Get ready to experience the myriad of things to do in Long Beach, WA that make this coastal haven a must-visit destination in the Pacific Northwest. Our endless adventures range from the stunning shoreline of the peninsula to the serene waters of Willapa Bay. Discover the hidden gems of the evergreen coast!
Discover What to Do Near Long Beach, WA
With seven state parks, endless beaches, miles of trails, fascinating museums, and some of the best oysters you’ve ever tasted, you can choose your own adventure in our coastal hideaway. Explore the wide variety of Long Beach, WA activities available—whether you’re a road warrior looking for fun or a family needing a relaxing beach getaway, our coastal cities offer things to do for everyone.
1. Visit the North Head Lighthouse
Discover North Head Lighthouse in Long Beach, WA — a must-see place to go with breathtaking views!
Visit the historic 65-foot North Head Lighthouse in Cape Disappointment. This century-old sentry has guided ships through the treacherous Graveyard of the Pacific since 1898. Perched over 190 feet above sea level, it offers stunning panoramic views of the beautiful peninsula and turbulent sea.
2. Take the Family to the Razor Clam & Shellfish Festival
Clam it up at the annual Razor Clam and Shellfish Festival. A family friendly thing to do since 1940, the festival celebrates our coveted razor clam. Multiple days of mollusk madness include live music, local vendors, and fierce chowder challenges.
3. Stroll Along Washington’s Long Beach Boardwalk
The Long Beach Boardwalk in Washington is a locals favorite thing to do offering scenic stunning coastal views.
Take a scenic walk along the most iconic places to visit in Long Beach, WA. The nearly half-mile Long Beach Boardwalk. This wooden path floats above the dunes, offering panoramic views of the Washington coast and glimpses of the North Head Lighthouse. The walk is easy and ideal for families and those with limited mobility.
Insider tip: This is the perfect spot for enjoying Long Beach, WA activities like stunning sunrises, sunsets, and family photo sessions.
4. Sample Farm-Fresh Goodness at the Wandering Goose
Visit the award-winning, Seattle-transplanted Wandering Goose restaurant in the historic Tokeland Hotel. The menu features simple but heavenly options prepared with items plucked from the onsite Little Goose Farm, prepared with an artisan touch. The spirits on the cocktail list are as playful as the rumored ghosts that haunt the hotel’s hallways. No matter what you order, always save room for dessert.
5. Go Beachcombing at Beard’s Hollow
Beachcombing is a fun way to sea what the waves have washed ashore. The rocky tide pools and stretches of sand in Beard’s Hollow can be a treasure trove of ocean trinkets. Search for shells and polished rocks along the water’s edge.
Insider tip: Never disturb live creatures and only beach comb at low tide.
6. Go Horseback Riding with The Long Beach Family Horse Rides
Horseback riding along the sandy shores is one of the best Long Beach, WA beach activities, offering a unique way to enjoy the fresh ocean breeze.
Horseback riding along the shores of Long Beach is a top travel Long Beach, WA activity for those visiting the area. Grab your partner and saddle up for a ride along the beautiful beachside trials, and enjoy the sands of the peninsula. Amble over the dunes and along the shore of the majestic Pacific Ocean while you take in the stunning surf and endless sky from horseback.
7. Slurp Our World-Famous Willapa Bay Oysters
Tip back the treasures of the sea with a dozen of our famous Willapa Bay oysters. Twenty-five percent of the Nation’s oysters come from our pristine bay. Tender, sweet, salty, and divine, one slurp and you’ll understand why they are some of the most coveted shellfish in the world.
8. Bike, Hike, or Walk the Discovery Trail
Bike, hike, or walk along the Discovery Trail in Long Beach, WA—one of the top things to do for outdoor lovers seeking what to do in the area.
Add the Discovery Trail to your list for places to visit in Long Beach, Washington. This popular tourist attraction offers stunning views along the scenic Long Beach trails for biking, hiking, or walking. This paved 8.5-mile journey will take you from the Port of Ilwaco to the famous Clark’s Tree in Long Beach. Travel through windswept dunes, coastal forests, and wetlands, with the Pacific Ocean rhythmically cheering you on.
