When most people think of a beach day, they envision towels, swimming, and sunscreen. When the weather starts to turn for the season, the masses flock indoors. But here in Seattle, we know that with a good raincoat and a beanie, any day can be a beach day! The following five beaches are pleasant any time of year, so you can hit the beach before the crowds.
1. Port of Indianola
Indianola is a small municipality in Kitsap County. Though it feels a world away from busy downtown Seattle, it’s only a 26-minute drive from our Seattle office, plus a ferry ride. Perfect for a day trip! You can even see the Seattle skyline in the distance across the water.
The Port of Indianola is home to the Indianola pier, a superbly long dock that local teenagers love to jump off in the summer. On overcast, wintery days, it’s great for fishing, as well as some gazing and personal reflection. You know you need it.
2. First Beach
The three La Push Beaches are part of the Quileute Reservation on the Olympic Peninsula. While there are a lot of beautiful beaches in this area, the La Push Beaches are some of our favorites. They are named First, Second, and Third Beach, respectively.
Second Beach and Third Beach both require you to hike in for access (albeit only a short distance.) Still, on a gloomy or rainy day, you may not feel inspired to hike. First Beach has drive-up access, perfect for some beach time. But take note: always check to make sure the beaches are open before your trip. The reservation is taking measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19, and the beaches may be closed.
3. Seward Park
Dang, it is really hard to pick just one Seattle beach! As we all know, one of the joys of living in Seattle is the glorious water access. Whether you’re strolling down Alki (link to West Seattle neighborhood blog), exploring Carkeek Park, or enjoying your lunch break at Lake Union, there are a lot of places in town to get your beach fix.
But Seward Park has got to be one of our favorites. With a lovely walking trail that follows the water, you can gaze out over Lake Washington without getting down in the sand. Our recommendation? Pick up a latte from Olympia Coffee in Columbia City, and meander down to the shore for a stroll on a slow, cloudy morning.
4. Little Squalicum Park
This lovely beach is in Bellingham, and it is a perfect place for looking at driftwood and enjoying the view. It also features an off-leash area, so it’s a great place to take your four-legged friend!
Our recommendation is to explore the beach on a chilly day, then head back into town and warm up with some wood-fired pizza from La Fiamma. (Get the ranch for dipping. Trust us, it’s house-made.)
5. Waikiki Beach
Waikiki Beach is one of the southernmost beaches in the state. It’s part of Cape Disappointment, which is a must-visit for Seattleites. Waikiki Beach has drive-up access, perfect for a wintry day. When you are craving an ocean beach, this is a great place to go.
And after just a half-hour drive across the Oregon border, you’re in Astoria, the site of Richard Donner’s The Goonies. What’s a perfect beach activity on a rainy day? A full-blown Goonies fan tour. Goonies never say die.
Every Day is a Beach Day
Since we live in Washington, we can handle a little rain. And a light drizzle makes for a perfect beach day. Next time you’re in the mood for some water access on a cloudy day, use this list as a jumping-off point. Get to the beach before the summer crowds!
There are so many other good beaches in the state, perfect for any time of year. Let us know your favorites in the comments!