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10 Awesome Washington Coast Towns You’ve Got to Visit!

While the “Evergreen State’s” endless forest territory may overshadow some of the state’s other noteworthy attractions, Washington’s coastal towns boast a beauty all their own.

With long stretches of sandy beach, epic views of the Olympic Peninsula, and vast expanses of diverse flora and fauna, the state’s 3,000-mile coastline is not to be missed.

Some of the best views in the Pacific Northwest are tucked away in Washington’s beach towns, but you’re in for much more than just an average day at the beach.

So whether you’re hoping to work on your tan, surf the shoreline, dig for clams, or hike in solitude, do not miss these ten awesome Washington coast towns.

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Washington Coast Towns


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1. Long Beach

Beach bums will find the lovely city of Long Beach to be one of the best beach towns in Washington. Home to the world’s longest peninsular beach, you’ll have no problem finding a sandy spot to lay out your towel and soak up some sun (if the weather cooperates, that is).

RV under sign for worlds longest beach at Long Beach, Washington
Long Beach was named that for a reason

Those on the hunt for more adventurous things to do in Long Beach can go for a horseback ride along the shoreline, take a stroll along the scenic boardwalk, or stretch their legs on one of the hiking trails in the nearby state parks.

Kites flying over beach at Long Beach, Washington
Don’t miss the kite festival at the Washington coast town of Long Beach

Kite flying is also a popular pastime at this Washington beach town, thanks to the ever-present wind off of the coast.

Person watching seagull on Long Beach
Long Beach

This is also the closest Washington coastal town to Oregon. You can simply take the gorgeous Astoria-Megler Bridge and next thing you know, you’re exploring one of the coolest Oregon towns, Astoria! In under an hour from Long Beach, you could be exploring towns like Cannon Beach or strolling the historical Fort Stevens State Park.

Where to Stay in Long Beach:


READ MORE: 9 Adventurous Things to Do in Long Beach, Washington


2. Westport—Surf This Washington Coast Town!

The city of Westport is all about waves. This Washington coast town is a mecca for surfers, and even if you’ve never surfed a swell before, you can take a lesson from one of the local pros in town.

The harbor lookout tower is one of the things to do in Westport
The harbor lookout tower in Westport

Of course, you could always just watch the waves crash into the shore from the comfort of your beach towel if you’re looking for something a little more relaxing.

After you’ve had enough of the beach, you can head up to the historic Gray’s Harbor Lighthouse (it’s the tallest one in the state!), charter a fishing trip, or go mushroom hunting at Twin Harbors State Park. One of the best things about this Washington beach town is that it is incredibly underrated, so it rarely becomes overcrowded with out-of-towners.

After a full day exploring, hop over to Blackbeard’s Brewing Company for a local craft brew and some pizza!

Where to Stay in Westport:


READ MORE: 9 Adventurous Things To Do in Westport, Washington


3. Ocean Shores

The tiny town of Ocean Shores is one of the most relaxed towns on Washington’s coast.

Uninterrupted stretches of sandy beach beg to be laid upon. Scenic inland hiking trails wind past serene lakes and streams. The towering pines and sandy dunes of Ocean City State Park are an oasis for migratory birds, while the rare snowy plovers prefer to nest at the Oyhut Wildlife Recreation Area.

Surfing is one of the best things to do in Ocean Shores, Washington coast town
Ocean Shores surfing

There are also plenty of activities to get the adrenaline pumping while in Ocean Shores. You can rent bikes and zip through the quiet city streets, practice your balance on a stand-up paddleboard, or even charter a deep-sea fishing excursion.

RV on the beach at Ocean City State Park at sunset
Stick around for sunset at Ocean City State Park

If your tummy is rumbling, head to the Green Lantern for a brekkie to fuel you for the rest of the day. No seriously, it’s so filling we didn’t need lunch!

