A Weekend Escape to Washington's Hidden Gem: Seabrook, WA
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Occasionally, I find myself looking for a beach escape in Washington State and I was pleasantly surprised after arriving in Seabrook, Washington. This charming coastal town is exactly what you need if you’re looking for a weekend escape in the Pacific Northwest. Seabrook is perfect in every way. With so much to do in the area, It’s a great place for families, couples, and everyone in between. The town itself and the homes almost remind me of The Truman Show or the neighborhood on The Stepford Wives. The homes are picture-perfect beach houses and vacation rentals and seem to be meticulously maintained. And the fact that you can experience all of this and it’s less than 3 hours away from Seattle makes it a no-brainer.
Where is Seabrook, Washington?
The town of Seabrook is located on the shores of the Pacific Ocean and nestled between Pacific Beach and Ocean Grove. To reach Seabrook, visitors can take State Route 109, which winds through the lush forestry and coastal landscapes of the Olympic Peninsula. The town is approximately 2.5 hours southwest of Seattle and just over an hour's drive from the state capital, Olympia, making it an ideal weekend getaway destination for city dwellers seeking a relaxing escape.
Surrounded by beautiful coastal scenery, including sandy beaches, towering evergreen forests, and Olympic National Park, Seabrook is the ideal destination for outdoor adventures and relaxation. Whether you're seeking a tranquil retreat or an action-packed excursion, this charming town has something to offer for every type of traveler whether it’s in the town itself or the vicinity.
Weekend Getaway to Seabrook, WA
I had the pleasure of spending a weekend in Seabrook last spring and even though the weather was a bit chilly, I still had a great time! One of the most alluring aspects of Seabrook is its pedestrian-friendly design. The town was thoughtfully planned to encourage walking and biking, with a network of trails and paths that wind through the community, making it easy to explore on foot. Although cars are allowed, this seemingly car-free environment creates a serene and peaceful ambiance, allowing visitors to truly disconnect from the stresses of everyday life and immerse themselves in their new surroundings.
Seabrook's architecture is a delightful blend of coastal charm and modern elegance. The town's homes and buildings are designed with a distinct beach-inspired aesthetic, featuring bright colors, shingle siding, and charming details that evoke a sense of warmth and whimsy. From cozy cottages to spacious beach houses, Seabrook offers a variety of accommodation options to suit every taste and budget, ensuring a comfortable and memorable stay. We stayed in a three-bedroom vacation home called Good Day Getaway and it was absolutely beautiful!
Beyond its aesthetic appeal, Seabrook is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. The town boasts direct access to the Pacific Ocean, where visitors can enjoy numerous activities, such as beachcombing, surfing, swimming, and clam digging. As mentioned before, the town boasts multiple trails from the kid-friendly Gnome Trail to trails specifically for mountain biking. The town hosts numerous events throughout the year like sunset concerts in the summer months, mushroom foraging, and brewfests.
For those seeking a little more relaxing experience, Seabrook's town center is worth exploring in itself. Lined with locally-owned shops, galleries, and eateries, the town center is worth a stroll. My friend and I really enjoyed making custom candles at Lorraine’s Candle Studio after having a healthy lunch at Blue Juice Bar.
No matter which kind of vacation you’re looking for, Seabrook has you covered. Or maybe you’re like me and like a little bit of both on your vacation! One thing I also must mention about the town is that they’re still developing it and adding more amenities each year. They’ve recently opened an outdoor roller rink, playgrounds, both an indoor and an outdoor pool, pickleball and tennis courts, and a basketball court. There are even plans to open an equestrian area! The developmental plans seem to be never-ending and cater to everyone’s needs. It’s something that makes Seabrook a truly unique destination and why it should be on your radar.
Things to Do in Seabrook, WA
Best Outdoor Activities in Seabrook
One of the main highlights is the town's sandy beach, stretching for miles along the coast. Depending on the time of year you visit, you can indulge in various beach activities like beachcombing, building sandcastles, flying kites, or digging for clams. Razor Clam digging was something I would have never imagined doing, but it happened to be Razor Clam season when I visited and I knew it was an experience that I didn’t want to pass up. Clam digging season in Seabrook runs from November to May and although you’ll still need to bundle up, it’s a really fun activity and it’s pretty easy to learn if you’ve never done it before. You’ll need to get a permit and a clam gun which is not a gun at all, it’s a long tube that creates a suction that pulls up the clam from the sand. You can book time with Pacific Edge Adventures to go on a guided clam dig or visit their shop to rent gear. Later that day, we stopped by Fresh Foods Market for some ingredients and prepared a couple of clam dishes for dinner. This is an experience I’ll never forget!
