The 10 Most Unbelievably Breathtaking Beaches Near Port Angeles Washington
Ready to step foot on picturesque beaches near Port Angeles, Washington? Let’s get away from screens and get closer to shores. This is your guide to the 10 most breathtaking beaches near Port Angeles.
Tucked away in the northwestern tip of Washington State, the Olympic Peninsula is out of sight – but rarely out of mind.
Extraordinary nature is here; Ancient trees towering tall; Infinite seawater hurrying back and forth; Impressive mountains looming large; Rocky beaches revealing a place like no other.
With miles and miles of coastline, you may be wondering “What beaches should I travel to?”
I got you. In this post, you will learn exactly which amazing beaches to add to your Washington State travel itinerary!
This post is all about beaches near Port Angeles.
As a lifelong resident of the Evergreen State, I spent summers discovering the best beaches in Washington State.
What I’ve found is that lots of them are near Port Angeles, Washington. Why? Because this is the “biggest” city on the Olympic Peninsula (Quotation marks because it’s still a small town).
Plus, it is central to the many access points to Olympic National Park.
If you imagine shorelines defined by jagged, somewhat intimidating rock formations when you think of Washington beaches, then Olympic Peninsula beaches are for you.
Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my links, at no extra cost to you. Please read the full disclosure for more information. Thanks for your support, adventurers!
Introduction to the Olympic Peninsula
Since Washington State borders the Pacific Ocean to the West and Northwest, you will find ocean beaches, uniquely, on 2 sides of the Olympic Peninsula.
It’s 3,600 sq miles are made up of Olympic National Park, Olympic National Forest, and lands of the Quinault, Quileute, Hoh, Makah, Lower Elwah, Jamestown S’Klallam, and Skokomish tribes.
If you, like me, enjoy hearing stories of the places you traverse, then dive into these books. They share perspectives from the many types of people who have lived on the Olympic Peninsula. From indigenous people to homesteaders to loggers, and everyone in-between.
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While you can experience all 4 seasons here, summer is the prime time to visit. Besides the clear benefits of sunny days and comfortable temps in the 60s and 70s, the area is more accessible then.
For instance, the road up to Hurricane Ridge is open daily. In comparison, it’s open Friday-Sunday during winter.
Plus, more campgrounds are open. However, some like Kalaloch Campground require reservations as early as 6 months in advance.
Or if you seek those signature moody Pacific Northwest vibes, then late spring and early fall are perfect! Naturally, you will avoid crowds as well.
Finally, you should be aware of microclimates like the Hoh Rainforest. This area receives more rain than nearby areas, but summers are still just as beautiful.
Best Places to Stay in Port Angeles WA
Whether you’re in the mood for a private, forested retreat or a modern, centrally located home away from home, there is a sweet stay for you in Port Angeles.
Pet-friendly Airbnbs
- Top Pick: Burns Bungalow by Wanderers Choice. Us along with our yellow labrador retriever, Lilo, loved staying here! We appreciated the gated grass lawn, dog toys, dog bed, and extra towels. I think I said “Can we move in?” more than once… Check out my tour of it on Instagram here.
- Most Budget-Friendly: Beautifully Renovated Tiny House
- Coolest Tiny House: River’s Edge
Most Popular Hotel in Port Angeles
- Olympic Lodge by Ayres – Located just minutes away from Hurricane Ridge Road, which will reveal stunning mountain views. Pro Tip: Watch sunrise and/or sunset at Hurricane Ridge from your car (our outside if it’s warm haha)
Best Camping Near Port Angeles
- Heart O’ the Hills Campground – Stay within Olympic National Park at the lovely forested Heart O’ the Hills. All 105 sites are first-come, first-served, which means you can’t reserve ahead of time. However, this hasn’t been an issue for us in late spring. There are clean, heated bathrooms.
- Salt Creek Recreation Area – For oceanside camping, stay in one of 92 scenic sites. There’s a mix of first-come, first-serve and reservation sites here. Even if you don’t camp, I highly recommend visiting during the day! More on this later in the guide.
