There's never a dull moment with over 26 miles of drivable beach, numerous sights, attractions, and fun things to do on the Long Beach Peninsula. Whether you are coming for a workcation, a micro wedding, or booking that romantic getaway you have put off for too long, be sure to take time to try new things; ride a bike along with the Lewis and Clark Discovery Trail, take a beach horseback ride, play pickleball at the park, build sandcastles near the surf, enjoy family fun activities, tour the Cape Disappointment State Park, enjoy fresh seafood at one of the award-winning restaurants, attend an annual event or take a stroll along the Long Beach boardwalk. (Updated Aug23)
Top Things to Do in Long Beach Washington
Over 50 Fun Activities and Sights on the Long Beach, WA Peninsula
Spend the Fourth of July on the Long Beach Peninsula
Fireworks 2023 on the Long Beach Peninsula in Washington State draw thousands of Americans every Fourth of July. "Fireworks Long Beach WA 2023" depicts freedom in the sky with stars and stripes. The peninsula's Pacific seas provide an exquisite location for family and friends to celebrate our nation's birth away from the city's summer heat. Holidays are fun, but safety comes first.
Join the Razor Clam Digs
The Long Beach Peninsula’s razor clam season is a huge draw for people around the world. The season typically lasts from early Fall to early Spring. The annual Razor Clam Festival is held in April when the community comes together to celebrate the historic tradition of clam digging. You may also want to purchase fresh or canned razor clams at the local seafood market or try the best clam chowder at one of our top-rated seafood restaurants.
Razor Clam Information: General Info | Current Season
Visit the Annual Cranberry Harvest
Cranberries are part of the local heritage on the Long Beach Peninsula on the Southwest Washington Coast. Learn about how they harvest cranberries, where to buy locally produced cranberry goods, and the history at the Cranberry Museum.
Join us for the 76th annual Long Beach Rodeo
July 2024
The Peninsula Saddle Club presents the 75th annual Long Beach Rodeo on July 30 and 31st, A must-see, authentic American Rodeo for the entire family! With a parade on Friday evening launching the weekend festivities and Saturday’s famous Cowboy Breakfast served from 7 am to 11 am in the clubhouse. The Northwest Professional Rodeo kicks off at 1 pm. The gate opens at 11 am. It will feature top cowboys and cowgirls in the northwest competing in various events. Family Night will start after the bull riding on Saturday afternoon. Kids will compete in Barrel Racing – Stick Horse Style and participate in other arena games. Free and fun for the whole family.
Join us for the Rod Run to the End of the World, 2023
Beach Baron's Car show is a huge attraction for people from the Pacific Northwest and beyond. Hundreds of car owners convene on the peninsula to show off their vintage automobiles and thousand more come to watch the spectacle. Last year featured over 1000 entries of classic cars with even more expected this year. Rod Run is the perfect event for families with children.
Play a Game of Pickleball
Come play America's fastest-growing sport. Bloomer Estates Vacation Rentals is offering nets, paddles, and balls at no charge. There are three locations to play pickleball on the Peninsula. Long Beach, WA Culbertson park has four outdoor courts and is within walking distance of all our downtown Long Beach vacation rentals. Ocean Park, WA has two outdoor courts and is within a 3-minute drive of all our Ocean Park, Washington Rentals. Finally, the Lighthouse resort has two indoor courts. See where to play pickleball here.
Stroll the Long Beach Boardwalk
Take a stroll along the popular Long Beach Boardwalk, the perfect place to enjoy a sunset. Stretching a mile along the coastline and only a few minutes walk from all our downtown Long Beach WA rentals, the boardwalk is visited by thousands of people from all over the world every year.
Sunset Romance, and Vacation Haven, both have amazing views of the boardwalk from the living room dining room, and kitchen.
Tour the Lighthouses
North Head and Cape Disappointment State Park Lighthouses are two of the 750 lighthouses along the coasts and shores of the United States. Built in 1856, the Cape Disappointment Lighthouse has been helping sailors navigate through the mouth of the Columbia River for over a hundred and seventy years. The North Head Lighthouse, built in 1898, guides boats and ships approaching from the north. During the spring and summer months, North Head Lighthouse is open for tours, allowing tourists to take in views from the top of the lighthouse. Don't miss some of the fantastic hiking trails within Cape Disappointment State Park.
