Long Beach, Washington, is more than just ocean fun
We had a weeklong trip to Seattle scheduled, mainly to visit our daughter Mallory. Mal moved to the Seattle area last fall for a new job. Instead of spending every day in the Emerald City, we wanted to try something new. Lisa checked around, and, viola, the three of us are spending a three-day weekend at the Long Beach peninsula.
Isn’t Long Beach in California, you ask? Well, sure. But, Washington state is home to the Long Beach peninsula. The area consists of several small communities, including Long Beach and Seaview, where we spent most of our time.
Downtown Long Beach is similar to other Oceanside towns – restaurants, shops catering to tourists and attractions that seek out the unusual. Which, for us, meant a good time was about to begin.
Long Beach is home to a few of the world’s largest attractions. It has the largest frying pan, water-spewing razor clam and chop sticks.
Marsh’s Museum is part museum, part souvenir shop. You can find great souvenirs, such as dream catchers and wood-carved figurines. You’re also likely to run into Jake the Alligator Man. The exhibit is “half-man, half gator.” You can have to check it out to believe it.
You may also run into the ever-elusive Sasquatch. We found him hanging out in front of Marsh’s.
If you have a sweet tooth, you have to visit the Candy Man Shoppe. It’s home to more than 100 flavors of salt water taffy, baked sweets and candies of all types. Taffy ranges from basic vanilla to banana-pineapple and others.
The peninsula has a spot in American history. It was one of the final areas to be visited during the Lewis and Clark expedition from St. Louis to the mouth of the Columbia River, which flows into the Pacific Ocean near the Washington-Oregon state border. Long Beach honors the explorers with a statue near the town’s center.
Lewis and Clark are recognized along the beach, as well. A statue of William Clark standing over a large fish discovered along the beach.
Near Ilwaco, several explorers came across Cape Disappointment. The spot received its name from trader John Meares. He was seeking trading partners when his ship encountered storms. Meares turned his ship around, just missing out on discovering the mouth of the Columbia River.
Cape Disappointment State Park is a jewel for the Pacific Northwest. The park is home to the Lewis and Clark Interpretative Center, as well as the remains of Fort Canby.
Fort Canby was established in the 1800s to provide security for the coastline. The fort was open through the mid-1900s. It looks like something you might abandoned in a jungle. And then you’d wait for the apes to attack.
Fortunately, on the front end is the interpretive center. It offers a look into the history of Lewis and Clark’s travels, as well as a look at the US Coast Guard and ship wrecks in the area.
The park concludes with a hiking trail to the Cape Disappointment lighthouse. The trail can be a little challenging, with changing terrain and little pavement.
A visit to Long Beach wouldn’t be complete without a walk along the beach. Long Beach is home to the longest beach in the United States, stretching about 30 miles. The beach is home to all kinds of activities – strolling, kite flying, hiking and clamming.
The beach has several miles of walking and biking trails, including a boardwalk that runs about a fourth of a mile. You’ll find some public art pieces, such as the Clark statue, dolphins and an actual whale bone.
Clamming is a popular activity. We checked out hundreds of people out on the beach early one morning, digging for razor clams.
Walking along the beach is good for everyone. We spent some time on a beautiful warm and sunny day, strolling along the packed and fine sand. We saw gulls searching for food, as well as has watching the ocean’s waves roll ashore and back out.
Not all activities have to be touristy or beach-related. We checked out a couple of interesting attractions – the Kite Museum and the cranberry farm.
The World Kite Museum and Hall of Fame is home to more than 1,500 kites from around the world. Long Beach is home to the world kite festival every August.
We checked out a cranberry bog farm and museum. Washington is one of the leading states in producing cranberries. The museum gives visitors a glimpse into the history of cranberries, as well as the tools used to farm the fruit. Most cranberries are used for juices or for solid foods.
Cranberries are planted and grown in dry beds. The bogs aren’t flooded until harvest season. The cranberries float to the top and are easily harvested. Our self-guided tour was improved when Mallory took on the role of guide and shared the information from the pamphlet.
Long Beach is home to some beautiful art murals. They range from supporting a specific industry, such as cranberries, to the area’s history and wildlife.
We stayed at a beautiful bed and breakfast. The Shelburne Inn has 15 guest rooms, each decorated with antiques and stained glass windows. Our room had two beds, since there were three of us. The room was spacious, so we never felt cramped or crowded.The inn offers breakfast and dinner. Each meal we enjoyed here was delicious.
The Seaview-based Shelburne has a great reputation. One guest told us he has been staying there for two decades. He was joined by his parents during this visit.
We had a wonderful time visiting the Long Beach peninsula. We really want to return to the area, possibly for the international kite festival. Or, just for another three- or four-day weekend to relax and take in the sights and sounds.
We recommend visiting the Long Beach peninsula. We’re confident you’ll find something fun to do, and also relax and enjoy the Pacific Ocean. For more information about the peninsula and its attractions, as well as accommodations, please visit www.funbeach.com.
Disclaimer: Thank you to the Long Beach Visitors Bureau for the complimentary tickets to the World Kite Museum and Hall of Fame and Lewis and Clark Interpretive center. Thank you to the Shelburne Inn for the complimentary stay. However, all views and opinions are ours.
