Guest Post & Photo By: Marguerite Cleveland
The Long Beach Peninsula with its miles of beach, boardwalks and trails is the perfect destination for a dog friendly getaway no matter what time of year.
Where to Stay
The Adrift Brand of Hotels and Cottages offer three different pet-friendly venues for accommodations. Their low pet fee and “if they can fit through the door” they can stay rule makes is easy for your four-legged friend to join you on a getaway to the coast. When traveling with pets never leave them unattended in your lodging, keep them on a leash and clean up their waste.
Where to Eat
Traveling with a pet can be challenging when it comes to dining. Many restaurants on the Long Beach Peninsula offer outdoor dining spaces in the warmer months that will allow well behaved pets. During cooler months there are plenty of options for take-out.
The Cove Restaurant at the Peninsula Golf Course is super pet friendly and welcomes dogs at their outdoor seating area which is heated during the cooler months. A water bowl is available and their Patio Pup Menu is sure to be a hit. The Cove is popular with the locals and offers that country club staple, Prime Rib Thursday thru Saturday. The Chefs have won local food competitions and they really shine with the nightly specials where they can be more creative. The Peninsula Golf Course also allows pets to join you in a round of golf.
The Waterline Pub in Ilwaco offers an outdoor patio overlooking the marina. Enjoy local seafood that comes right off the fishing boats in front of you that line the marina. Step up your charcuterie game and try their Seafood Nosh Board. This bountiful board is based on what is in season and a typical board includes gooey, grilled, brie cheese and bread, house made sauces, olives and loaded with fresh seafood such as crabmeat, prawns, and oysters.
What to Do
The trails at Cape Disappointment State Park are dog friendly if your pet remains on a leash. Located the southern end of the peninsula, there is plenty to see and do. Hike to North Head lighthouse for epic, scenic views. Beards Hollow offers a nice trail through a maritime forest to the beach which stretches for miles up the Long Beach Peninsula.
The Discovery Trail begins in downtown Ilwaco and follows the coastline for 8.5 miles. It ends at an 18-foot bronze tree, one of the many pieces of public art that dot the paved trail which commemorates Lewis and Clark’s expedition. Wildlife abounds with shorebirds, bald eagles, and deer.
For more history head over to Oysterville. The 80-acre National Historic District is walkable with many enduring buildings. Finish up at Oysterville Sea farms where you can purchase fresh oysters and other local products. Enjoy the views of Willapa Bay.
The Long Beach Peninsula offers many opportunities for you to spend time with your favorite pooch. Just remember to clean up after your pet and make sure he is leashed.
Writer Bio
Marguerite Cleveland is a writer who specializes in travel and human-interest stories. She currently lives, travels and writes about the Pacific Northwest. Her articles have appeared in Northwest Travel, Washington 1889, and www.Sipnorthwest.com. Marguerite writes the monthly travel feature for 253 Lifestyle Magazine and the Living Local Magazines.