Our Seaview WA Vacation Rentals closest vacation rental condominiums to these state parks (within 2 miles), and both have spectacular ocean views.
Take a Horseback Riding Tour on the Beach
Open from May to last September, there are two places to book rides at the beach during late Spring through Summer-West Coast Horse Rides and Long Beach Horse Rides. The touring companies are easy to find on the first beach approach in downtown Long Beach, WA. You can walk to the rides from any of our houses in downtown Long Beach, WA. The people are friendly, are great at picking a horse that fits you, and overall the experience is a great deal of fun for the entire family.
Enjoy a Romantic Getaway
There is no better place to reconnect and rejuvenate at the coast than with that special someone. Take refuge in a secluded Washington Coast cabin or a cozy oceanfront oceanview condo. This may be the best time to start a new tradition or reimagine an old one. See romantic weekend ideas to get your plans started. A Bloomer Estates vacation Rental is also the perfect venue for a micro wedding.
Bike, Run or Walk the Discovery Trail
The Discovery Trail stretches from the Port of Ilwaco to Long Beach, WA, with its entry point just behind the Cedar at the Sea, Whales Tale, and Lighthouse Vacation Rentals. It is one of the top hiking trails on the Washington Coast and meanders through dunes and natural pine forests, making it perfect for bikers, hikers, and walkers to enjoy the Washington Coast beauty. Along the way, many interpretive panels and sculptures commemorate Lewis & Clark’s journey, adding insights and interest to the historically rich Long Beach Peninsula. See our Discovery Trail Guide for more information.
Bloomer Estates has several vacation rentals within a short walk or bike ride to the Discovery Trail. See the map for the location of all of our homes and their proximity to Discovery Coast Trail.
Enjoy the Fresh Seafood
Enjoy the freshest oysters, salmon, Dungeness crab, tuna, and clams at some of the best restaurants in Washington state. Most seafood is harvested from the Pacific Ocean, Columbia River, Oysterville's oyster farms, and the Port of Ilwaco. "Dining at the source" is a way of life for locals and visitors alike. You can't go wrong with any of our top picks of award-winning restaurants or best oysters, clam chowder, and seafood eateries. If you are thinking of cooking fresh fish, oysters, or clams at your vacation rental, see our top picks for the best seafood markets.
You can also catch your seafood for dinner. Our guide to Pacific Northwest fishing on the Washington Coast provides the information you need to plan your fishing adventure.
Play a Round of Golf
Located one mile north of downtown Long Beach, this nine-hole golf course hosts The Cove, one of our 15 top-rated restaurants. With meticulously cared-for greens, and a friendly staff ready to help with all your needs, the Peninsula Golf Course is highly recommended for an afternoon at the links followed by an enjoyable lunch or dinner. Be sure to check out our top golf destinations near Long Beach Washington.
Bloomer Estates Rental properties near the golf course include: Cedar by the Sea, Vacation Haven, and the Lighthouse Vacation Rental.
Visit Jake the Aligator Man at Marsh's Free Museum
409 Pacific Ave S, Long Beach, WA 98631-4021
This isn't your average souvenir shop. Marsh's Free Museum is a must-stop for everyone visiting the Long Beach, WA Coast. It has tons of souvenirs and is on our list of the Top FREE Things to do in Downtown Long Beach. People compare it to a small carnival. Penny viewers, grip testers, 1930s baseball arcade games, self-playing pianos are all still working. Don't forget to visit the world-famous Jake the Alligator Man. This half-man/half-alligator has been delighting tourists for decades. See other family fun activities here and our best vacation rental homes for families with children.
Within a two-minute walk to Marsh's Free Museum are several of our Long Beach, Washington vacation rentals.
Create Lasting Memories for the Kids
Remember the small beach towns when you were a kid, where dessert was found at a local candy store, and you learned to drive on a bumper car or go-cart? That place still exists, and it’s called the Long Beach Peninsula on the Washington Coast. Enjoy pickleball, pinball, laser tag, and video games at Funland. Ride the go-karts and play a round of mini-golf. Build a sandcastle before the tide comes in, or take the family trip to the top of the North Head lighthouse—so many great things for kids to do. Leave the smartphones and tablets at home, come stay in a kid-friendly vacation rental, and get back to old-fashioned family fun.
