Looking for some uniquely beautiful Washington beaches?
You’ve come to the right place! Washington State has stunning beaches to offer. A short road trip from Seattle to the coast is all it takes to enjoy foggy shores, incredible cliffs, mountain views, and so much more!
Read on for our top 10 beaches in Washington State.
1. Cape Disappointment
Found in the southernmost area of WA State, this unique place is where the Columbia River meets the Pacific Ocean. Cape Disappointment got its name from the English explorer John Meares who failed to locate the Columbia River’s entrance. This incredible place is rich in diversity and landscape, you can find tide pools, go whale watching, hike through rainforests, and even enjoy camping. Make sure to purchase a Discovery Pass before planning your stay. Some of the best beaches you can visit here are Deadman’s Cove and Waikiki Beach.
2. Ruby Beach
Views from this place are just absolutely stunning, and one of the best parts of Ruby Beach is that dogs are allowed! This gorgeous beach is part of the Olympic National Park, and here you can find an abundance of driftwood, tide pools, and sea stacks. It’s an excellent place to visit all year round, and if you’re looking to explore the land, you can do it by hiking 6 miles up. Ruby Beach got its name from the stunning ruby speckles you can find throughout the sand.
3. Shi Shi Beach
This incredible place is the perfect spot for a day trip to the beach. Shi Shi Beach is actually part of the Olympic National Park, but it’s owned by the Makah Tribe. So if you’re planning on camping, you’ll have to obtain a permit. This beach has no road, so to get to the shore you’ll have to take a short hike. Shi Shi Beach is a great secluded place, perfect for finding sea stacks, tide pools, and one of the best sceneries in all the WA State beaches.
4. North Beach
Located within Deception Pass State Park, North Beach is absolutely stunning. Dogs are allowed, but they must be on a leash. Keep in mind that you will need a Discover Pass to visit this beach, unless you go on one of the free state parks days.
5. Damon Point
Damon Point is a peaceful beach located in Ocean Shores, a little vacation town that is great for a family getaway. Ocean Shores offers plenty of fun activities for everyone. Enjoy the 7-mile beachfront stretch, drive across the sand, search for beautiful seashells, dig for clams, enjoy incredible restaurants, visit the golf course, and enjoy an overnight in its beautiful accommodations.
6. Rialto Beach
Rialto Beach is yet another slice of paradise in the Olympic National Park. Here you’ll enjoy a magnificent coastline full of driftwood, tide pools, and sea stacks. In order to fully enjoy the beach visit during low tide, and if you’re looking to visit the famous hole in the wall you’ll have to hike for four miles. (But just think of it as a stroll on the beach, rather than a hike). If you’re a wildlife photographer, this beautiful place is the spot for you!
7. Kalaloch
Located between Ruby Beach and the Kalaloch Lodge, you’ll find this stunning place. The Kalaloch stretch is filled with incredible tide pools teeming with life.
This beach also offers one of the most spectacular shows of nature. The Tree Root Cave (also known as Tree of Life) is a mesmerizing spot where you can see how erosion works. This famous tree hangs on by its roots with no soil underneath!
8. Second Beach (La Push Beaches)
La Push Beaches covers not one but three beaches. In this case, we’re focusing on the Second Beach, which is the most popular one. Here you can enjoy sea stacks, driftwoods, and open shores. The Second Beach requires a 4-mile round trip hike, and it’s perfect for overnight camping. There are many fire pits located throughout the beach, and the views are stunning! Make sure to get the proper permits and camping equipment.
9. Cape Flattery
This is one of the most beautiful destinations on the WA coast, and it’s the northernmost part of the contingent United States. Cape Flattery is a popular destination due to its beauty and stunning views. There’s no beach access, but this spot offers incredible viewing platforms. Keep your eyes open for amazing wildlife, like otters, shorebirds, eagles, and even whales. Make sure to get a $10 Makah Reservation Pass before visiting.
10. Point No Point
Here you’ll find the oldest lighthouse on Puget Sound. Point No Point is located on the Kitsap Peninsula, and it’s the perfect spot for a day trip. Enjoy hiking trails, phenomenal views of Mt. Baker, search for seashells, and savor a picnic on one of the picnic tables here.
Edited by Sarah Nash.