More Washington Coast Travel Tips

I was chatting on the phone with my pal K. this morning – he’s looking to wow his sweetheart for Valentine’s Day. My suggestion? There’s no need to buy “stuff” – instead, take your beloved somewhere romantic!

We are big fans of the Washington Coast here at Nerd’s Eye View, the rugged landscape, the fog, the salt air… and we’ve spent a decent chunk of time exploring that part of my home state. After I hit send on an email to K. with a list of suggestions, it occurred to me that they belong here, too.

• Klaloch Lodge has cabins on the beach, some with views. They’re not deluxe by any means, but they’re cozy and the setting can’t be beat. There is a restaurant on site, honestly, I don’t remember it at all.
• Quinalt Lodge is in Olympic National Park – it’s right on the lake and it’s wonderful. If you feel like spending a little more, ask for a view, though there is nothing to stop you from whiling away your afternoons in the lobby and admiring the view from there. ( Tip -  do not let them put you over the kitchen.) Whenever we do the Nerd’s Eye View coast tour, we stop here, though I’ve only had the pleasure of staying at the Lodge once. I’ve had dinner in the restaurant; it’s nice. Not swoonworthy, but really just fine.
• Seabrook is a little odd – it feels like a planned community far away from anything, but it is very, very comfortable. The houses are so well appointed and many of them have private hot tubs. I was ambivalent on arrival because of what one friend called the Pleasantville atmosphere, but by the time we were packing to head home, I was sold. Seabrook is perfect for a larger group or family gathering. The restaurant here is first rate, though heads up, I was at a private party and can’t evaluate it for regular guests.
• Ocean Crest Resort has unimpressive accomodations- we stayed in the “suite” on the highway because we wanted two bedrooms and kitchen facilities – it was a little, um, let’s say tired, when we were there. But the restaurant was fantastic, generous plates of delicious food and, if you call ahead and ask, you can get a table with a view of the sun setting over the Pacific.

Bring groceries, no matter where you end up. There’s a market in Ocean Shores, but it’s best you stock up before you get too far out of town – make a stop in Aberdeen if you’ve neglected to get your groceries at home.