Without spending a lot of money, we want our visitors to enjoy everything the Long Beach Peninsula offers. Because of this, we have compiled a list of free activities and sights you can see while visiting the peninsula. Even though the beach is unquestionably the most well-known attraction, there are plenty of other thrilling activities to try, including pickleball in a nearby park, cycling along the picturesque Discovery Coast, or trekking through one of the three magnificent state parks. The Washington Coast is the ultimate vacation spot for frugal travelers, and this list of free activities will help you make the most of your visit. You may also make the most of the best available cheap dining alternatives and organize your vacation around some of the free events on our events calendar, like September's 2023 Rod Run to the End of the Earth. So take in the Long Beach Peninsula's natural beauty and free entertainment! (updated:feb23)
Top Free Things to do in Long Beach Washington
Top 23 FREE Experiences and Activities for the Budget Traveler
1. Enjoy the Beach Life
Visitors can take advantage of a tremendous opportunity if they visit the Beach, one of the Long Beach Peninsula's top attractions. Building sandcastles, playing in the ocean (WATCH OUT FOR RIP TIDES), or having a leisurely stroll on warm sand on a sunny day are all possibilities along the nearly 28 miles of unspoiled coastline. While looking north or south, seclusion is easy to find when all you can see is the coastline and the sea mist. When you learn and explore the shore, family fun is only a few grins and your imagination away. So unwind, put the pocketbook away, and enjoy these great, inexpensive activities while staying at Bloomer Estates.
2. Clam Digging Festival
In the Long Beach Peninsula, the Clam Digging Festival is a must-attend occasion that provides tourists with an amazing and cost-free experience. This festival is special in that anyone under the age of 15 can dig clams for free, giving families a great opportunity to spend time together while exploring the shore. One of the many interesting events on the May calendar is the festival, which takes place in the spring. Don't skip the celebrations! The Long Beach Peninsula's guide to razor clam digging is a great resource for anyone interested in the activity because it includes all the details required for a successful expedition, from equipment to technique.
3. Photograph the Wildlife
Whether you are an experienced photographer or someone just learning, there are abundant opportunities around Long Beach Washington for amazing photos. A few examples of fun subjects; the birdlife, Cape Disappointment and North Head Lighthouses, and the annual kite festival. Check our photo gallery for more photographs of the area.
4. Visit North Head and Cape Disappointment Lighthouse
The lighthouses are a must-stop for anyone visiting the peninsula. Nestled high on the bluffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean and the mouth of the Columbia River the views are breathtaking. People often have their micro-wedding ceremonies at the lighthouses. During the winter storms, you can watch the local coast guard run drills.
5. Stroll the Long Beach Boardwalk
Everyone loves to stroll along the Long Beach boardwalk that stretches for almost half a mile along the beach. With panoramic views of the Washington coastline and North Head Lighthouse, this boardwalk is just a short walk from downtown Long Beach and runs along the Discovery Trail. This is a favorite spot for viewing kites during the international kite festival.
6. Check Out the Many Spring, Summer, and Fall events
Over the summer months, the city of Long Beach and Ilwaco, Washington, host farmer's markets, outdoor live music, fun runs, parades, Art Gallery walks, and more. There is always something to do during a weekend in June, July, August, and September. Our new Calendar of Events for the Long Beach Peninsula lists the significant events for the year.
7. Hike, Bike, Run or Walk the Discovery Trail
The Discovery Trail stretches from the Port of Ilwaco to North Long Beach, just behind the Breakers. Whether you’re on foot or on a bike, you’ll experience unforgettable landscapes and views. Along the way, you’ll find interpretive panels and sculptures commemorating Lewis & Clark’s journey. So tackle the whole thing or enjoy a mile or two. There are multiple access points highlighted in our Discovery Coast Trail Guide.
8. Hike in one of our State Parks
See all three State Parks HERE
Cape Disappointment State Park features sandy beaches, two working lighthouses, an old military fort, trails through coastal forests, and spectacular vistas, including breathtaking overlooks and quieter views of Baker Bay. The park has old-growth forests, lakes, freshwater and saltwater marshes, streams, ocean tidelands, and a large variety of wildlife.
9. Visit our Historical Sites
There are many lovely outdoor walks and hikes around Long Beach, WA. From the tiny town of Oysterville in the North to the Cape Disappointment Lighthouse to the south, you will want to see all of these historical sites before leaving Long Beach. Bloomer Mansion Vacation Rental is listed on the historical tour of Seaview Washington.
