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The Olympic Peninsula is home to some of the most unique and beautiful beaches in Washington State, featuring rugged coastline, sea stacks, tide pools, and dramatic Pacific Ocean views.
Whether you’re planning a full road trip or just looking for the best stops along the coast, this guide covers the top beaches on the Olympic Peninsula and how to choose the right ones for your trip.
Unlike typical sandy beaches, the Olympic Peninsula coastline is known for:
Sea stacks rising out of the ocean
Driftwood-covered shores
Tide pools filled with marine life
Wild, undeveloped landscapes
Most beaches are part of Olympic National Park, meaning they remain protected and natural.
Here are the top beaches to visit, each offering a slightly different experience.
Ruby Beach is one of the most photographed beaches in Washington.
Easy access from Highway 101
Iconic sea stacks
Great for sunsets and photography
Rialto Beach offers a more rugged and adventurous experience.
Longer shoreline for walking
Hole-in-the-Wall rock formation
Excellent tide pool opportunities
Second Beach requires a short hike but rewards you with one of the most scenic coastal views.
Forest trail access
Wide open beach with sea stacks
Less crowded than roadside beaches
Located in La Push, First Beach is easy to access and great for a quick stop.
No hiking required
Good for families
Close to amenities
Parking is managed by the Quileute Tribe and may require a fee or permit in the area
👉 Note: Nearby Second Beach does not require this and is accessed via a short hike.
Kalaloch offers multiple beach access points and iconic coastal scenery.
Tree of Life (famous photo spot)
Easy pull-offs along Highway 101
Good mix of accessibility and views
Ruby Beach – Best overall and easiest to access
Rialto Beach – Best for exploring and tide pools
Second Beach – Best scenic hike + views
First Beach – Most convenient access
Kalaloch – Best for multiple scenic stops
👉 If you only have time for one: start with Ruby Beach.
Check tide charts before visiting (especially for tide pools)
Wear sturdy shoes—terrain can be rocky and uneven
Bring layers (weather changes quickly)
Plan extra time—these places are bigger than they look
Most beaches are located along the western edge of the Olympic Peninsula and are best visited as part of a loop.
Typical route:
Port Angeles → Forks → Coast → Return via Highway 101
👉 For a full route plan, see:
Olympic Peninsula Road Trip Itinerary
Early morning and late evening offer:
Better lighting for photos
Fewer crowds
More dramatic coastal conditions
Midday tends to be the busiest time.
After exploring the beaches, many visitors head back toward Port Angeles—but one of the best stops on the return trip is Sequim.
Sequim offers a completely different experience from the rugged coastline, with sunny weather and open farmland.
During summer, it’s also home to lavender fields in full bloom.
If you’re traveling through the Olympic Peninsula between late June and July, stopping in Sequim is one of the highlights of the trip.
👉 Plan your visit around lavender season:
If you’re looking for a relaxing stop after the coast, B&B Family Lavender Farm offers:
One of the largest organic lavender farms in Sequim
Wide open fields (less crowded, more relaxed)
Free informational tours
Lavender distillation during peak season
Some of the most popular beaches include Rialto Beach, Ruby Beach, and Second Beach, each offering unique views and experiences.
Summer offers the best weather, but spring and fall can be less crowded and still very scenic.
The water is very cold year-round, so swimming is possible but not common. Most visitors explore, hike, and enjoy the scenery.
Some areas within Olympic National Park require a park pass, while others are free to access.
Yes, many beaches are family-friendly, but conditions can vary, so it’s important to check tides and weather.
If you're visiting Sequim during lavender season, B&B Family Lavender Farm offers a relaxed, less crowded experience with wide open fields and handcrafted lavender products.