9. Find Deadman’s Cove Near Ilwaco
Deadman’s Cove is a secretive dimple on our coastline’s smile. Marked by a spray-painted sign, it’s easy to miss this hidden gem destination. Scramble over its piles of bleached bones of driftwood. Marvel at the quiet beauty of this camouflaged inlet. Snap a photo of the iconic lone tree on top of the sea stack. This cove is a treasure!
Insider’s tip: Visit only during low tide. The journey to the cove is slippery, so wear appropriate shoes.
10. Explore the Quirky Marsh’s Free Museum
Explore a one-of-a-kind curiosity store in the heart of Long Beach. Marsh’s Free Museum is a treasure trove of antiques, curios, vintage arcade games, glass floats, and more. No stop is complete without visiting the infamous Jake the Alligator Man. Part human, part reptile, Jake’s lineage is as murky as his mummified skin.
11. Discover Local Long Beach Bakeries
Take a pastry break in one of Long Beach’s blissful bakeries. Enjoy scratch-made Sailor Jacks, decadent Bacon Sticky Buns, rich Huckleberry Pie, or tangy Cranberry Pecan Sandies. Dylan’s Cottage Bakery, Long Beach Pie Lady, and Sadie and Josie’s Bakery have you covered when it comes to baked goods. With a selection of sweet and savory muffins, donuts, pastries, and bread, you’ll have plenty of treats for your pie hole.
12. Find the Oysterville Church
Visit the storied wonderland of Oysterville, where fairytale houses gaze over the tidal flats of Willapa Bay. The town is on the National Register of Historic Places, and you can enjoy an afternoon strolling over shell-crackled streets on a walking tour of the 41 historic properties. Find the dreamy Oysterville church, the most photographed building in the area, and sit in the original pews from 1892.
13. Kayak the Willapa River
Another one of the best things to do in Long Beach Peninsula, you can kayak the breathtaking Willapa River and immerse yourself in nature. One of the many kid-friendly things to do in Long Beach, WA, this tranquil adventure will carry you along the watery highway, home to marine life, birdsongs, and lush scenery. Plan ahead and paddle to uninhabited Long Island, where the Trail of Ancient Cedars awaits.
14. Bring the Kids to Fort Columbia State Park
Fort Columbia State Park is one of the top family things to do in Long Beach, WA, where visitors can explore the historic site.
If you’re a history buff, visit the 618-acre Fort Columbia State Park. Considered one of the most intact coastal defense sites in the United States, you can walk through bunkers and get close to the fort’s gun batteries. Stunning views are populated with wildlife spotting, creating an exceptional afternoon. Bring the kids and get them up close and personal to the park’s incredible history.
15. Walk Near the Water in Long Beach
Enjoy a peaceful stroll along our 28 miles of heavenly shoreline. Our coastal paradise is a haven for you and your pups. Enjoy dog-friendly activities, like playing fetch on the expansive sands or exploring scenic trails with your furry friend. With one of the world’s longest beaches, you’ll find plenty of places to dig your paws into the sand while watching the endless waves.
16. Become a Storm Watcher
Crashing waves, turbulent skies, sunshine cameos, and scattered rainbows are the hallmarks of storm season. Storm watching in Pacific County is one of the most magical displays of nature you’ll ever see. Grab your camera and capture the phenomenon.
Insider tip: Storm watch at Waikiki Beach during King Tide season for record-breaking wave crashes.
17. Experience the Thrill of Fishing with CoHo Charters
Get ready for the thrill of deep-sea fishing with the oldest continuously running family charter business in Ilwaco. CoHo Charters has been delivering the excitement of ocean and river fishing since 1956. Haul in crab pots like the pros, or experience the rush of catching salmon, halibut, and the prehistoric sturgeon in our majestic Pacific and surrounding estuaries. One charter, and you’ll be hooked!
18. Eat Fresh at the Local Farmer’s Markets
Farm-to-table takes on a whole new meaning when you indulge in the fresh flavors of the evergreen coast at our local farmer’s markets. Enjoy local produce, regional flowers, artisan gifts, and live music during the summer. Stock up as you travel from city to city. Our markets pepper the waterfronts across Pacific County.
