upon reaching this rugged edge of the continent after their long journey.

In that moment, history isn’t just something I read on a plaque…it feels alive.

If you’re into history and big coastal views, as much as I am, don’t miss this.

There is also the nearby North Head Lighthouse.

This lighthouse was built about 40 years after the Cape Disappointment lighthouse due to complaints that it couldn’t be seen when approaching from the North.

The North Head Lighthouse is another favorite stop, with sweeping views of the Pacific and the mouth of the Columbia River.

You can tour the lighthouse seasonally… usually from late spring into early fall, which makes it a fun add-on if your visit lines up with the schedule.

The parking area can fill quickly on summer weekends, so earlier in the day is usually your best bet.

The keeper’s houses are worth a look, too.

They are beautiful old buildings with so much character, and you can actually stay in them.

I have not done that yet, but it is definitely on my list.

It would be such a fun option for a family trip or a slower weekend where the whole point is to settle in, enjoy the history, and stay close to the coast.

After all that exploring, you’ll definitely be hungry.

Long Beach is known for its fresh seafood, and there are lots of easy, casual spots to grab a bite.

If you’re on a budget, you’ll also find plenty of affordable options and local favorites where you can eat well without spending a lot.

Whether you want a quick fish and chips by the beach, a cozy bowl of chowder, or just a great burger, there’s something for every budget here.

where to eat in long beach washington

Pickled Fish Restaurant, perched on the top floor of the Adrift Hotel, is one of my favorite places in Long Beach for a relaxed dinner with an ocean view.

The menu leans into fresh, Northwest-inspired comfort food, and it’s the kind of place where you can settle in with a drink, watch the weather roll across the beach, and not feel like you need to rush anywhere.

The Adrift itself also has a little history with me.

My first trip to Long Beach was with my youngest son when he was about 13.

It was just the two of us on a mother-son weekend, and we stayed at the Adrift Hotel.

During the day, we spent hours wandering the boardwalk and Discovery Trail.

He brought his longboard, and I borrowed one of the hotel bikes, which made it easy to leave the car behind and make our way toward downtown Long Beach.

It wasn’t some elaborate vacation. We rode around, ate chowder and fries, explored the beach, and just hung out together.

Looking back now that he is grown, those simple weekends are some of the trips I appreciate the most.

That memory is probably part of why I still like the Adrift.

The location puts you close to the beach and Discovery Trail, and having Pickled Fish upstairs means you can finish a day outside with dinner and a view without having to go anywhere else.

A Few More Long Beach Food Stops I Like

Long Beach has plenty of casual places where you can show up sandy, windswept, and hungry without feeling out of place.

North Beach Tavern is one of my favorite spots for a beer and oyster shooters. They come in little souvenir shot glasses, which I have somehow managed to collect more than a few of over the years. The pizza is also surprisingly good, and we have spent more than one afternoon sitting outside with a beer, watching the town roll by.

For classic beach-town comfort food, Captain Bob’s Chowder Sisters is an easy stop. Their clam chowder comes in bread bowls or potato bowls, and they also serve fish and chips, crab rolls, and other quick coastal favorites. It is the kind of place that works when you want something warm and filling without making a whole event out of dinner.

The Lost Roo is another dependable option if you want a casual meal and a drink while catching a game. The menu changes, but you will usually find things like chowder, fish and chips, burgers, wings, and salads. It is relaxed, unfussy, and easy to fit into a weekend itinerary.

And if oysters are your thing, I would absolutely make the drive north to Oysterville Sea Farms. It is one of my favorite places in Western Washington for fresh oysters, and the drive up the peninsula is part of the fun.

Sometimes, though, the best Long Beach dinner is the one you bring back to your room or rental after a long day outside.

Grab something easy, pour a drink, and let the coast be the entertainment.

Ocean Park is where my family rents a house in the summer for the Fourth of July. It’s an exciting time to be there… and a very busy one.

The town fills up fast, and last year, finding somewhere to eat the day after the Fourth felt like mission impossible. If you’re visiting during a holiday weekend, plan ahead.

annual festivals and events in Long beach washington

The Fourth of July is far from the only time Long Beach gets lively.

Throughout the year, the peninsula hosts several popular events, including the Washington State International Kite Festival in August, SandSations, the Razor Clam Festival and Chowder Taste-Off, Peninsula Arts Association events, the Ilwaco Saturday Market, and the Rod Run to the End of the World in September.

These weekends can be a lot of fun if you like a little extra energy mixed into your beach trip.

Just keep in mind that hotels, rentals, restaurants, and parking can fill up faster, so it is worth planning ahead if your visit lines up with one of the bigger events.

Where We Stay for the Fourth of July

When we come for our annual Fourth of July trip, we book a vacation rental through Bloomer Estates and have had good experiences with them over the years.

