Most Popular Beaches in Washington

Alki Beach offers a true beach experience in the heart of West Seattle. While most beaches of the Puget Sound are covered with rocks and pebbles, Alki Beach boasts fine, white sand reminiscent of a Southern California beach. There are several beach volleyball courts, grills and fire pits available for use, as well as local vendors offering kayaks and paddleboards for rent. Bring the kids and build some sandcastles or explore the tide pools that form at low tide. A bike path running parallel to the beach is ideal for runners, bikers, and rollerbladers. While playing volleyball or paddling hard out on the water, look east to see the Seattle skyline punctuated by the Space Needle. Even though the bustling city of Seattle looms in the background, Alki Beach boasts a quaint Pacific Northwest charm. Before exploring all that Alki Beach has to offer, stop by Top Pot Doughnuts to grab a coffee and a warm doughnut. After a long day enjoying the beach, grab a pint at West Seattle Brewing Company and watch the sunset over the Puget Sound. History enthusiasts might visit Alki Beach to see what the first settlers to the Pacific Northwest saw, as the Denny party landed on Alki Beach in 1851 before settling in Seattle. After a rainy Seattle winter, there is no better place to enjoy the sun than Alki Beach.

Golden Gardens Beach Park is a stunning waterfront destination in Seattle's Ballard neighborhood, offering breathtaking views of the Olympic Mountains and Puget Sound. Spanning 87 acres, it features a large sandy beach, lush coastal vegetation, and rugged coastline, making it perfect for various activities like swimming, kayaking, and hiking. The park has a rich history, having been developed as part of a Works Progress Administration project in the 1930s and later becoming a hub for counterculture movements in the 1960s. Visitors can enjoy panoramic views, wildlife spotting, and a range of amenities including restrooms, showers, and picnic areas.
The beach is known for its cold but inviting waters, attracting swimmers year-round. It's also a popular spot for beach bonfires and sunset viewing, especially during summer evenings. Golden Gardens is a quintessential Pacific Northwest experience, blending natural beauty with recreational opportunities.
The park's accessibility and amenities make it a favorite among locals and tourists alike, offering a unique blend of relaxation and adventure.

The Long Beach Boardwalk in Long Beach, Washington, is a serene and picturesque destination that offers a tranquil escape from bustling city life. Located between the Sid Snyder and Bolstad beach approaches, this boardwalk is renowned for its peaceful atmosphere and stunning views of the Pacific Ocean. It's an ideal spot for romantic strolls, picnics, and watching sunsets or sunrises over the Willapa Hills. The boardwalk is also a great place for wildlife spotting, with frequent sightings of whales, eagles, and shorebirds. Visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the North Head Lighthouse and explore the nearby Discovery Trail, which connects Long Beach with Ilwaco. The boardwalk is wheelchair accessible and offers free parking at both ends, making it a convenient and accessible destination for all.

Long Beach itself is a charming coastal town with a growing tourism economy, offering a variety of local businesses and activities. The town is famous for its drivable beach, where visitors can enjoy miles of coastline. The boardwalk is a central attraction, providing easy access to different parts of the beach and offering a comfortable walking path through the dunes. It's also a popular spot for kite flying and storm watching.

The boardwalk's unique setting amidst the rolling dunes and its lack of crowds make it a standout among other boardwalks. It's a perfect place for those seeking a relaxed and natural beach experience without the hustle and bustle of typical beachside attractions.

Madison Park Beach is a picturesque destination located on the shores of Lake Washington in Seattle, Washington. It offers a serene and family-friendly environment, perfect for relaxation and recreation. The beach features a swimming area, a children's play space, and a grassy lawn ideal for picnics and sunbathing. The park is surrounded by a vibrant neighborhood with quaint shops and restaurants, making it a popular spot for both locals and visitors. Lifeguards are on duty during peak summer months, ensuring a safe swimming experience. The scenic views of Lake Washington and the nearby floating bridge add to its charm, making it a must-visit spot in Seattle.
The neighborhood of Madison Park is known for its beautiful scenery and greenspace, attracting many with its tranquil atmosphere and community events. The area has a rich history, having been a popular spot for vacationers in the early days due to its scenic views and recreational activities.
Today, Madison Park continues to thrive with a mix of residential homes, local businesses, and recreational amenities, offering a traditional setting in Seattle with a focus on community and natural beauty.