19. Shop Like a Local
Wondering what to do in Long Beach, WA? Shop like a local in downtown, where you’ll find unique stores!
Our quaint coastal communities are home to hundreds of artisans. You can find your treasured trinkets in any of our small business boutiques. Grab modern curiosities at NIVA Green, score rare vinyl at Ship Wrecords and Moor, and stumble across local authors at Time Enough Books. Discover regional art at BOLD – Framing, Art and Espresso and unearth unique souvenirs at Pirate’s Keep. Find hundreds of local makers at Alder + Co and treat yourself to creative home décor at Boondocks Marketplace. We have hundreds of ways to shop small and stylish.
20. Catch a Sunset at Cape Disappointment State Park
Catch a sunset at Cape Disappointment and experience a breathtaking kaleidoscope of colors as the sun slides into our crashing coast. Watch in awe while the sky shifts from amber to amethyst as the sun slips below the horizon for its nighttime snooze.
21. Cast Away and Catch Your Dinner
Catch your dinner with the help of Spawn Fly Fish and Tre-Fin Foods in downtown Ilwaco. Visit Spawn for the latest in flies, gear, and fishing spot advice before you head out and cast your lures. Once you reel in your prized catch, visit Tre-Fin, where they’ll prep your haul for the supper table.
Insider tip: If the fish weren’t biting for you, grab fresh or frozen seafood from Tre-Fin’s fish market. We’ll never tell you didn’t catch it yourself!
22. Visit the Columbia Pacific Heritage Museum
Unearth the region’s history at the Columbia Pacific Heritage Museum. In the impeccably curated permanent galleries, view astounding artifacts from the Chinookan culture to the present day and enjoy surprising seasonal exhibits that highlight regional art. Remember to stop at the NAHCOTTA passenger coach for a little Clamshell Railroad history.
23. Listen to Local Live Music
Enjoy live music at Waikiki Beach in Pacific County—a perfect weekend activity when exploring things to do in Long Beach, WA.
When looking for live music in Pacific County, you’ll find the soundtrack to our shoreline in the taverns and theaters that blanket our region. Enjoy local talent in Long Beach at the Pickled Fish, Sou’Wester, North Beach Tavern, North Jetty Brewing, Castaways, Peninsula Performing Arts Center, and Long Beach Tavern. Catch local and regional performers at the Pitchwood Alehouse and Raymond Theatre in Raymond. Sway to sweet sounds at Columbia River Roadhouse in Chinook. Each of our coastal cities is humming in harmony.
24. Join Sandsations for Sandcastle Building
Unleash your inner artist on the beach! Join the fun at the annual Sandsations event, a family-friendly, multi-day celebration of awe-inspiring sand sculpting, music, and vendors held every July. This event encourages participation from audiences of all ages and is a must-visit for families and art enthusiasts.
25. Go Wine Tasting at WooHoo Winery
Visit the blooming vineyards of WooHoo Winery in Raymond and enjoy sumptuous wine fights as you gaze at the wildflowers and grapevines. The boutique family winery is a dreamy hidden gem featuring enchanting wines made from Washington grapes.
26. Bird Watch at Willapa National Wildlife Refuge
Go birding at Willapa National Wildlife Refuge in Long Beach, WA—a popular thing to do for scenic trails and finding diverse bird species.
Home to over 200 bird species, Willapa National Wildlife Refuge is the ideal place to perch and do some bird watching. Seventeen thousand acres of tidelands, ocean beaches, temperate rainforests, and streams provide a perfect habitat for our feathery friends. Keep your eyes peeled for bald eagles, herons, owls, hawks, and more.
27. Bring the Family to Cape Disappointment Lighthouse
Bring the family to marvel at the oldest lighthouse in Washington. Built in 1856, the Cape Disappointment Lighthouse stands proudly in Cape Disappointment State Park. Surrounded by incredible views and beautiful hiking trails, you can spend an entire afternoon exploring.
28. Take Photos in Front of the Long Beach Arch
Snapping a photo under the Long Beach Arch is a mandatory shot before you stroll on the world’s longest contiguous beach. With 28 uninterrupted miles, there are plenty of sandy spots to enjoy!