Throw Airplanes off the Astoria Column
Hugely fun and not just for kids, throw balsa wood airplanes off the top of the Astoria Column. It's a tradition that has been going on at the column for a few decades. Buy your small bio-degradable balsawood planes at the gift shop, climb to the top of the 125-foot column, and launch them into the air. Adults and children alike are mesmerized by how far they fly. A few of them have been spotted all in downtown Astoria Oregon.
Learn about Southwest Washington History
A rich history warrants impressive museums. Pacific County has both. The Columbia Pacific Heritage Museum in Ilwaco preserves the legacy of the lower Columbia River and southwestern Washington. At the same time, the World Kite Museum in Long Beach has a collection of kites from around the world. With sweeping views of the mouth of the Columbia River, the Lewis and Clark Interpretive center focuses on Lewis and Clark's journey, which ended right here in Long Beach, Washington. See our guide to all local museums here.
Play With Your Dog at the Beach
Dogs love the beach even more than us humans. With Bloomer Estates Vacation Rentals, you can choose from over 35 dog-friendly homes. Your best friend will thank you. Be sure to read about the top pet-friendly activities in Long Beach, Washington, and read our pet policy before you book with us. Also, we have a list of vacation rentals with fully enclosed yards.
International Kite Festival 2023
Held the third week of August, the International Kite Festival is a massive draw for tens of thousands of people worldwide. From professionals to small children with their first kite, the festival has delighted tourists since 1996. See hundreds of unique multi-colored kites soar over the beach near downtown Long Beach. The festival is held the third week of every August.
Go fishing!
Our fishing guide provides all you need to know about fishing on the local lakes, the Columbia River, and the Pacific Ocean. Ilwaco, Washington, is renowned for its sturgeon, salmon, tuna, crab, and bottom fish such as halibut and perch. The Port of Ilwaco has up to 800 sport and commercial fishing vessels. In the summer months, all the charters tend to sell out every boat, so be sure to book a stay with Bloomer Estates Vacation Rentals and reserve your spot on one of these boats early.
Go Kayaking out on Loomis Lake
You could even stay at the magnificent Lake House to improve your kayaking experience. With easy access to the lake, you may paddle out in a kayak and begin discovering the tranquil waters. Then, you can return to the Lake House's convenience and unwind in the hot tub or sauna after spending a long day on the water. It's the ideal way to take in Long Beach's natural beauty while still enjoying all the conveniences of home. Hence, reserve your stay at the Lake House immediately!
Take Photos of the Local Attractions and Wildlife
With over 300 species of birds that live or migrate to the Long Beach Washington Coast, birdlife photography has become a main attraction of the peninsula. There are also ample opportunities to photograph deer, bears, and the occasional coyote. Landscape photographers love taking photos of Willapa Bay, the two lighthouses, the annual kite festival, and even the big waves at Cape Disappointment.
Enjoy some of the many hiking trails
Whether you enjoy hiking on a paved trail pristine through dunes and wetlands or prefer the secluded pine forests with abundant birdlife, the Long Beach Peninsula has much to offer. Here is your guide for some of the best hiking on the Washington Coast.
Stop for Ice Cream or Handmade Chocolates, Truffles and Saltwater Taffy
No beach holiday would be complete without a stop to the local confectionery stores for some handmade treats. Long Beach has an excellent selection of great shops for the sweet tooth in your family.
Paintings by Goats
Paintings By Goat is fun a homestead located two miles from downtown Long Beach, WA. They care for several sheep, ducks, goats, pigs, bunnies, chickens, and more. The owners are homesteaders, living off what they grow, and all donations go to the care and feeding of the animals.
Visit a Local Bookstore
Remember when you bought books from a store, where you browsed the aisle to find something interesting or talked to the local seller who could recommend something great to read? There are just three places left on the beach where you can still find a book, grab a coffee and sit down and read in the store. Be sure to stop by all three to support the local booksellers while we still have them.
Race your family and friends!
Take a ride on the Go-karts just off Sid Snyder Drive in downtown Long Beach at the Fun Beach Fun Center. Have fun zipping around the track with Family and Friends but be sure to buckle up and follow all the safety and operational protocols given by the staff. Then, keep the good times going by stopping next door at the Putt-Putt golf course afterward.
