Best Washington beach getaways for the winter months

No matter the season, there’s always something magical about visiting Washington’s beaches.

During the winter months, seaside retreats turn into cozy getaways with beachfront fire pits and hiking trails clear of tourist crowds. In many ways, a Washington winter beach getaway feels like having a private slice of paradise, particularly when visiting a waterfront resort with lower seasonal occupancy.

When you’re ready to get out and explore this winter, take a look at these top destinations ideal for spending crisp days outside. From hiking rugged shorelines to cycling smooth sand, there are plenty of activities to keep your days full of adventure before tucking yourself into a warm resort for the night.

Adrift Hotel in Long Beach

Washington’s Long Beach Peninsula offers year-round beach and leisure activities, with winter months a prime time for quiet family outings. In addition to winter surfing and flying kites, beach visitors can take a scenic stroll along the Long Beach Boardwalk or, for lengthier cycles and long-distance strolls, the 8.5-mile Discovery Trail delights with historic markers and interpretative displays dotting the scenic route.

Ideally located on the beachfront, Adrift Hotel offers modern rustic accommodations with complimentary use of bicycles for exploring nearby trails. This pet-friendly beach hotel has a heated indoor saline pool for plenty of splash fun even during chilly stays, while a barrel sauna and fire pit offer additional cozy locations for warming up after a cool day exploring the coastline with the family.

The onsite spa offers pampering treatments like deep tissue massage and custom facials, while family nights are filled with fun with access to board games, shuffleboard and ping pong. The Pacific County Tourism Bureau keeps visitor guidelines updated , so travelers know what to expect when spending time in Long Beach.

Kalaloch Lodge at Olympic National Park

The Olympic coastline is a wonderous location for outdoor explorers no matter the season and Kalaloch Lodge at Olympic National Park provides easy access to the beachfront and surrounding trails. While the onsite restaurant is temporarily closed, cozy private cottages with full kitchens make a great socially distanced family basecamp for enjoying outdoor recreation.

Pet-friendly accommodations translate to enjoyable beach walks with the whole family, while stunning sunsets along the shore provide a beautiful backdrop for cozying up to a beach fire and making s'mores with the kids. Daytime activities include tide pooling and beachcombing , observing marine life up close while also keeping an eye out for bald eagles and river otters.

Guests here have immediate access to the Kalaloch Creek Nature Trail, while hikes in the Hoh Rainforest are within an hour’s distance. Visitors who embark on the three-mile trail to Sol Duc Falls and Hot Springs are rewarded with three mineral hot spring pools sure to please during cool winter months.

Semiahmoo Resort in Blaine

For an idyllic Pacific Northwest beachfront getaway, set your sights on Semiahmoo Resort for a quiet retreat along Semiahmoo Bay. This seaside resort offers year-round beach access, outdoor adventure and cozy accommodations with options for patio, balcony and fireplace features.

The resort beachfront is an excellent location for birdwatching with bald eagles and Blue Herons making an appearance, while family strolls along the waterfront reveal a rainbow coloring of stones washed ashore. Come evening, the front desk will light evening beachfront fires for you and provide complimentary s'mores kits.

On a sunny day, take up a game of pickleball or tennis. Or if the weather outside if too chill for you, stay fit and warm inside with a trip to the recreation center or book a pampering treatment at The Spa at Semiahmoo .

Craving tee time? Semiahmoo Golf & Country Club is open year-round for golfers of all skill levels. For leisurely strolls, follow the beach along to Semiahmoo Park to take in scenic views and explore the tidelands. You’ll also find access to the Semiahmoo Spit-Coast Millennium Trail here, providing an easy 0.8-mile route for taking in views of Mount Baker and spotting local birds and seals.

Snug Harbor Resort in Friday Harbor

While ferry rides to the San Juan Islands are popular during sunny summer months, winter in Friday Harbor has its own appeal for a quieter pace and off-season price points. For immediate waterfront access, Snug Harbor Resort offers one and two-bedroom suites and cabins suitable for families of all sizes. Accommodations include full kitchens, though the pedestrian-friendly downtown has an abundance of eateries with heated outdoor seating and to-go options.

Onsite amenities at Snug Harbor Resort include free use of kayaks, canoes, paddleboards and bicycles. Beachside fire pits provide a cozy spot for family downtime in the evening, while onsite Mitchell Bay Coffee will keep your hands and belly warm with local espresso throughout the day.

Bundling up for cooler temperatures, visitors can take a winter kayak tour or cycle around town to take in the sights. Short cycles around town are an easy way to get to area attractions, while the San Juan Islands Visitors Bureau provides a PDF of island cycle routes for those interested in long-distance workouts. Year-round whale watching and wildlife tours introduce young ones to marine life, while the nearby Whale Museum in Friday Harbor provides an immersive educational experience for the whole family.

Quinault Beach Resort in Ocean Shores

For a rugged retreat along the Pacific Ocean, Quinault Beach Resort offers decadent accommodations for couples seeking a peaceful, pampering getaway. Cozy up to your personal fireplace and take in the rugged coastline and wetlands view while savoring wine from the onsite gift shop. Then take advantage of special winter packages inclusive of resort credit to enjoy fresh local steamer clams, Dungeness crab or grilled Quinault salmon.

During downtime at the resort, schedule a spa visit to detox with aromatherapy and massage treatments or enjoy a leisurely swim in the heated indoor pool overlooking the dunes. Or go for a rejuvenating stroll through the dunes trail to greet the lapping ocean waves. Come nightfall, wager your luck at the crowd-free casino.

For even more coastal adventure in Ocean Shores , visit the North Coast Surf Shop for rentals and insider tips on the best surf spots, or enjoy a breezy day at the beach while flying a kite. Take a leisurely cycle through town or rent an electric fat tire bike for an easy zip down the beach. Book tee time at Ocean Shores Golf Course to enjoy a game surrounded by ocean air, freshwater canals and scenic evergreens.

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