The BEST Weekend in Long Beach, Washington!

Long Beach, Washington is a charming coastal town tucked away in the southwest corner of Washington State. Known for its fresh seafood, breathtaking sunsets, rich history, and 28 miles of sandy shoreline, it’s easily one of the best beach getaways in the Pacific Northwest. Whether you’re craving a relaxing escape, hoping to unplug for the weekend, or simply looking for wide-open spaces to explore, Long Beach offers the perfect coastal retreat.

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HOW TO GET THERE

Getting to Long Beach, Washington is easy, it’s about a 3.5-hour drive from Seattle and just under 2.5 hours from Portland, making it a convenient coastal getaway.

WHERE TO STAY

On our most recent trip to Long Beach, we stayed at Boardwalk Cottages, part of the Adrift Hospitality family. This charming property offers a cozy, cottage-style stay with convenient amenities like an onsite sauna, bike rentals, and easy access to downtown Long Beach.

It’s just steps from Current Café, which has incredible breakfast burritos and lattes. Guests staying at the property also have full access to Adrift Hotel’s amenities, including the heated saline pool, relaxing spa services, and complimentary tasting flights at Adrift Distillery. Our cottage had a kitchenette and a fireplace, which was super cozy!

Other options for accommodations:

• Adrift Hotel – Another great option for Long Beach accommodations, Adrift Hotel offers a modern, industrial-coastal vibe with beautiful ocean views and a full lineup of wellness amenities.
• Salt Hotel & Pub – Located along the Ilwaco Harbor waterfront, Salt Hotel & Pub is a boutique-style hotel with 21 unique rooms and an excellent onsite restaurant, Salt Pub.

WHAT TO DO

Explore the Long Beach Discovery Trail

The Discovery Trail is an 8.5-mile paved trail that runs from the Port of Ilwaco to Long Beach, offering a scenic way to explore the peninsula. The trail commemorates the Lewis & Clark expedition, which took place over 200 years ago, with several sculptures and historical markers along the route.

The path is mostly flat and paved, making it perfect for walking, running, or biking. Along the way, you’ll enjoy stunning views of the Pacific Ocean, grassy dunes, wetlands, and the North Head Lighthouse. There are multiple beach access points where you can stop to take in the scenery or dip your toes in the sand. HERE is a map of the trail.

While you can walk or run the trail, our favorite way to experience it is by bike. There are several local bike shops in Long Beach, including Beachin’ Bike Rentals, which offers regular bikes, tandem bikes, and e-bikes for exploring the trail at your own pace.

Explore Cape Disappointment State Park

Cape Disappointment State Park is anything but disappointing! One of our favorite things to do is hike the Cape Disappointment Lighthouse Viewpoint Trail, a roughly 1-mile roundtrip trail that leads to the historic lighthouse perched on the cliffs. Along the way, you can take the side trail down to Deadman’s Cove, a secluded beach that feels straight out of a Pirates of the Caribbean movie. The descent into the cove can be slippery, so be careful and watch your step!

The paved trail up to the lighthouse offers breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean and passes an old military bunker along the way. While you’re in the area, make sure to stop by Waikiki Beach for a quick coastal stroll or some kite flying.

Don’t forget your Discover Pass or purchase one HERE prior to your visit!

Treat Yourself to Ice Cream at Scoopers

Scoopers is the ultimate ice cream and candy shop in Long Beach. With over 40 flavors of ice cream, plus taffy and other sweet treats, there’s something for everyone. The scoop sizes are generous, so a single scoop is often plenty. It’s the perfect spot to grab a cone or a sweet snack while exploring downtown or the boardwalk.

Catch a Stunning Sunset on the 28-Mile Long Beach

Watching the sunset on Long Beach is a must-do experience. The wide, sandy shoreline and unobstructed views of the Pacific Ocean make it the perfect spot for evening strolls or simply sitting back and soaking in the colors. For the best experience, arrive at least 30-45 minutes before sunset, this gives you time to find a good spot and enjoy the changing sky.

Visit the World Famous Kite Museum

The Kite Museum in Long Beach features fascinating exhibits from around the world, including a unique World War II kite exhibit that highlights how kites were used to pass messages and move supplies. Admission is just $5, and the museum has a gift shop where visitors can pick up souvenirs or kites to take to the beach.

Enjoy a Delicious Meal at Pickled Fish Restaurant

Pickled Fish, located inside Adrift Hotel, is the perfect spot for dinner or drinks with a stunning ocean view. We love their rockfish & chips, brussels sprouts, and the clam chowder is a must-try, plus their craft cocktails are always a hit.

