Washington state: A Pacific-Northwest getaway that boasts over 150 miles of coastline and some of the most scenic beaches in the nation. From rocky Rialto Beach to remote beaches along Olympic Peninsula, the beaches of Washington are scenic and full of adventure. Here are the top ten beaches to visit on your trip to The Evergreen State!
Visit These 10 Beautiful Beaches In Washington State
1. Ruby Beach
The reddish sand and scattered driftwood scenery of Ruby Beach is a must-see on your trip to Washington. Located in Olympic National Park, this beach is known for its photo worthy sea stacks. Hiking trails and rivers like the Hoh River make this destination one for the books. Be sure to bring your camera and comfortable flip-flops to Ruby Beach.
Find a place to stay near Ruby Beach, Washington
2. Point No Point
Point No Point is in fact a point on the northernmost tip of the Kitsap Peninsula, just an hour and 45 minutes north of Seattle. The biggest draw to Point No Point is the great fishing conditions. Anglers can catch chinook and blackmouth as well as salmon in the waters off Kitsap Peninsula. The Point No Point Lighthouse has beautiful views of the area and surrounding trails to explore.
Find a place to stay near Point No Point, WashingtonFind a place to stay near Point No Point, Washington
3. Rialto Beach
Another beach in Olympic National Park makes the list for its unique sea stacks and stunning tide pools. Rialto Beach is another rocky beach full of driftwood, and is most known for the hole-in-the-wall, a sea-carved arch perfect for a sunset frame. About a four-hour drive to Seattle, nearby towns include Forks (setting of the Twilight films) and La Push.
Find a place to stay near Rialto Beach, Washington
4. Ocean Shores
Just an hour and a half west of Olympia are the sandy beaches of Ocean Shores, Washington. Here you can enjoy whale watching, horseback riding or even enter a sandcastle building competition. This area of southern Washington is also great for beachcombing for shells and exploring all the city of Ocean Shores has to offer.
Find a place to stay in Ocean Shores, Washington
5. Long Beach
Just south of Ocean Shores on another peninsula is the city of Long Beach, which is famous for its 28-miles of sandy beaches. Many visit the area for the Washington State International Kite Festival in August, however, there is so much more to do and see at Long Beach. Boasting two lighthouses, Cape Disappointment and North Head, and an array of activities, Long beaches is a great destination for the entire family!
Find a place to stay near Long Beach, Washington
6. Mocrocks Beach
Mocrocks is a public clam and oyster beach that brings people from around the state and country hoping to catch the shellfish. Diggers can get permits from the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife to dig for razor clams. Beaches are open year-round and there is a 15-clam limit per day state-wide.
Find a place to stay near Mocrocks Beach, Washington
7. Me-Kwa-Mooks Park
This 20-acre public park is located right in west Seattle and is a great getaway from the busy city life. Me-Kwa-Mooks means “shaped like a bear’s head” in Nisqually and was a name given by the Duwamish tribe to the West Seattle peninsula. Here you can walk along the rocky beach admired tide pools with sea stars, hermit crabs, blennies and much more. Explore the trails along the beach and pack a picnic for a beautiful day in the park!
Find a place to stay near Me-Kwa-Mooks Beach, Washington
8. Lake Crescent
While you’re visiting the other beaches in Olympic National Park, you must stop at Lake Crescent outside of Port Angeles. With crystal clear waters, trails and waterfalls, this lake is absolutely stunning. The four-mile Spruce Railroad Trail will take you on a tour of the lake along old railroad bed. You can stop at the bridge and get a scenic view of the Punchbowl, a still pool, or take a dip in the water.
Find a place to stay near Point No Point, WashingtonFind a place to stay near Point No Point, Washington
9. Alki Beach Park
Another west Seattle beach great for those wanting to escape the is Alki Beach Park. With a two and a half mile long pedestrian walkway this beach is perfect for bike rides, walking the dog or picking up a game of volleyball. The beach offers great views of the Seattle skyline and even has a replica of the Statue of Liberty.
Find a place to stay near Alki Beach Park, Washington
10. Shi Shi Beach
Shi Shi Beach is a bit on the hush-hush in the Washington area, hidden in a secluded area of Olympic National Park. With a 3.3-mile hike to get to the untouched beach, you may be wondering if it’s worth the visit? Well, it was named “best nature beach” by the Travel Channel and is filled with wonder at every turn. The Point of Arches are its most popular attraction with tall sea stacks, tunnels and blossoming wildlife. Camping permits are available for the area and you will need to buy a Makah Recreation Pass at local stores in Neah Bay to go to the beach.
Find a place to stay near Shi Shi Beach, Washington
This article was written by Taylor Bishop.