Where to Stay in Ocean Shores:


READ MORE: 7 Things To Do in Ocean Shores, Washington


4. Port Angeles—A Washington Coast Town to Base at for Olympic National Park!

Of all the coastal towns in Washington, Port Angeles is perhaps the most diverse. This charming ocean oasis has a little something for everyone.

Staircase leading to street in downtown Port Angeles, Washington
Downtown Port Angeles

The Olympic National Forest sits in Port Angeles’ backyard and offers up nearly one million acres of unspoiled nature for visitors to hike, bike, and fish.

Back in town, you can watch for whales at Crescent Bay, hike the Hole-in-the-Wall trail at Rialto Beach (1.5 hours away but worth it), cycle along the Olympic Discovery Trail, or launch your kayak at Sail & Paddle Park.

Rock formation at Rialto Beach
Rock stacks on Rialto Beach

Port Angeles is a great place to make your home base as you explore the rest of Washington, especially with so many things to do in Olympic National Park. Sol Duc Hotsprings are just an hour’s drive away, and the fragrant lavender fields of Sequim sit less than 20 miles to the east.

That being said, even if you never venture outside of city limits, you’ll have plenty to keep you busy in this charming Washington coast town.

Packets of cured meat from Sunrise Meats, Port Angeles
Don’t miss a trip to Sunrise Meats on a tour of Washington coast towns

Food tip: To find some really good smoked salmon, check out Sunrise Meats. This isn’t your typical store, but instead a butchery that happens to have a few fridges filled with fresh meats and fish! We stocked up on smoked salmon, we can’t get enough of it!

PS – Again, this is a butchery, so yes, there will be people in full view chopping up meats, so just be aware!

Where to Stay in Port Angeles:


READ MORE: 13 Things To Do in Port Angeles for Adventurous Souls


5. Anacortes

Located in the foothills of Mt. Erie on Fidalgo Island, Anacortes is one of the best coastal towns in Washington. While it is technically an island, you can reach Anacortes by car thanks to the scenic (if not a bit precarious) Deception Pass Bridge when coming in from the south.

You can spend your time in Anacortes hiking through scenic mountain terrain, paddling around Deception Pass, driving up to the Mt. Erie viewpoint, or whale watching from the beach. If one day in this Washington coast town simply wasn’t enough, feel free to set up camp at one of the sites in the scenic Washington Park.

View of Anacortes, Washington, from Cape Sante viewpoint
Anacortes – one of the best beach towns in Washington

Life moves a little slower when you’re on island time. So feel free to soak in the scenery of this vibrant Washington coast town at your own pace.

Where to Stay in Anacortes:

6. Bellingham

One of Washington’s northernmost coastal towns is the city of Bellingham. Situated less than 30 miles from the Canadian border, Bellingham is a lively college town with a wealth of outdoor offerings.

Museum of History at Bellingham, Washington
Bellingham’s Museum of History

The town’s port plays host to ferries that charter passengers to and from Alaska, while Bellingham’s historic district may leave you feeling like you’ve traveled back in time.

Mount Baker looms large in the distance. The eastern edge of this snow-capped volcano boasts a variety of ski runs in the winter, while during summer, this prominent peak is home to some of Washington’s most epic hiking trails.

Hiker on trail in forest on Mount Baker near Bellingham, Washington
Hiking Mount Baker

The town itself has plenty to offer in the way of outdoor adventures as well. There are tons of parks located in and around the city, along with plenty of gorgeous waterfront scenery. Picnic along the shores of the lovely Lake Samish, hike the quiet trails at Larrabee State Park, or chase waterfalls at Whatcom Falls Park.

Bridge across Whatcom Falls near Bellingham, Washington
Whatcom Falls

You could also spend your time in Bellingham exploring the various bay beaches near downtown or catch a waterfront sunset as you search the horizon for eagles and whales.

Where to Stay in Bellingham:


RELATED: 25 EPIC Hikes in Washington to Tackle


7. Port Townsend

Port Townsend is a haven for outdoor adventures. This Washington coast town fuses history with the great outdoors and provides a plethora of outdoor activities for locals and visitors.

