Washington Coast Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Washington Coast
Photo provided by Resort at Port Ludlow/Olympic Peninsula Visitor Bureau
Photo provided by Resort at Port Ludlow/Olympic Peninsula Visitor Bureau
Rialto Beach which includes a pebble beach, general coastal views and landscape views
Photo provided by Resort at Port Ludlow/Olympic Peninsula Visitor Bureau

Miles of sandy beaches, lush rainforest valleys and ample recreational activities make this Washington region a well-loved destination for enjoying the great outdoors.

The Washington Coast encompasses an assortment of oceanfront towns and cities overlooking the deep blue waters of the Pacific Ocean. From quiet hidden inlets to popular sandy beaches, families, couples and solo visitors can find lots of places to get active or relax. Go whale watching in early spring, hike through temperate rainforests and climb up the steps of a historic lighthouse.

Head to the beaches of Ocean Shores for family-friendly activities such as sandcastle competitions and kite flying. In town, shop at quirky gift shops and play mini golf at the Pacific Paradise Family Fun Center. From Ocean Shores, take a trip to Olympic National Forest to explore majestic waterfalls and discover the Quinault Rainforest.

On the southwestern coast, experience the beauty of Long Beach, a city that takes full advantage of its coastal location. Climb up to the two working lighthouses, the peculiarly named Cape Disappointment and North Head. Explore the Discovery Trail dedicated to the early 19th-century Lewis and Clark expedition. Take part in an annual sand sculpture competition and browse the exhibits at the World Kite Museum.

For a quiet beach, head for the Marylyn Nelson County Park at Port Williams. Enjoy a picnic on the tables overlooking the shore, watch ships passing by and head out on your own boat via the dedicated boat launch. Kayaking and paddleboarding are available at Sequim Bay.

Marine wildlife abounds on Washington Coast. See the seasonal whale migration along Shipwreck Point Beach and discover tide pools filled with colorful anemones and starfishes. Seafood, naturally, is abundant with freshly caught razor clams and fried oysters featuring on many menus.

Many festivals are held during peak tourist season from June to September, so book ahead to ensure accommodations during these busy months. While the weather might not be prime for sitting on the beach in the winter, consider planning an off-season vacation to go skiing or snowboarding on Hurricane Ridge.

Visit Washington Coast to see prime examples of the beautiful, varied terrain of the Pacific Northwest.

Where to stay in Washington Coast

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Seabrook

If you're spending some time in Seabrook, Old Stump and Community Garden are top sights worth seeing.

Seabrook
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Mains Farm

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Mains Farm and surrounding area, you can visit Dungeness Spit and Olympic Game Farm.

Mains Farm
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Highland Hills

While Highland Hills may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Museum and Art Center and John Wayne Marina.

Highland Hills
Olympic Inn & Suites
Olympic Inn & Suites
2 out of 5
1510 E Front Street, Port Angeles, WA
The price is NZ$312 per night from 20 July to 21 July
NZ$312
20 July - 21 July
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Port Angeles. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
7.2/10 Good! (1,381 reviews)
"It was a comfortable stay and huge space for the family"

Reviewed on 11 Jul. 2025

Olympic Inn & Suites
Lighthouse Suites Inn
Lighthouse Suites Inn
2.5 out of 5
491 Damon Road, Ocean Shores, WA
The price is NZ$267 per night from 27 July to 28 July
NZ$267
27 July - 28 July
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this beach hotel in Ocean Shores. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,431 reviews)
"Staff was friendly, breakfast was awesome, pool and sauna were very nice, beds were comfy, hotel was quiet. The only thing that could’ve made it better was if the hot tub was up and running. Overall we really enjoyed our stay and will stay again!!"

Reviewed on 11 Jul. 2025

Lighthouse Suites Inn
Olympic View Inn
Olympic View Inn
2 out of 5
830 West Washington Street, Sequim, WA
Book a stay at this golf hotel in Sequim. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,158 reviews)
"We didn't spend much time at the facility, but we liked the location."

Reviewed on 13 Jul. 2025

Olympic View Inn
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
The Grey Gull
The Grey Gull
2 out of 5
651 Ocean Shores Blvd NW, Ocean Shores, WA
Book a stay at this beach aparthotel in Ocean Shores. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a beach locale. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,092 reviews)
"First time staying at Grey Gull and wont be the last.. The rooms were clean and well appointed and the property is very close to the beach."

Reviewed on 7 Jul. 2025

The Grey Gull
Breakwater Resort
Breakwater Resort
3 out of 5
2013 Washington State Route 105, Grayland, WA
Stay at this 3-star beach condo in Grayland. Enjoy free parking, a beach locale, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Grayland Beach State Park and ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (11 reviews)
"Nice tuck sway place. Comfortable bed. The room is smaller than most. It was difficult not to make the floor wet since it is accessible shower. The kitchenette has nice pots and silverware."

Reviewed on 9 Jun. 2025

Breakwater Resort
Sea Breeze Cottage - Pet Friendly, Walk to Beach!
Sea Breeze Cottage - Pet Friendly, Walk to Beach!
Ocean Shores
Stay at this cottage in Ocean Shores. Enjoy laundry facilities, patios, and cable/satellite TV service. Popular attractions Ocean Shores Beach and Pacific Paradise ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (138 reviews)
Perfect cute little cabin
"Ceiling vault doors and open windows for sunlight during the day, cute little deck to seat out and just listen to nature. Overall the stay was wonderful would book again"

Reviewed on 19 May 2025

Sea Breeze Cottage - Pet Friendly, Walk to Beach!
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Cities near Washington Coast