Listen to Live Music
Long Beach has several venues that play live music all year long. There are both local bands and also singer/songwriters that travel from Seattle and Portland to play at our local taverns and pubs.
Enjoy the fabulous birdlife
The Long Beach Peninsula has over 300 species of birds that live or visit the peninsula every year. Most people will see the bald eagles, herons, and red-tailed hawks, but a short visit to Willapa Bay will reveal several more shorebirds. Grab a camera and see how many different birds you can photograph in one day. You may be surprised at what you will find with just a little bit of effort. Be sure to check out the Jayce Walker Art Gallery and meet the owner, a well-known Pacific Northwest birding expert.
Play together at the Arcade
Funland Family Fun Center
200 Pacific Ave S.
Next to the Bakery
Come one and come to all to the center of all things Arcade here on the Long Beach Peninsula. If you are looking for a fun thing to do with the family, I'm sure you and the little ones already saw the arcade next to the bakery. A top destination for many when they come to the beach. So head down to the arcade and enjoy hundreds of different games and prizes to choose from. While you are there, be sure to book a time during your vacation to enjoy playing laser tag with your friends or family.
Be sure to tell the staff Bloomer Estates sent you!
Meet the local Fiber Artists
The Long Beach Peninsula has several arts and crafts shops from which to choose. We recommend Tapastery Rose Yarn Shop in Ocean Park, Washington, or Purly Shell Fiber Arts in Ilwaco, WA, for knitters or people wanting to learn to knit. Be sure to get away for a few hours and meet your fellow fiber artists at one of your yarn shops.
Grab a Bubble Tea
What in the world is Bubble Tea? Ask the younger generation for the full version, but Bubble Tea is a not-so-new favorite making a glorious comeback. Adoption of the drink by the newest generation has propelled this classic back into the spotlight. With their all-natural ingredients, vast selection, and delectable snacks, it's no wonder this hot new business on the peninsula is booming.
See our full Coffee and Tea List here
So stop in today and discover what the fuss is all about.
Enjoy a raw Willapa Bay Oyster
The Willapa Bay oysters are plucked from the cleanest estuary in the United States. With no big industry having any stake in the area and full tides daily, we have the best quality oysters in the Pacific Northwest. These conditions cultivate a light, salty flavor and delicate and sweet cucumber notes that ultimately define the flavor profile of these exquisite oysters. (Updated April 2022)
You can find oysters at Top Seafood Restaurants | Best Seafood Markets.
Play a round of Minigolf
Putt-putt golf enthusiasts rejoice; there are two courses here in Long Beach!
Don't have time for the two-plus hours of a full nine holes on the peninsula? Not to worry, located next to Beachy Keen and the Go-kart track, you will find 18 holes of family fun. The first nine holes are ADA compliant with smooth, wide sidewalks ready to accommodate all modes of getting around.
The second course is behind Stormin Normans on Ocean Beach Blvd; grab clubs, balls, and your scoring card inside at the front counter.
Be sure to tell them Bloomer Estates Sent you!
Join in on our Local Events
With the Long Beach Pensubnsila playing host to over 50 events that attract tourists from around the globe, you are bound to discover a fun new event that will have you coming back to the area year after year. So try your luck at Razor Clam digging during the winter, bring your Jeep Wrangler in the summer, attend Jeepfest, or spend part of your spring break at the beach. See all of the events you are welcome to partake in year-round.
Sample the local Willapa Artisan Kitchen
As many of our guests will tell you, stopping by Willapa Artisan Kitchen and ordering a taste of the Pacific Northwest to have shipped home, is a must. See more of our incredible Fresh Seafood Markets, or grab a bite at one of the local seafood restaurants. So come drive on up, or order online, and soon you could be enjoying; Incredible portions of full Dungeness crab legs in Mac n' Cheese. Deliciously smoked Korean spicy oysters. Great Oyster stew to keep you warm on those windy nights. Take home, or ship home, some fantastic clam chowder sure to remind you of the time on the Long Beach Peninsula. Of course, no one wants to be hindered with luggage they need to keep cold, so let them ship your delicacies home. Don't forget to tell them that Robbie from Bloomer Estates sent you.
