long beach

Long Beach, Washington is a classic Pacific Northwest surf spot on the south end of the state’s outer coast. It’s known for its long, open stretch of beach break and consistent exposure to North Pacific swell, making it one of the more reliable surf areas in Washington.

Quick description

• Type of break: Beach break
• Best conditions: Mid-to-low tide with clean groundswell
• Wave character: Usually punchy, fast, and a bit hollow when it’s working well
• Wind: Best with light offshore winds; coastal weather can make conditions change quickly
• Crowds: Can get busy on good days, especially because it’s one of the more accessible surf beaches in the region

What it’s like

Long Beach offers a wide sandy shoreline with plenty of room to spread out. The waves are typically more forgiving than rocky point breaks, but the beach can be fickle and sandbars shift often, so conditions vary from session to session. When the swell lines up, you can get fun, overhead surf, but it can also be smaller, softer, or choppy depending on weather and tide.

Things to know

• Cold water: A thick wetsuit is essential year-round.
• Weather: Fog, rain, and strong winds are common.
• Hazards: Rip currents, shifting sandbars, and powerful surf during bigger swells.
• Best for: Surfers who like beach breaks and don’t mind variable conditions.