
Beaches & Waterfront Activities in Washington, District of Columbia, United States
1. Rialto Beach
A picturesque beach with driftwood and tide pools, offering a unique combination of natural beauty and exploration.
- Driftwood Playground: Scattered driftwood provides a natural playground for visitors to climb and explore.
- Tide Pool Adventure: Explore the tide pools during low tide, discovering marine life such as sea stars and anemones.
- Pet-Friendly Beach: Rialto Beach is pet-friendly, allowing you to bring your furry companion along for the adventure.
2. Deception Pass State Park
A stunning park featuring a bridge and two islands, offering breathtaking views and opportunities for hiking and boating.
- Bridge Views: Witness the beauty of Deception Pass Bridge, one of Washington's most iconic landmarks.
- Island Exploration: Visit both Canoe and Fidalgo Islands, each offering unique landscapes for exploration.
- Plenty of Activities: Enjoy camping, fishing, boating, diving, or simply taking in the stunning views at this versatile park.
3. Rosario Beach
A serene and secluded beach with a historic lighthouse, perfect for relaxation and scenic walks.
- Historic Lighthouse: Visit the Rosario Beach Lighthouse, built in 1924, to learn about maritime history.
- Secluded Setting: Experience a quiet and peaceful atmosphere far from the crowds of larger beaches.
- Beachcombing Opportunities: Explore the shoreline for interesting rocks, driftwood, and shells during your visit.
4. Coupeville's Penn Cove
A working shellfish farm offering boat tours and fresh seafood restaurants.
- Shellfish Farm Tour: Take a tour of the working shellfish farm to learn about the process of growing mussels.
- Fresh Seafood Restaurants: Enjoy delicious, fresh seafood at local restaurants after your tour.
- Scenic Waterfront Walk: Stroll along the waterfront, taking in the sights and sounds of Coupeville's charming town.
5. Olympic National Park Coastline
Awe-inspiring coastline with rugged cliffs, sandy beaches, and vast tidal flats, offering a chance to experience the raw beauty of nature.
- Rugged Cliff Views: Take in breathtaking views of rugged cliffs eroded by the ocean.
- Sandy Beach Retreat: Relax on quiet, secluded sandy beaches away from crowds.
- Tidal Flat Exploration: Explore vast tidal flats during low tide, discovering marine life and unique geological formations.
6. Kalaloch Beach
A dramatic beach featuring towering sea stacks and scenic hiking trails.
- Sea Stack Wonders: Witness the awe-inspiring sea stacks rising from the ocean.
- Scenic Hiking Trails: Explore nearby hiking trails for stunning views of the coastline and sea stacks.
- Quiet Beach Retreat: Relax on this quiet, less-crowded beach away from the hustle and bustle.
7. La Push Beach
A beautiful, wild beach featuring the stunning sea stacks of the Olympic National Park.
- Sea Stack Wonders: Witness the awe-inspiring sea stacks rising from the ocean.
- Surfing Opportunities: Experience surfing at First Beach, a popular spot for experienced surfers.
- Quiet Beach Retreat: Relax on this quiet, less-crowded beach away from the hustle and bustle.
8. Dash Point State Park
A beautiful state park featuring a sandy beach, rocky shores, and opportunities for picnicking and camping.
- Sandy Beach Playtime: Play in the sand at this scenic beach.
- Rocky Shore Exploration: Explore the rocky shores for interesting tide pools and marine life.
- Picnicking and Camping: Enjoy a picnic or camp at this scenic park, surrounded by nature.
9. Columbia River Gorge
A stunning gorge featuring numerous waterfalls, hiking trails, and opportunities for rafting and kayaking.
- Waterfall Wonderland: Visit numerous stunning waterfalls throughout the Columbia River Gorge.
- Hiking Trails Galore: Explore various hiking trails, ranging from easy to strenuous.
- Rafting and Kayaking Adventures: Experience the thrill of rafting or kayaking on the powerful waters of the Columbia River.
10. Fort Casey State Park
A historic park featuring a lighthouse, gun battery, and opportunities for camping and fishing.
- Historic Lighthouse: Visit the historic lighthouse to learn about maritime history.
- Gun Battery Exploration: Explore a World War I-era gun battery and artillery pieces.
- Camping and Fishing: Enjoy camping and fishing at this scenic park, surrounded by nature.
11. Gig Harbor Marina & Boatyard
A bustling marina offering boat tours, seafood restaurants, and shopping opportunities.
- Boat Tours: Take a tour of the harbor to learn about local history and marine life.
- Fresh Seafood Restaurants: Enjoy delicious, fresh seafood at local restaurants.
- Shopping Opportunities: Browse unique shops for local artisanal products and souvenirs.
12. Port Townsend Waterfront
A charming historic town featuring a working waterfront, museums, and scenic views.
- Historic Waterfront: Explore the historic working waterfront to see boats, seafood, and maritime activities.
- Museums Galore: Visit numerous museums to learn about local history, art, and culture.
- Scenic Viewpoints: Take in scenic views of the harbor, Olympic Mountains, and Cascade Range.
13. Stevens Pass Waterslide Canyon
A scenic canyon featuring a natural waterslide perfect for summer fun.
- Natural Waterslide: Experience the thrill of sliding down a natural waterslide.
- Swimming Opportunities: Cool off by swimming in the crystal-clear river.
- Scenic Hiking Trails: Explore nearby scenic hiking trails for stunning views of the canyon and surrounding mountains.
14. San Juan Islands
A collection of islands offering opportunities for wildlife viewing, fishing, and scenic boat tours.
- Wildlife Viewing: Spot orcas, seals, and bald eagles in their natural habitat.
- Fishing Adventures: Experience saltwater fishing for halibut, salmon, and rockfish.
- Scenic Boat Tours: Take a scenic boat tour to explore the islands and their surrounding waters.
15. Long Beach Peninsula
A long peninsula featuring over 28 miles of sandy beach, a historic town, and scenic views.
- Long Sandy Beaches: Enjoy over 28 miles of beautiful, sandy beaches.
- Historic Town: Explore the charming historic town of Seaview and its unique shops and restaurants.
- Scenic Viewpoints: Take in scenic views of the Pacific Ocean, dunes, and coastal forests.