Shi Shi Beach is a stunning, remote beach located in Olympic National Park, near Neah Bay, Washington. It is renowned for its wide sandy stretches and dramatic sea stacks, which serve as rookeries for thousands of seabirds. The beach offers a serene and untouched natural environment, perfect for those seeking solitude and connection with nature.
The beach is accessible via a 3.3-mile hike from the trailhead, adding to its wilderness charm. Visitors can enjoy activities like hiking, beachcombing, and camping, making it a treasured destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
Shi Shi Beach is situated on the traditional lands of the Makah Tribe, and visitors are encouraged to respect their culture and traditions.

Rialto Beach is a stunning coastal destination located within Olympic National Park, near La Push, Washington. It is renowned for its picturesque pebble shores, driftwood, and tidepools, offering breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean. Visitors can enjoy spotting wildlife such as seals, otters, and bald eagles, and during summer, gray whales can be seen migrating. The beach is accessible via a short path, making it a popular spot for both relaxation and outdoor adventures.
Rialto Beach offers a serene environment perfect for nature lovers and those seeking tranquility. Its proximity to the Quileute Indian Reservation adds a rich cultural dimension to the area.
The beach's unique combination of natural beauty and accessibility makes it an ideal location for family outings and romantic getaways alike.

Denny Blaine Beach is a charming waterfront spot located in the Denny Blaine neighborhood of Seattle, Washington. It offers stunning views of Lake Washington and Mount Rainier, making it a popular destination for picnicking, sunbathing, and swimming. The beach is known for its clothing-optional culture, particularly among the queer community, and has been a significant spot for this group since the 1970s. Despite its unofficial status as a nude beach, it is recognized for its unique cultural significance and natural beauty.
The beach itself is about 200 meters long and features soft sand and clear waters. It is situated in a 2-acre park that includes grassy areas for picnics and relaxation. The park's history dates back to the early 20th century, with a seawall constructed in 1900 that remains a notable feature today.
Visitors can enjoy activities like beach volleyball and take short walks along Lake Washington Boulevard nearby. However, the beach lacks amenities like food vendors, so visitors should plan accordingly.

La Push Third Beach is a serene and secluded destination located on the Olympic Peninsula in Washington State. It is part of a series of three beaches in the La Push area, known for its natural beauty and tranquility. The beach is accessible via a 1.5-mile hike through a coastal forest, offering stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and dramatic sea stacks. Visitors can enjoy activities like whale watching during migration seasons and spotting wildlife such as seals and eagles. The beach is ideal for those seeking privacy and a more peaceful experience compared to the other La Push beaches.
The hike to Third Beach is mostly level but can be challenging due to weather conditions and the presence of large tree roots and driftwood. Once at the beach, visitors can explore tide pools at low tide and enjoy the scenic views of Strawberry Bay Falls. Camping is allowed on the beach, providing a unique opportunity to immerse oneself in nature.
The area is rich in natural beauty, with opportunities to explore the surrounding forests and enjoy the sounds of the ocean waves. It's a perfect spot for those looking to disconnect from urban life and reconnect with nature.

Owen Beach, located within the expansive Point Defiance Park in Tacoma, Washington, offers a serene escape from the city. This beach is renowned for its picturesque views of Puget Sound and is often cited as one of America's best undiscovered beaches. It features a mix of rocky shoreline and limited sandy areas, making it ideal for wading and enjoying the scenery. The beach is surrounded by lush greenery and offers stunning views of Vashon Island and the Tacoma Narrows Bridge.
Point Defiance Park itself is a 760-acre urban oasis, featuring a zoo, aquarium, gardens, and old-growth forests. The park's diverse landscape and amenities make it a popular destination for both locals and tourists.
Owen Beach is particularly noted for its tranquil atmosphere, making it a perfect spot for relaxation and family outings. Visitors can enjoy activities like kayaking and fishing, and there are picnic tables and barbecue grills available for use.