29. Discover the Artists of Ilwaco
Discover the kaleidoscope of artists of Ilwaco. Sprinkling the waterfront like strokes on a canvas, these colorful galleries are brimming with talent and treasure. Showcasing pottery, painting, photography, glasswork, fiber art, jewelry, and more, each visit will feel like strolling through a museum.
30. Play Tennis or Pickleball at Lighthouse Oceanfront Resort
Serve up some fun with pickleball or tennis at the beautiful Lighthouse Oceanfront Resort. Their 13,200-square-foot facility features two tennis courts and six pickleball courts for rain-or-shine play for enthusiasts of all skill levels. Take a class with a pro or enjoy some friendly competition with your friends. No matter what you choose, every game here is a smash hit.
31. Visit the World Kite Museum
Head to the World Kite Museum in Long Beach, WA, for a fun family outing—kids will love the colorful kites and hands-on exhibits!
Go up, up, and away at the World Kite Museum! Their collection boasts over 1,500 kites from over 26 countries, and there’s something for all ages. Peek at kites no bigger than a postage stamp. Marvel at a three-headed dragon kite more than 200 feet long. Even your history buffs will be amazed when they wander through the WWI kites in the War Room.
32. Have a Pint at Our Artisan Craft Breweries
Wet your whistle with our artisan craft brewers. Sip on regional tributes like Leadbetter Red Scottish Ale from North Jetty Brewing or Bone River Porter from Willapa Brewing Co. Local ingredients infuse each keg, so every pint poured is rich with the flavor of the Pacific Northwest.
33. Visit the Gray Whale Sculpture near Sid Snyder Beach Approach
Follow the Discovery Trail boardwalk to find the gray whale sculpture carved by a chainsaw from one 14-foot log. Located off the Sid Snyder Beach approach, it sits where a real whale once washed up. Admire the gentle giants as the waves crash in the distance. You may even find old whale bones in the nearby dune grass.
34. Get Carried Away at the Northwest Carriage Museum
Get carried away at the endearing and educational Northwest Carriage Museum. With over 60 specialty carriages and buggies, it is one of America’s most extensive collections of 19th-century horse-drawn vehicles, including a collection from “Gone with the Wind.” Explore the history of travel in this charming museum in Raymond.
35. Hike Through Nature on the Willapa Boardwalk
Take a stroll along the Willapa Boardwalk, this outdoor thing to do in Long Beach, WA, is a perfect way to enjoy nature!
If you’re looking for family-friendly activities near Washington, look no further than the magical art and nature on the Willapa Boardwalk. Snaking through the lush foliage of Cutthroat Creek, this easy wooden trail is less than a mile. Vibrant art installations punctuate the surrounding forest, which is also ablaze with birds and croaking frogs. For a more strenuous hike, tackle the Cutthroat Climb boardwalk offshoot, which takes you further into the trees.
36. Coastal Calm near Long Beach
Find your Zen on our evergreen coast. Yoga, meditation, spas, massages, and sound baths sprinkle our forests and shores. Enjoy a Finnish dry sauna deep in the woods at the Sou’Wester. Float in a saline pool, followed by a massage at the beach-side Adrift Hotel. Transcend your mind with an aerial yoga class at Inspired Mind Matters. Stretch your worries away portside at RiversZen in Ilwaco. Restore your spirit at the Ofuro Spa in Snow Peak Campfield. Our slice of paradise is full of ways to unwind. Relaxing options are available for singles, couples, and groups!
37. Cool Down with Ice Cream at Scooper’s Market
Grab a scoop at the beloved Scooper’s Market. You’ll smell the homemade waffle cones and kettle corn as soon as you walk in the door. Pick from Cookies and Cream, Marionberry Pie, or Maui Wowie ice cream. Their menu changes with the seasons, so you can have family fun by trying a new flavor every night.
38. Visit Clark’s Tree on the Discovery Trail
In the windswept dunes at the northern tip of the Discovery Trail towers the infamous 20-foot-tall bronze Clark’s Tree. Commemorating the moment in 1805 when William Clark carved into a pine during the Lewis and Clark expedition, it faces the sea and bears his inscription. Stand in this historic spot and imagine the pioneering spirit of discovery.
