Things to do in Ilwaco

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Cape Disappointment State Park which includes a beach, a sunset and a lighthouse
Cape Disappointment State Park which includes general coastal views, landscape views and a beach
Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center which includes rocky coastline and general coastal views
Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center featuring views
Ilwaco

Ilwaco Attractions

Smaller cities have a charm about them you won't find in their larger counterparts. Make a note of all the fun things to do in Ilwaco before you head away so you can see as much as possible during your getaway. You'll soon see that bigger isn't necessarily better!

Learn what makes Ilwaco tick with some of the very best tours & day trips. Look into our {5 fun activities in Ilwaco fun activities in Ilwaco}, and book with ease knowing that we offer free cancellation and no added fees.

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Ilwaco must see attractions

1. Long Beach

Whether you want to play at the water’s edge, build sandcastles, surf or fly a kite, visit the 28-mile (45-kilometer) Long Beach Peninsula for a typical Pacific Northwest experience. Stay several days to enjoy the beach and the many activities the region offers.
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Long Beach featuring signage and tranquil scenes

2. Cape Disappointment State Park

The first question you’ll likely have upon visiting Cape Disappointment State Park is, “Why does it have such a somber name?” It dates back to the Lewis and Clark era, when Captain John Meares failed in his attempt to find the Columbia River. Though his displeasure is reflected in the park’s title, today join many other visitors who experience the opposite of disappointment when visiting this beautiful coastal site.
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Cape Disappointment State Park which includes general coastal views, landscape views and a beach

3. Cape Disappointment Lighthouse

To step back into the past, include a visit to the Cape Disappointment Lighthouse in your Washington state travel plans. This historic structure on the Long Beach Peninsula and its sister, the North Head Lighthouse, have guided many mariners into the mouth of the Columbia River. The Cape Disappointment light is the oldest functioning lighthouse on the West Coast.
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Cape Disappointment Lighthouse featuring a lighthouse as well as a couple

4. Waikiki Beach

Long Beach Peninsula residents love Waikiki Beach and you probably will too. Don’t confuse this northern beach with the warmer Hawaiian beach with the same name. Visit Washington’s Waikiki, in Cape Disappointment State Park, for its gentle break, perfect for beginning surfers and swimmers.
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Waikiki Beach showing general coastal views and a sandy beach

5. Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center

Make the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center the first stop during your visit to Cape Disappointment State Park. Perched high above the mouth of the Columbia River, where it meets the Pacific Ocean, the center offers insight into the Corps of Discovery’s famous journey, in particular, their stay on the Pacific coast.
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Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center which includes rocky coastline and general coastal views

What to do in Ilwaco

Free Things to Do in Ilwaco

A vacation in Ilwaco need not blow your budget. You can leave your wallet behind if you go to:

North Head Lighthouse - Get ready to feel like you've gone back in time while learning the secrets of this historic site.

Port of Ilwaco - Discover for yourself why locals and visitors alike are enamored by the unique atmosphere of this place.

Things to Do in Ilwaco with Kids

There's fun for the entire family no matter where you go in Ilwaco. Here are some family friendly experiences to do together that are certain to make your break memorable:

 

Looking for sports, concerts, or theater events in Ilwaco? Search event tickets to see what's happening today, or to plan what to do this weekend!

 

 

Discover the most popular places to visit in Ilwaco

Cape Disappointment State Park which includes general coastal views, landscape views and a beach

Cape Disappointment State Park

4.5/5(285 reviews)

Build sandcastles, hike along the beach, launch a boat or dig for clams at this Pacific Northwest park that is much better than its depressing name.

Cape Disappointment State Park
Cape Disappointment Lighthouse featuring a lighthouse as well as a couple

Cape Disappointment Lighthouse

4.5/5(204 reviews)

Imagine the life of a lighthouse keeper at this beacon of light and safety at the mouth of the mighty Columbia River on the Washington coast.

