If you’re exploring distinctive activities in Washington, consider structuring your schedule around these suggestions:
Washington’s “shellfish trail,” where you can harvest your own seafood
. Or, stick to Washington’s heart in
Seattle to find one of America’s most diverse Chinatowns
. But if it’s the ocean you’re looking for in this corner of the Pacific Northwest, there’s not a more spectacular sight than the hundreds of kites that fly over Long Beach, Washington, every year. You’ll have to time your visit during the third week of August to catch the long-running Washington State International Kite Festival, though Long Beach is a wonderful destination year-round.
Should the name not have been revealing enough, Long Beach, situated on a Pacific spit in southwestern Washington, proudly calls itself America’s longest beach—though this assertion might be slightly exaggerated; nevertheless, stretching over 28 miles makes it impressively lengthy. It was here that explorers Lewis and Clark concluded their renowned journey across the country, leaving behind numerous pieces of public art honoring their adventure. Surrounded by towering basalt cliffs and dense coastal forests, this expansive stretch offers convenient entry points into several state parks offering various recreational opportunities such as hiking, cycling, and even spotting whales. And once hunger strikes, visitors can indulge in delectable local seafood dishes from nearby eateries.
Read more:
The Top (And Most Affordable) West Coast Beach Towns to Explore, As Recommended by Travellers
Long Beach’s Week-Long Washington State International Kite Festival
Sometimes called the “kite-flying capital” of America, Long Beach hosts an annual event known as the Washington State International Kite Festival, running since 1981—a duration that makes it one of the longest-standing festivals of its kind in North America. This notable gathering attracts approximately 150,000 visitors each year. The festivities take place during the third week of August, spanning from Monday through Sunday. During this time, the beach transforms dramatically into a vibrant spectacle filled with a sea of multicolored tents, banners, and kite enthusiasts. Each day of the festival follows a specific thematic focus, offering activities such as kite-making workshops, competitive races, and artistic kite performances. Additionally, several stages set up along the shore feature various musical acts performing throughout the week.
This spectacular event focused on kites is brought to life with support from the World Kite Museum in Long Beach, which organizes the festival each year. The museum stands out as an amazing attraction featuring more than 1,000 kites categorized into various collections such as battle-themed kites, tiny models, and commemorative stamps. A trip here will enlighten visitors about the origins of kite-flying—dating back over a millennium in China. Here, you can marvel at kites ranging from minuscule coinsize ones up to colossal designs stretching 40 feet. Admission to the kite fest is complimentary; however, the museum charges a nominal entry fee. It’s conveniently located within walking distance of the beach, making it easy to add onto your itinerary when visiting Long Beach. For those who miss the Washington State International Kite Festival held in August, fear not—the museum hosts additional events including the International Kite Fly for Peace in October, the Windless Kite Festival in January, and the Asian New Year Kite Festival in February.
Don’t Overlook Additional Highpoints of Long Beach
The city of Long Beach takes up part of the Long Beach Peninsula, an area large enough for a seven-day exploration. This was demonstrated when Lewis and Clark ventured through here. To commemorate their journey, there’s the 8.5-mile-long Lewis and Clark Discovery Trail running alongside the coast where visitors can follow in their path. Spanning across some of the peninsula’s most picturesque locations, this trail begins at
One of the premier locations to discover the coastline of the Pacific Northwest is Cape Disappointment State Park.
Throughout Long Beach, you can explore grass-covered sand dunes and marshes while enjoying spectacular vistas of the sea.
A charming boardwalk runs alongside part of Long Beach just beyond downtown. This less crowded promenade features numerous picnic areas offering splendid ocean vistas rather than bustling shops or attractions. Here, you can search for whales and observe shorebirds or simply take a leisurely walk while enjoying an ice cream from Scooper’s, a popular dessert destination in town. For those interested in tasting the area’s fresh seafood, plan your visit during April when the Annual Long Beach Razor Clam and Shellfish Festival takes place. Over two days, this festival showcases various market stalls and entertainment options where visitors can savor dishes ranging from clam chowder to Dungeness crab platters.
Travelers arriving from Portland International Airport in Oregon will find themselves in Long Beach after approximately a two-hour drive. For those traveling from Seattle, the journey to Long Beach takes roughly around three hours.
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