MAIN Beaches US Washington State Beaches

Although the changeable climate of the Northwest doesn't give coastal areas the reputation it deserves, the summer can be like a day at the beach in the state of Washington.

When the weather's fine, sandy beaches on Puget Sound and swimming lakes in the Cascades and the Pacific coast offer visitors a chance to enjoy the beach and water sports of all kinds.

And there's so much to do along the Northern Pacific coast besides swimming. Try beachcombing, clamming, prime Washington State whale watching, and more. It's all right here -- including the top Seattle summer extravaganza at Seafair in July.

Oh, and did we mention the wilderness beaches of Olympic National Park?

Have fun!\

The largest of its kind in North America, the annual international kite festival
extravaganza takes place every August at Long Beach, WA.

What's the weather like today? Washington beach webcams:

Seattle webcam

Sequim Bay webcam

Long Beach webcam

Olympic National Park webcam

DID YOU KNOW? Washington State beach fun facts:

Laid back Alki Beach

• The area around Alki Beach was named by the Chinook tribe meaning "eventually" or "by and by." Today, Alki Beach is considered one of Seattle's hippest, laid-back beach scenes.

• Stretching for 28-miles,  Long Beach, WA is the largest and longest sandy beach in the Northwest. 

• After missing the entrance to what was later named the Columbia River, English explorer John Meares dubbed the headland jutting out into the Pacific Ocean "Cape Disappointment." Today, Cape Disappointment State Park happily features 27 miles of ocean beach, two lighthouses, camping and spectacularly scenic hiking trails.

• Deception Pass State Park (Whidbey Island) was named by early explorers who mistakenly assumed Whidbey Island was a peninsula. Today - for real - the island encompasses one of the most popular state parks in Washington, with one of the most beautiful beaches in the Puget Sound area.

More about Washington State beaches around the Web:

Washington State Parks - Water and Beach Activities - A brief overview of the best beaches to visit, including Cape Disappointment, Grayland Beach, Griffith-Priday, Joseph Whidbey, and Sequim Bay, with photos and further descriptions, maps and driving directions.

Beaches Seattle - This is the official city Parks and Recreation site with locations, beach hours and amenities, maps and directions for Green Lake Park, Matthews Beach, Seward Beach, Pritchard Island and more.

Welcome to Ocean Shores Washington - Find places for surfing, clamming, swimming, boating and sailing, and other diversions for landlubbers, as well.

The Best Washington State Beaches to Collect Beach Glass - Want to add to your beachcombing collection? You'll find plenty to explore in this review of top locations for beach treasure at Alki Beach, Port Townsend, Deception Pass, and more.