Long Beach - Washington
- Cathy Curti
- Mar 22
- 2 min read
Updated: May 27
With a break in the rain, we headed to Long Beach, which was roughly an hour from our campground in Skamokawa. I had visited Long Beach years ago while passing through on my motorcycle, but Bill had never been there. We planned a full day to explore and discover anything I might have missed during my first visit.
We began our journey with a visit to the lighthouse at Cape Disappointment, a name that might stem from the disappointment we experienced upon arriving, only to find the highly anticipated view hidden by fog.
By the time we made our way to Long Beach, the fog had cleared. We drove right up onto the beach, and if one wanted to, you are permitted to drive certain spans of Long Beach.
Driving on Long Beach (Washington State) requires adhering to specific rules. While it's officially a state highway with a 25 mph speed limit, it's not recommended for inexperienced drivers. Key rules include:
Licensed and insured vehicles only: ATVs are not allowed.
Stay on hard-packed sand: Avoid soft, soft "sugar" sand, clam beds, and the dunes.
Be aware of tides: Check tide tables before driving.
Give pedestrians right of way: Be mindful of people and animals on the beach.
Speed limit: 25 mph, but drive slower near pedestrians.
No reckless driving: Avoid donuts, spinning tires, and driving through the surf.
Sections closed seasonally: Some areas are closed to driving between April 15 and Labor Day, except when razor clam seasons are open.
We decided to park the truck and explore this charming town on foot, visiting a variety of quaint and eclectic shops. Parking was easy when we visited in early spring in March, but I imagine it would be more difficult during peak seasons.
As the day was coming to an end, we decided to stop for a meal before returning to our campground at North Jetty Brewing and cocktail lounge. The food was delicious, the beers were excellent, and they had a charming little patio.
There's a lot to explore and enjoy, and you could easily spend a whole day in this beautiful coastal city with its beach, numerous dining options, and shopping venues.
Bill & Cat