Go Fly a Kite
What better place to fly a kite than the Long Beach Peninsula? Already home to the World's Kite Museum, you can make your own kite from recycled materials or purchase any measure of elaborate kites, from easy-to-use beginner kites to the challenging double-string battle kites. Are you looking for something more spectacular? Splurge on a giant, spectacular kite that has a 100-foot tail! Bring your new kite to any of the beach approaches, set it on the ground, unwind a few times, start walking backward against the wind, and watch it take to the skies!
Visit the Cranberry Museum
Many know its taste, but few know its origin. The glass of cranberry juice on ice or the often forgotten cranberry sauce cannot exist without the engineering and cultivation of the Cranberry first. So enjoy the crisp and tangy taste of fresh cranberries straight from the bog. Stock up during the fall harvest to have plenty for your favorite cranberry recipes and holiday crafts. You may even want to freeze a few bags to enjoy fresh cranberry recipes throughout the year.
Pose for a picture in front of the Frying Pan!
The self-proclaimed World's Largest Frying Pan in Long Beach is a year-long reminder of the town's annual Razor Clam Festival. It was forged in 1941 by command of the town's chamber of commerce. It's 14 feet long from the bottom to the top of the handle and 9 feet 6 inches in diameter at the rim, and despite its name and impressive size, it is not the World's Largest, having been surpassed in subsequent years by other towns with more ambitious plans and pans.
Long Beach's frying pan is no longer operational and serves as an excellent photo backdrop for the whole group.
Create Gourmet meals with our FULL kitchens.
With fresh local seafood, incredible Farmer's Markets, and Kitchens stocked with everything you might need to create a meal the whole group can enjoy. Can't find that one kitchen gadget required to complete that meal? Please don't hesitate to text the number in your welcome packets and ask us if we have one available for use. We carry multiple of almost every kitchen tool available to meet the needs of our guests.
Enjoy a fun day at the Beach
From building sand castles, exploring low tide, Beachcombing (Looking through the sands for interesting items during a walk), riding a bike, Going on a horseback tour, shore fishing, and plenty more amazing and fun things to do during a fun day at the beach. Be sure to check the tides before you set out. Driving on the beach is only suggested for the most experienced and bravest drivers as one incorrect decision can leave you in the surf with a hefty tow bill. So pack a lunch, stay hydrated, grab the toys and fun sand amenities at select rentals and have a blast with the whole group.
CAUTION: Please be mindful of Riptides. Reading up on them can arm you with invaluable information.
CAUTION: Please note that there are no lifeguards on our beaches. DO NOT SWIM OFF THESE SHORES
Explore the Cleanest Estuary in the US: The Willapa Bay
The Willapa bay here in SW Washington is the last estuary in the United States that has been untouched by big industry, leaving transparent, habitable environments for the over 300 species of birds, Oysters, Salmon, and many more types of marine life that call the old 'Shoalwater bay' home. You can see the Willapa from Oysterville, Raymond, Southbend, and all the way up to Tokeland. With eight tributary rivers flowing into the Willapa Bay and is a great place to do some Salmon Fishing. So Grab a Kayak and get the camera gear ready. Guided Kayak tours happen every summer from the Willapa National Wildlife Refuge. While you're exploring the local nature preserve, enjoy a hike on any of the well-maintained trails, and learn all about the local ecology of the area.
Visit our Local Art Galleries
See our full list of incredible Art Galleries
With the annual art extravaganzas, several world-class art galleries, and talented artists, the Long Beach Peninsula is an undoubtedly artsy area. The Peninsula's tranquil beaches, lighthouses, abundant birdlife, and pristine Willapa bay provide ample subject matter for aspiring artists to practice their photography, sculptures, jewelry making, and brushwork. Embark with us on a tour of some of the best art galleries in Long Beach, Ilwaco, Seaview, and Ocean Park, Washington.
Visit the End of the World
Often considered by many as the ' End of the world', At the very tip of the Long Beach Peninsula, you'll find Leadbetter state park. With over 300 different species of bird that call the peninsula home, along with many other flora and fauna. Over 7 miles of hiking trails await you and the group, be sure to pack the essentials like bug spray and the camera. The hike to the shores at the very northern point of the peninsula makes it all worth it. A spectacular 270° view awaits you; bonus points if you get a selfie with the secret Lighthouse (not open to the public) at the point.
