Beaches in Washington State – Rugged Coastlines, Sea Stacks, Driftwood & Pacific Northwest Beauty

Washington State’s coastline is one of the wildest and most breathtaking in the United States. From the dramatic
sea stacks of the Olympic Peninsula to the peaceful shoreline parks around Seattle
and the wide, windswept beaches of the Southwest Coast, this state offers a completely unique
beach experience.

Expect towering cliffs, driftwood forests, powerful waves, misty mornings, and sunsets you’ll never forget.
Whether you love hiking, photography, tide pools, or peaceful coastal views, the
beaches in Washington State deliver year-round magic.

Why Visit Beaches in Washington State?

  • Unmatched wild landscapes & dramatic coastlines
  • Sea stacks, tide pools, driftwood & enormous evergreen forests
  • Incredible hiking and photography opportunities
  • Year-round scenery — even winter is beautiful
  • Olympic National Park beaches are world-famous
  • Seattle-area beaches offer stunning skyline views

Best Beaches in Washington State

These are the most iconic beaches across the state, known for their scenery, uniqueness, and unforgettable experiences:

Ruby Beach (Olympic Peninsula)

A breathtaking beach with sea stacks, tide pools, massive driftwood, and dramatic waves — a must-see.

Rialto Beach (La Push)

Known for the famous “Hole-in-the-Wall” hike, a rugged coastline, and amazing sunset views.

Second Beach (La Push)

Beautiful forest hike opens to a wide beach with sea stacks and year-round dramatic scenery.

Long Beach (SW Washington)

One of the longest beaches in the U.S. — flat, wide, great for walks, kites, and family trips.

Alki Beach (Seattle)

A fun urban beach with skyline views, volleyball courts, bike paths, and amazing summer sunsets.

Discovery Park Beach (Seattle)

A quiet lighthouse beach with forest trails, bluffs, and peaceful, natural views.

Where to Stay Near Washington’s Best Beaches

Here are the best areas to stay depending on which part of Washington’s coast you’re exploring:

Olympic Peninsula (Ruby, Rialto, Second Beach)

  • Forks — closest town to La Push beaches
  • Kalaloch Lodge — inside Olympic National Park
  • Lake Crescent Lodge — lakeside lodging near beaches
  • Quileute Oceanside Resort — on the beach at La Push

Seattle & Puget Sound Beaches

  • Seattle Downtown — access Alki, Discovery Park, Golden Gardens
  • Bainbridge Island — peaceful beaches via ferry
  • Tacoma — near Ruston Way waterfront & Browns Point

Southwest Washington Coast (Long Beach & Ocean Shores)

  • Long Beach hotels & beach cabins
  • Ocean Shores resorts
  • Westport — great for surfing & fishing

Best Time to Visit Washington Beaches

SeasonHighlights
Summer (June–Sept)Warmest weather, best hiking, great sunsets
Fall (Sept–Oct)Fewer crowds, calm oceans, great photography
Winter (Nov–Mar)Storm watching, dramatic waves, peaceful
Spring (Apr–May)Wildflowers, mild temps, wildlife sightings

🌡️ Washington Beach Water Temperatures

Washington water stays cold year-round — here’s what to expect:

  • Summer water: 52–57°F
  • Winter water: 45–50°F
  • Wetsuits recommended for swimming on the Olympic coast
  • Puget Sound is slightly warmer but still cold

🚗 How to Get to Washington’s Beaches

✈️ By Air

  • Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA)
  • Portland International Airport (PDX) — closer to Long Beach area

🚗 By Car

  • Highway 101 — loops around the Olympic Peninsula
  • I-5 — connects Seattle, Tacoma, Olympia, Vancouver

⛴️ By Ferry

  • Seattle → Bainbridge Island
  • Edmonds → Kingston
  • Seattle → Vashon Island

🐶 Dog-Friendly Beaches in Washington

  • Rialto Beach: dogs allowed on leash
  • Ruby Beach: restricted areas — follow signs
  • Ocean Shores: very dog-friendly
  • Long Beach: great for dog walks
  • Alki Beach: dogs allowed on paths, not on sand

🎒 What to Pack for Washington Beaches

  • Warm layers (even in summer)
  • Waterproof jacket
  • Hiking shoes / waterproof shoes
  • Wetsuit (optional for swimming)
  • Tide chart app
  • Camera for long-exposure shots
  • Water + snacks — many beaches are remote

⭐ Best Washington Beaches by Category

Best for Families

  • Long Beach
  • Ocean Shores
  • Alki Beach

Best for Photography

  • Ruby Beach
  • Rialto Beach
  • Second Beach

Best for Hiking

  • Shi Shi Beach
  • Ozette Triangle
  • Cape Flattery

Best Near Seattle

  • Alki Beach
  • Discovery Park
  • Golden Gardens

FAQs About Washington State Beaches

What is the most beautiful beach in Washington?

Ruby Beach and Rialto Beach are often considered the most beautiful because of their dramatic sea stacks and wild landscapes.

Are Washington beaches good for swimming?

They are swimmable, but the water is cold year-round. Most swimmers use wetsuits on the coast.

Which beach is closest to Seattle?

Alki Beach and Golden Gardens are the most popular beaches near Seattle.

Are dogs allowed on Washington beaches?

Many beaches allow dogs on leash, but each location has its own rules. Check signs at the entrance.

What is the warmest month to visit?

August is usually the warmest month for air and water temps.

Explore All Beaches in Washington State Below

Browse our full directory of beaches across Washington’s stunning Pacific coastline:

Explore All Washington Beaches Below

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