Sunny Beach sits along the Columbia River in East Wenatchee, Douglas County, positioned within three miles of the confluence of the Columbia and Wenatchee Rivers. Douglas County was created from Lincoln County on November 28, 1883, and named for American statesman Stephen A. Douglas, while the city of Wenatchee across the Columbia River takes its name from the Wenatchi people, a Sahaptin word meaning "river which comes from canyons" or "robe of the rainbow." East Wenatchee developed on the east shore of the Columbia River opposite Wenatchee, with the beach providing access to one of the Pacific Northwest's major waterways. The area's sunny climate and river location influenced the beach's descriptive name, reflecting the region's reputation for clear skies and abundant sunshine in Washington's apple-growing heartland.
Swimming attracts visitors to the Columbia River's refreshing waters during summer months, with the beach providing entry points for cooling off in the scenic river environment. Boating activities flourish along this Columbia River section, with powerboats, jet skis, kayakers, and paddleboarders utilizing the water for recreation and exploration of the wide river corridor. Fishing yields Columbia River species including bass, walleye, sturgeon during appropriate seasons, and trout, with anglers casting from shore or launching boats for better access to productive waters. Beachcombing along the river shoreline reveals smooth river rocks, driftwood from upstream forests, and occasional finds deposited by seasonal water level fluctuations. Wildlife watching includes bald eagles soaring overhead and fishing the river, osprey diving for prey, great blue herons stalking shallows, and diverse waterfowl utilizing the Columbia River flyway during migrations. Views span across the broad Columbia River to Wenatchee and the Cascade foothills, with orchards and vineyards covering surrounding hillsides in the productive Wenatchee Valley agricultural region.
Wenatchee dining offers diverse Columbia River area options accessible from East Wenatchee. Visconti's Italian Restaurant creates house-made pasta dishes, extensive wine selections earning Wine Spectator recognition, and exceptional service with Washington wines available without corkage fees. McGlinn's Public House serves elevated comfort fare including cavatappi with chipotle sauce, lamb tzatziki burgers, wood-fired pizzas with inventive toppings like blueberry-prosciutto, juicy steaks, gourmet burgers, and seafood with extensive beer and cocktail lists. Pybus Public Market houses over 20 restaurants and specialty food vendors at 3 N. Worthen St. on the Columbia River waterfront, featuring Fire and Ice restaurants with pizza, pasta, and gelato, South Restaurant with Latin dishes from Mexico, Peru, Cuba, Brazil, and Argentina, and Pybus Bistro. McGlinn's sits about two blocks west of Wenatchee Riverfront Park. Café Columbia, Little Red's Espresso and Bakery, Mike's Meats and Seafood, and The Cheesemonger's Shop operate within Pybus Market.
