Waikiki Beach sits within Cape Disappointment State Park near Ilwaco on the Long Beach Peninsula. The name echoes Hawaii's famous beach, though this Pacific Northwest version features massive ocean swells and driftwood rather than tropical palms.
Surfing draws riders year-round to this beach break known for getting really big with beautiful ocean views, though the powerful swells suit experienced surfers more than beginners. Water temperatures reach 60+ degrees during July through September, about 10 degrees warmer than other Washington coastal areas. Skookum Surf Co. at the Port of Ilwaco provides rentals, lessons, and local surf knowledge. The driftwood-filled shoreline creates natural obstacles and sculptures perfect for photography. Beachcombing reveals agates, shells, sand dollars, and Japanese glass fishing floats along the expansive sand. Beach walking extends for miles along the Long Beach Peninsula's 28 miles of drivable sand beach, ensuring you'll never face crowds even on busy days. Whale watching peaks during spring and fall migrations when gray whales pass close to shore. Bird watching attracts enthusiasts seeking brown pelicans, pigeon guillemots, tufted puffins, and diverse shorebirds. Tide pooling during low tides exposes starfish, anemones, hermit crabs, and other intertidal life. Fishing from the beach yields surf perch and occasional bottom fish. A Washington State Discover Pass is required for park access. Cape Disappointment's lighthouse and hiking trails provide additional exploration opportunities beyond the beach. The beach's exposure to Pacific swells creates dramatic wave action, especially during winter storms when wave watchers gather safely above the surf.
Ilwaco and Long Beach Peninsula dining celebrates Pacific seafood. The Salt Pub overlooks the Port of Ilwaco serving fish and chips, clam chowder, fresh seafood, craft cocktails, local beers, and vegetarian options. The Depot Restaurant features fine dining, world-class wines, local microbrews on tap, open-air kitchen, steaks, and seafood preparations. Lost Roo offers seasonal menus with clam chowder, fresh oysters on the half shell, Willapa Bay clams, steak dinners, sandwiches, and burgers. Pickled Fish at the Adrift Hotel provides Pacific views, happy hour specials, live music nightly, and Northwest regional cuisine with seasonal ingredients. Peninsula restaurants showcase fresh fish, wild berries, mushrooms, cranberries, and game in Northwest-style preparations.
