Long Beach Peninsula Travel Guide: Things to Do, Best Time to Visit & Itinerary

Long Beach Peninsula is a place where the land dissolves gently into the sea, a 28-mile finger of sand that separates the roaring Pacific from the quiet, shallow waters of Willapa Bay. It is a destination defined not by hustle, but by the rhythm of the tides and the sweeping winds that have shaped its dunes for centuries. Here, the air smells of salt and pine, and the horizon feels infinite.

Visitors come here to disconnect from the modern world and reconnect with a rawer version of the Pacific Northwest. Whether you are driving your car directly onto the hard-packed sand, a local tradition, or watching fishing boats return to Ilwaco with their daily catch, the peninsula offers a blend of maritime heritage and small-town Americana that is increasingly rare to find.

The Cranberry Coast and Oyster Capital

While the beach is the headliner, the peninsula’s agricultural roots run deep. This region produces a significant portion of the West Coast’s cranberries, and the vibrant red bogs are a stunning sight during the autumn harvest. Just a few miles away, Willapa Bay produces one out of every four oysters farmed in the United States. This unique geography creates a culinary landscape where “farm-to-table” isn’t a buzzword; it’s a way of life that has sustained local families for generations.

Beyond the food, the history here is palpable. This is the true end of the Lewis and Clark expedition, the place where the Corps of Discovery finally reached the Pacific Ocean in 1805. You can trace their footsteps through old-growth forests and stand on the cliffs at Cape Disappointment, looking out at the graveyard of the Pacific just as they did over two centuries ago.

The Icons You’ll Want to See

North Head Lighthouse - Perched on a cliff overlooking the Pacific, this active aid to navigation is one of the windiest spots in America. It offers sweeping panoramic views located 2 miles west of Ilwaco (Discover Pass required).

Marsh’s Free Museum - A Long Beach staple since 1935, this curiosity shop is famous for “Jake the Alligator Man.” It’s located right on Pacific Avenue and entrance is free ($0), though you’ll likely buy a souvenir.

The Boardwalk - This half-mile elevated wooden path winds through the dunes parallel to the ocean. It offers benches and viewing platforms, perfect for sunsets, and connects the main beach approach to the dunes (Free access).

Oysterville Historic District - Located 15 miles north of Long Beach, this village is frozen in time. Walk past 19th-century homes and the iconic white church on the bay, free of charge ($0).

Planning Your Visit

Getting to the peninsula is part of the adventure. Most visitors arrive by driving across the majestic Astoria-Megler Bridge from Oregon or winding down Highway 101 from northern Washington. A car is essential here, as the attractions are spread out over 20+ miles. While the summer offers the most reliable sunshine, always pack a rain jacket and warm layers; the coastal breeze can cool things down even in July.

If you plan to partake in the famous razor clam digs, check the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife website religiously. Digs are scheduled based on tides and toxin levels, and they are major events that draw thousands. Also, remember that while you can drive on the beach, you must obey the 25 mph speed limit and stay on the hard-packed sand to avoid getting stuck in the soft dunes or caught by the incoming tide.

The Long Beach Peninsula is a destination that changes dramatically with the seasons, yet retains its charm year-round. Whether you are flying a kite in the August sun or watching a massive winter storm batter the cliffs from the comfort of a fireplace, the “End of the World” is a place that stays with you long after you leave.