Beaches · Washington

Best beaches in Washington

Washington’s coast runs the full range — we’ve mapped 14 of its best beaches, from family, scenic, surf, wild shores. Find the vibe you want, then build the trip around it.

Alki BeachFamilySeattle · Best: SummerSeattle’s in-city beach with skyline and Sound views.Cape DisappointmentScenicIlwaco · Best: Summer & fallbeaches, lighthouses, and cliffs where the Columbia meets the Pacific.Golden GardensFamilySeattle · Best: Summera Seattle beach with Olympic Mountain and sound views and fire pits.Hobuck BeachSurfNeah Bay · Best: Summer & falla Makah coast surf beach backed by forest and open Pacific swell.Kalaloch BeachWildForks · Best: Summerdriftwood, tide pools, and the famous "Tree of Life" on the Olympic coast.Long Beach PeninsulaWildLong Beach · Best: Summerone of the longest drivable beaches in the country.Ocean Shores BeachFamilyOcean Shores · Best: Summera broad Grays Harbor peninsula beach with kites, clamming, and drive-on sand.Rialto BeachWildForks · Best: Summerdriftwood logs, sea stacks, and the Hole-in-the-Wall arch in Olympic.Rosario BeachScenicAnacortes · Best: Summera rocky Deception Pass cove with tide pools, madrones, and island-water views.Ruby BeachScenicForks · Best: Summer & fallreddish sand, sea stacks, and tide pools on the wild Olympic coast.Second Beach (La Push)WildLa Push · Best: Summersea stacks and a forest-walk approach on the Quileute coast.Shi Shi BeachWildNeah Bay · Best: Summera remote Olympic coast beach with sea stacks, tide pools, and Point of Arches.Third BeachWildLa Push · Best: Summera forest-walk beach on the Olympic coast with driftwood, stacks, and wilderness camps.Westport Light State ParkSurfWestport · Best: Summer & falla long surf-friendly beach under the Grays Harbor lighthouse.

Check local conditions, parking, and seasonal fees before you go — and always heed posted flags, rip-current warnings, and lifeguard guidance.