Cama Beach State Park is a picturesque waterfront park located on the west side of Camano Island, Washington. The park offers a beautiful beach stretching over half a mile, with soft white sand perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and beachcombing. Historically, it was a popular fishing resort in the 1930s, known for its family-friendly atmosphere and activities like fishing, crabbing, and boating. Today, it preserves this heritage while providing modern amenities and activities such as hiking, biking, and interpretive programs. The park is open year-round, offering stunning views of Saratoga Passage and a glimpse into life in a Puget Sound fishing community.
The park's historical significance is highlighted by its designation as a National Historic Landmark. Visitors can explore the restored cabins, the Cama Center, and the historic store, which offer insights into the past. The park is also a haven for nature lovers, with opportunities for bird watching and wildlife viewing.
Overall, Cama Beach State Park combines natural beauty with historical charm, making it an ideal destination for those seeking a unique outdoor experience.

Fort Worden State Park is a 434-acre historic site located in Port Townsend, Washington, offering a unique blend of natural beauty and military history. The park sits on a bluff overlooking Puget Sound, providing stunning views of the surrounding waters and the Olympic Mountains. It was once part of a strategic defense system known as the 'Triangle of Fire,' along with Fort Casey and Fort Flagler, but never engaged in combat. Today, visitors can explore historic gun batteries, museums, and restored Victorian-era officer quarters, which are available as vacation rentals. The park also features over two miles of saltwater shoreline, making it an ideal spot for beach activities and relaxation.

The park's diverse landscape includes beaches, hiking trails, and scenic overlooks, offering something for everyone. It is also home to the Port Townsend Marine Science Center and hosts various cultural events throughout the year. The combination of history, natural beauty, and recreational opportunities makes Fort Worden State Park a must-visit destination in the Pacific Northwest.

Visitors can enjoy a range of activities, from hiking and biking to boating and fishing, with amenities like picnic areas and equipment rentals available. The park's proximity to Port Townsend adds to its appeal, with the town offering additional dining, shopping, and lodging options.

Seabrook Beach, located in Pacific Beach, Washington, is a vibrant coastal town founded in 2004 by Casey and Laura Roloff. It is known as Washington's Beach Town and is situated on a scenic bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean. The town is designed with new urbanism principles, offering a blend of natural beauty and modern amenities. Seabrook features over 500 homes across nine neighborhoods, numerous parks, trails, and a variety of community facilities like a town hall, spa, and pools. It is about two and a half hours from Seattle, making it an ideal getaway for those seeking coastal tranquility.
Seabrook hosts various events throughout the year, including outdoor concerts and festivals, enhancing its appeal as a vacation spot. The town's proximity to Olympic National Park and Lake Quinault adds to its allure for nature lovers.
With its focus on sustainability and community, Seabrook offers a unique blend of relaxation and adventure, making it a popular destination for both short visits and longer stays.

Ocean Shores, located on the Pacific coast of Washington, offers a serene and vibrant beach experience. The town is surrounded by six miles of smooth white sand beaches, perfect for activities like building sandcastles, flying kites, and digging for razor clams. It's a haven for nature lovers, with opportunities for birdwatching and exploring the nearby Oyhut Wildlife Recreation Area. The beach is also a popular spot for festivals, including the annual kite festival in June. Visitors can enjoy stunning sunsets over the Pacific Ocean and explore the town's charming shops and eateries.
The beach is part of a larger peninsula, offering diverse landscapes from the ocean to Grays Harbor. This unique geography provides a variety of beach experiences, from calm sandy shores to more rugged areas like North Jetty. The area is also known for its wildlife, including bald eagles and snowy owls during winter migrations.
Ocean Shores is a small community with a population of about 5,500 residents, but it attracts many visitors seeking a relaxing coastal getaway. The town's laid-back atmosphere and natural beauty make it an ideal destination for families and outdoor enthusiasts alike.