A visit to Washington State is incomplete without a stop at Long Beach. Long Beach is known for its kite-adorned skyline and its exciting boardwalk. The 28-mile-long beach overlooking the Pacific Ocean in Washington offers ideal weather conditions for tourists to enjoy horseback riding.
This Long Beach peninsula is home to a variety of marine life and over 150 birds, including the great horned owl, several species of geese, and the endangered snowy plover. Additionally, It’s also famous for mouth-watering seafood in its coastal towns.
Here we have compiled a list of the 5 best things to do in Long Beach, Washington. If you plan to visit an attraction or restaurant, make sure to inquire about their opening time before making the trip.
Best Things To Do In Long Beach, Washington
Long Beach may seem like a small seaside town, but there are many things to enjoy on your trip. Although there is plenty to do in the town, most people visit or explore the beach – which is why it’s named after it.
Let’s take a look at the 5 best things to do in Long Beach, Washington.
Stroll Along The World’s Longest Beach
It’s no secret that visiting the beach is one of the best things to do in Long Beach! With a length of 28 miles, it claims to be one of the longest beaches in the world. In fact, it’s probably the longest continuous sand beach in the country. Depending on your preference, you can either take a short walk on the beach or drive a car.
Discovery Trail
If you don’t want to stop at half a mile, or if you are renting bicycles from an outfitter in town, then this 8.5-mile Discovery Trail is for you.
This trail begins at the Port of Ilwaco in the nearby town of Ilwaco and leads straight to Cape Disappointment State Park. Along the way, it parallels the Boardwalk in Long Beach, where there are several jumping-off points. Horseback Riding on the Beach
If you’re looking for adventurous things to do in Long Beach, you can also go horseback riding along the beach.
Willapa National Wildlife Refuge
If you’re not satisfied with the nature experience at Leadbetter Point State Park, check out Willapa National Wildlife Refuge. This park features meandering paths with art installations, interpretive trails with steep ascents, and even an accessible boardwalk.
You can enjoy a peaceful hike in old-growth forests while listening to bird chatter.
Although most routes in the refuge are short, hikers of any skill level should be able to find something that piques their interests.
You can cast out for sturgeon along the shores of Willapa Bay if you want something more relaxing while in Long Beach. However, it should be noted that fishing is not allowed in the refuge’s streams, ponds, or sloughs.
Surfing
If you’re looking for things to do in Long Beach, Washington that will pump your adrenaline, grab your board and surf some swells.
Known for its exposed beach breaks, the peninsula is a favorite surfing destination all year round. If you’re a beginner or not, this whitewater provides plenty of opportunities for you to learn how to stand.
Surfers are most likely to enjoy this shoreline in the winter, specifically in January because waves are clean and offshore winds are light during this time.
Cape Disappointment State Park
One of the best activities to do in Long Beach is visiting the Cape Disappointment State Park, which is far from unsatisfactory.
It is a 2,023-acre park with a fascinating history. You can take a tour of the abandoned military barracks and coastal defense batteries or learn about Lewis and Clark at the interpretive center.
This park has over eight miles of trails. A day in the old-growth forests, salt-water marshes, and overlooking the Pacific Ocean can easily take up the whole day. And, there are two iconic lighthouses inside the park that offer some of the best vistas.
Cape Disappointment State Park is also a good place to enjoy a day on the water. Whether you’re looking to launch your watercraft or dig for fresh clams, Baker Bay has everything you need. Alternatively, you can cast out for salmon and crab from the north jetty. If you’re planning on spending a day or a week in the park, you can rent a yurt, cabin, or vacation home. In addition to tents and RVs, there are plenty of campsites to choose from.
