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, WA
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 or bike everywhere: the beach, forest trails, 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. Pacific Beach, WA
If you’re looking for something more rustic and tucked away, just north of Seabrook is the small community of Pacific Beach which bills itself as “Washington’s best-kept secret.” You can enjoy the solitude of the beach or camp in Pacific Beach State Park. If the mood strikes to visit a restaurant or do some shopping, you can easily access the many amenities of the nearby town of Seabrook.
🌐More Information: Pacific Beach website
3. Ocean Shores, WA
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
4. Port Angeles, WA
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 at the city of Port Angeles or venture into the national park to visit famous beaches such as Rialto Beach. There’s also plenty of restaurants, wineries and breweries, lodging, and things to do within historic Port Angeles.
🌐More Information: Port Angeles website
5. Bainbridge Island, WA
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
6. Langley, WA
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
7. Friday Harbor, WA
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
8. La Push and Forks, WA
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 beach; 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
9. Westport, WA
Seattleites love heading to Westport for fishing, surfing, fresh seafood, and cute local shops. It’s also the home of the second-largest kite festival in Washington. You can also book a trip on a fishing charter or explore the marina, as Westport is a true working waterfront and is the number-one commercial fish landing in the state by value and tonnage. So yes, excellent seafood is definitely on the menu here!
🌐More Information: Westport website