7 Underrated Coastal Hamlets In Washington
When you think of the Washington coastline, chances are you picture forested places like Olympic National Park, or the mysterious cliffs of the infamous La Push. What you may not know is that the real charm of Washington’s coast lies in the hamlets between the famous attractions and big parks. These tiny towns offer you an escape from the crowds, while not standing back in any way when it comes to the raw, dramatic beauty the Pacific Northwest shoreline is known for. So, leave the crowded beach parking lots and long lines behind, and make your way to the following underrated coastal hamlets to truly explore what Washington has to offer.
Neah Bay
Neah Bay is, in a word, beautiful. This tiny hamlet sits on the most northwestern corner of Washington and is home to the Hobuck Beach Resort. At this resort, you can paddle, surf, or fish from a kayak. You can also hike the nearby trails, take pictures of the stunning birds, or camp out in the resort’s designated camping space. You will need a Makah Recreation Pass to visit the resort and the Makah Reservation (the resort sits at the west end of the reservation, where Highway 112 comes to a stop).
Other things to do in this underrated town include taking the Cape Flattery Trail, which will take you alongside cliffs and through forests while rewarding you with some of the most breathtaking views of the Pacific. The trail includes interpretive signs so that you will learn more about the local ecosystem at the same time. The trail to Shi Shi Beach takes you along the shoreline, featuring moody coastal scenery. When you get to Shi Shi Beach, you will find several sea stacks and tidal pools to explore. You can even go whale watching in Neah Bay from late spring through early fall, during which you might spot gray whales, humpback whales, and even orcas as they migrate through the area.
Port Ludlow
Port Ludlow sits between gorgeous green hills and the Hood Canal, offering nothing but peace and serenity. Visitors tend to be drawn to the marina, where they can watch the fishing boats come and go or rent kayaks and paddleboards to experience the water for themselves. If you do not want to kayak or paddle, you can rent a sailboat and sail yourself out on the waters of the canal. The Port Ludlow Resort is situated next to the marina and golf club, where you can go for an evening stroll on the beach trail or rent an e-bike to explore the town.
If you are a nature lover, you will appreciate the more than 30 miles of trails that run through forests and along shorelines. The Ludlow Falls Interpretive Trail is a short loop that takes you past a stunning waterfall surrounded by evergreen ferns. The longer Port Ludlow Loop Trail offers more panoramic views of Ludlow Bay and the Olympic Mountains. Remember to check out the iconic Totem Pole at Burner Point at the aforementioned resort, which celebrates its 30th anniversary in 2025. The pole is 40 feet high and was carved by Tsimshian carver, David Boxley, in 1995.
Tokeland
Tokeland is one of the quietest hideaways on the Pacific coast. This small hamlet sits on a small peninsula that reaches into Willapa Bay, where there are only tidal flats and evergreens. If you find yourself in Tokeland, the best place to start exploring is the Tokeland Hotel. You can also book a stay in this hotel, which has been operating since 1885. You will find vintage rooms, absolute charm, and an on-site restaurant that caters to comfort food cravings. A few minutes away from the hotel, you will find the Shoalwater Bay Tribal Community Library and Heritage Museum. The museum is filled with exhibits and cultural artifacts that detail the area's Indigenous history.
If you want to explore the outdoors in Tokeland, make your way to the Tokeland Flats at the edge of North Willapa Bay. Here, you can bird watch to your heart’s content as the mudflats draw sandpipers, curlews, and marbled godwits. End a tranquil day at the Tokeland Marina, where you can kayak, go crabbing, or simply watch the sun go down over the calm water.
Coupeville
The historic town of Coupeville is located on Whidbey Island in northwestern Washington. This waterfront hamlet is famous for its mussels and its downtown area, which movie lovers will recognize as the set of Practical Magic. However, despite Coupeville having a claim to fame, it remains one of the most underrated destinations in the state. You can take a stroll to Coupleville Wharf downtown. The wharf, built more than a hundred years ago, offers spectacular views of Penn Cove.
Move on to Front Street, where you will find the historic Toby’s Tavern. The tavern specializes in Penn Cove mussels, steaks, and burgers. You can even try the tavern’s pride and joy, a microbrew called Toby’s Parrot Red Ale. Don’t forget to check out Price Sculpture Forest, where you can explore art hanging from trees or hidden behind them. There is an interactive outdoor museum where you can walk several trails, and the park itself is filled with century-old trees to admire.
Moclips
Moclips is a tiny beach community that sits in the North Beach area of Grays Harbor County. This gorgeous hamlet is situated right at the mouth of the Moclips River, where it flows into the Pacific. The best thing to do here is relax on the crowd-free Moclips Beach. There are miles of shoreline to explore and wonderful sunsets to photograph. If you want to do birdwatching, you will find herons and eagles at the Moclips River Estuary. You can also kayak here as you take in the marshland and wildlife.
In town, the Moclips-by-the-Sea Historical Society and Museum of the North Beach await. Here, you can learn more about the town’s logging and fishing history. Please note that the museum occasionally relocates to the Dorothy Anderson Cabin in Seabrook to safeguard its artifacts and archives during structural repairs. Moclips also hosts several community events, strengthening the community spirit with kite contests and sandcastle competitions. If you want to experience even more of the beach before leaving the Moclips area behind, drive the six minutes it will take you to get to Seabrook and take a stroll down to the tide pools on the beach during low tide.
Ilwaco
Ilwaco is tucked away at the mouth of the mighty Columbia River and is home to Cape Disappointment State Park. Without having to fight crowds, you can visit two historic lighthouses and take several trails that meander through forests toward the beaches and dunes. The park is also home to the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center, a real treat for history enthusiasts. The Port of Ilwaco is another picturesque attraction you simply have to experience. In addition to taking leisurely walks along the harbor, you can catch farmer’s markets and craft exhibits (if you visit during certain times of the year).
At Ilwaco’s working harbor, you can book a charter or grab a cocktail with your lunch. Wherever you decide to eat, your lunch should include oysters harvested from Willapa Bay or steamed clams from that same bay. After your meal, take a stroll to the Columbia Pacific Heritage Museum, where you will discover how the town came to be, starting with the Chinookan culture.
Oysterville
Oysterville sits on the Long Beach Peninsula and is a preserved 19th-century settlement. It is also an officially designated historic district. As you walk through Oysterville, you will see part of the original street grid and pioneer-era buildings, with glimpses of the gorgeous view across Willapa Bay. The best way to explore this charming place is on foot. The Oysterville Historic District spans 80 acres and features homes and lanes laid out in the 1850s. You can obtain a walking brochure from the Oysterville Restoration Foundation, which will guide you through the streets to visit.
One of the central stops is Oysterville Church, completed in 1892. This wood-frame building is still a non-denominational church and accepts daily visitors. At the far northern end of town, you will find the former Oysterville Cannery, constructed in 1940. It is the last commercial building in the historic district and operates as Oysterville Sea Farms. The company uses the historic cannery building as a unique retail space.
Embrace Washington’s Quiet Coastal Hideaways
There is so much more to Washington’s coastline than its flashy headline destinations. If you want to get away from your busy daily routine and experience a place where time moves more slowly and nature feels closer, these hamlets should be your port of call. Whether you crave the wind in your hair as you stroll on a hidden beach or just want some peace and quiet, these beautiful places offer that and much more.