Explore The Quirky Exhibits & Vintage Games at Marsh’s Free Museum

Marsh’s Free Museum is a quirky curiosity shop best known for its famous Jake the Alligator Man display. The museum is packed with oddities and fun exhibits, making it a must-visit stop while exploring the area. Make sure to bring some change – quarters, nickels, and dimes so you play all the fun games!

Check Out the Shops in Downtown Long Beach

Pacific Avenue is the heart of downtown Long Beach, lined with shops, restaurants, and fun stops to explore. Look for unique beach souvenirs, grab a bite to eat, or treat yourself to a scoop of ice cream or a sweet snack. A great rain or shine stop is the Funland Family Fun Center which has laser tag, virtual reality, and arcade games.

Snap a Pic in Front of the World’s Largest Frying Pan

As you stroll through town, be sure to spot the iconic frying pan. Back in 1941, Chef Wellington Marsh used it to make a giant clam fritter, and today it stands as a year-round tribute to the annual Razor Clam Festival, plus, it makes a fun backdrop for a photo!

Enjoy a Tasting Flight at Adrift Distillers

If you’re visiting Long Beach, make sure Adrift Distillers is on your list! They’re known for their small-batch, coastal-inspired spirits and their tasting flights are such a fun way to try a little bit of everything. If you’re staying at an Adrift Hospitality property, you even get a free daily tasting. They also make a fantastic Bloody Mary mix, we brought a bottle home on our last trip, and I definitely recommend you do the same.

Take a Stroll on the Boardwalk

A scenic half-mile stretch through rolling grassy dunes, perfect for a sunset stroll or enjoying ice cream on a nice day. Currently under construction, the boardwalk is expected to reopen in March 2026.

Attend a Festival or Event

• Razor Clam Festival – Held every April, this annual event is a celebration of everything razor clam! Visitors can enjoy free clam digging lessons and cleaning demonstrations, a clam chowder taste-off, crab races, a giant slide, face painting, live music, and a variety of food trucks and local vendors.
• Washington State International Kite Festival – Held every August, this world-famous festival fills the skies with hundreds of colorful kites. Highlights include choreographed kite performances, mass ascensions, night kite shows, and plenty of opportunities for spectators to try flying kites themselves.
• Sandsations Sand Sculpture Festival – Takes place in July, this festival brings together professional and amateur sand sculptors to create massive, intricate works of art right on the beach. It’s a must-see for art lovers and families alike.
• Long Beach Rodeo – Also held in July, this classic Western-style rodeo features bull riding, barrel racing, a parade, and plenty of family-friendly entertainment. It’s a lively way to experience the local culture and community spirit of the peninsula.

WHEN TO VISIT

The best time to visit Long Beach, Washington really depends on your preferences for weather, crowds, and activities.

If you’re after sunny skies and warm temperatures, plan your trip for July through August. This is the peak tourist season, so expect more crowds, but you’ll get the best weather for beach walks, kite flying, and outdoor adventures.

For a quieter experience, consider visiting during the shoulder seasons: May-June or September-October. The temperatures are cooler, but the beaches are peaceful and the scenery is beautiful. On our last visit in late September, we enjoyed a gorgeous sunny weekend that was perfect for exploring and photography.

No matter the season, there’s something magical about Long Beach year-round, from its expansive sandy shoreline to the charming coastal vibes, it’s always worth a visit!

WHAT TO PACK

• ☔ Rain Jacket: In the Pacific Northwest, a reliable rain jacket is essential. This one has been my go to!
• 🧥 Insulated Jacket: This puffy jacket is super lightweight and ridiculously warm.
• 🗃️ Travel Wallet: A compact wallet is a total game changer! This one holds up to 10 cards plus cash without taking up extra space!
• 📱 Portable Charger: I can’t tell you how many times this has saved me! It’s compact size makes it great for portability and charging on the go.
• 🎒 Daypack: This is my favorite daypack by Osprey Packs! It’s super breathable and can be adjusted to your torso length.
• 🧦 Hiking socks: Having the correct socks can help prevent blisters. These ones are my favorite and have held up well over many years!
• 📸 Camera: I am always impressed by the quality of the photos and videos captured using this camera. It’s an excellent hybrid option for both photography and videography.
• 👖 Leggings: Checkout my favorite Lululemon dupe leggings!
• ☀️ Sunscreen: Another essential rain or shine. I love the scent of this one!
• 🩴 Sandals: If you plan to visit in the warmer months or stay at a location with a pool, having a pair of comfy slip on sandals is a must.
• 🍅 Insulated Cooler: Keep your drinks cold and have healthier options on the go with a portable cooler. I got this one for Christmas and we bring it on every road trip!  

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