HGTV names Washington beaches as some of the best in the Pacific Northwest

Looking for the best beaches in Washington?

HGTV named several beaches along the Washington coast as some of the Pacific Northwest’s best beaches.

The Home and Garden Network’s roundup of the Best Beaches in the Pacific Northwest spotlights four Washington locales for wide-open shorelines, dramatic sea stacks, wildlife encounters, and easy coastal adventures.

Here’s what made the list, and why they deserve a place on your itinerary.

Olympic National Park

Olympic National Park is approximately two hours from Seattle and had multiple beaches mentioned by HGTV.

“You really can’t go wrong with any of the protected beaches in Olympic National Park,” HGTV said. “Whichever you choose, you’re likely to encounter sand dollars, driftwood, and anemones; if you’re lucky, you might even spot eagles, whales, dolphins, and more.”

The network specifically recognized Shi Shi Beach as an “untouched paradise” anchored by the Point of Arches sea stacks and popular for camping.

Ruby Beach was noted as “equally breathtaking,” with a shorter walk and a rockier shoreline, and Rialto Beach was highlighted as the easiest to reach, where people can walk to the Hole-in-the-Wall arch at low tide.

Long Beach Peninsula

Long Beach Peninsula features a long stretch of coastline consisting of “almost 30 miles of wide white sand” across the Columbia River from Oregon.

The network noted that swimming can be dangerous due to rip tides, but the area is perfect for flying kites and even hosts the World Kite Museum and the week-long International Kite Festival.

“It goes without saying that kite lovers should plan on attending the International Kite Festival, a week-long fest and competition held every August,” said HGTV.

If kite flying isn’t your thing, HGTV recommended the 8.5 miles of trails through the dunes for runners, cyclists, and those chasing a bucket-list beach horseback ride.

Cape Disappointment State Park

“Despite the name, the pristine, wind-swept beaches of Cape Disappointment aren’t likely to disappoint,” said HGTV.

The area is crowned by lighthouses and convenient campgrounds where guests can go glamping in comfortable, family-friendly yurts.

The network also noted the two-mile-long Benson Beach (a.k.a. Long Beach within the park) draws clam diggers and surfers, while sheltered Waikiki Beach is a family-friendly cove with picnic tables.

Deception Pass State Park

Linking Fidalgo and Whidbey Islands, Deception Pass State Park is Washington’s most-visited state park.

HGTV frames its beaches as the best of “wild, untouched nature,” noting that Rosario Beach offers a quiet, sandy cove with chances to spot porpoises or orcas.

The network also highlighted West Beach for its easy access point and a nature trail that moves from wetlands to dunes, and North Beach for its front-row bridge views.

Want to know which Oregon beaches made HGTV’s list? Check out our article highlighting the Oregon spots ranked among the Pacific Northwest’s best.