Cape Disappointment Lighthouse
Only 20 minutes from Astoria OR and 10 minutes from Long Beach. Enjoy the Saturday market along the waterfront, go fishing, or start here on your 8 mile walk or bike ride of the Discovery Trail. Don't let the gray clouds concern you, this is not uncommon.

Port of Ilwaco

4/5(152 reviews)

Explore the waterfront in Ilwaco with a trip to Port of Ilwaco. Wander the beautiful beaches and seaside in the area.

Port of Ilwaco
Waikiki Beach showing general coastal views and a sandy beach

Waikiki Beach

Swim, surf and build sandcastles all day at this safe and popular beach below the headland of Cape Disappointment on Washington state’s Pacific coast.

Waikiki Beach
Beautiful roadside stop!! #nature #sunset #washington

Willapa National Wildlife Refuge

4.5/5(7 reviews)

Explore the great outdoors at Willapa National Wildlife Refuge, a lovely green space in Ilwaco. Wander the beautiful beaches and seaside in the area.

Willapa National Wildlife Refuge
North Head Lighthouse

North Head Lighthouse

4/5(4 reviews)

You can learn about the history of Ilwaco with a visit to North Head Lighthouse. Wander the beautiful beaches and seaside in this family-friendly area.

North Head Lighthouse
Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center which includes rocky coastline and general coastal views

Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center

4.5/5(10 reviews)

Learn the impressive tale of some of the American West’s earliest explorers at this cliff-side visitor center at a rugged Washington state park.

Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center

Painted Lady Lavender Farm

Enjoy an outing to Painted Lady Lavender Farm during your stay in Ilwaco. Wander the beautiful beaches and seaside in the area.

Painted Lady Lavender Farm

Columbia Pacific Heritage Museum

You can spend time exploring the galleries in Columbia Pacific Heritage Museum during your travels in Ilwaco. Wander the beautiful beaches and seaside in the area.

Columbia Pacific Heritage Museum

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Popular day trips from Ilwaco

Photo by Geraldine Soh

Ocean Park

Long Beach featuring signage and flowers

Long Beach

South Bend which includes signage

South Bend

Photo by Jeff Hammer

Naselle

Photo by Erin Cranston

Seaview

Frequently asked questions

Is Ilwaco worth visiting?
With a blend of nature and hiking, there are plenty of things to do in Ilwaco. While you're here, head to Long Beach, a must-see attraction in the area.
How do I spend a day in Ilwaco?
Long Beach and Long Beach Boardwalk are two great places to kick-start your getaway adventures. Remember to check out the retail and dining options in Ilwaco while you're here too.
What is the top tourist attraction in Ilwaco?
You can't leave without visiting Long Beach, rated the top tourist attraction in Ilwaco.
Is three days enough to stay in Ilwaco?
Three days will be plenty of time to tick off popular city highlights, including Long Beach, Long Beach Peninsula and Waikiki Beach. The average stay in Ilwaco is two days. If you have the time to extend your adventure, Seaside isn't far away.
Is Ilwaco a walkable city?
If touring on foot sounds like your style of vacation, Ilwaco is a great destination. Find major attractions, such as Waikiki Beach, a walkable distance from downtown. You can also enjoy a stroll through Oceanview, a hip neighborhood located about 1 mile from the city center.
What are some activities to do in Ilwaco with kids?
Whether you're vacationing with young explorers or playful teenagers, an itinerary filled with cool activities sets the tone for a great escape. Check out our ideas for what to do in Ilwaco with kids.
What to do in Ilwaco for adults?
Whether you're a culture enthusiast, food lover or thrill seeker, there are plenty of things to do in Ilwaco for adults including Marsh's Free Museum and Cranberry Museum.
Are there free things to do in Ilwaco?
From visiting parks to wandering around vibrant neighborhoods, it's a breeze to find free things to do in Ilwaco. If you're stuck for ideas, get some recommendations from a local tour guide. Long Beach is a must for anyone planning to save on their traveling adventures.