If you want to grab the exact house we stay at, you can check them out directly here. However, they book up months in advance! If your dates aren’t available, I highly recommend checking out other gorgeous Long Beach Vacation Rentals on Expedia

A rental house works especially well when you are traveling with family or friends because everyone gets a little more space, you can cook meals together, and it is easy to settle in for a few days without feeling like you are constantly coming and going.

Traveling Solo?

Long Beach works really well for a solo getaway, too.

If you are coming on your own, I would look for a hotel that feels comfortable, easy to navigate, and close enough to the beach or town that you do not have to overthink every part of the trip.

Where to stay in long beach washington

The breakers hotel

The Breakers is a great place to stay if you want something comfortable, relaxed, and close to the beach.

They have studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom units with private balconies, plus an indoor pool, hot tub, and seasonal outdoor hot tub.

I have stayed there a couple of times, and the rooms are comfy and affordable, with nice views, kitchens, and sitting areas.

One of my favorite things is soaking in the hot tub in the cool evening air after a long day of walking the beach.

It is not a fancy spa experience, but honestly, that is part of the appeal.

Check current rates and availability at The Breakers.

shelburne hotel

For a charming historic experience, The Shelburne Hotel is the way to go.

Claiming to be the oldest, continuously operating hotel in Washington (although I do believe the Tokeland Hotel across the bay holds that title), this is a charming hotel with a vintage Victorian aesthetic and a great selection of cozy rooms, as well as a historic pub for drinks and dining.

One of the nice perks is access to some of the amenities at the Adrift Hotel & Spa, including the barrel saunas, heated saline pool, and beach cruisers.

If you want to make the trip feel a little more indulgent, you can also add a spa treatment.

Check current rates and availability at The Shelburne Hotel.

The oceanview inn at the arch

Oceanview Inn at the Arch is perfect for being right in the heart of it. It is right on the beach.

Many rooms have ocean views, and it is next to the Long Beach Arch…the iconic arched sign at the main entrance to the public beach and boardwalk, giving you easy access to the beach, the trails, and the main stretch of shops and food.

Check current rates and availability at the Oceanview Inn at the Arch.

Adrift Hotel

I already mentioned Adrift Hotel earlier because of the Pickled Fish Restaurant and that first Long Beach trip I took with my son, but it is also worth considering as a place to stay.

The rooms have a casual, modern coastal feel, and having Pickled Fish upstairs makes it easy to finish the day with dinner, drinks, and an ocean view without leaving the property.

What I liked most was how easy it was to actually use the Discovery Trail and beach.

I borrowed one of the hotel bikes, my son had his longboard, and we could head out to the main action of town, without getting back in the car.

Later, while he relaxed in the room with his game, I slipped out for a quiet sunset walk on the beach.

It really was the best of both worlds.

Adrift also has some great extras besides the beach cruisers and easy beach access… including a full-service spa, barrel saunas, and a heated saline pool.

Add Pickled Fish upstairs, and you can pretty much park the car and settle into a relaxed coastal weekend.

Check current rates and availability at Adrift Hotel.

The mermaid inn and rv park

The Mermaid Inn & RV Park is an adorable little retro spot on the Northern end of town, along Highway 103, near the Cranberry Museum.

They offer cozy, boutique motel rooms with furnished patios at affordable prices.

We have had friends stay here who came for our Fourth of July get-togethers, and they were pleased with the clean, comfy rooms.

It is also a great spot if you are living that van life and looking for a cute spot to call home for the evening.

The staff is friendly and welcomes pets, so your furry friends are as welcome as you are.
That’s a double win.

Check the current rates and availability for the Mermaid Inn & RV Park.

In general, Long Beach is a pet-friendly town with many places to stay, allowing dogs for an added fee.

The beach and trails are also dog-friendly, making it easy to bring your furry friend along on outdoor adventures.

Just remember to keep pets leashed and to check each accommodation’s specific policies.

Things to do in long beach, washington

Long Beach offers something for every type of traveler, regardless of age or stage of life.

I have come here with my son when he was 13, with a house full of family and friends for the Fourth of July, and for quieter weekends when I just wanted some space and ocean air.

That mix is part of what makes the peninsula so easy to return to. You can fill your day with activities, wander around with no real plan, or do a little of both.

For Solo Travelers and Quiet Escapes

Long Beach invites you to savor its best experiences at your own pace, with no need for reservations, a crowd, or a tightly packed itinerary.

The Discovery Trail is one of my favorite ways to explore. You can walk or bike through dunes, forest, and stretches of coastline, and because it connects different parts of the peninsula, it can be both your activity and your transportation for the day.

Cape Disappointment State Park makes for a perfect solo escape. Roam the winding trails, discover historic lighthouses, meander through the old Fort Canby grounds, and soak up the dramatic meeting of river and ocean.

If you crave a slower pace, wander through local shops, linger in museums, sip coffee, or settle on the sand with a good book. In Long Beach, even the quietest moments feel meaningful.

