What is best in Aberdeen, WA?
March 23, 2024 2:29 PM Subscribe
I'm going to Aberdeen, WA to visit family. What's fun around there?
Not all of the party are able to hike, paddle, etc. so activities that include short walks to a scenic bench, or a thing we can drive to or around, would be ideal. We're not particularly interested in going to Seattle.
Not all of the party are able to hike, paddle, etc. so activities that include short walks to a scenic bench, or a thing we can drive to or around, would be ideal. We're not particularly interested in going to Seattle.
On the north side of the harbor mouth, you've got Ocean Shores. On the south, you've got Westport. Each are fun!
Hoquiam Castle!
Looks like the Lady Washington is being refitted (?), otherwise I'd recommend that.
If you're book people, maybe check out Harbor Books? I haven't been through town in some years, but I'd stop there.
posted by cupcakeninja at 3:32 PM on March 23
Hoquiam Castle!
Looks like the Lady Washington is being refitted (?), otherwise I'd recommend that.
If you're book people, maybe check out Harbor Books? I haven't been through town in some years, but I'd stop there.
posted by cupcakeninja at 3:32 PM on March 23
If everyone is willing to travel a bit (less than an hour), heading to Olympia will open up a lot of options.
posted by not just everyday big moggies at 3:34 PM on March 23 [1 favorite]
posted by not just everyday big moggies at 3:34 PM on March 23 [1 favorite]
Honestly, there's not much close by around there. The Grays Harbor National Wildlife Refuge is just outside Aberdeen, which is a nice walk, but it's kinda long - it's a couple miles in and out so not exactly the "short" walk you might be looking for, although it is pretty flat so it's not strenuous.
Your best bet would probably be to drive out to Ocean Shores, about a half hour away. It's a neat little town on the beach with lots to explore.
posted by pdb at 3:35 PM on March 23 [1 favorite]
Your best bet would probably be to drive out to Ocean Shores, about a half hour away. It's a neat little town on the beach with lots to explore.
posted by pdb at 3:35 PM on March 23 [1 favorite]
You can drive on the beaches in Ocean Shores, and people do, so it might be fun to drive onto the beach and watch the sunset if it happens to be clear. Also kite flying.
If you don't mind driving around 40 miles, Olympia is one direction, and you could get to Lake Quinault in Olympic National Park going another direction. There is a self-guided Quinault loop driving tour and some viewpoints that don't require hiking.
posted by lizard music at 6:21 PM on March 23
If you don't mind driving around 40 miles, Olympia is one direction, and you could get to Lake Quinault in Olympic National Park going another direction. There is a self-guided Quinault loop driving tour and some viewpoints that don't require hiking.
posted by lizard music at 6:21 PM on March 23
Quinault Loop Driving Tour is currently closed due to road damage! Partly open but you cannot drive the full loop, last I read.
posted by grinagog at 6:46 PM on March 23 [1 favorite]
posted by grinagog at 6:46 PM on March 23 [1 favorite]
Billy's is a perfectly fine bar and grill, with friendly waitstaff. It's been a few years since I was there, but Duffy's had good Swedish pancakes (and a weird gift shop / book store counter).
posted by The corpse in the library at 8:36 PM on March 23 [1 favorite]
posted by The corpse in the library at 8:36 PM on March 23 [1 favorite]
Westport for surfing.
posted by NickPeters at 10:03 AM on March 24
posted by NickPeters at 10:03 AM on March 24
Lake Quinault is absolutely gorgeous and a great way to see the "ferns, moss, pines, moss in trees" kind of landscape without requiring a hike-- and there are flat (paved?) walks by the lake, and mini hikes up into the forest for those who are able.
The picturesque 1926 lodge there also has a restaurant, gift shop and rents kayaks; the ranger office has restrooms and helpful folks; and the restaurant at the small hotel / quick mart on the east of the lake is fine as a meal destination or an overnight. They also have a tiny beach space.
posted by travertina at 9:44 AM on March 25
The picturesque 1926 lodge there also has a restaurant, gift shop and rents kayaks; the ranger office has restrooms and helpful folks; and the restaurant at the small hotel / quick mart on the east of the lake is fine as a meal destination or an overnight. They also have a tiny beach space.
posted by travertina at 9:44 AM on March 25
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I think I have spent one night in Aberdeen about 35 years ago. In January...
That being said, Gray's Harbor is right there, and if you need more "touristy" kind of things, Ocean Shores isn't far away. Pacific beaches. Several nature preserves that probably have easy hikes.
Could probably find some Nirvana-related things in Aberdeen.
posted by Windopaene at 3:01 PM on March 23