From the rugged Pacific coastline to peaceful lakeside beaches, there’s something for everyone in this list of the 8 best beaches in Washington State. So, pack your sunscreen and swimsuit and get ready for a day of fun in the sun.

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1. Pacific Beach

If you’re looking for a place to visit in the Pacific Northwest that has amazing beaches, then look no further than Pacific Beach, Washington. This beach town is located on the Olympic Peninsula and is known for its pristine coastline and lovely weather.

The sweeping shoreline and picturesque qualities of the beach have drawn people to its sandy shores for years. With plenty of activities to keep visitors busy, Pacific Beach is a great place to visit with family and friends.

For those looking for a beautiful beach to relax on, Pacific Beach is the perfect spot. Miles of coastline provide plenty of room to spread out, and the soft sand makes for an enjoyable experience. Visitors can also enjoy swimming, fishing, kayaking, and more in the area.

The stunning stretch of sand offers everything from hiking and biking trails to excellent surfing conditions. There are also several restaurants and shops available in the area for those looking to explore. Additionally, there is parking available on the street and in nearby lots. The beach can get quite crowded on weekends and during the summer months, so be prepared for a little bit of business. If you’re looking for an amazing beach getaway, be sure to check out Pacific Beach.

2. Long Beach

Long Beach is located in Pacific County and stretches for 28 miles. The lovely coastline, forests, and rolling hills make it an ideal place to relax or partake in outdoor activities like fishing, kayaking, birding, and hiking. Long Beach has also been rated as the best beach in Washington by many publications. It’s easy to see why with its wide sandy beaches and pounding waves.

Visitors can find plenty of amenities here including picnic areas, restrooms, showers, and a playground. There’s also a small-town feel to Long Beach with several mom-and-pop shops and restaurants to explore. Whether you’re looking for a quiet spot to relax or want to get active with some activities, Long Beach has something for everyone.

Besides, the waves here are perfect for surfing, and the sand is soft and white. You can also enjoy great views of the Olympic Mountains from here. Moreover, annually in August, the boardwalk offers a fascinating vintage spot during the Washington State International Kite Festival.

So pack your sunscreen and beach towel and head on down to Long Beach. If you’re looking for a beautiful beach escape that won’t break the bank, Long Beach should be at the top of your list.

3. Dungeness Spit

The Dungeness Spit, five-mile-long, is located in Washington State and is a beautiful and unique landmark. The spit is a long sandbar that stretches out into the Strait of Juan de Fuca. This beach is popular as it hosts the longest sand spit in the United States and is worth a visit. It covers a distance of about 5 miles long. Moreover, for safety purposes and the best experience, visit the Dungeness Spit during low tide.

The Dungeness Spit is also home to the Dungeness National Wildlife Refuge, which is a great place to see wildlife up close. The refuge is home to bald eagles, peregrine falcons, seals, deer, and sea lions. You can also often see orcas from the shoreline. Thus, this spit is a popular spot for beachcombing, bird watching, exploring, and picnicking.

There is a small entrance fee to the Dungeness National Wildlife Refuge, but it’s well worth it to see all the amazing wildlife that inhabits this area. You can also find several hiking trails that wind through the dunes and provide stunning views of the bay.

4. Alki Beach

Alki Beach is a world-famous tourist destination located in Seattle, Washington. The beautiful scenery and endless activities available make it one of the most popular beaches in the area. Whether you’re looking for a place to relax and soak up the sun or want to try out some of the more adrenaline-pumping water sports, Alki Beach has something for everyone.

With its proximity to the city, Alki offers stunning views of Downtown and Puget Sound. Visitors can enjoy many activities at this beach, including sunbathing, swimming, fishing, and whale watching. With its miles of uninterrupted shoreline and breathtaking views of the Olympic Mountains and Seattle skyline, it’s no wonder why this beach is a top tourist destination.

Whether you’re looking to take a relaxing stroll along the coast, go for a swim or paddleboard ride, enjoy some delicious food truck fare, or just relax and take it all in, Alki Beach got all you need. There are also several restaurants and bars in the area, making it the perfect spot for a day or night out.

Despite free entry, have some extra dollars for parking fees. Thus, if you’re looking for a great beach to visit in Washington, be sure to check out Alki Beach.

5. Ocean Shores

This beach is located in Grays Harbor County and is a popular spot for windsurfing, kitesurfing, and surfing. The beach is also great for fishing, crabbing, and clamming. You can find many charter boats that offer trips out to the ocean. Also, the presence of many horses to ride and boats to rent makes a place fascinating for most users. For those who love watching the fascinating scenes of the waves, the best spot to be is at the North Jetty.