10, Throw Airplanes off the Astoria Column
The Astoria Column sitting atop a hill overlooking the Columbia River is a must-stop. And while technically the balsa wood airplanes cost $1.00 (so not free) this is a very low-cost activity that will delight the entire family. Visitors buy the $1.00 biodegradable balsawood planes at the gift shop, climb to the top of the 125-foot column and launch them into the air. Shouts and laughter of children and adults abound as they try to guess how far their airplanes will fly.
11. Get your picture at the "Worlds Largest Frying Pan"
This massive frying pan hangs in downtown Long Beach just across from Marshes Free Museum. The Pan was manufactured in 1941 and has toured the West Coast. It was actually used to fry up clams during the clam festival years ago--the original recipe called for 200 pounds of clams. Today, it is used mostly for souvenir photos.
12. Come to the International Kite Festival August 2022
Every third week of August, for over 20 years, the International Kite Festival has drawn competitors and tourists from all over the world. This is not to be missed, and the activities are all free of charge! This festival also made our Overall Top 15 Things to Do at the Beach. Located off Bolstad Avenue in downtown Long Beach, WA.
13. Experience Marsh's Free Museum
No trip to the Long Beach Peninsula is incomplete without a stop at Marsh's Free Museum. Visit the world-famous Jake the Aligator Man (yes, half-man, half alligator, and only in downtown Long Beach, WA), see the old piano players and arcade games from your great grandparents' day. A fun stop, no need to buy anything, the sights and cool stuff is all free to look at. Marsh's is also listed in our Family Fun activities and the top 10 best museums.
14. Visit Fort Canby State Park
Open year-round and free to visit is a family favorite exploration of Fort Canby State Park with the WWII bunkers, amazing ocean views, and a short hike to the Cape Disappointment lighthouse. The State Park hosts the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center and Museum as well.
15. Take Your Dog to the Beach
Your best friend loves the beach perhaps more than you do. Bloomer Estates has over 35 pet-friendly vacation rentals, meaning there is no reason to leave your dog at home. We have several homes with enclosed fenced yards and be sure to read our new blog on planning your dog-friendly holiday.
16. The Summer Ilwaco Art Walk
The Art Walk from June to September in Ilwaco Washington is a perfect outing for couples on a romantic weekend activity, for art lovers in general, or anyone looking for an interesting and fun night out. See our calendar of events for Art Walk times and nights in June, July, August and September.
17. Go Birdwatching
The Long Beach Washington Coast is a birdwatcher's paradise with over 300 species of birds ranging from tiny hummingbirds to giant pelicans with the longest wingspan of any bird in the world. But perhaps the most fun is catching sight of Bald Eagles soaring over Cape Disappointment or the Nahcotta Bay. While you can see Bald Eagles almost anywhere at any time, catching sight of them is almost guaranteed at sunset in Oysterville near Sea Farms Seafood Market. All of our Ocean Park, WA rentals are close to Willapa Bay where the birdlife is especially plentiful.
18. Catch Dinner While Surf Fishing
Long Beach, WA is famous for its charter deep-sea fishing on the Columbia River and the Pacific Ocean. However, with a license found at any of the local stores, one can surf fish at no additional cost all along the 26 miles of the peninsula coastline. The beach fishing is found in Seaview, Washington, and Beards Hollow. Our fishing guide provides additional information for first-time visitors.
19. Enjoy a Sunset at Cape Disappointment State Park
The lighthouses offer tremendous views at all times of the day but the best time to catch a great sunset is at the Cape Disappointment State park with a view of the lighthouse from the North Jetty.
20. Hike Along the Ocean, in the Pine Beach Forests and Through the Wetlands
Long Beach has some of the finest hiking on the entire Washington Coast. From the paved Discovery Trail to the birdwatchers paradise of LedBetter point on the Willapa Bay, there are several short pet-friendly and family friendly hikes to choose from. Most of all, it doesn't cost anything to go out and explore nature.
21. Attend Sandsations at the End of July
This is a 'fun for the entire family event' not to be missed. If you are a master or a wanna-be master sand sculptor please join the competitions. For the rest of us, we love just seeing what the masters create. Every year has different and amazing creations. See our July Calendar of events for dates and times.
22. Attend the 2022 Rod Run to the End of The World
This event is held the weekend after labor day every year. Families and car enthusiasts come from all over the world to watch the nightly parade of antique roadsters, muscle cars and trucks through downtown Long Beach, WA. Be sure to read up on the latest information on the Long Beach, WA 2022 Rod Run.
23. Listen to Live Music-No Cover Charge
The Long Beach Peninsula has live music year-round, within singer/songwriters and bands traveling from Seattle, Portland, Oregon, and occasionally from California. Be sure to check the schedules at our list of the best live music venues on the coast.