Washington is an absolutely gorgeous place. And while all of the Evergreen State boasts serious natural beauty, there’s simply something extra magical about our coast. From our charming beach towns to our otherworldly Olympic Peninsula, the northwest part of our state looks like something out of a movie (and in fact, it has appeared in many movies filmed in Washington!). If it’s been a while since you’ve explored the coast, you’ll definitely want to check out this epic Washington coast road trip, one of the most scenic road trips in the entire state, in fact!

You’ll start by covering a portion of the Pacific Coast Scenic Byway, which follows US-101 along Hood Canal to the Olympic Peninsula. Then you’ll cruise down the coast and explore beautiful rocky beaches and picturesque little towns until you reach our sandy beaches.
Google Maps
And if you don’t mind a possible breeze or a crisp chill in the air, you can take this trip in any season.
Start your journey with a stop in Union, a Hood Canal town.
Union, WA 98592, USA
Kristin Wall / Flickr
Union holds the title of the first art colony in Washington, and it’s a place where art and recreation come together. Enjoy the scenery, then head up the street to Hoodsport for a latte from Hoodsport Coffee Company.
Brinnon marks the end of the Hood Canal portion of the trek. Stop and stretch your legs, taking in the sights.
Brinnon, WA 98320, USA
Richard Probst / Flickr
Brinnon is known as one of the Emerald Towns of the Hood Canal. It’s a gateway to Olympic National Park, and it’s also home to the visually stunning Whitney Gardens (pictured here). If you have time for a short hike, Rocky Brook Falls is an easy walk from 3000 Dosewallips Road. If you're ready to put up your feet for the night, book a stay in the guest suite at Brinnon Gardens, a tranquil five-acre oasis that's positively perfect.
Head up the highway to Sequim, one of Washington’s most underrated treasures.
PTMurphus / Flickr
If it’s lavender season, Sequim is downright visually stunning, but there’s never a bad time to visit. Head to Dockside Grill to enjoy a waterfront meal of fresh local seafood or a tasty burger. Then, take a walk along the water or through one of the parks. Can't figure out how on earth to say "Sequim?" No worries, you're not alone.

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Don’t forget to drive or walk through the always charming Port Angeles.
Port Angeles, WA, USA
Orin Blomberg / Flickr
In fact, the Port Angeles Pier is a beautiful place to catch a sunset. Well, okay - every single nook and cranny of this amazing little coastal town is jaw-dropping. Plus, there's a lot to do around here:

Whether or not you’re a Twilight fan, you’ll love the misty, magical little city of Forks.
Forks, WA 98331, USA
daveynin / Flickr
You (probably) won’t see any sparkly vampires here, but you will find a quiet community in a picturesque setting. There are some great budget-friendly accommodations here, like the Forks Motel and the Olympic Suites Inn, so you can get a good night’s rest without breaking the bank.
The next morning, head to La Push, a small community at the mouth of the Quillayute River with one amazing beach.
La Push, WA 98350, USA
Benjamin Chodroff / Flickr
It’s breathtaking, and one of the best beachfront campsites in Washington! We're not sure it gets a whole lot more amazing than this:

Drive down US-101 until you reach Moclips, a small town in Washington with even more stunning scenery.
Vlad B / Flickr
During the summer you can camp here at Pacific Beach State Park.
Last but not least, enjoy plenty of quality time in Ocean Shores.
Ocean Shores, WA, USA
jc.winkler / Flickr
Ocean Shores is quieter than Long Beach, but it’s still got plenty of shops, attractions, restaurants and stretches of sandy beach to explore.

Well, what do you think? Is this not one of the most scenic road trips in Washington? Try it out and let us know your thoughts in the comments!

Take some time to explore the Washington coast – it really is the most magical place. And while you’re at it, check out these underrated beach towns in WA!

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More to Explore

scenic road trips in Washington

Sarah | July 29, 2021

What are the most scenic road trips in Washington?

The Washington Coast Road Trip we put together is certainly one of the most scenic road trips in Washington -- but it's by no means the only scenic road trip in the state! Our Natural Wonders Road Trip visits all seven wonders of Washington, and really belongs on any adventure-seeker's bucket list. Scenic stops on this trip include Snoqualmie Falls, Mount Rainier, Mount St. Helens, and The Columbia River Gorge. In other words, pretty much the world's most glorious natural wonders. No big deal.

What are some scenic drives in Washington?

Summer, autumn, winter, and spring; pretty much anytime’s really an ideal time for a long, peaceful drive down a quiet, scenic road! Happily, you can find some truly scenic backroads and byways from pretty much anywhere in the state. These eight are some of our favorite scenic roads in Washington, and include routes such as The Palouse Scenic Byway, State Route 10, and the State Route 821, also known as the Canyon Road.

Are there any fun day trips I can take in Washington?

Prefer day trips to road trips? (You go-getter!) There are so many things to do and see here in the Evergreen State, that you'll find your wanderlust is insatiable! We get it. Our best advice? Start small: plan a trip a month. Here are 12 amazing day trips in Washington, designed to be taken each month for an entire year. This year-long adventure really lets you plan ahead and be intentional with your experiences.

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