If you think beaches are just for sunbathing and building sandcastles, get ready to change your mind.
Washington’s beaches are full of treasures like glowing sea glass, weird-shaped driftwood and tide pools crawling with sea creatures.
These spots are full of seashells and a few even have wild stories to tell (yep, legends and all).
Whether you’re into long walks with salty wind in your hair or crouching down to peek at starfish, this list has something for every kind of beachcomber.
Let’s check out 8 beaches that’ll have you grabbing your bucket and planning your next coastal adventure ASAP.
1. Ruby Beach
Ruby Beach is in Olympic National Park on Washington’s wild Pacific coast, and it’s famous for its giant sea stacks, driftwood-covered shore, and tide pools packed with colorful starfish and sea anemones.
It’s named after the tiny ruby-like crystals that sparkle in the sand, and when the sun hits just right, the beach seriously glows.
At low tide, you can walk way out to explore the rocks, spot crabs scuttling around, and even catch bald eagles flying overhead.
2. Glass Beach, Port Townsend
Just up the coast in Port Townsend, Glass Beach is like a secret treasure hunt spot where the sand sparkles with smooth, colorful sea glass.
This beach used to be a dump site decades ago, but now the ocean has turned all that old glass into shiny gems that cover the shore like confetti.
You’ll want to time your visit with low tide so you can scramble around the rocks and discover bright green, blue, and even purple pieces glinting in the sun.
3. Rosario Beach, Deception Pass State Park
Next up, Rosario Beach at Deception Pass State Park is seriously stunning with its rocky coves, crashing waves, and jaw-dropping views of the cliffs and islands nearby.
It’s a top spot for beachcombing thanks to the tidal pools tucked between boulders, where you might spot bright-orange sea stars, little fish, or even a curious hermit crab.
Plus, there’s a carved story pole near the shore that tells the Coast Salish legend of the Maiden of Deception Pass so you get a cool dose of local history.
4. Bush Point, Whidbey Island
A little quieter but just as awesome, Bush Point on Whidbey Island is the kind of beach where you can comb for hours and barely see another soul.
It’s a narrow stretch with smooth pebbles, hidden agates, and epic views across the water to the Olympic Mountains.
It’s also one of the best spots around to watch the sunset light up the sky.
If you’re looking for a peaceful beachcombing experience and maybe a passing seal or two, this one’s totally worth the ferry ride.
5. Coupeville Beach
Then there’s Coupeville Beach, located right in the heart of one of Washington’s cutest little seaside towns.
This beach sits just below the historic wharf and is full of sea-smoothed rocks, tiny shells, and bits of sea glass that wash up with the tide.
After you’ve poked around the shoreline, you can grab an ice cream cone from a nearby shop and stroll the wooden pier for sweet views of Penn Cove.
6. Alki Beach, Seattle
If you don’t want to travel far then Alki Beach in Seattle is where beachcombing meets people-watching, volleyball games, and coffee runs.
You’ll still find cool stuff along the shore—like shells, driftwood, and the occasional sand dollar—but you’ll also get awesome skyline views and funky beach houses.
Grab a snack from a waterfront café and keep your eyes peeled for seals bobbing in the waves or ferries cruising by.
7. Salt Creek Recreation Area
For a more rugged adventure, Salt Creek Recreation Area near Port Angeles is packed with rocky tide pools, cool marine life, and wide-open views of the Strait of Juan de Fuca.
This place is famous for Tongue Point, a long rocky stretch that’s absolutely crawling with sea stars, anemones, and teeny fish when the tide rolls out.
Bring a pair of binoculars because, as well as beachcombing, you’ll get the chance to spot otters or even whales.
8. Kalaloch Beach 3
Last but definitely not least, Kalaloch Beach 3 on the Olympic Peninsula offers a stunning landscape with massive logs stacked along the shore like a jungle gym.
This beach is quieter than the nearby Kalaloch main beach, but it’s packed with tide pools hiding sea stars, crabs, and all sorts of ocean critters.
Keep an eye out for the bald eagles perched in the trees above and don’t forget to search the scattered driftwood located along the beach for a hidden treasure.
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