8 Reasons Washington Has the Best Beaches in the U.S.

Are you in need of a nice day at the beach? Honestly, choosing which beaches to visit can be difficult, especially with the vast diversity of beaches across the United States. One state that you can visit to see some amazing beaches is Washington. 

Due to Washington’s unique landscape, animal diversity, and moody ambiance, it is host to numerous beaches that are popular spots for vacationers and locals alike. Let’s take a look at some of the main reasons why Washington’s beaches are some of the best in the U.S., as well as what specific beaches host unique features and fun opportunities! 

1. They Are Extremely Diverse

One of the main reasons why Washington has the best beaches is that it has extremely diverse weather and geography. For instance, some beaches host vast rocky cliffs with staggering views of the water, while others offer a sandy oasis for surfing and kite-flying alike.  

Because there are beaches found on the coast and throughout areas such as the Puget Sound, each beach in Washington has unique and awe-inspiring features. Most sources agree that Washington can be split into at least seven distinct physiographic groups, each with a unique climate and geography. 

In other words, Washington offers countless beaches that can fit any activity that you want to do, from hiking to sunbathing.  

 2. They Can Be Secluded Getaways 

On many days, Washington beaches are relatively desolate. Depending on the weather, some beaches might only see a few visitors a day, which means they are the perfect spots to get a little alone time. For instance, tourism tends to dwindle during the cooler months, but the beaches are still open all year long. Thus, some beaches can act as your little private oasis if you come at the right time! 

3. The Scenery Is Moody and Breathtaking 

In comparison to beaches from other states, Washington poses the unique feature of having scenery that is both moody and gorgeous. For instance, beaches such as Cape Disappointment and Shi Shi Beach are known for their tall cliffs and rocky ledges, which create a gloomy yet enjoyable mood, even throughout the winter months. 

These natural features which are already amazing on their own are only underscored by the rain and fog that can commonly be found in Washington. 

4. They Are Gorgeous All Year Round

As touched upon earlier, beaches in Washington are usable year-round, even through wind and rainstorms! As you can probably assume, summertime is the most popular time to visit beaches, as it is warm and enjoyable outside. During the summer, activities such as hiking, camping, and fishing are all common on Washington beaches.  

As temperatures begin to drop in the fall and winter months, the weather also takes a turn. More rain, wind, and storms are common during the cooler seasons. Although most beaches aren’t surfable or swimmable during those months, they offer great hiking and scenic spots. 

5. Washington Tidepools are Some of the Best! 

One unique feature that is specific to Washington beaches is their tidepools. Tidepool areas are where ocean water meets the land, changing volume based on the high and low-tide cycles. In these spots, there are usually plenty of animals to look at in awe! 

Tidepools are also extremely common in Washington, so you can usually find great spots near almost any major beach. Each tidepool is also unique within itself, hosting various animals based on its specific salinity, temperature, and location. Tidepools offers a unique experience that can be enjoyable for adults and kids alike. 

Some common animals you may spot in a Washington tidepool include: 

• Crabs
• Sea stars
• Limpets
• Snails
• Crabs
• Mussels
• Sand fleas
• Urchins
• Octopuses

6. There’s Fascinating Wildlife

Going along with the idea of tidepools, Washington beaches are full to the brim with plant and animal wildlife. Whether you are interested in fishing, mushroom hunting, or bird watching, Washington has it all. 

Marine animals tend to be a very unique feature of Washington beaches. There are plenty of sharks and killer whales, which are known to be residents of certain beach areas. 

There are also plenty of fascinating plants that grow near Washington beaches. Likewise, Washington has lots of mosses, ferns, and mushrooms that grow along the borders of beach areas, especially during the cool fall months!

The various flora and fauna that can be found in Washington are just some of the many reasons why the beaches are simply unbeatable!

7. There’s Plenty of Recreational Activities to Do in Washington Beaches 

The diversity of Washington’s beaches means that there are almost countless activities that you can take part in. One perk of Washington beaches is that they are often closely associated with state parks, which usually means there are a lot of developed recreational areas near them. 

One of the main recreational activities that take part on the beaches of Washington is fishing, clamming, and crabbing. There is almost always some sort of in-season fishing opportunity, making the beaches a perfect spot to visit. Washington has some of the best fishing areas in the country! 

Camping is another popular activity to do on Washington beaches. During the summer months, it is common to see people having bonfires, pitching tents, and enjoying themselves under the stars of the coast. 

If you’re not as interested in camping or fishing, the hiking scene around Washington beaches may be more in line with your interests. In addition to hiking the beaches themselves, most designated parks also have parking trails associated with them. These offer unique paths that usually walk you through the coastal areas. Lots end with breathtaking views that can’t be found anywhere else. 

Boating, jet skiing, and paddleboarding are also really popular in the area. Most people recommend doing these types of activities in the summer when it is warm and the water is calm. Many popular beaches even have nearby businesses that rent out jet skis, kayaks, and paddleboards at extremely affordable prices! 

8. There Are So Many Beaches

One last reason why Washington beaches are the best is because there are simply so many beaches. 

The entirety of the West Coast is full of unique and amazing beaches. Depending on their location, they can be rocky, sandy, cliff-like, forest-like, and more. Many towns near these coastal locations are used to tourist activity, which means they have the amenities needed for visiting from out of town. 

In addition to the entire West Coast, Washington also has an ocean connection that travels through the upper northwest half of the state. This body of water goes by many names, with one of the most common being the Salish Sea. 

Similarly to the coast, these beaches are also numerous and diverse, each having its own unique characteristics based on its proximity to the ocean. These Salish Sea beaches are extra special in Washington, as many of them border major cities like Tacoma and Seattle, making them awesome tourist destinations. 

Popular Beaches in Washington 

With all of this in mind, you may be wondering where exactly these amazing beaches are in Washington. While we can’t list out every single spot, there are a few very unique spots that you may want to look into visiting. Some of the most popular include: 

• Alki Beach, Seattle 
• Long Beach Peninsula, Long Beach 
• Owens Beach, Tacoma 
• Rosario Beach, Deception Pass State Park 
• Seabrook Beach, Seabrook 
• Rialto Beach, Olympic National Park 
• Ocean Shores, Ocean Shores
• Pacific Beach, Pacific Beach State Park 

Conclusion 

To wrap up, Washington is a hidden gem when it comes to enjoying the beauty of beaches in the United States. Washington beaches are extremely diverse, allowing people to enjoy a variety of activities from fishing to hiking. Whether or not you are an avid traveler, you should look into visiting one of these beaches in the near future! 

Summary of the Reasons Washington Has the Best Beaches

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