Long Beach
The World's Longest Beach?
Contrary to the proclamation "The World's Longest Beach" emblazoned on the archway over Bolstad street in the town of Long Beach, the beach here is not the longest beach in the world. It should be called the "World's Longest Continuous Peninsula Beach" because it is the world's longest beach on a peninsula. It stretches 28 miles along Washington's southwest coast starting close to where the Columbia River meets the Pacific Ocean and it then extends north to the entrance to Gray's Harbor.
Long Beach as seen from Bell's View in Cape Disappointment State Park
To get an eagle's eye view of Long Beach, go to Bell's View in Cape Disappointment State Park. It is a viewing platform constructed at the end of a quarter mile long paved trail along the top of North Head, which is the rocky headland that forms the southern boundary of Long Beach. It seems like you can see forever from up there. You may also see some of the bald eagles that inhabit the area.
Washington State International Kite Festival
Long Beach is the site of the week long Washington State International Kite Festival held annually during the third week of August. Tens of thousands of spectators enjoy the performances of expert kite fliers that come here from around the world. It is one of the largest kite festivals in North America and probably the closest thing you can experience to Kite Heaven.
Kite flying activities include kite trains, Rokkaku kite battles, sport kites, lighted kites flying at night, freestyle competition and kite flying choreographed to music. Very spectacular are the mass ascensions, where hundreds of kites are launched simultaneously. The biggest kits do not look like traditional kites at all. You can see them as fish, dogs, tigers, crabs, colorful geometric shapes that spin around, and even a few superheroes.
Driving on Long Beach
Many people are attracted to Long Beach because they can drive on it. Long Beach is actually an official Washington State highway with a 25 mph speed limit. A four-wheel drive vehicle is helpful but not required. Beach driving tip: keep to the right and avoid the areas where the sand is completely dry; and drive instead where it is wet or damp. You will get much better traction this way. Getting towed is expensive, and embarrassing, especially if any of the locals are watching you!
The photographs and information about Long Beach shown here are just a sample from the book, The Seven Wonders of Washington State, which is available for purchase via the Buy Now link at the bottom of the page.
The photographs and information about Long Beach shown here are just a sample from the book, The Seven Wonders of Washington State, which is available for purchase via the Buy Now link at the bottom of the page.
Experiencing Long Beach
Entrance Cost: none
State Parks at Long Beach: Leadbetter Point, Pacific Pines, Cape Disappointment
State Parks Admission: Discover Pass is required, $10 for one day, $30 for one year
When to Visit: the Washington International Kite Festival is the third week of August
Access: The beach is accessible year round, certain portion of the beach may be closed to vehicles from April 15 to Labor Day each year
Entrance Cost: none
State Parks at Long Beach: Leadbetter Point, Pacific Pines, Cape Disappointment
State Parks Admission: Discover Pass is required, $10 for one day, $30 for one year
When to Visit: the Washington International Kite Festival is the third week of August
Access: The beach is accessible year round, certain portion of the beach may be closed to vehicles from April 15 to Labor Day each year
The marker on the map shows the location of Long Beach.
You can see more photographs and purchase fine art prints of Long Beach at WashingtonPhotographs.com.
Long Beach Online Resources
Beach Driving
Cape Disappointment State Park
Discover Pass
Horseback Adventures
Leadbetter Point State Park
Long Beach Peninsula
Long Beach Photographs
Pacific Pines State Park
Velella, the By-the-Wind Sailor
Willapa National Wildlife Refuge
Long Beach Online Resources
Beach Driving
Cape Disappointment State Park
Discover Pass
Horseback Adventures
Leadbetter Point State Park
Long Beach Peninsula
Long Beach Photographs
Pacific Pines State Park
Velella, the By-the-Wind Sailor
Willapa National Wildlife Refuge
Photographer Howard Frisk and musician Larry Merritt have teamed up to create a unique offer. Larry has created a special edition of his music CD, The Seven Wonders of Washington State, as a companion CD to Howard's book by the same title. The CD includes seven original instrumental songs written and performed by Larry, one for each of the seven wonders of Washington State. You can listen to the first track of the CD below and purchase the book with or without the CD via the Buy Now link below.