Good to know: Visit and neighborhood recommendations in Long Beach
Long Beach brings together beachfront simplicity and the wild appeal of the Pacific Northwest. Visitors can enjoy long walks on the sand, dine on fresh-caught seafood, or ride bikes along the scenic Discovery Trail. Local shops, arcades, and museums add nostalgic flavor to the coastal experience. The overall vibe feels casual yet deeply connected to land and sea.
Top areas to stay at in Long Beach
Downtown Long Beach
Downtown is the heart of this small town and offers proximity to the beach, restaurants, and quirky local attractions. Airbnbs in Long Beach downtown place guests near the boardwalk, kite shops, and family arcades. Visitors can walk to beach festivals or watch a sunset right at the edge of town. The area suits travelers who want an easy and immersive stay.
Bolstad Beach Approach
This stretch near the main beach entrance is a great choice for ocean views and quick beach access. Vacation rentals in Long Beach near the Bolstad Beach Approach offer picnic spots, direct trail access, and surf-watching points. Guests can explore the World Kite Museum or join in seasonal beach events nearby. The area supports active beachgoers and relaxed sightseers alike.
Sid Snyder Drive Area
Located slightly south of the central strip, this area offers quieter accommodations still close to top attractions. Rentals in Long Beach near Sid Snyder Drive provide walking access to the beach, the arch entrance, and marshland trails. Guests appreciate the balance of convenience and serenity in this part of town. The neighborhood serves well for couples and families seeking calm.
Seaview
Just south of Long Beach, Seaview offers a historic residential area with craftsman homes and shaded streets. Vacation homes in Long Beach’s Seaview area offer proximity to antique shops, local bakeries, and calm coastal paths. Visitors will enjoy a more traditional neighborhood feel while staying close to the shore. The setting is great for travelers looking for charm and peace.
North Long Beach
Stretching toward the dunes and Discovery Trail, this quieter area is ideal for outdoor lovers and those wanting space. Airbnbs in Long Beach’s northern end provide privacy and easy access to hiking, wildlife spotting, and bike trails. The area feels immersed in nature with glimpses of the ocean between tall grasses. Travelers interested in photography and reflection will appreciate this location.
What to do if you spend a vacation in Long Beach
Discovery Trail
This paved trail runs for over eight miles between Long Beach and Ilwaco, tracing Lewis and Clark’s path. Cyclists, joggers, and walkers use it to explore dunes, forests, and art installations. Views of the Pacific Ocean and coastal headlands add inspiration to the journey. The trail showcases the area’s natural and historical beauty.
World Kite Museum
This colorful museum celebrates global kite traditions and hosts interactive exhibits and events. Guests can view international kites, learn about kite fighting, or attend the annual kite festival. The space blends education with visual delight for all ages. The museum stands just steps from the beach and boardwalk.
Cape Disappointment State Park
Located just a few miles from Long Beach, this park includes dramatic cliffs, historic lighthouses, and forested trails. Visitors can hike to North Head Lighthouse or explore tidepools along the rocky shore. The park also offers scenic drives and interpretive centers that enrich every visit. It presents one of the most majestic coastal landscapes in Washington.
Marsh’s Free Museum
An old-school curiosity shop, Marsh’s Free Museum features vintage arcade games, taxidermy, and quirky coastal artifacts. Guests of all ages can explore oddities like Jake the Alligator Man or browse nostalgic gifts. The museum is both fun and a bit bizarre in the best way. It adds personality and laughter to a day in Long Beach.
Long Beach Boardwalk
This half-mile boardwalk offers ocean views without the sand and links downtown to dunes and wildlife areas. Strolling here allows for relaxing birdwatching, ocean breezes, and access to local landmarks. The path is accessible and perfect for all ages and activity levels. It is a favorite route for sunset watchers and photographers.
Cranberry Museum
Set on a working cranberry farm, this museum showcases the history and techniques of cranberry farming. Guests can learn about harvesting, tour bogs, and taste cranberry-based treats. The museum offers insight into a local industry that shaped the region’s identity. It blends agriculture and education in a uniquely Pacific Northwest way.
Funland Arcade
Funland Arcade is a lively spot filled with pinball machines, air hockey, and ticket games. Families and nostalgic adults alike will find joy in its classic seaside amusement vibe. Located steps from the beach, it makes a great rainy-day activity. The arcade enhances the town’s playful and vintage spirit.
North Head Lighthouse
Overlooking the mouth of the Columbia River, North Head Lighthouse is one of two historic beacons in Cape Disappointment. Visitors can tour the lighthouse, learn about coastal navigation, and admire sweeping ocean views. The lighthouse sits atop rugged cliffs with dramatic perspectives. It remains an iconic fixture of the region’s maritime legacy.
Where to find a vacation rental near Long Beach
Ocean Shores, Washington
Roughly two hours north, Ocean Shores offers a livelier coastal experience with go-karts, seafood spots, and shopping plazas. Staying in a vacation rental in Ocean Shores puts you close to both sandy beaches and mini-golf courses, making it a favorite for families. It shares Long Beach’s ocean views but with added energy and entertainment.
Astoria, Oregon
Just across the Columbia River, Astoria brings maritime history and artistic flair. Booking a house in Astoria means access to Victorian architecture, film landmarks like The Goonies house, and sweeping river views. It’s a cinematic and cultural contrast to Long Beach’s beach-town simplicity, offering travelers a memorable two-state excursion.
Westport, Washington
Westport sits to the north and delivers a relaxed harbor-town feel steeped in fishing and surfing culture. Choosing a vacation rental in Westport places visitors near lighthouses, whale-watching charters, and fresh seafood markets. Like Long Beach, it embraces coastal tradition but with a more rugged and authentic maritime vibe.
Seaside, Oregon
South of Long Beach, Seaside is a playful resort town famous for its boardwalk, carousel mall, and public beach games. A stay in an apartment in Seaside means nonstop fun, especially for families or groups. The town adds a burst of activity and color to the calmer stretch of Long Beach.
Ilwaco, Washington
Just minutes south, Ilwaco is a small harbor town rooted in nature and fishing culture. Guests staying in a vacation rental in Ilwaco enjoy easy access to the Discovery Trail, Cape Disappointment, and quiet marinas. It’s a serene escape tied closely to Long Beach, perfect for slower-paced stays with scenic views.
Discover vibrant natural landscapes and pristine beaches across North America
Surrounded by the lush forests and sweeping ocean views, indulge in the verdant beauty of the Pacific Northwest. Long Beach, WA offers nature enthusiasts the perfect base to explore other breathtaking natural havens. Delve into the rugged cliffs and exquisite waters of the Bruce Peninsula with airbnb rentals in Tobermory. If you prefer staying closer to the Cascades, explore Washington State’s rich agricultural landscapes and scenic vineyards by opting for rentals in Yakima. For a contrasting yet equally enchanting experience, you may want to book Woodstock, VT accommodation in the Green Mountains of Vermont, where lush forestry and charming New England sights await.
From the expansive sands of the Pacific coast to the shimmering shorelines of the Atlantic, Long Beach connects you with some of the most idyllic beach destinations. Discover the golden hues and vibrant local life by choosing Sunset Beach rental properties in North Carolina. For those captivated by the emerald coastlines, charming coastal retreats await with airbnb beach homes in Santa Rosa and peaceful escapes with Cedar Key rentals in Florida. Another gem of the Sunshine State, you can book a stay in Deerfield Beach for a perfect blend of sun, sea, and culture.