Beaches & Waterfront Activities in Washington, District of Columbia, United States

Washington, United States, Washington, Outdoor & Adventure, Beaches & Waterfront Activities

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.