Did you know there are numerous beach towns near Seattle?
No, we’re not talking about West Seattle (although we love Alki Beach too). When the city heats up in the spring, you may find yourself wanting to escape to a quiet coastal town. The good news is that there are several beach towns that are only a short drive or ferry ride away from Seattle. Each town boasts beautiful beaches and quaint downtown areas full of fun things to do.
Before you go, remember to pack your Patagonia fleece and prepare to embrace the unique vibes of our northern coast. The temperature of the Pacific Ocean may be icy, some of the beaches may be more rocky than sandy, and you probably shouldn’t expect to go home with a tan—but in our opinion, all these things just add to the cozy charm of these Pacific Northwest beach towns.
Here are our favorite beach towns near Seattle:
1. Seabrook
Just under three hours from Seattle, Seabrook is an idyllic coastal town located in the North Beach area of Washington. Seabrook describes itself as “a walkable beach town seamlessly woven into nature.” Although some residents live there full-time, the town is mostly geared towards visitors who rent out the charming beach cottages. You can easily walk to the beach, restaurants, shops, a spa, and more amenities within the town. Last year, the town added an outdoor pool, a fitness center, and a new fresh foods market.
🌐More Information: Seabrook website
2. Ocean Shores
The coastal city of Ocean Shores, WA is a three-hour drive from Seattle. The water temperature averages a chilly 55 degrees in the summer, but the long, sandy beaches are great for a cozy beach day full of activities beyond just swimming. You can have a beach fire, sign up for horseback riding on the beach with Chenois Creek Horse Rentals, and even drive your car (or mopeds and e-bikes!) along the beach.
🌐More Information: Ocean Shores website
3. Port Angeles
Dubbed “the gateway to the Olympic National Park,” Port Angeles is a must-visit that is under three hours from Seattle. You can walk to the beaches within the city of Port Angeles or venture into the national park to visit famous beaches such as Rialto Beach and La Push Beaches. There’s also plenty of restaurants, wineries and breweries, lodging, and things to do within historic Port Angeles.
🌐More Information: Port Angeles website
4. Bainbridge Island
A mere 35-minute ferry ride from Seattle, Bainbridge Island is a quick and easy summer weekend getaway. For a beach day, you can visit Fay Bainbridge Park, Pritchard Park, and Lytle Beach. Downtown Winslow is where most visitors eat, shop and stay but before you go, you can read about the island’s various neighborhoods on the Bainbridge Island website.
🌐More Information: Bainbridge Island website
5. Langley
Langley, WA calls itself “the village by the sea.” It is a small waterfront village on Whidbey Island, which is a short ferry ride from Seattle. It has beaches, forests, a small marina, restaurants, art galleries, a performing arts center, the annual county fair, and year-round festivals.
🌐More Information:Langley website
6. Friday Harbor
Friday Harbor is a historic seaport on San Juan Island that can be reached via a 1.5-hour drive from Seattle, followed by a ferry from Anacortes. We think the trip is well worth it. Friday Harbor is a walkable coastal town full of quaint shops, locally-owned restaurants, and plenty of whale-watching opportunities. It’s also a perfect springboard for exploring the San Juan Islands.
🌐More Information: Friday Harbor website
7. La Push and Forks
Located on the edge of the Olympic Peninsula, La Push is about four hours of driving time from Seattle. The stunning region around this beach achieved a worldwide spotlight after being included in the Twilight saga. Quileute Oceanside Resort is one option for lodging right on the coast; you could stay in a cabin, your RV, or the campgrounds. Expect a rustic experience surrounded by rugged, breathtaking natural beauty. If you prefer to stay in town, there are more lodging options in Forks which is only about 20 minutes from the beach. Be aware that Forks is a small, quiet town—but this area is worth visiting, not just for fans of Twilight but because it’s one of the most beautiful natural attractions in Washington.
🌐More Information:Forks and La Push website