Long Beach, WA

Address:Long Beach, Washington

Long Beach, Washington, was founded by mistake: English Captain John Meares stumbled upon it in 1788 in search of the Columbia River, and because of this error, he named the headland Cape Disappointment. In 1805, the Lewis and Clark Expedition passed through Long Beach, giving it historical significance, and therefore making it an interesting place for tourists today. Long Beach is located on Washington's southwestern coast, and provides a relaxing seaside retreat as well as opportunities to experience some outdoor adventures and a taste of local northwestern life.

Long Beach is full of historical and recreational activities. Visits to the two lighthouses, military forts, and museums offer recreation on rainy days, while outdoor adventures to Long Beach's many beaches, marinas, and parks are recommended during pleasant weather. Festivals are also held each month and every summer weekend, such as the Washington State International Kite Festival, "SandSations" sand sculpture competition, the Northwest Garlic Festival, and "Ocean in View," a Lewis and Clark celebration over Veteran's Day Weekend. Other activities include golfing at the Peninsula Gold Course or Surfside Golfing, Inc., gambling at Six Card Charlie's Casino, bowling at Hilltop Bowl, or enjoying the rides at Double R. Amusements, Long Beach Go-Karts and Krazy Kars or Funland, Inc.

For the avid fisher, there is always an opportunity to fish, with tuna, halibut, salmon, and bottom fish plentiful in the summer, and sturgeon fishing from winter through spring. Boats and kayaks are available for rent from any of the beaches. Other recommended attractions are Leadbetter Point, the Willapa National Wildlife Refuge, the Ilwaco Marina, the Long Beach Boardwalk, or Discovery Trail, is a journey that attempts to relive the expedition of Lewis and Clark. At Cape Disappointment State Park, which is open year-round, you will find the only swim-safe beach, where you can also go clamming, crabbing, fishing, or enjoy any of the open parks. Horseback riding is also encouraged on the beach, and rentals are available on Sid Snyder beach.

If you need some relaxation after all this adventure, the shores of Lake George are full of massage, salon and day spas. Museums provide cultural entertainment. Consider visiting the Cranberry Museum and Demonstration Farm (recommended during the Cranberry Harvest in October), the Ilwaco Heritage Museum, the World Kite Museum and Hall of Fame, or Marsh's Free Museum, home to Jake the Alligator. The Long Beach Peninsula offers many shops, galleries, and restaurants, and free parking is always available in Ilwaco, Long Beach, Klipsan Beach, Ocean Park, and Nahcotta areas. If you're hungry, local favorite dishes include oyster burgers, fresh fish and seafood, cranberries and other locally grown produce. If you're looking for fresh produce, several farms, such as Cranguyma Farms, Jumpin' Good Goat Dairy and Green Angel Gardening, LLC are open for tours and produce-picking during harvest seasons.

Another reason to visit Long Beach is to learn about and see its mysterious sunken ships. Before lighthouses were built, passing ships would constantly get lost by the Long Beach bay, and end up in what is known as "The Graveyard of the Pacific," now home to almost 2,000 abandoned vessels. Stranded and sunken ships have been found in Long Beach waters from as early as 1792. Broken down sea-crafts range from small vessels to whaling boats and Navy ships, and include international boats from countries such as Germany, France, and England. Visitors can also see the two main U.S. Coastguard-operated lighthouses that guide ships, the North Head Lighthouse, which offers daily guided tours, and the Cape Disappointment Lighthouse.

Accommodations in Long Beach range from local bed-and-breakfasts and inns, to RV parks and camping grounds. Since attractions in Long Beach and surrounding areas cover a large part of the Washington coast, it may be worthwhile to stay in several different places up and down the coast. With so much to see and do, even John Meres would agree that your visit to Long Beach will not be a disappointment.