When it comes to breathtaking coastal beauty, the Pacific Northwest is often overlooked in favor of sunny Californian shores or tropical destinations. But Washington State offers something truly unique—a blend of dramatic coastlines, lush rainforests, and rugged natural beauty that feels untouched by time. If you haven’t already considered Washington beaches for your next travel adventure, it’s time to change that. From the expansive sands of Long Beach Washington to the rocky marvels of Ruby Beach and Rialto Beach Washington, this state’s shoreline offers something for every type of traveler.
Washington beaches differ from others on account of their beauty as much as the wholeness of the experience. The shore is wild, moody, and almost mystical. Majestic cliffs diminish into hidden coves; spiraled sea stacks rise from the ocean; and tide pools are full of marine life. You won't find busy boardwalks or tightly commercialized waterfronts. Instead, you will find solitude, serenity in spectacular vistas that will forever touch and nourish the mind and heart. The best Washington beaches guarantee memorable moments irrespective of whether one is a hiker, photographer, nature enthusiast, or just anyone craving peace.
If your fantasy beach is endless stretches of sand and a good place to roam in, then this is the same Long Beach, Washington. It's more than 28 miles, making it one of the longest straight sandy beaches in the world. Walking, horseback riding, biking, or even driving on these beaches (yes, that would be allowed in some areas of the beach) will have unmatched freedom and space.
Long Beach is located on the southwestern coast of the state and is a paradise for beach hounds and kite fliers. This is where the Washington State International Kite Festival takes place every August and offers to witness a colorful five-day festival.
The cute little town nearby boasts nice coziest restaurants, local art galleries, and historic sites like the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center. Cape Disappointment State Park in the area also offers lovely hikes, two scenic lighthouses, and stunning views of the Pacific Ocean meeting the Columbia River.
Located within Olympic National Park, Ruby Beach is one of the most iconic—and most photographed—Washington beaches. It offers a moody, almost mystical atmosphere, thanks to its dramatic sea stacks, driftwood-laden shorelines, and frequent fog, and it draws travelers year-round.
What makes Ruby Beach Washington so amazing is the contrast. During low tide, tide pools come alive with starfish, sea anemones, and crabs, while high tide produces crashing waves that become part of a dramatic soundscape set against a background of rocky shores.
Next-level magical sunsets. Golden light spilling water into shadows of sea stacks sets a postcard-perfect moment. Whether you are a professional photographer or just someone fond of nature's theatrics, Ruby Beach is not to be missed.
There lies yet another coastal treasure north of Ruby Beach: Rialto Beach Washington. The beach is all about power-crashing waves, twisted and weathered driftwood logs, and the remains of ancient sea stacks all tell the tale of nature's relentless force.
It is, however, the Hole-in-the-Wall, a natural rock formation that has its overhead arch walkable at low tide, that makes the coastal beach a captivating attraction. The hike to it is really scenic, littered with photograph worthy stops lazily making it a day trip favorite for visitors to Olympic National Park.
In addition, Rioalto Beach has outstanding wildlife viewing opportunities. There might be eagles soaring overhead, seals basking on the rocks, or even whales in the distance during migration.
Since it is so off the beaten path and rugged, it is advisable to pack good, sturdy shoes, layered clothing, and plenty of water. There are no cafes lining the beach, and that is precisely what makes it real and raw.
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This way, though Long Beach, Ruby Beach, and Rialto Beach may be boast-worthy, certainly, the Washington coastline drips with various gemstones ready for exploration.
An often-touted title as one of the most stunning beaches in America, Shi Shi Beach is definitely the result of effort as it is wedged between two ancient forest trails. It is remote, but once you manage to get there, the privileged reward is massive: surreal rock formations that include cliffs, caves, and smashing surf. It is among the few places you can camp directly on the beach under the stars.
Near La Push, it is known as Second Beach with great popularity for hikers and campers. What greets is a short, forested trip to time and then you enjoy time spent by the sea-stacks and tide pools which set for that perfect camping experience if you're falling asleep to the thumping sound of crashing waves.
Alki beach, in Seattle, is one of those beaches where you will feel as if you were in an entirely different place without actually leaving the city. With fantastic views of the streamline Olympic Mountains and the Seattle skyline, Alki beach provides such a lovely strip of beach that it is, indeed, walkable. It is also ideal for biking, roller blades, and if one wants to, a sunset dinner at any of the seafood restaurants within the vicinity.
Add Washington beaches to your travel destinations because here are some reasons why you must visit, especially if you are looking for a little more soul in your vacation apart from the normal sun-and-surf vacations:
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The beaches of Washington aren’t your typical beach getaway. They’re not about lounging in the sun with a cocktail—though there are certainly places where you can do that. Instead, they’re about connecting with nature in its rawest, most beautiful form. Whether it’s the seemingly endless sands of Long Beach Washington, the moody drama of Ruby Beach Washington, or the wild beauty of Rialto Beach Washington, each location offers its own slice of coastal heaven.
So if you’re building your ultimate travel bucket list, don’t just think tropical. Think timeless. Think tranquil. Think Washington beaches—where nature reigns supreme, and every wave tells a story.
This content was created by AI