Summer in the Pacific Northwest means cool ocean breezes, dramatic coastlines, and some of the most beautiful beaches in America. From Oregon’s sandy shores to Washington’s rugged wilderness beaches, this region offers incredible coastal adventures for every type of beach lover. Whether you want to hunt for tide pool creatures, watch spectacular sunsets, or simply walk along miles of pristine sand, these twelve beaches will make your summer unforgettable.
1. Cannon Beach, Oregon
Standing like a giant sentinel in the surf, Haystack Rock makes Cannon Beach one of Oregon’s most photographed destinations. This 235-foot sea stack creates tide pools filled with colorful sea anemones, starfish, and hermit crabs during low tide.
Miles of wide sandy beach stretch in both directions, perfect for flying kites or building sandcastles with kids. The charming downtown area offers cozy cafes and art galleries just steps from the shore.
Summer brings the clearest weather for spotting puffins nesting on the rock’s face through binoculars.
2. Ruby Beach, Washington
Olympic National Park’s Ruby Beach gets its name from the reddish garnet sand mixed among the regular grains. Massive driftwood logs create natural sculptures along the shoreline, bleached white by salt and sun.
Sea stacks rise from the waves like ancient castles, while tide pools reveal purple sea urchins and bright orange sea stars. The beach feels wild and untamed, with old-growth forest meeting the ocean.
Sunset here paints the entire beach in golden light, making the ruby-colored sand sparkle. Pack layers since coastal weather can change quickly in this wilderness setting.
3. Long Beach, Washington
Stretching 28 miles along the Pacific, Long Beach claims to be the world’s longest continuous beach. This massive expanse of sand feels endless, perfect for horseback riding, ATV adventures, or simply walking for hours.
The Discovery Trail runs parallel to the beach, offering eight miles of paved pathway through dunes and coastal forest. Summer brings the famous Washington State International Kite Festival, filling the sky with colorful flying artwork.
Razor clam digging season draws crowds during low tides, while the historic boardwalk offers old-fashioned arcade games and saltwater taffy shops.
4. Oceanside, Oregon
Tucked between headlands, Oceanside offers a peaceful alternative to busier Oregon beaches. The highlight here is Maxwell Point’s tunnel, carved by waves and accessible during low tide, leading to a secret beach on the other side.
Three Arch Rocks National Wildlife Refuge sits just offshore, where thousands of seabirds nest on the dramatic rock formations. Bring binoculars to spot puffins, cormorants, and pelicans diving for fish.
The small village atmosphere means fewer crowds and more chances to find perfect shells, agates, and sand dollars along the pristine shoreline.
5. Second Beach, Washington
Adventure begins before you even reach Second Beach, with a magical 0.8-mile hike through temperate rainforest on the Quileute Reservation. Ancient Sitka spruces and western hemlocks create a green cathedral overhead.
When the forest opens to reveal the beach, visitors gasp at the dramatic sea stacks rising from the waves like sleeping giants. Tide pools here teem with life, including purple and orange sea stars, green anemones, and tiny hermit crabs.
La Push’s remote location means this beach stays relatively uncrowded, offering a true wilderness experience just a short walk from the parking area.
6. Hug Point, Oregon
History comes alive at Hug Point, named for the old stagecoach route that “hugged” the cliff face during low tide. Passengers once held their breath as coaches raced against incoming waves on this narrow beach passage.
Today, visitors can explore sea caves carved into the sandstone cliffs and discover small waterfalls that cascade directly onto the sand. The secluded cove offers protection from ocean winds, creating a perfect spot for picnics.
Tide pooling here reveals creatures hiding in rocky crevices, while beachcombers find agates and unusual shells in the coarse sand mixed with smooth pebbles.
7. Shi Shi Beach, Washington
Reaching Shi Shi Beach requires commitment – a muddy 2-mile hike through dense Olympic Peninsula forest. But this effort rewards visitors with one of Washington’s most spectacular coastal scenes: the Point of Arches.
These towering sea stacks create natural arches and windows in the rock, accessible during low tide for exploration. The beach stretches for miles in both directions, offering solitude rarely found on accessible beaches.
Backpackers can camp here overnight with permits, falling asleep to crashing waves and waking to pristine wilderness. Summer’s longer days provide extra time to explore tide pools and photograph the dramatic coastline.
8. Manzanita Beach, Oregon
Seven miles of smooth sand stretch beneath the towering presence of Neahkahnie Mountain, creating one of Oregon’s most photogenic beach scenes. Manzanita offers Cannon Beach’s beauty without the crowds, perfect for peaceful summer days.
The gentle slope makes this beach ideal for families with small children, while the consistent waves attract surfers year-round. Beachcombing here yields treasures like Japanese glass fishing floats, agates, and perfectly shaped pieces of driftwood.
The small town of Manzanita provides cozy vacation rentals and local restaurants, but the real attraction is the endless stretch of pristine coastline backed by coastal mountains.
9. Kalaloch Beach, Washington
Olympic National Park’s Kalaloch Beach gained fame for the “Tree of Life,” a massive Sitka spruce that appears to float above a creek, its roots exposed by erosion yet somehow still anchoring this living wonder.
Four numbered beaches stretch along this section of coastline, each offering different experiences from tide pooling to storm watching. Summer brings calmer weather perfect for exploring the rocky headlands and sandy coves.
The nearby Kalaloch Lodge provides comfortable accommodations, but many visitors prefer camping to fall asleep listening to waves crash against the wild Olympic Peninsula shoreline just outside their tent.
10. Cape Kiwanda, Oregon
Part of Oregon’s famous Three Capes Scenic Route, Cape Kiwanda offers adventure beyond typical beach activities. The massive sand dune behind the beach challenges visitors to climb 240 feet for incredible ocean views.
Dory fishermen still launch their flat-bottomed boats directly through the surf here, a tradition dating back generations. Surfers ride consistent waves while hang gliders soar from the cliff tops on summer thermals.
The sandstone headland creates tide pools filled with colorful sea life, while the protected cove offers calmer water for families. Haystack Rock’s smaller cousin stands offshore, creating perfect sunset silhouettes for photographers.
11. Bandon Beach, Oregon
Southern Oregon’s Bandon Beach showcases some of the coast’s most dramatic rock formations, with towering sea stacks creating a maze of arches, windows, and hidden coves. Each tide reveals new passages through the rocky wonderland.
The beach stretches for miles, offering excellent beachcombing for agates, jasper, and unusual shells. Photographers flock here for sunset shots, when golden light transforms the dark rocks into glowing sculptures.
Bandon’s famous golf courses overlook the ocean, but the real attraction is exploring tide pools teeming with colorful sea anemones, hermit crabs, and sea stars hiding among the volcanic rock formations.
12. Alki Beach, Seattle
Seattle’s urban beach experience combines city skyline views with sandy shoreline fun. Alki Beach offers the Pacific Northwest’s most accessible beach culture, complete with beach volleyball courts, bike rental shops, and waterfront restaurants.
Summer brings warm weather perfect for picnics on the sand while watching ferries cross Elliott Bay. The 2.5-mile paved trail connects restaurants, shops, and parks, creating a beach town atmosphere within the city.
Families love the protected waters and lifeguard stations, while the Statue of Liberty replica adds quirky charm. On clear days, Mount Rainier provides a stunning backdrop to this urban coastal playground.