Hiking and mountain biking enthusiasts will be delighted by the numerous trails winding through the lush evergreen forests and scenic coastal bluffs surrounding Seabrook. The nearby Seabrook Crescent Trail is available for hiking, mountain biking, and equestrian. In total, Seabrook has nine hiking trails, four mixed-use trails, and eleven mountain biking trails - all ranging from easy to challenging terrain.
For families with children, Seabrook boasts several parks and playgrounds, including the charming Town Square Park, where kids can run, play, and burn off energy. The park also hosts various community events and gatherings throughout the year, adding to the town's vibrant atmosphere.
Additionally, the town is situated just north of Griffiths-Priday State Park where you can explore diverse ecosystems, spot wildlife, and immerse yourself in the natural wonders of the region. One of my favorite things to do in the surrounding area that’s more unique to Washington State is visiting the Quinault Rainforest. It’s a short 40-minute drive from Seabrook and a great day trip option. Quinault Rainforest is one of four temperate rainforests in Washington and they are truly magical to see!
Shopping and Indoor Activities in Seabrook
If the weather isn’t that great or you’re just looking for a break from the sun, Seabrook has a wide variety of boutiques and a few indoor activities.
Market Street is where you'll find an eclectic mix of locally-owned stores. Discover one-of-a-kind gifts, home decor, and artwork at the various boutiques and galleries. SeaWorthy Home is my favorite store in Seabrook and it’s full of beautiful home decor and gifts. Across the street is a charming bookstore called Joie Des Livres: The Joy Of Books. It has a wonderful children’s area and is well worth stopping into. One of my favorite indoor activities was making my very own custom candle at Lorraine’s Candle Studio. I loved selecting two to three scents and blending them to create the candle of my dreams. Once you’ve crafted your signature scent, your candle will cool overnight and will be ready for pick-up the following day.
If the weather takes a turn for the worse, there’s an indoor swimming pool near Crescent Park that guests can enjoy!
Where to Eat in Seabrook
There’s a handful of restaurants in Seabrook and all are delicious! Whether you’re craving Mexican cuisine or looking for a healthier option like an acai bowl, there’s something for everyone! My favorite restaurants in Seabrook are:
If you’re looking to cook for yourself one evening or stock up on items for breakfast, the main grocery store in town is called Fresh Foods Market and they have everything you need and more. Fresh Foods Market is in a two-story building and they offer over 15,000 products including items for those with dietary restrictions. Inside, you can find fresh seafood & produce, a selection of liquor & wine, as well as ready-to-eat meals.
What to Pack for Seabrook, Washington?
Yes, Seabrook is a beach town, but it’s not the super warm, sunny beach town you probably immediately think of. The warmest months are usually July and August when temperatures reach the low 70s during the day and nights remain cool hovering around 50 degrees Fahrenheit. What you pack will depend on what time of year you’re visiting, but here’s what I recommend packing when visiting Seabrook, Washington in the warmer months.
Bathing suit
Swimsuit coverup
Light sweaters
Lightweight pants such as linen pants
Shorts
Tank tops, blouses, t-shirts
Lightweight cardigan
Sneakers
Sandals or flip-flops
Windbreaker jacket
Fleece pullover
A weekend in Seabrook, Washington, offers a refreshing escape from the everyday routine, with its stunning coastal scenery, charming architecture, and a variety of outdoor activities to enjoy. Visitors can soak up the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest, whether it's through leisurely walks on the beach or exploring the surrounding forest trails. The town’s emphasis on community and sustainability adds to its allure, making it a welcoming destination for families and travelers alike. Seabrook truly does help you get away from it all and I hope you enjoy your time there as much as I did!
Happy travels!
-Tess
Tess Arnold
Hi! I’m Tess, founder of TravelingTessie.com, and not only do I love to travel, but I love immersing myself in new places and finding off the beaten path experiences wherever I go! I’ve lived in 4 different states & traveled to 13 countries and counting. I believe that tourism is meant to benefit both visitors and locals alike—and I want to bring that idea back into the travel industry by highlighting companies run by locals such as tours, hotels, restaurants, and more. On Traveling Tessie you can find hidden gems in top destinations around the world, travel tips, detailed city guides, and tons of inspiration for your next trip! If you love travel as much as I do, then please join me on this journey! I hope you enjoy my content as much as I enjoy providing it for you!