39. Visit the Adrift Distillers Tasting Room
Looking for cool things to do in Long Beach, WA? Check out Adrift Distillers—a relaxed spot for tasting locally crafted spirits.
Adrift Distillers, is a small-batch distillery sits mere steps from the sand of Long Beach, and the fingerprints of the Pacific Northwest are all over its spirits. During a tasting, sample their Rhubarb Elderflower Liqueur, Love Warrior Gin, or Triticale Whiskey and learn about their fascinating distillation process. Regional storytelling and local ingredients infuse every bottle through the head distiller’s care and craftsmanship, so every sip is like drinking the elixir of this unique part of the world.
40. Catch a Movie at Neptune Movie House
Our turquoise Neptune Movie House is hard to miss. An amazing family thing to do in Long Beach, WA. This family-owned operation is perfect for a date night, solo film adventure, or small-town family fun. Enjoy the latest blockbusters and family classics, and don’t forget the popcorn!
41. Play to Win Prizes at Funland Arcade
Take the kids to Funland Family Fun Center for laser tag and arcade games. Try your hand at the hottest games and retro classics before strapping up for an immersive game in the laser tag arena. Earn tickets and win cool prizes for your inner child and every family member.
42. Catch a Show at the Historic Raymond Theatre
Catch a show at the legendary Raymond Theatre and experience a piece of history. This elegant beauty was built in 1928 and is cemented in the National Register of Historic Places. With a roving calendar of live events, educational programming, and movies, it is a treasure not to be missed.
43. Go Kite Shopping & Fly A Kite
Kite flying at sunset is one of the best Long Beach activities along Washington’s Evergreen Coast!
As home to the annual Washington State International Kite Festival and the World Kite Museum, we know a thing or two about flying kites! If you’re looking for fun things to do with kids, grab some kites and start soaring as a family. Visit Stormin’ Norman’s or Wind World Kites to buy your own glider and prepare to take flight!
44. Bring the Kids to The Long Beach Candy Company
Step into a sugary wonderland at the beloved local Long Beach Candy Company! Indulge your sweet tooth with decadent fudge, rich truffles, and nostalgic treats. This candy emporium is known for unique taffy flavors you’ll get stuck on.
45. Go Ghost Hunting at Our Haunted Spots
The Graveyard of the Pacific is known for its haunted haunts. Try ghost hunting by visiting a few of the haunted beaches in Washington. Visit Charlie at the Tokeland Hotel or say hello to Annie May at the Shelburne. All spirits are friendly, though a few have a bit of a mischievous streak.
46. Find Your Favorite Cup of Clam Chowder
The chowder contests are serious business in Pacific County. Restaurants across the region contend their chowder is worthy of the crown, but we believe you should judge for yourself. Sample velvety broth, tender clams and seafood, and secret ingredients from Long Beach to Tokeland. With every cup, you’ll be a winner.
47. Explore Leadbetter Point State Park
Travel to the tip of the peninsula and visit Leadbetter Point State Park. Embraced by the Pacific Ocean and Willapa Bay, visits here include miles of ocean and bay beaches. The park borders the Willapa National Wildlife Refuge, so wildlife sightings are abundant. Enjoy hikes, bird-watching, and practicing your nature photography skills!
48. Visit the Cranberry Museum & Demonstration Farm
Explore the Cranberry Museum in Long Beach, WA—a truly unique local attraction where you can learn about the history of cranberry farming and see vintage tools used in the process.
Celebrate our revered ruby berry at the charming Cranberry Museum. Take a self-guided tour through the bogs, peer at the unique harvesting equipment, and top off your trip with a cup of tangy cranberry ice cream!
49. Find the Metal Statues of Raymond
Visit Raymond’s open-air museum and discover a world of industrial artistry. More than 200 life-sized metal sculptures dot the landscape in a whimsical installation that runs throughout the town. With statues of logging, nature, and community, the sculptures illustrate the town’s deep-rooted history.
