Best Museums Long Beach Washington

1. World Kite Museum and Hall of Fame

 303 SW Sid Snyder Drive

Long Beach, WA 

360 642-4020

The World Kite Foundation in downtown Long Beach Washington is one of the best places to visit for the entire family. It has one of the complete collections of Japanese kites outside of Japan, amongst many other wonderful kites worldwide. From fighting kites to colorful choreography, the history of kites around the globe will delight everyone. See our photos of the kite festivals held the third week of August every year.  

2. Cranberry Museum and Demonstration Farm

 2907 Pioneer Road

Long Beach, WA 

360 642-5553

Cranberry harvesting is almost as old as the Long Beach Peninsula itself. Long before pilgrims arrived in 1620, the Native Americans used cranberries with dried deer meat or salmon and melted fat to make a convenience food that could hold for a long time.  There is so much to learn about the local customs and history with so little time. For that perfect gift to take home, be sure to stop by the gift shop.  This institution is just a short walk from Handy Hangout Vacation Rental, also located on Pioneer Road.

3. Marsh's Free Museum

Downtown Long Beach, Washington

Marsh's is more of a turn-of-the-century curiosity shop housing the world-famous Jake the half-man, half-alligator than a historical archive.  Marsh's has delighted visitors for decades with its treasure trove of antiques, curios, vintage photographs, old rifles, swords, drums, and spears, plus much more. The gift shop is one of the best places to buy that one-of-a-kind souvenir.  This is a must-see for travelers on a budget or families with children.  Marsh's is steps from all of our downtown Long Beach WA homes.

4. Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center

244 Robert Gray Drive

Ilwaco, WA

360 642 3029

This is a fabulous center and a must-stop for family fun on the Long Beach Washington Peninsula. Located high above the ocean surf with breathtaking ocean and lighthouse views, there is likely no better view on all of the Washington Coast. If you only have time for one educational stop, this is it. There is a short 1/2 mile hike to the historic Cape Disappointment Lighthouse, past Dead Man's Hollow, and up a short steep hill to the lighthouse. The lighthouses are within two miles our Seaview Vacation Rentals.

5. COLUMBIA RIVER MARITIME MUSEUM

 1792 Marine Drive

Astoria, Oregon

503 325-2323

The family-fun and kid-friendly Columbia River Maritime Center is located in Astoria, Oregon, right across the Columbia River and about a 20-minute drive from Long Beach, Washington. This fabulous institution explores the Columbia River's history, from the days of dugout canoes to exemplary exhibits of coast guard rescue missions. The Mouth of the Columbia River is one of the most dangerous passages globally, and this renowned maritime gallery is not to be missed.

6. COLUMBIA PACIFIC HERITAGE MUSEUM

115 Lake St SE

Ilwaco, WA 98624

The Columbia Pacific Heritage Center highlights the Columbia Pacific region's history with a collection of over 23,000 artifacts, photos, and historical objects. It is open Tuesdays through Saturdays. There is no better place to visit if you are serious about learning more about the most about the local history of the Long Beach Washington Peninsula. Also, see our Historical Sites and Attractions.

7. FORT COLUMBIA INTERPRETIVE CENTER

Chinook Point, Chinook, Washington 

360 777-8221

The Fort Columbia Interpretive Center focuses on the fur trade, military community, and exploration of the Columbia. This interpretive center is only open in the summer, but you can visit Fort Columbia Historic State Park any time of year.  This is a family-fun place to visit, and children especially love exploring the old World War II bunkers.

8. APPELO ARCHIVES CENTER

1056 State Route 4

Naselle, WA 98638

360 484-7103

The archive center is home to displays of the area’s history and heritage. Inside is a genealogy corner, library, and a large collection of Finnish books. You can also cozy up in their cafe and bookstore with a hot cup of coffee.

9. PACIFIC COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY

1008 W Robert Bush Drive

South Bend WA, 98586

11:00 to 4:00 PM Daily

360 875-5224

The historical society’s collection and archives showcase Pacific County history. Located in South Bend (a great place to stop on your way to Long Beach, Washington from Seattle), this foundation has several exhibits and unique artifacts. There is also a bookstore with an emphasis on Washington and local history and several local products. 

10. NORTHWEST CARRIAGE MUSEUM

 314 Alder Street

Raymond, WA 98577

Open 10:00 am to 4:00 PM

360 942-4150

The Carriage, wants you to get "carried away," with over  50 historic carriages, buggies, and wagons (and counting!) as well as interesting artifacts on display. They do group tours as well as educational tours. This museum makes for a great stop on your journey from Seattle, WA to the Long Beach Peninsula.

11. KNAPPTON COVE HERITAGE CENTER

 521 WA State Rte 401

Carefully preserved and full of fascinating artifacts from another era, Knappton Cove was once the US Columbia River Quarantine Station, the Columbia River’s “Ellis Island”. Check their season schedule or call to set an appointment.

12. WILLAPA BAY INTERPRETIVE CENTER

Once home to an oyster grower and his family, this interpretive center offers a glimpse into Willapa Bay’s oyster industry's history, now almost 150 years old. Artist Nancy Lloyd of Oysterville created the display.