About the Long Beach Boardwalk<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nThe 1970s brought new regulations in fishing, and a declining population of clams and salmon led to a reduction in tourism. As a result, the residents decided to take matters into their own hands and developed new attractions to lure in travelers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In 1981, the community held the first kite festival (which would later become the Washington State International Kite Festival<\/a>) as a unique and enjoyable way to attract visitors. Later Long Beach added the Sandsations sandcastle competition<\/a> and the Long Beach Razor Clam Festival<\/a> to its repertoire, and the people followed. Following the renewed boom in tourism, the city built the Long Beach Boardwalk, the now infamous wooden walkway lines with kiosks and sculptures as well as local habitat and history which commemorates Captain William Clark’s first visit to the beach in 1805.<\/p>\n\n\n\nToday the Boardwalk comes to a head with the Discovery Trail<\/a>, an eight-mile walking trail that connects Long Beach with Ilwaco. The Boardwalk runs the length of charming Downtown Long Beach<\/a> between Syd Snyder Drive<\/strong> and Bolstad Avenue<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\nWhat to Know About the Long Beach Boardwalk<\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n- Whale Bones<\/strong>: Alongside the boardwalk, you\u2019ll find a gray whale skeleton in the tall grass. But it\u2019s not the real bones you\u2019re seeing. This lifelike wooden sculpture was made by local artist Joshua Blewett after the real preserved gray whale bones from the whale that washed ashore in 2000 were stolen by vandals.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- A Romantic Backdrop: <\/strong>You can get married or elope at the long beach boardwalk! The rolling dunes, tall grass, and Pacific surf make for an ideal (and iconic) PNW backdrop.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Lighthouse Views:<\/strong> Enjoy panoramic views of the North Head Lighthouse<\/a> from the southern portion of the boardwalk.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Accessibility: <\/strong>The Boardwalk is wheelchair accessible off Bolstad Avenue.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Biking and Rollerblade Friendly:<\/strong> The boardwalk was built to be accessible. Biking and rollerblading are welcome. Rentals are available near the boardwalk at Beachin\u2019 Bike Rentals<\/a>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Pet Friendly<\/strong>: Pets are allowed but must be leashed at all times.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Parking:<\/strong> Free parking and restrooms can be found at either end of the boardwalk.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
What to do Along the Long Beach Boardwalk<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nHit the Beach<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.beachhousewa.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/beach-at-long-beach-washington-state-1024x683.webp\")
Photo Credit: Mariusz S. Jurgielewicz<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\nThe Boardwalk allows each access (and sometimes more comfortable walking) to different parts of the beach. This makes for a convenient way to walk your beach gear and picnic along the walkway until you\u2019ve found your perfect spot. Play beach games<\/a>, build a sand castle<\/a>, or light a bonfire<\/a> – your perfect coastal day awaits!<\/p>\n\n\n\nAdmire a Sunset or Sunrise<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nThe Boardwalk is the perfect place to watch the sunrise over the Willapa Hills, and sunsets bring spectacular changes in color as the sky turns cotton candy hues over the deep blue of the Pacific Ocean. Early morning walkers are also able to catch the local clammers digging up the day\u2019s lunch or dinner<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\nHave a Picnic<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nGrab some lunch from one of Downtown Long Beaches’ charming delis<\/a> and utilize one of the boardwalks\u2019 numerous picnic bench setups to enjoy your meal with a sea view.<\/p>\n\n\n\nFly a Kite<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.beachhousewa.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/kite-flying-long-beach-boardwalk-1024x768.webp\")
Photo Credit: Lucille Ryan<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\nOn a windy West Coast afternoon, it\u2019s not uncommon to see dozens of rainbow-colored kites tugging on their strings. The Boardwalk is a great place to fly a kite or watch the pros that flock here for the ideal wind conditions. Come August each year; this is the ideal place to take in the Washington State International Kite Festival when the boardwalk is a frenzy of colorful streamers and competitive kite-flying.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Take an Ice Cream Stroll<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.beachhousewa.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/ice-cream-on-boardwalk-1024x768.webp\")
