Ready to trade traffic noise for crashing waves and salty air?
Washington’s coast is full of wild, weird, and seriously awesome beaches—and we’re not talking about just one or two sandy spots.
We’re talking about beach towns where you can ride a moped down the sand, trails that lead to hidden shores, and incredible wave-watching spots.
So fill the gas tank, and let’s hit the road because this road trip winds up the coast, hitting all the good stuff (think lighthouses, sea stacks, and sunsets!).
1. Long Beach
Long Beach is a little town perched on a 28-mile stretch of sand that claims to be the longest beach in the U.S.—and yes, you can drive your car right on it!
Long Beach is quirky in the best possible way with things like the World’s Largest Chopsticks and a mummified half-human, half-alligator creature at Marsh’s Free Museum.
Come August, the sky lights up during the town’s epic International Kite Festival.
Whether you’re searching for seashells, flying kites, or snapping photos by a giant razor clam, this beach delivers.
2. Westport Light State Park Beach
Just under 2 hours north of Long Beach, Westport Light State Park Beach brings a different vibe with its windswept dunes, lighthouse views, and coastal trails.
This beach sits right by the historic Grays Harbor Lighthouse, the tallest one in Washington, and you can actually climb it for some stunning views of the Pacific.
It’s a go-to spot for surfers, storm watchers, and beach walkers who love a quiet, wild stretch of coastline.
3. Ocean Shores Beach
Next up is Ocean Shores Beach, where the energy kicks up a notch, and things get a little more playful.
This place is like a classic beach town with sandy stretches perfect for driving and horseback riding, plus rental shops for fat-tire bikes and mopeds.
The fun, laid-back atmosphere is strong here, and if you want a change of scene, Duck Lake’s just around the corner for kayaking or paddleboarding.
4. Pacific Beach State Park
After the buzz of Ocean Shores, Pacific Beach State Park is your chill-out zone—small, peaceful, and ideal for unplugging.
This beach is all about long walks, campfires on the sand, and watching the sun dip into the ocean with zero distractions.
Loved by campers and clammers, it’s the kind of place where the beach is just a few steps away from your tent.
5. Kalaloch Beach
Kalaloch Beach is another stunning spot with rugged driftwood, moody skies, and waves that crash like a movie soundtrack.
It’s located inside Olympic National Park, so you’re completely surrounded by wild beauty.
And yes, this is where you’ll find the Insta-famous Tree of Life, somehow still clinging to life between two cliffs.
You can stay overnight at the cozy lodge right on the bluff or just come for the day – either way, this beach never fails to impress.
6. Ruby Beach
Just up the coast from Kalaloch, Ruby Beach offers jagged sea stacks rising from the waves, tide pools full of weird little creatures, and fog that rolls in like it’s on cue.
You’ll have to walk a short trail down to the shore, but the view at the bottom is totally worth it – think smooth stones, driftwood piles, and dramatic cliffs all around.
It’s a dream spot for photographers, beachcombers, or anyone who wants to feel like they’ve landed on another planet (in the best way).
7. Second Beach
Second Beach is full-on magical with its secluded, moody vibe and the fact that it’s only reachable by a forest hike.
The trail is less than a mile, but it weaves through towering trees and ends in a stunning scene of sea stacks, crashing waves, and a huge driftwood barrier.
If you can, plan to stay until sunset to see how the light hits the rocks just right.
8. Rialto Beach
Right across from Second Beach, Rialto Beach makes a statement by being louder, bolder, and packed with some of the biggest driftwood logs you’ve ever seen.
This beach is all about wild waves, dark sand, and the must-do hike to Hole-in-the-Wall, a rock arch you can cross at low tide.
It’s right off the road and easy to reach, but once you’re out there among the sea stacks and strong wind, it feels like standing at the edge of the world.
9. Shi Shi Beach
Shi Shi Beach is another otherworldly beach that feels remote, raw, and absolutely jaw-dropping.
You’ll earn this one with a 2-mile forest hike (and fair warning—it gets muddy).
But once you reach the sand, you’ll find a beach that looks straight-up prehistoric, with sea stacks jutting from the water like giant stone teeth.
Stick around for sunset at Point of the Arches and you’ll see why this place is a bucket-list favorite.
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