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Escaping To Washington's Coast Offers Lots Of Choices, From Couples To Kids

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Kick up your heels in Ocean Shores -- or other locations along Washington's coast.

Washington has more than 150 miles of coastline from the top of the Olympic Peninsula down to the mouth of the Columbia River. And KPLU travel expert Matthew Brumley it’s worth exploring, and can offer you a variety of experiences, whether you want big fancy hotels, or just some tent camping in a quiet place.

There are lots of ways to make this trip. South Sound residents will probably want to head through Olympia and then up the Olympic Peninsula. Brumley takes a northerly route, starting from Seattle.

Matthew's Itinerary

Take the Bainbridge Island ferry and drive up across the Agate Pass bridge. Along the way, you can stop in Poulsbo, Port Angeles, or any number of communities. Pick up picnic supplies (or stop and eat in a restaurant), and continue on to Lake Crescent, along the Olympic Highway. Picnic, swim, hang out until you’re ready to move on.

Now it’s decision time. Here are your options:

Neah Bay 

This is the home of the Makah Indian Tribe, at the very northwest tip of the Olympic Peninsula. There’s a good museum here, and festivals throughout the spring, summer and fall, including upcoming Fourth of July celebrations, and the annual Makah Days in late August. Thinking ahead? There’s a surf competition in October.

La Push and Forks

La Push is home to the Quileute Tribe, and offers rugged beaches and beachside lodging. In mid-July you can attend the Quileute Days festival. The Quileute Tribe is a sovereign nation and it’s a good idea to brush up on rules and customs before you go. Once you’re there, you’ll find a wealth of things to learn about indigenous culture.

Nearby Forks is the setting to the popular Twilight book-and-film franchise. Fans will find plenty of things to explore.

Moclips and Pacific Beach

You can camp at a state park, stay in a hotel and restaurants, and take long strolls on the beach at sunset (we don’t care if that sounds like a personals ad; it’s pretty and it’s fun and we like it). A good quiet getaway for couples, or just someone looking to step out of an urban environment for a short time. On Labor Day Weekend, look for the Kelper’s Parade, between the two towns. 

Ocean Shores

This is a tremendously popular – and sometimes busy – spot, with tons of places to stay, and lots of things to do. You’re also able to drive on the beach in places, which can be helpful for family members who want to experience the ocean, but have limited mobility. Great family destination.

[UPDATE: After this segment aired, a listener suggested five more places to visit on Washington's coast -- favorites of his. You can see his list here.]

 
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“Going Places” is KPLU’s weekly exploration of travel topics. Matthew Brumley is the co-founder of Earthbound Expeditions, which provides small group travel for clients including KPLU.

Ed Ronco is a former KNKX producer and reporter and hosted All Things Considered for seven years.