Photo Credit: matylda<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\nOne of the most popular Boardwalk activities is grabbing an ice cream cone or other sweet treat from Scooper\u2019s Market and walking the wooden pathway, savoring the creamy goodness and the scenery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Storm Watch<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nBad weather doesn\u2019t mean you should avoid the boardwalk. Not in Long Beach, anyways, A favorite pastime of the locals is watching the storms roll in over the ocean from the safety of the boardwalk. Don\u2019t forget to bring an umbrella.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Hit the Pickled Fish for a Cocktail<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nAt the termination of the boardwalk itself, you\u2019ll find the super swanky Pickled Fish<\/a>, a local restaurant renowned for its delicious cocktails and seafood. You\u2019ll be treated to views of the ocean from just behind the boardwalk through the panoramic windows as the restaurant is located on the top floor of the Adrift Hotel.<\/p>\n\n\n\nContinue Your Stroll onto the Discovery Trail Loop<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.beachhousewa.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/long-beach-boardwalk-discovery-trail-loop-1024x678.webp\")
Photo Credit: Dmitri Kotchetov<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\nCombined with the Boardwalk, the Discovery Loop<\/a> is perfect for a morning or mid-afternoon stroll. This flat easy trek is about one mile long. The full Discovery Trail<\/a> is a leisurely 8.5 miles through dunes and seagrass and makes for a great day out for naturalists. Also, be on the lookout for the carved whale bones strewn in the sand to commemorate the whale who washed ashore in 2000.<\/p>\n\n\n\nGrab Your Binoculars and Birdwatch<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.beachhousewa.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/long-beach-boardwalk-birdwatch-1024x683.webp\")
Photo Credit: Frank Fujimoto via Flickr CC 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\nThis elevated Boardwalk allows for a panoramic view of the dunes, rolling grassy knolls, and the seashore. Birdwatching is at its best during low tide when birds of prey can be seen scavenging the seashore for carrion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Common bird sightings from the boardwalk besides the common seagull include Bald Eagles<\/strong>, Osprey<\/strong>, Red-Tailed Hawks<\/strong>, and the Great Blue Heron<\/strong>. If you\u2019re lucky, you could spot rarer raptors like the Peregrine Falcon<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\nVisit Marsh’s Free Museum<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.beachhousewa.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/marshs-free-museum-1024x681.webp\")
Photo Credit: Michael Hanscom via Flickr CC 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\nThis quirky \u201cmuseum\u201d of sorts is a smorgasbord of history, taxidermy, beach finds, and all other eclectic goods, including the local Long Beach Washington mascot, Jake the Alligator Man. Marsh’s Free Museum<\/a> is fun for the whole family and is located right off the Boardwalk in Downtown Long Beach.<\/p>\n\n\n\nEmbark on a Day Hike<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.beachhousewa.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/boardwalk-hike-1024x683.webp\")
Photo Credit: stockfour<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\nThere are several trails in the general vicinity of the boardwalk for those who want to stretch their legs a little longer than the half-mile Pacific coast stroll.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Discovery Trail<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\nThe Discovery Trail<\/a> is an 8.5-mile-long historical path that connects the port of Ilwaco with the Long Beach boardwalk and shows off numerous important monuments relating to the epic journey made by Lewis and Clark centuries ago.<\/p>\n\n\n\nThis paved path is fit for hiking or biking and is a great way to spend the day soaking in the unrivaled views and the trail’s history. You\u2019ll see fishing boats, pass through Cape Disappointment State Park and the nearby Beard\u2019s Hollow, and walk through some of Long Beach peninsula\u2019s most famed scenery- coastal forests and ancient Sitka Spruce groves.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Pro Tip:<\/strong> Take a detour to visit the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center<\/a>, which is located along the trail. <\/p>\n\n\n\nHike the Willapa Wildlife Refuge<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\nThere are numerous hiking trails within the Willipa Wildlife Refuge<\/a>, a marshy bird watcher\u2019s paradise which is just a short drive (or a 4-mile walk through town) from the Long Beach Boardwalk! The most popular trails include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n- South Bay Trail<\/strong> (Easy, 1 mile)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Parker Slough Trail<\/strong> (Easy, 3 miles)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Porter Point Loop <\/strong>(Easy, 2.6 miles)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Spend the Day at the Long Beach Boardwalk<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nThe Boardwalk is the center of life in Long Beach. It\u2019s the place to go to get your nature fix, socialize with the people who call Long Beach home, enjoy the best scenic vistas, or learn more about the town through the interpretive signage along the path. Best of all, it\u2019s just a short trip from our boutique Long Beach cabin rentals.