Stretched out along Washington State’s beautiful southwest coast is Long Beach, an enchanting seaside town with dreamy landscapes and dramatic scenery. Long Beach also hosts unique traditions, including an annual international kite festival, which takes place during the third week of August. Spectators worldwide flock to this coastal town to marvel at expert kite fliers and admire the vibrant colors that decorate the sky.

Long Beach is also home to unique museums for visitors to explore, including The World Kite Museum and Marsh’s Free Museums, which houses an arcade, curios, and antiques. Seafood lovers can look forward to the fresh catches, which take the spotlight in local cuisine. The region is well-known for its crab, salmon, albacore, and its oysters, in particular.

There are plenty of ways to take in Long Beach’s breathtaking panoramas, including the 8.5-mile Discovery Trail, the long boardwalk, and miles of walking paths that meander through the dunes leading up to the waters of the Long Beach Peninsula. Nearby Cape Disappointment State Park offers sweeping views of the ocean and Baker Bay, crashing waves against steep seaside cliffs, and two functioning lighthouses.

This coastal city experiences pleasant temperatures and less rain during the summer months compared to the rest of the seasons, making it a great time to book Long Beach, WA vacation rentals. The warmer weather provides an exceptional backdrop for the international kite festival in August. The conditions are also pleasant for enjoying Long Beach’s many hiking trails. In the months between fall and spring, Long Beach experiences many rainy days and chilly temperatures.

Cape Disappointment State Park

Named in 1788 for a mistaken entry point, Cape Disappointment State Park spans 1,882 acres of the Long Beach Peninsula and features a historic coastal fort, the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center, and two picturesque lighthouses — North Head Lighthouse and Cape Disappointment Lighthouse — perched atop the rocky cliffs. From its long stretch of rugged coastline to the lush surrounding old-growth forests and dramatic sea cliffs, the park offers some of Long Beach’s most magnificent views at every turn.

World Kite Museum

Long Beach is home to the two-story World Kite Museum. This eccentric museum introduces the kite as an art form, outlines the 2,500-year-old history of kites, documents current developments of kite flying, and honors those dedicated to the activity. You can admire thousands of kites from around the world, artifacts, archives, and displays in the museum’s fascinating exhibits. The World Kite Museum features new exhibits throughout the year and publishes detailed information about its current exhibitions.

Long Beach Peninsula

The city’s namesake and one of its most popular attractions, the Long Beach Peninsula is one of the lengthiest beaches in the United States, stretching over 30 miles. Due to the strong currents, Long Beach isn’t a swimming spot, though the beach offers plenty of fun ways to enjoy its beauty. Bonfires, bike riding, shoreline strolls, sunbathing, picnics, and beachcombing are just a few ways to take it all in.