Visit the Black Sands of Waikiki Beach
244 Robert Gray Dr
Ilwaco, WA
Discovery Pass required in some areas
Take in the incredible majesty of Cape Disappointment. Time to break out the camera and try your hand at capturing the famous shot of the South East view and the Cape Disappointment Lighthouse. Enjoy all the park has to offer with over 2000 acres of untouched forest land and many miles of incredible hiking trails overlooking the mouth of the Columbia River and the Pacific Ocean. See the incredible military installation that once was, now reclaimed by nature.
Visit the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center
@ Cape Disappointment
Learn about the native way of life here for over a thousand years before Lewis and Clark's Expedition West. See how the indigenous people Traded, communicated, navigated, and survived the brutal landscape of the mouth of the Columbia River. Learn all about the reason for the Jetties and why the portion of the Pacific Ocean just beyond the mouth is called the "Graveyard of the Pacific."
Enjoy the thrill of TREASURE hunting at one of our local Antique Shops
From Forgotten Treasures in Ocean Park to The Hobo Junction just south of downtown, you are bound to find all sorts of unique and incredible maritime novelties from many and all walks of life. Stop in the largest Antique shop on the Peninsula, The North Coast antique mall, with over 7000 sq ft of floor space. In Ilwaco? Come see the Antique Gallery On the Beach owner, and Say hi to the furry four-legged 'security dogs,' or just across the way, stop by and say hello to our native tribes' people at the Glass DragonFly. Be sure to stop by Shipwreck Cove in Ocean Park on your way over the River or on your way in or out of town and tell 'em Robbie, from Bloomer Estates Sent you.
Play together as a Family
Step into a world of fun and family bonding at our Bloomer Estates vacation homes, where memories are waiting to be made. Picture Grandpa at the pool table, teaching the youngsters the tricks of becoming a 'Pool Shark.' Imagine the excitement as the basketball star of the family takes center stage in our arcade-style basketball setup, dazzling everyone with their skills. It's the perfect spot to start a friendly competition and decide on the night's movie in our cozy downstairs theater.
But that's not all! Bring out the arts and crafts and watch Mom transform into an artist, sharing her creativity with the whole family. Each of our homes is packed with incredible amenities to cater to every interest and age group.
And remember, the fun doesn't stop within the walls of our homes. We have an array of exciting outdoor activities just a text or call away. Whether it's challenging each other in a game of Pickle Ball or exploring the beach with Clam Guns, these experiences are readily available for our guests. Simply contact the office using the number provided in your welcome packet, and we'll take care of the rest. At Bloomer Estates, we're dedicated to making your stay on the Long Beach peninsula an unforgettable adventure filled with joy, laughter, and endless fun.
Practice your photography skills
From Lighthouses, Wildlife, the beach, friends, and many other iconic spots to snap that perfect photo. Head to Waikiki Beach and see the black sands, or capture the waves under the lighthouse at cape disappointment. Head to the Willapa Wildlife refuge and see some of the 300 species of bird that call this area home. Take a walk on the discovery trail and witness the sheer amount of photo-perfect opportunities on the Long Beach Peninsula. Share your incredible photos using the hashtag. #LBP
Prepare a gourmet meal with our fully equipped Kitchens.
Ready to show off your cooking skills to your family and friends? Prepare any combination of delectable food using one of our fully equipped kitchens, from Seafood classics to pizza from scratch. Our homes come fully equipped with the basics and more. Rentals that sleep many are also equipped to cook for many, so swing over to our Best Seafood Markets, Grab the rest of your ingredients from our local groceries and prepare your family for some of your best home cooking.
William Clarks Tree
Top of the Discovery Trail
At the most Northern part of the Paved discovery trail, you will find a bronze statue of the tree that Lewis and Clark Carved into as they reached the end of the journey following the Louisiana purchase at the very western end of the Oregon territories. Come re-live the moment and see the carvings left behind as a time capsule for all to see.
Attend the Northwest Garlic Festival in Ocean Park, Washington
This Annual Festival is a flavorful extravaganza where garlic enthusiasts indulge in a variety of garlic-infused delicacies, explore artisan vendors, attend cooking demonstrations, enjoy live entertainment, and embrace a sense of community in a coastal setting. It's a must-visit event for those passionate about the versatile and aromatic world of garlic cuisine.