<\/a> Perfect for your family\u2019s next getaway!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"When it comes to exploring the scenic beauty of Washington\u2019s coastlines, the Long Beach Boardwalk stands apart. This rustic enchanting boardwalk sums up the Pacific Northwest beach experience. For those […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":966,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[10],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.beachhousewa.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/951"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.beachhousewa.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.beachhousewa.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.beachhousewa.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.beachhousewa.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=951"}],"version-history":[{"count":22,"href":"https:\/\/www.beachhousewa.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/951\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":980,"href":"https:\/\/www.beachhousewa.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/951\/revisions\/980"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.beachhousewa.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/966"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.beachhousewa.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=951"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.beachhousewa.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=951"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.beachhousewa.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=951"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}
Today the Boardwalk comes to a head with the Discovery Trail<\/a>, an eight-mile walking trail that connects Long Beach with Ilwaco. The Boardwalk runs the length of charming Downtown Long Beach<\/a> between Syd Snyder Drive<\/strong> and Bolstad Avenue<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Boardwalk allows each access (and sometimes more comfortable walking) to different parts of the beach. This makes for a convenient way to walk your beach gear and picnic along the walkway until you\u2019ve found your perfect spot. Play beach games<\/a>, build a sand castle<\/a>, or light a bonfire<\/a> – your perfect coastal day awaits!<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Boardwalk is the perfect place to watch the sunrise over the Willapa Hills, and sunsets bring spectacular changes in color as the sky turns cotton candy hues over the deep blue of the Pacific Ocean. Early morning walkers are also able to catch the local clammers digging up the day\u2019s lunch or dinner<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Grab some lunch from one of Downtown Long Beaches’ charming delis<\/a> and utilize one of the boardwalks\u2019 numerous picnic bench setups to enjoy your meal with a sea view.<\/p>\n\n\n\n On a windy West Coast afternoon, it\u2019s not uncommon to see dozens of rainbow-colored kites tugging on their strings. The Boardwalk is a great place to fly a kite or watch the pros that flock here for the ideal wind conditions. Come August each year; this is the ideal place to take in the Washington State International Kite Festival when the boardwalk is a frenzy of colorful streamers and competitive kite-flying.<\/p>\n\n\n\n One of the most popular Boardwalk activities is grabbing an ice cream cone or other sweet treat from Scooper\u2019s Market and walking the wooden pathway, savoring the creamy goodness and the scenery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Bad weather doesn\u2019t mean you should avoid the boardwalk. Not in Long Beach, anyways, A favorite pastime of the locals is watching the storms roll in over the ocean from the safety of the boardwalk. Don\u2019t forget to bring an umbrella.<\/p>\n\n\n\n At the termination of the boardwalk itself, you\u2019ll find the super swanky Pickled Fish<\/a>, a local restaurant renowned for its delicious cocktails and seafood. You\u2019ll be treated to views of the ocean from just behind the boardwalk through the panoramic windows as the restaurant is located on the top floor of the Adrift Hotel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Combined with the Boardwalk, the Discovery Loop<\/a> is perfect for a morning or mid-afternoon stroll. This flat easy trek is about one mile long. The full Discovery Trail<\/a> is a leisurely 8.5 miles through dunes and seagrass and makes for a great day out for naturalists. Also, be on the lookout for the carved whale bones strewn in the sand to commemorate the whale who washed ashore in 2000.