Starting point: 170 miles from Seattle
The Route
Freeways have on-ramps, but beaches have access roads. Those in Long Beach, Klipsan Beach, Ocean Park, and Surfside Estatesâa 13.5-mile stretchâallow cars all year long, but sections both north and south close April 15 through Labor Day (some open during razor clam season). Closed sections may protect habitat for snowy plover birds.
The best beach drives happen outside of prime kite-flying season in the summer, and with an eye on the tides. Try entering at Cranberry Road and heading north, avoiding the crowds of Long Beach proper, then circling back to town on regular roads for Dylanâs Cottage Bakeryâs signature sweets.