If your idea of a peaceful afternoon includes a local drink, stop by Adrift Distillers for a taste of Washington-inspired spirits crafted right in town.

Or treat yourself to a day of pure relaxation with soothing hot tubs and rejuvenating spa treatments at the Adrift Hotel and Spa.

For Couples or an Adult Weekend Away

Long Beach is perfect for a grown-up escape filled with delicious meals, a dash of adventure, and plenty of moments to unwind.

Start with a walk on the beach or Discovery Trail, spend the afternoon at Cape Disappointment, then head back into town for dinner.

Pickled Fish, on top of the Adrift Hotel, is a good option when you want dinner with a view. You can watch the weather move across the coast while having drinks and a relaxed meal without making the evening feel too formal.

If you are staying at Adrift or the Shelburne, treat yourself to a soothing spa session, a relaxing sauna, or a dip in the pool.

This getaway is also ideal for a round of golf, wandering through historic lighthouses, or simply settling in with a drink and the luxury of unhurried time.

For Families With Younger Kids

As a grandma and an auntie, I have enjoyed time here with the kids doing the standard “beach town” activities.

But I would not overlook the outdoor adventures, either.

Cape Disappointment, the old fort, forest trails, and lighthouses can be just as much fun for kids, especially when you mix in a little local history along the way.

It is one of those places where they can climb, explore, see something new, and accidentally learn a little while they are at it.

But of course, there are all of those super fun, family friendly, classic beach fun to be had.

Funland Family Fun Center right along the main road, (Pacific Ave), has plenty of arcade games, VR, plus laser tag… the ultimate family fun.

Fun Beach Go Kart Speedway… also along Pacific Ave. Go-karts are always and easy win and a classic beach town activity for all ages.

You can also explore the World Kite Museum, the Cranberry Museum, and Marsh’s Free Museum… a fun souvenir shop filled with all kinds of oddities. It actually reminds me a lot of Ye Olde Curiosity Shop in Seattle.

Book a horseback ride along the shore, send kites soaring for hours, stop for ice cream at Scoopers Market, bring that pail and shovel for sand castles on the beach, or simply let the kids run wild on the sand.

And make sure to check out the town’s legendary “worlds largest frying pan”.

The pan you see today is a replica of the large cast-iron pan used during early clam festivals to cook huge batches of clam fritters.

I would have loved to see that in action.

A Few Classic Long Beach Stops

After all that exploring, there are a few simple stops that are easy to work into almost any kind of trip.

Scoopers Market is one of those places. It is good for ice cream, snacks, and the random grocery item you forgot to bring.

On a sunny summer afternoon, though, expect a line. Apparently everyone has the same ice cream idea.

Adrift Distillers is another easy stop when you are ready to slow down at the end of the day. It is located near the beach, just a 2 minute walk from the Adrift Hotel.

They make Washington-inspired spirits right on the peninsula, and it is a nice place to sit, sample something local, and wind down before heading back to your hotel or rental.

Long Beach Grows With You

One of the things I appreciate more every time I come back is that Long Beach really does grow with you.

The things we did when my son was 13 are not exactly the same things we do now that he is an adult, but the peninsula still works just as well.

We just use it differently.

Back then, it was longboards, bikes, arcade games, and chowder.

Now it is family breakfast at the rental house, followed by golf, beach walks, group lunches, and everyone disappearing for a few hours to do their own thing before meeting back up for dinner and drinks back at the house.

The place has stayed familiar even while our trips have changed, and I think that is part of why it is so easy to return year after year.

best time to visit long beach washington

If you’re wondering about the best times to visit, summer months from June through early September tend to have the warmest weather and the most activities happening around town. It is the best time if you are bringing kids.

If you prefer milder weather and fewer crowds, late Spring and early Fall are great times to go.

The blooming nature in the Spring and the moody harvest of the Fall are both beautiful times for scenic hikes and drives.

I personally prefer the off-season because I enjoy getting away from the crowds and spending time in nature, on the beach, and in beautiful solitude, although I do enjoy that yearly memory-making family time.

why i keep coming back to long beach

All in all, Long Beach has been part of a lot of different chapters of my life.

Loud Fourth of July trips.
Quiet solo escapes.
A memorable weekend with my teenage son.
Road trips with my partner.
And now, family trips where the kids are grown and everyone has their own plans.

That is probably why I keep coming back.

Long Beach is not flashy or polished, and that is part of the appeal. It is wide beaches, changing weather, casual food, old coastal landmarks, trails, lighthouses, and enough space to slow down for a while.

You can come here for a packed family weekend, a quiet solo reset, or something somewhere in between.

And somehow, it still works.

If Long Beach is calling your name, save this guide, book a place that fits the kind of trip you want, and give yourself a few days to explore at your own pace.

Frequently Asked Questions About Long Beach, Washington