If you’re looking for a place to stay, there are several hotels and motels located in Ocean Shores. However, if you’re looking for something a little more unique, there are also several vacation rentals available. There are also different affordable local eateries and shops and you can be spoilt with choices.

No fees are needed here. Moreover, if you’re staying in one of the nearby hotels or motels, they may offer free parking for guests. The most fascinating thing to do is drive on the beach. Vehicles are allowed and you can wander around as you try to find a perfect picnic spot. Be sure to drive on packed sand or risk getting stuck.

Additionally, the Ocean Shores is also home to the Ocean Shores Convention Center, which hosts a variety of events throughout the year. Overall, Ocean Shores is a great spot to enjoy the beach and all that it has to offer.

6. Rialto Beach

Located in the Olympic National Park, Rialto Beach is a stunning strip of coastline that offers visitors unparalleled views of the Pacific Ocean and its ever-changing landscape. With its rocky shorelines and sprawling sandbars, Rialto Beach is a favorite destination for beachcombers, and wildlife enthusiasts alike.

Hiking the Olympic Coast is a must-do when visiting Washington State and Rialto Beach is the perfect place to start. Moreover, if you are to spend the night hiking, you need a permit. The rocky shoreline of the beach is great for exploring the diverse marine life that inhabits the coast.

There’s also a beautiful forest trail that runs parallel to the beach, making it perfect for a day of hiking, picnicking, and exploring. Rialto Beach is also known for its tide pools and sea stacks which are large rocks that have been drowned by the sea over time. It also has numerous downed trees making the area sometimes referred to as a “tree graveyard”.

Besides, you need to pay $30 for national park fees and buy a 7-day car pass. There are several places to spend a night including the popular Mora campground. Thus, whether you’re looking to explore the natural wonders of Washington State or simply relax and take in the spectacular views, a visit to Rialto Beach is definitely worth your time.

7. Kalaloch Beach

Kalaloch Beach in Washington State is one of the most beautiful and secluded beaches in the country. With miles of pristine shoreline and stunning views, it’s no wonder that this beach is a favorite destination for visitors and locals alike. Whether you’re looking for a quiet place to relax or want to explore the area’s natural beauty, Kalaloch Beach is worth a visit.

This beach is located in Olympic National Park near Ruby Beach. It’s a great spot for fishing, crabbing, and clamming. You can also find many tide pools to explore at low tide. Kalaloch Beach is also a beautiful place to watch the sunset. The beach is located on a bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean, making it the perfect spot to watch the sun dip below the horizon.

This beach is worth a visit if you’re looking for an unforgettable experience. The Tree of Life is also located here, which is a massive Sitka spruce tree that was struck by lightning and burned. However, the tree has since regrown in between two cliff edges and is now a popular spot for visitors to take photos.

Additionally, you will have to pay for national park fees as well as buy a pass good for seven days of car camping. If you’re planning on spending the night, there are several campgrounds located nearby. However, you will need to obtain a permit before camping in Olympic National Park. So pack your sunscreen and don’t forget your camera – Kalaloch Beach is waiting for you.

8. Ruby Beach

The beach is within the Olympic National Park at a place known as Kalaloch. It is one of the busiest and most popular beaches in Washington. The main reason for this is because of its accessibility as it is just a few hours drives from Seattle.

The name “Ruby Beach” comes from the ruby-like stones that can be found along the shoreline. These beautiful stones are agates that have been smoothed and polished by the waves over time. As the waves crash against the shore and the wind whips through your hair, you can’t help but feel at peace. Such is the case when visiting Ruby Beach in Washington State.

With its serene atmosphere and panoramic views, Ruby Beach is a must-see destination for any nature lover. Marine life is abundant at Ruby Beach and includes sea stars, anemones, crabs, and octopuses. Winter brings whales close to the coast and provides visitors with excellent opportunities for whale watching. You can often see orcas, humpback whales, and gray whales from the shore.

Another great thing about Ruby Beach is that it’s a great spot for bird watching. So keep your eyes peeled and you might just get lucky enough to see one of these majestic creatures. However, you need to part with park fees of $30 and buy a car pass good for seven days.

Ruby Beach is indeed one of the best places to visit in Washington State if you’re looking for breathtaking scenery and an opportunity to see some amazing wildlife. So don’t miss out on this gem of a beach.

Conclusion

Washington is known for its breathtaking natural scenery, and the state’s coastline is no exception. From dramatic cliffs and rocky coves to long stretches of sandy beaches, Washington has something for everyone when it comes to coastal exploration. Hopefully, the above list of the eight best beaches in Washington State has been informative. Have a great vacation.

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