One Last Summer Adventure: End the Season on Washington’s Evergreen Coast
There’s something bittersweet about August.
The days are still long, the sun is still warm, and summer is very much alive—but backpacks are appearing in stores, school calendars are filling up, and suddenly those seemingly endless summer days don’t feel quite so endless anymore.
Before alarm clocks, packed lunches, homework, and busy fall schedules return, there’s still time for one more adventure.
And Washington’s Evergreen Coast is the perfect place to make it count.
Whether you have a full week, a long weekend, or just a couple of days to get away, a late summer getaway on Washington’s Evergreen Coast is a chance to slow down, spend time together, and squeeze every last drop out of the season.
Spend One More Day at the Beach
No complicated itinerary required.
Pack the beach chairs, grab the sand toys, bring a kite, and find your spot along the miles of coastline stretching across the Long Beach Peninsula.
Build the biggest sandcastle you can. Search for shells and sand dollars. Dip your toes in the Pacific. Fly a kite in the ocean breeze. Let the kids run until they’re tired and stay long enough to watch the sky begin to change colors.
Sometimes the best summer memories come from days when you don’t have anywhere else you need to be.
Bike the Discovery Trail
If your family still has some summer energy to burn, hop on your bikes and explore the Discovery Trail.
The paved trail winds for approximately 8.5 miles between Long Beach and Ilwaco, passing through dunes, coastal forest, wetlands, and beautiful viewpoints along the way. Make an entire day of it or choose a shorter section and explore at your own pace.
Don’t have bikes with you? No problem! Stop by Beachin’ Bike Rentals in Long Beach, where you can rent traditional bikes or e-bikes and head out for an adventure along the trail.
Stop for photos, take a snack break, and enjoy the kind of summer afternoon where getting there is half the fun.
Get Out on the Water
Summer isn’t over yet, and neither are the opportunities to get out on the water.
Explore the quieter side of the coast by kayaking the waterways of Willapa Bay, where forests, marshes, wildlife, and small coastal communities create an entirely different experience from the open Pacific.
For an easy family outing, head to Black Lake in Ilwaco. Its protected waters offer a peaceful place to paddle, and kayak rentals are available nearby from Sips & Subs.
Whether you’re an experienced paddler or trying it for the first time, a day near the water is a pretty great way to say goodbye to summer.
While the Pacific Ocean may look inviting on a warm summer day, swimming is not recommended due to powerful waves, rip currents, and changing ocean conditions. If you’re hoping to dip your toes in the water, Waikiki Beach at Cape Disappointment State Park offers a more protected setting than the open-ocean beaches, though visitors should always use caution and pay attention to current conditions.
Explore Cape Disappointment
If your ideal family adventure involves a little more exploring, head to Cape Disappointment State Park.
Hike through coastal forests, take in views of the Pacific Ocean and Columbia River, discover beaches tucked beneath dramatic cliffs, and visit some of the area’s most recognizable landmarks.
Pack a picnic and make a day of it. There’s plenty to discover, and you never know which view, trail, or quiet little corner will become the memory everyone talks about later.
Eat All the Summer Treats
A final summer getaway deserves a few treats.
Start the morning with a fresh donut or pastry from a local bakery. Stop for ice cream in the afternoon. Grab fish and chips, chowder, burgers, pizza, or fresh local seafood after a day of exploring.
And yes, vacation rules absolutely allow dessert more than once.
One of the best parts of exploring Washington’s Evergreen Coast is discovering the locally owned restaurants, bakeries, cafés, and shops tucked throughout our coastal communities. Skip the usual routine and let everyone choose something special before summer ends.
Catch One More Sunset
There are sunsets—and then there are Pacific Coast sunsets.
After a full day of exploring, head back toward the beach, bring a blanket or a few chairs, and settle in for the evening.
Watch as the sun sinks toward the Pacific and the sky turns shades of gold, pink, orange, and purple. Put the phones away for a few minutes. Listen to the waves. Let the kids play in the sand just a little longer.
You don’t have to rush home quite yet.
Make WSIKF Part of Your Summer Sendoff
If you’re visiting August 17–23, 2026, there’s an even bigger reason to make your way to the coast: the Washington State International Kite Festival.
For one week, the skies above Long Beach fill with kites of seemingly every shape, size, and color. From impressive displays and skilled kite fliers to the simple joy of looking up and seeing the sky covered in color, it’s one of those uniquely Evergreen Coast experiences that feels like summer in its purest form.
Bring the family, spend the day on the beach, and let one of the coast’s favorite traditions become part of your final summer adventure.
Summer Isn’t Over Yet
The school supplies can wait just a little longer.
There’s still time for sandy feet, bike rides, kayak paddles, ice cream stops, windswept hair, and evenings spent watching the sun disappear into the Pacific.
You don’t need to fit everything into one trip. Pick a few adventures, leave some room for spontaneity, and enjoy being together before life gets busy again.
Because summer may be winding down—but there’s still time to make one more memory on Washington’s Evergreen Coast.
