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Birch Bay

Washington

Birch Bay is a shallow, crescent-shaped bay that warms up significantly during summer months, making it one of the most swimmable beaches in Washington. The bay’s extreme tidal exchanges can expose up to a half-mile of tidelands during low tide, creating exceptional opportunities for collecting shellfish and exploring tide pools. The 194-acre Birch Bay State […]

Seaside Beach

Oregon

One of Oregon’s most popular family-friendly beaches with a historic promenade, arcade, and amusement attractions. The wide, sandy beach is perfect for building sandcastles, and the calm waters are relatively safe for swimming. The vibrant town offers restaurants, shops, and entertainment options for visitors of all ages.

Waikiki Beach (Cape Disappointment)

Washington

Waikiki Beach at Cape Disappointment (no relation to Hawaii’s famous beach) is a small, protected cove nestled beneath towering cliffs. It offers dramatic views of Cape Disappointment Lighthouse and the massive waves that crash against the jetty during storms. The beach got its unusual name from Hawaiian Pacific Fur Company employees who were stationed nearby […]

Golden Gardens Park

Washington

Golden Gardens Park is a popular urban beach in Seattle’s Ballard neighborhood, offering stunning views of Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains. The park features sandy beaches, wetlands, hiking trails, and fishing piers. It’s one of the few Seattle parks with designated fire pits, making evening beach bonfires a popular activity (permits required). The protected […]

San Onofre Beach

California

San Onofre State Beach encompasses 3,000 acres of coastal land across several distinct areas. Trestles Beach at the northern end is a world-famous surfing location featuring multiple breaks from the challenging Lower Trestles to Cottons and Church. “San O” or Old Man’s at the southern end offers gentler waves popular with longboarders and maintains a […]

Alki Beach

Washington

Alki Beach is a long, sandy beach that offers spectacular views of Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains. Located in West Seattle, it’s popular among locals for its 2.5-mile pedestrian path, beach volleyball courts, and numerous waterfront restaurants. The beach is historically significant as the landing point of Seattle’s first white settlers in 1851. On […]