Packing List for the Washington Coast
Because of the wet and windy nature of the coast, there’s a couple essentials you’ll want no matter when you visit.
- A sturdy umbrella – Bonus points if it looks good in photos
- Waterproof boots you can wear tide pooling
- A beach tent for shade – Yes, even in Washington!
- Sunscreen & Sunglasses
- Portable charger – Since this is a remote area, you’ll want to be able to charge phones and cameras without needing a wall outlet!
- Binoculars for wildlife viewing
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And, don’t forget to wear layers! This is a rule while exploring Washington State.
{RELATED POST: What to Wear in Seattle: 15 Surprisingly Versatile Wardrobe Essentials}
10 Awe-Inspiring Beaches Near Port Angeles
When you visit natural areas, please follow the 7 Leave No Trace Principles. Take care by packing out waste, staying on designated trails, and leaving rocks and shells on the shore. Discover more responsible recreation tips here.
1. Ediz Hook & Harborview Park
Score the best views in Port Angeles at Harborview Park. This centrally located park is on a 3-mile spit of land called the Ediz Hook. Drive out, park, and picnic. On a clear day, you will see the epic Olympic Mountains watching over the city. To the North, you will can see Victoria, Canada. Keep an eye out for the Blackball Ferry going back and forth.
Sunset chasers, this is my favorite spot to watch sunset in Port Angeles!
Interestingly, there are cats that live on the Hook. I read about them online, but didn’t believe it. But alas, we did see someone feeding cats here!
No passes are needed to visit Harborview Park.
2. Elwha Beach
Less than 20 minutes away from Harborview Park, you’ll find the Elwha River Beach Access. We love visiting both on the same day since they’re so close!
This generous sandy beach is where the fresh waters of the Elwha River meet the salty waters of the Pacific Ocean.
To reach the beach, park in a designated spot on Elwha Dike Road and walk about .2 miles to the rocky shore.
Note: There are no bathrooms here, so plan accordingly.
No passes are needed at the Elwha River Beach Access.
3. Dungeness Recreation Area
If you’re looking a beach close to Port Angeles worth spending the whole day at, this is it.
After a short hike, the forest opens up to reveal the Olympic Mountains to the West and the Dungeness Spit to the East.
Feel free to walk out on the spit, though we decided not to because high tide meant we’d have to climb over driftwood for ~6 miles. However, those who do are rewarded. The historic New Dungeness Lighthouse awaits hikers! While it has the word “new” in its name, it has actually been around since 1857.
The Dungeness National Wildlife Refuge lies adjacent to the recreation area, making for awesome birdwatching! In fact, over 250 species of birds have been spotted here.
The entrance fee is $3. For those wanting to stay longer, camping is an option.
4. Sequim Bay State Park
Located East of Port Angeles, Sequim is home to the above-mentioned Dungeness Recreation Area and Sequim Bay State Park.
Secure solitude on the quiet shores of Seqium Bay. This state park features peaceful waters. After all, it is a bay. Bring your kayak or paddle-board.
At low tide, look for crabs!
Or, if it’s high tide or a rainy day, you can easily enjoy views of the bay from your car.
For those who enjoy riding bikes, check out the paved 120-mile Olympic Discovery Trail. It skirts Sequim Bay, cuts through forests of evergreen trees, and reveals old railroad trestles. Actually, the trail starts at Port Townsend, connects to Port Angeles, and goes nearly all the way to Forks. Here is a map of the route.
Of course, you can also walk along this trail to your heart’s content.
A Discover Pass is required here. It costs $10 per day or $30 annually. Learn more, including when free entrance days are, here.
5. Salt Creek Recreation Area
Wake up to a cloudy day? Head to Salt Creek Recreation Area.
We happened to visit on a day like that, and it was nothing short of magical. See what I mean in my TikTok video here.
A fury of fog blurred the scene, with the small island west of Tongue Point barely visible.
From the trails on Tongue Point, you can reach both steep, rocky ground and sandy beaches.
At low tide, this is a sweet spot for tidepooling! We saw sea stars, sea cucumbers, and lots more.
Plus, keep an eye out for bald eagles. We saw some landing on the island. Of all the beaches near Port Angeles, this is the one surprised me the most.