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This elevated Boardwalk allows for a panoramic view of the dunes, rolling grassy knolls, and the seashore. Birdwatching is at its best during low tide when birds of prey can be seen scavenging the seashore for carrion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Common bird sightings from the boardwalk besides the common seagull include Bald Eagles<\/strong>, Osprey<\/strong>, Red-Tailed Hawks<\/strong>, and the Great Blue Heron<\/strong>. If you\u2019re lucky, you could spot rarer raptors like the Peregrine Falcon<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This quirky \u201cmuseum\u201d of sorts is a smorgasbord of history, taxidermy, beach finds, and all other eclectic goods, including the local Long Beach Washington mascot, Jake the Alligator Man. Marsh’s Free Museum<\/a> is fun for the whole family and is located right off the Boardwalk in Downtown Long Beach.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There are several trails in the general vicinity of the boardwalk for those who want to stretch their legs a little longer than the half-mile Pacific coast stroll.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Discovery Trail<\/a> is an 8.5-mile-long historical path that connects the port of Ilwaco with the Long Beach boardwalk and shows off numerous important monuments relating to the epic journey made by Lewis and Clark centuries ago.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This paved path is fit for hiking or biking and is a great way to spend the day soaking in the unrivaled views and the trail’s history. You\u2019ll see fishing boats, pass through Cape Disappointment State Park and the nearby Beard\u2019s Hollow, and walk through some of Long Beach peninsula\u2019s most famed scenery- coastal forests and ancient Sitka Spruce groves.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Pro Tip:<\/strong> Take a detour to visit the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center<\/a>, which is located along the trail. <\/p>\n\n\n\n There are numerous hiking trails within the Willipa Wildlife Refuge<\/a>, a marshy bird watcher\u2019s paradise which is just a short drive (or a 4-mile walk through town) from the Long Beach Boardwalk! The most popular trails include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Boardwalk is the center of life in Long Beach. It\u2019s the place to go to get your nature fix, socialize with the people who call Long Beach home, enjoy the best scenic vistas, or learn more about the town through the interpretive signage along the path. Best of all, it\u2019s just a short trip from our boutique Long Beach cabin rentals.<\/a> Perfect for your family\u2019s next getaway!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" When it comes to exploring the scenic beauty of Washington\u2019s coastlines, the Long Beach Boardwalk stands apart. This rustic enchanting boardwalk sums up the Pacific Northwest beach experience. For those […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":966,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[10],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.beachhousewa.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/951"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.beachhousewa.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.beachhousewa.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.beachhousewa.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.beachhousewa.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=951"}],"version-history":[{"count":22,"href":"https:\/\/www.beachhousewa.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/951\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":980,"href":"https:\/\/www.beachhousewa.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/951\/revisions\/980"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.beachhousewa.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/966"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.beachhousewa.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=951"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.beachhousewa.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=951"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.beachhousewa.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=951"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}What to Know About the Long Beach Boardwalk<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n
What to do Along the Long Beach Boardwalk<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Hit the Beach<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Admire a Sunset or Sunrise<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Have a Picnic<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Fly a Kite<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Take an Ice Cream Stroll<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Storm Watch<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Hit the Pickled Fish for a Cocktail<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Continue Your Stroll onto the Discovery Trail Loop<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Grab Your Binoculars and Birdwatch<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Visit Marsh’s Free Museum<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Embark on a Day Hike<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
The Discovery Trail<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Hike the Willapa Wildlife Refuge<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
\n
Spend the Day at the Long Beach Boardwalk<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n