The Washington coast is rugged, wild and with ample opportunity for recreation of all types from bird watching, kayaking, beachcombing to charter fishing, hiking and golfing.
Learn more about the The Coast region »
Traveling north up the coast, the first community is the Long Beach Peninsula. It is here that Lewis and Clark discovered the mighty Pacific Ocean over 200 years ago. Long Beach is often called the Cape Cod of the Pacific because of its shape, shellfish, cranberries and the relaxed lifestyle. Longbeach hosts the International Kite museum as well as an International Kite festival in August.
Many historic seaside towns dot the coastline such as Westport, Ocean Shores, Hoquiam, and Aberdeen each with their own unique personality.
Westport, Grayland, North Cove and Tokeland are collectively called the South Beach. This area, also referred to as the Cranberry Coast, is on the south side of Grays Harbor, easily accessible from Puget Sound to the north and Portland to the south. Westport is renowned for its fishing, but there is more. All the charm of fishing villages, cranberry bogs, beachcombing, kite flying, charter fishing, and whale watching are at your doorstep. There are countless fun activities and beaches to explore during every season of the year. Go-karts, bowling, an aquarium, bike rentals, entertain anyone with a sense of fun. The variety of restaurants, from decadent to down-home, offers all kinds of cuisine, with seafood at the freshest you'll ever find. Tops on anyone's list are the 18 miles of pristine ocean beaches that offer sand and surf, seashells and sand dollars, shorebirds and sunsets. Storm watch in the winter, sunbathe in the summer, or just pull up a drift log and take in all the natural beauty.
Stroll barefoot along the miles of sandy beaches in Ocean Shores or ride horseback through the dunes onto the beach for a romp in the surf. Just watch the waves or curl up by a cozy fire and read your favorite book.
Hoquiam is the home of the Grays Harbor National Wildlife Refuge, nearly 3 square miles of salt marsh, uplands and tidal mud flats. A Shorebird Festival is held every Spring with guided tours.
Aberdeen is the home of the tall ship, Lady Washington, a full scale replica of the square rigger that Captain Gray, founder of the deep water port, Gray's Harbor arrived on 1788.
Although it is not on the shoreline but a short drive inland, a natural attraction not to be missed is the Quinault Rain Forest located in the southern part of the Olympic National Park. Massive trees dripping with moss, the worlds largest Spruce tree, a variety of mushrooms and beautiful waterfalls grace this ancient temperate rain forest where it rains 12 feet per year.
Events
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Celebrating the spring migration of Shorebirds in Grays Harbor County. Go online and sign up for tours, field trips, lectures and more.
Web: www.shorebirdfestival.com
Telephone: 360-289-5048
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Witness the beauty of thousands of kites flying in the summer winds over Long Beach, Washington! The competitions are something to behold, learn how to build a kite, be entertained by the creativity, the skill of flying all varieties of kites. Check out the website and book your favorite Long Beach Peninsula B&B for the event of the year!
Web: www.kitefestival.com
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China Beach is the perfect place to unwind. Nestled in a waterfront cove, the landscape is isolated like a Shangri La, with a view of the mouth of the Columbia River and Bakers Bay.
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Romance is our natural resource. We offer elegance, charm, hospitality, comfort, lush gardens and ponds. Let us be one of your wonderful memories.
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Rest, relax, and refresh at A Harbor View Inn.
Every guest room has a water view of Grays Harbor, the Chehalis river, or the Wishkah river. Best location on the harbor. Featured in The Daily World and Olympian as 4 star and historic place to stay. WiFi, private baths, TV, king beds,walking tour.
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The Shelburne Country Inn is a historic hotel on the Washington coast, established in 1896. Ambiance includes 4 star dining, gourmet breakfasts,a cozy pub and antique furnishings throughout.
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Boreas Inn offers Oceanfront peace, luxury and intimacy paired with award-winning breakfast cuisine in a resort-style setting. Five exquisite guest suites, all private baths, one with spa. Very private spa by the dunes offers the best hot tub experience on the coast! Full concierge service.
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Located just 40 miles west of Olympia, in Montesano, on Washington State's Olympic Peninsula. Built in 1908, the house holds much history and charm, Jerry and Beth Reeves, the owners, welcome you to experience the ambiance and history that surround The Abel House.
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Experience the Peninsula's historic spirit in this beautiful 1913 Craftsman home. Nestled on a quiet street, it's just a short walk to the ocean beach or to the nearby attractions in downtown Ocean Park, Washington.
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Whimsy, romance & charm greet you both inside & out our B&B. Enjoy one of three bedrooms with a private bath. All common rooms enjoy a view of Willapa Bay. A complimentary glass of wine is served each afternoon at 4:00. Enjoy a BIG breakfast including fresh oysters, crab or smoked salmon.