6. La Push – Third Beach
While heading out to the Olympic Coast, La Push cannot be missed!
While you won’t find Jacob, you will find adventure.
Out of La Push’s many beaches, Third Beach is my top pick. Park along Highway 110 and hike 1.3 miles through the forest down to the beach. It’s a calming walk, though your feet will be sore if you only bring flip flops! I recommend wearing shoes or boots and packing sandals in your backpack. Better yet, clip them to the outside to keep sand out!
Once at the beach, you can walk, tide pool, or even continue hiking.
Third Beach stands out in my mind because of Strawberry Bay Falls. If you look to the west, you’ll see it pouring into the ocean.
And, you can actually hike to the very top of the falls! Surprisingly, what I remember most is the bright orange starfish that we could see on rocks below the falls. Use caution, this trail is not for the faint of heart.
To get there, scan along the shoreline until you see a rope dangling above the clay-exposed cliffside. Once up, the trail has a few other tricks up its sleeve – like a swaying wooden ladder.
Get a taste of what I mean in my Instagram video here.
This trail leads to more remote beaches that you can backpack to. Look on Google Maps to see what I mean. Please do your research ahead of time (including checking tide charts) and pack appropriate supplies if you plan on going very far.
7. Ruby Beach
From Port Angeles to Ruby Beach, it’s a straightforward drive on Highway 101. On the way, you’ll pass through the small town Forks, made famous by the Twilight movies. Stop at the obligatory photo stops like the Treaty Line and Bella’s truck and grab a coffee before continuing on to Ruby Beach.
Well known for its eye catching rock formations, epic sunsets, and enchanting tide-pooling, no trip to the Olympic Coast is complete without stopping here.
Again and again, Ruby Beach is recognized as one of the top Olympic Peninsula beaches.
It’s a short hike down to the beach. Then, you can walk in either direction. Pro Tip: Wear good walking shoes because this beach is really rocky!
Because parking fills fast on weekends, it’s better to visit on a weekday.
Vault toilets are available in the parking lot.
No passes are required here.
8. Kalaloch Beach
Continuing South on Highway 101, you’ll reach Olympic National Park’s Kalaloch Beach in about 10 minutes.
Although Kalaloch features one continuous beach, it is technically divided into 4 separate beaches with their own parking areas. All in all, this stretch is home to many of the most beautiful beaches near Port Angeles.
Beachgoers tend to stick to the area near Kalaloch Campground. This is the most easily accessible as there are wooden staircases down to the sand.
And, the famous Tree of Life is here! (Shown above) Please do not touch or swing from the tree. As you can imagine, it’s fragile.
For campers, this is one of the most in-demand campgrounds in the state! While this is for good reason, I recommend having a reservation in one of the 168 spots during summer months. For reference, we’ve struck out every time we tried to get a site without a reservation. However, we did see one lucky person in front of us in line score the last spot, so ya never know!
To see a live view of Kalaloch Beach, check out this webcam from Kalaloch Lodge.
9. Beaches 1, 2, 3, & 4
Alternatively, if parking is full at the campground or if seeking a less busy spot, try Beach 1, 2, 3, or 4.
All involve short, steep hikes to the beach after parking right along Highway 101.
Often, significant amounts of driftwood wash up on Kalaloch Beach. So, exercise caution as they sometimes obstruct paths to the beach.
If you are passing through, the pull offs in this area offer amazing views of the beach from above! From here, we’ve actually seen whales and sea otters with binoculars.
No passes are needed.
10. South Beach
Last but never least, consider South Beach Campground. Located south of Beach 1 and North of the Queets River, South Beach offers simple campsites with stunning views.
Admittedly, due to a lack of trees there is not privacy between sites. But, if you want to see the ocean from your site then this is your best bet.
All sites are first-come, first-served. It’s open from May 21 through September 27, and they are packed every single weekend! So, weekday stays are encouraged.
Please note: There isn’t day use parking here.
Have you been to any of these scenic Washington beaches before? Let me know below!
This post was all about the top 10 beaches near Port Angeles.
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