Long Beach Peninsula is a mellow summer beachbreak that spills over clean sand on the Washington coast. It won't blow you away, but on the right day it's an easygoing, kind-of-fun wave with plenty of room to spread out.
When It Works
Summer is the season here, roughly June through August. The break pulls in swell from south-southwest to north (SSW-N) and is usable from 0.3 m / 1 ft to 1.8 m / 6 ft, so it can handle anything from thigh-high runners up to the occasional head-high set. Waves break over sand.
Wind and Tide
Look for east (E) offshore wind to clean things up, with a workable wind window running from northeast to southeast (NE-SE). It's best on high tide, and a rising tide is generally the better call.
Local Tips
This is a friendly wave that welcomes everyone from beginners to experts, and it suits just about any board, whether you're on a shortboard, funboard, longboard, or fish. The paddle out is moderate. Expect a quiet lineup that can feel a little reserved, though the overall vibe stays relaxed and low-key.
Access
For the greater Long Beach Peninsula, exit U.S. Highway 101 onto State Highway 103, which becomes Pacific Way through Long Beach. For the Columbia River North Jetty, take the Highway 100 Loop out of Ilwaco and continue to the Highway 100 Spur junction, then veer onto it and follow the brown signs out to the North Jetty. It's about a mile from the entrance kiosk, and there's no fee for day use.
