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.
Quick Guide to Long Beach, Washington
- One of longest beaches in the US – 28 miles of sand
- Longest drivable beach in the world – part of the state highway system
- Perfect for solo travelers, midlife travel, couples and family getaways
- Explore the Discovery Trail, Cape Disappointment, Fort Canby, and historic lighthouses
- Enjoy fresh seafood, casual beach restaurants, and local festivals
- Easy weekend trip from Seattle/Tacoma (2-4 hours) or Portland (2-3 hours)
Long Beach, WA is one of the easiest and most relaxing coastal getaways in the Pacific Northwest, offering sandy beaches, scenic trails, cozy hotels, great food, and plenty of options for a fun-filled or quiet weekend.
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.
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. If you need a comfortable, fun hoodie for your adventures, check out my online shop for customizable options that keep you warm and make packing easier.
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 lighthouse at Cape Disappointment is my favorite in Washington. It’s the oldest in the state, and the hike up to it feels a little dramatic and old-world.
Fort Canby is right there, too, which adds to the sense of history.
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 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 great spot, with amazing views of the ocean and the Columbia River. You can actually go inside on a tour from May to September, which is pretty cool. Just a heads up—the parking lot fills up fast in summer and on weekends, so try to go early or pick a quieter time if you can.
The lighthouse keepers’ houses here are really lovely, and you can actually rent them out. They’d be perfect for a family get-together since there’s plenty of space. I haven’t stayed there yet, but it’s definitely on my list.
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, on top of the Adrift Hotel, has awesome beach views and really good food and drinks. It’s a fun spot for a date night or a weekend dinner with friends. The Adrift is also a great place to stay—they even have bikes in the lobby so you can head right out onto the Discovery Trail in the morning.
My first trip to Long Beach was with my youngest son when he was about 13—just the two of us for a mother-son weekend at the Adrift Hotel. We spent a lot of time on the boardwalk and trail—I borrowed one of the hotel’s bikes, and he brought his longboard. It was a fun way to hang out together and get to the main part of town where everything was happening.
Other favorite food spots along the main stretch:
North Beach Tavern is a great place for beer and oyster shooters. These are chunky, delicious, and served in a souvenir shot glass. I have quite a few of those shot glasses at home.
Their pizza menu is surprisingly good. We’ve been there a few times and sat outside sipping our beers and watching the town do its thing.
Captain Bob’s Chowder Sisters is a cozy little local spot with delicious clam chowder in bread bowls or potato bowls, fish and chips, and crab rolls. It’s perfect for a quick, tasty meal.
The Lost Roo is another good local spot for watching the game while enjoying local brews and cocktails. Their menu changes seasonally but typically includes chowder, fish and chips, wings, salads, and various yummy burgers.
If the thought of oysters excites you, as it does me, make sure to drive further North up to Oysterville Sea Farms for one of my top picks for great places to enjoy fresh oysters in Western Washington.
If you’re in the mood to just take it easy, you can wander through the local shops and art galleries, or just hang out at your hotel or rental house.
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
It’s not just the Fourth that brings folks to the peninsula. Long Beach hosts several fun annual events and festivals throughout the year, like the famous Washington State International Kite Festival in August, the SandSations sand sculpture competition, and the Razor Clam Festival and Chowder Taste-Off in spring.
There’s also the Peninsula Arts Association exhibitions, the Ilwaco Saturday Market during the warmer months, and the Rod Run to the End of the World car show in September. These events make the area even livelier and are great to plan around—just be ready for extra crowds if your trip falls on one of these weekends.
When we stay for the fourth, we book our rental through Bloomer Estates and have had great experiences. However, there are plenty of other options for booking a beautiful home with easy beach access.
Traveling solo? Good for you. If it’s just you… you bold, independent, making-it-happen woman… these hotels are perfect.
Where to stay in long beach washington
The breakers hotel
The Breakers is a great place to stay. They have studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom units with private balconies. They have an indoor pool, a hot tub, and a seasonal outdoor hot tub, which I love. It isn’t a fancy spa treatment, but it is your affordable way of soothing your muscles after a day of walking on the beach. There is nothing like soaking in the hot water in the early evening temps while breathing in the salty ocean air.
I have stayed there a couple of times, and the rooms are comfy and affordable, with nice views, kitchens, and sitting areas.
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.
Staying here also gives you access to the Adrift Hotel & Spa’s amenities, which include their barrel saunas, heated saline pool, and those fun beach cruisers I mentioned earlier. You could also book yourself a well-deserved spa treatment.
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.
The fireside inn and saloon
The newest addition to this list, the Fireside Inn and Saloon, is a fun, modern option North of downtown. This locally owned and operated motel-style Inn is a 10-minute walk to the beach and offers a continental breakfast, a rustic saloon with casual indoor dining, and an outdoor seating area complete with firepits.
I have not personally stayed here as it’s newer, but it has some really great reviews and seems like a great place to check out, so I think this will be my next stay when I head down there for my next PNW ocean getaway.
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. Double win.
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 with kids
If you’re bringing kids, there is plenty to keep them entertained. As a grandma and an auntie, I have enjoyed time here with the kids doing the standard “beach town” activities.
There is the Funland arcade and laser tag, go-karts, the Cranberry Museum, the World Kite Museum, and Marsh’s Free Museum… which reminds me a lot of Ye Olde Curiosity Shop in Seattle. There are horse rides on the beach and endless kite-flying opportunities.
Don’t forget to have a peek at the “world’s largest frying pan” in downtown. It is a replica of an actual cast-iron pan used from 1941 to 1948 at the annual Clam Festivals to fry up some clam fritters. I would have loved to have seen that!
~ Image: Historical photo of the 1941 Long Beach Clam Festival. Source unknown. (Please contact us for credit or removal).
Finish it all off with ice cream at Scoopers Market. They also carry basic grocery supplies, and yes… the line can get long in summer.
My adult son… the one who was 13 when we first came here (man, time flies)… and his friends always make time for a morning of golf at the nearby Peninsula Golf Course. They offer an affordable coastal golf and disc golf experience. It is also dog-friendly.
No kids? Don’t miss out on sampling some adult beverages at the Adrift Distillers. This is a great spot to explore their collection of Washington-based and inspired spirits. A nice way to unwind.
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 different chapters of my life. Loud Fourth of Julys. Quiet solo trips. A memorable weekend with my teenage son. Road trips with my partner. It’s not flashy or fancy. It’s simply a beautiful slice of nature on the coast, inviting you to come as you are – stay – breathe – unwind for a bit.
Why not come and write your own chapter on this wild stretch of coast? Let the salt air clear your mind, the endless beach reset your energy, and the changing skies surprise you. Your story is waiting here.
