Within thirty minutes of town sit a number of splendid state parks, recreation areas, and a national wildlife refuge. Among them is Cape Disappointment State Park, one of Washington's most popular destinations and home to the Northwest's oldest lighthouse, jaw-dropping views of the mouth of the Columbia River, and some truly excellent fishing. To the north, Leadbetter Point State Park has some of the region's best birdwatching along the northern shore of Willapa Bay, plus several miles of hiking trails and opportunities for crabbing and fishing.

Although a small town, visitors can eat very well in Long Beach. The Aloha Charlie Fish Company offers perhaps the best clam chowder and pan-fried oysters in town, but they have plenty of healthy competition! A few minutes outside of downtown Long Beach, The Depot in Seaview and Pelicano Restaurant in Iwalco offer more upscale dining. For rainy-day entertainment, it's hard to beat the iconically kitschy Marsh's Free Museum (home of Jake the Alligator Man), but the Long Beach Peninsula is also home to a kite museum and a cranberry museum, dedicated to the region's productive cranberry bogs.

Long Beach is just over three hours from Seattle and two from Portland, making it a convenient destination from either city. Although technically in Washington, it's easy to explore the best of the Northern Oregon Coast from Long Beach; historic Astoria is only half an hour away, and popular tourist destinations at Seaside and Cannon Beach can be reached within an hour. For a Pacific Northwest beach town equally rich in natural beauty, outdoor recreation, and dining & entertainment options, Long Beach can't be beat.