50. Snap Family Photos with One of the World’s Largest Frying Pans & Giant Razor Clam
Two of our favorite roadside attractions sit side-by-side in downtown Long Beach. Take a selfie with one of the largest frying pans in the world and the infamous giant razor clam. Bring a quarter to activate the fountain inside the clam!
51. Get a Selfie With the World’s Largest Oyster
When you visit the Oyster Capital of the World, you must snap a shellfie with the World’s Largest Oyster. The mammoth mollusk welcomes guests in South Bend’s Robert Bush Memorial Park as one of our favorite roadside attractions.
52. Grab a Cup of Joe at Our Home Brewed Coffee Shops
Grab a refreshing iced coffee from a local coffee shop in Long Beach, WA.
Local coffee shops in Long Beach, Washington showcase the perks of living on the evergreen coast – good coffee is only a cup away. Sample java delight in the plethora of independent coffee shops brewing throughout our coastal towns. From drive-thru espresso joints to coffee-and-mimosa bars, we’ve got your buzz covered.
53. Go Surf Perch Fishing on the Peninsula
If you’re looking for fin-tastic, family-friendly fun, grab a rod and try surf perch fishing! Red-tail surf perch is one of many fabulous fish found along our evergreen coast. Grab a fishing license at Dennis Company Ace store and cast your lines directly into the surf’s edge. Experience the thrill of reeling in a prize from the sea.
54. Go Mini-Golfing & Go-Karting at Fun Beach Speedway
Bring the whole family to Fun Beach Speedway in downtown Long Beach for an afternoon of entertainment for everyone! Rev your engines with their go-karts or play putt-putt on the 18-hole mini golf course. There’s something for every member of your family. If your kids are too young to drive independently, grab the double-kart and take them for a spin.
55. Take a Picture at Lewis & Clark Memorial Park
Visit Lewis & Clark Memorial Park in downtown Long Beach and locate the Mark of Triumph sculpture, commemorating the historical moment Clark carved his infamous message into a tree. One of multiple art pieces in the heart of the city, the statue is a favorite photo op.
56. Golfing at Peninsula Golf Course
Get teed off at the beautiful Peninsula Golf Course. This 9-hold, Par 33 course is on 55 acres of sea pines, old-growth firs, and rhododendrons. As a bonus, the course is dog-friendly, so bring your family and your pup!
Insider tip: Try a bowl of their award-winning clam chowder after a round!
57. Get V’s Coastal Market & Deli & Have a Picnic
What’s better than a picnic on the beach? Visit V’s Coastal Market & Deli for fresh, from-scratch paninis, soups, and salads, and then find a spot in the sand. Tuck into their delicious daily specials and watch the waves roll in.
58. Say Cheers to the Pickled Pioneer in Menlo
Check out the Pickled Pioneer marker near Raymond, WA, and discover the incredible story of Willie Keil—a true Oregon Trail legend.
The legend of the “Pickled Pioneer” dates back to 1855. Willie Keil was the son of a pioneer. He died just days before the colony’s trek west. Not wanting to leave him behind, the colony preserved his body in a barrel of 100-proof Golden Whiskey for over three months of travel. He’s the only person known to have traveled the Oregon Trail while dead! Today, you can say “cheers to Willie” at the heritage marker outside Raymond.
59. Find Clark & The Ten-Foot-Long Dead Fish
When Lewis and Clark landed on our shore, they stumbled across a mind-blowing 10-foot sturgeon “left by the tide.” Find the bronze Clark with Sturgeon statue on the Discovery Trail off the Bolstad Beach approach and see what the fuss was all about.
60. Take a Music Class or Catch a Concert at Peninsula Performing Arts Center
Experience live music with incredible musicians at the Peninsula Performing Arts Center. Enjoy intimate blues, jazz, and rock concerts in their music center, or take a class with their roster of accomplished musicians. This one-of-a-kind setting will bring out your inner rock star.
More Things to Do in Long Beach, WA
The fun on our evergreen coast is as endless as our beaches. Whether you’re digging your toes into the sand or digging for razor clams, you’ll find adventure and memory-making on our shores. Plan your next adventure or find things to do on the weekend in our charming coastal cities.