Old military structures in Ford Worden State Park, Washington
Old military structures in Ford Worden State Park

Fort Worden State Park is perhaps the best way to get a taste of Port Townsend. This historic park was once a coastal defense fortification, and you can still see the remnants of its military days. Check out the Victorian-era officers’ homes, search for hidden gun emplacements, or take in views of the postcard-perfect Point Wilson Lighthouse.

There are also two miles of scenic shoreline within the park, along with hiking and biking trails, picnic tables, and even a campground.

Clocktower and sea view in Port Townsend, Washington
History is everywhere in Port Townsend

Port Townsend is also known for its epic whale watching opportunities, so if you have time, try to book a boat tour. More marine wildlife watching opportunities can be found by kayaking around the Admiralty Inlet. Keep your eyes peeled for orcas, sea otters, seals, and sea lions as you paddle.

Where to Stay in Port Townsend:

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8. Oak Harbor

Amongst the most charming of Washington’s coastal towns is Oak Harbor. Situated about two hours from Seattle along the scenic shores of Whidbey Island, Oak Harbor is the perfect place for a weekend getaway or an extended stay.

Outdoor offerings surround this quiet town in every direction. There are no less than four state parks within a ten-mile radius of Oak Harbor, though Deception Pass State Park is perhaps the most enticing.

This 3,854-acre park is the most visited in the entire state, and it’s not hard to see why. There are miles of forested and coastal hiking trails, over 77,000 feet of scenic shoreline, three lakes, and tons of wildlife.

People walking dogs past beach driftwood at Joseph Whidbey State Park, Washington
Get back to nature in Joseph Whidbey State Park

Because of its outstanding beauty, Deception Pass gets tons of visitors throughout the year. For a quieter experience, head to Joseph Whidbey State Park instead. What it lacks in size it makes up for in sheer beauty. There is also a spacious beach, a diverse trail system, and picnic facilities located inside the park.

Where to Stay in Oak Harbor:


RELATED: Wandering Deception Pass State Park—The State’s Most Famous Park!


9. La Push—A Tiny but Mighty Washington Coast Town!

As wild as it is beautiful, La Push is one of the best beach towns in Washington. Surrounded by Olympic National Park, this quaint coastal village offers endless hiking trails, serene beaches, and incredible viewpoints.

Rock formations on La Push Beach 2 an cool Washington Coast town
La Push Second Beach

The town’s beaches are known for serving up some of the best views in town. These white sandy stretches are perfect for walking barefoot and are littered with driftwood and otherworldly geological formations.

RV parked at La Push Washington beach town
Incredible views at La Push

While there are multiple options to choose from if you have time to visit just one beach while in town, make it La Push Beach. With that said, just know that this town is TINY! It’s barely anything more than a few streets so keep your options open when choosing a camping spot or hotel.

The nearby town of Forks is only 20 minutes away and has more choices although it’s inland.


RELATED: 16 AWESOME Things to Do in Forks, Washington


Where to Stay Near La Push:


READ MORE: Your Guide to La Push Beaches in Olympic National Park


10. Seattle—Can’t-Miss This Washington Coast Town!

Seattle is perhaps the most obvious Washington coast town, thanks to its iconic position along the Puget Sound. The water meets the city head-on and is accessible from numerous neighborhoods and parks around town. Although this city has endless entertainment opportunities, it also boasts a plethora of relaxing outdoor activities.

Park bench with city view in Seattle, Washington
A day in Seattle can be just as chill as any other Washington beach town

Go for a hike amongst old-growth forests, relax on one of the city beaches, or catch a sunset over the water from Discovery Park. Treating Seattle like the outdoor playground that it is is one of the quickest ways to immerse yourself in nature without ever leaving city limits.

Where to Stay in Seattle:

We hope this post helped you learn more about the best Washington coast towns!

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