Celebrate Seabrook’s 20th Year with These Fun Things to Do

As a travel writer, I’m always on the search for hidden gems. Laid-back coastal towns are one of my favorite types of destinations. Years ago, I discovered Seabrook, which is located on the Olympic Peninsula, and absolutely loved its sense of community, neatly-crafted houses, and plethora of activities for every member of the family, including your pups. It lies across Puget Sound from Seattle and this idyllic beach town is the perfect spot for family vacations and multi-generational reunions. 

Founded in 2004 by developers Casey and Laura Roloff, Seabrook recognized its 20-year anniversary at Meadowview Park with their Founder’s Day Celebration. As I returned this year after two years away, I noticed the newly Fresh Foods Marketplace, which opened last year, and offers a full selection of groceries, sundries, and home items. It’s a great addition for families who prefer to cook meals while on vacation. Several new boutique shops also lined the street, including PONDR, an athleisure store, offering upscale apparel brands. 

Whether you’ve been visiting this cool, little town for years, or if you’re coming for the first time, here are 20 of the best things to do during your stay in Seabrook!

1. Start your day off bright and early at Vista Bakeshop. Not only do they have the best coffee, they also have fresh pastries and bread daily. Try their signature cruffins, which are a hybrid of a flaky croissant and a soft and moist muffin. Dip them in your coffee or tea for a decadent morning charge.                                                                                                                                                                   
   

   There are many hiking trails to choose from. Credit Seabrook.

2. Now that you’re all fueled up, check out one of the many hiking and biking trails in the town. One of our favorites is the fantastical Gnome Trail through an old-growth forest. Look for gnome homes and villages tucked at the base of trees. It’s a fairy-tale setting for kids to explore and connect with nature. 
3. Stroll through the quaint downtown, where boutiques line the streets. Start your Christmas shopping early or look for a cool souvenir to bring home. Magnolia’s is a favorite stop for me – it carries trendy and fun clothing at great price points. They also carry a small selection for men. Seaworthy Home carries a treasure trove of products for your home and living space. You’ll find pillows, candles, art, and home décor items. I always love bringing one or two items from here back with me to remind me of our time spent at Seabrook.
4. Rent a bike from Basecamp/ Pacific Edge Adventures. Whether you’re cruising around town or going out for some serious mountain biking, the crew there has the equipment that suits your needs. They also rent out electric bicycles, paddleboards, and surf boards. 
5. Pack a romantic picnic for an afternoon on the beach. Stowaway Wine Bar has a selection of charcuterie boards, sandwiches, flatbreads, and wines for a delightful afternoon lunch or early dinner. Lay out a water-resistant Nano-loft travel blanket from Rumpl, sit back, and enjoy the ocean views.                                                                                                                                                         
   

   Stowaway Wine Bar serves charcuterie and wine. Credit Jean Chen Smith

6. Join an outdoor yoga session at Kucera Park. The complimentary event is held every Saturday in the summer through August 31st. Bring your own yoga mat and also make sure to bring some water and stay hydrated.
7. Spend an afternoon learning how to make your own scented candle! Lorraine’s Candle Studio makes everything so easy and fun. Your guides lead you through every step of the process as you develop your own signature fragrance for your candle. It’s a great activity for a girl’s getaway, with friends, and for couples.                                                                                                                           
   

   Lorraine’s Candle Studio offers an engaging experience. Credit Jean Chen Smith                                                                                            

8. Grab lunch at the popular Frontager’s Pizza Co. They serve a good selection of appetizers, salads, and pizza. With 14 different pizzas to choose from, you can keep all members of your group satisfied. 
9. Get your heart pumping with some movement – a jog along the Pacific Ocean offers cardiovascular health along with the opportunity for some pretty spectacular views. Or visit the newly-opened Sunrise Fitness Center. The 1,700 square-foot fitness facility is open daily from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. and features cardio machines, weights, and an outdoor pool. 
10.  Engage in a game at the basketball courts, try your hand at playing horseshoes, or head to the town’s very own arcade. There are so many options for indoor and outdoor activity that Seabrook is really a seasonless destination for friends, couples, and families.
11. Selecting the rental home of your dreams is a lot of fun. With over 300 charming homes to choose from, you’re sure to find the right one to accommodate your needs. Choose from a variety of features – oceanfront or ocean views, dog-friendly or pet-free homes, and homes with or without hot tubs. You can also choose by neighborhood – each offers something different, which is the fun part. The farm district has tennis and pickleball courts, along with a large park. The Elk Creek section where we stayed at Wish You Were Here offers easy beach access within minutes.
    

    There are many neighborhoods to choose from at this coastal gem. Credit Seabrook

12. Don’t miss Koko’s Restaurant, which serves delicious Mexican food and cocktails. When the weather is nice, sit on their dog-friendly patio and enjoy ocean views. You can’t go wrong with any of the delicious selections here. Plates are generous and service is friendly and efficient.         
    

    KOKO’s offers delicious Mexican cuisine. Credit Jean Chen Smith

13. Indulge in a treatment at Spa Elizabeth, which is open seven days a week. They offer massages, body treatments, and facials. Stop by their delightful retail shop, which is brimming with wellness goodies such as soaps, masks, and candles.
14. No visit is complete without a stop or two at Sweet Life, an old-fashioned ice cream and candy store. You’ll find a variety of candies from all over the world. Their natural ice cream is housemade and comes in so many mouth watering flavors! Get a scoop (or two) in a waffle cone or pick up a pint to bring back to your rental.
15. The Salty Dog is one of our favorite places whenever we’re in town. Not only do they stock popular brands and high-quality products, they’re always so helpful and friendly. Owner Ann Kjelsberg provides recommendations on all the goodies your four-legged pooch will love. Whether you’re looking for something specific, or just browsing, it’s hard to walk away empty-handed.                                                                                                                                                                 
    

    We loved The Salty Dog, which stocked lots of goodies for our pups. Credit Jean Chen Smith

16. This is one of the most dog-friendly towns I’ve ever been to! Well-behaved dogs are welcome in most stores and there are plenty of restaurants with outdoor dining that welcome both you and your pup. Bring Fido to the off-leash dog park, take him for a hike, or meander along the oceanfront. 
17. If you’ve caught onto the pickleball craze, you can fulfill your obsession during your stay. Courts can be booked in advance and you can borrow paddles from The Dugout, which also rents out other equipment.
18. Visit Blue | Juice & Salad Bar for some healthy options, including smoothies, juices, and salads. Everything is made fresh daily so why not stop by for a light afternoon snack. 
19. From late June through August 31st, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., head to the Saturday Market in the center of town to find local arts and crafts, food vendors, and much more. 
20. Enjoy some downtime at your vacation rental. Settle in with a good book by the window or sit on your private patio and enjoy dinner as you watch the sun set. Enjoy the summer concert series held at the Sunset Amphitheater from June through September. Seabrook is one of those special places that has something to offer everyone, regardless of your age. 

To learn more visit seabrookwa.com.