There’s a long list of reasons to visit Seabrook, the vibrant beach town located on the Washington coast, but the opening of the newly-expanded Stowaway Wine Bar is at the top.
Just under three hours from Seattle and Portland, Seabrook sits atop a 150-foot bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean. It’s known as a sustainable haven for full time residents, vacationers and day trippers.three access points to miles of wide-open beach and a quaint town center with curated merchants, bars and restaurants. Ready to plan a trip chock full of eating, drinking and adventuring? Read on to find all you need to know for the perfect beach getaway.
Where to Stay:
There are more than 275 homes in the Seabrook vacation rental program located from beachfront to the serene farm district. You’ll find everything from small cabins and cottages that sleep two, to homes suitable for up to 22. They vary in size and style and include private hot tubs, pet-friendly lodging, extended outdoor spaces, EV charging stations and outdoor showers as possible options. Stays start at a minimum of two nights and move upward in the summer months.
Where to Eat and Drink:
The Stowaway Wine Bar opened their new, expanded space last month. It highlights a 4,600-bottle cellar with over 500 labels and an expansive wine list of bold reds and crisp whites from Washington, California, Spain, Argentina, Germany and beyond. The bar also features several sought-after Champagne and sparkling wine options, alongside a menu highlighting charcuterie platters, flatbreads, sandwiches and other small plates.
Koko’s Restaurant and Tequila Bar offers a great selection of Mezcal and Tequilas (try the Koko’s Tequila Flight) along with a variety of mojitos, margaritas and a Morati, a Mezcal martini made with fresh muddled blueberries, lime juice and organic agave nectar. Their menu is stacked with all the hits.on’t miss the ahi tuna tostadas, the poblano cashew enchiladas and the Koko’s burrito. Veteran move: order the fresh house-made chips and guacamole as soon as you’re seated.
Rising Tide opened last year and has been a great new addition to the town. It features casual-upscale, locally-sourced New American cuisine. Their cocktail menu is solid; try the Seabrook Smash, made with Wishkah River Whiskey, lemon and mint. Tucked behind the restaurant is the Rising Tide Tavern, where you’ll find a fully stocked bar with a lineup of snacks for sharing and menu items such as local fish and chips, a tavern burger and razor clam chowder served in a bread bowl.
Frontager’s Pizza serves up classic Italian brick-oven pizza infused with Northwest ingredients along with a selection of stromboli and calzones. The charcuterie and antipasti board are great pre-meal appetizer options. Pair with wines by the glass or a beer from their brewery, Camas Brewing Company.
Growler’s Alley, the Seabrook beer garden, offers beer, wine and prosecco with a side of karaoke on Wednesdays and Saturdays through the spring and summer. Pick up food from a variety of food trucks (including Seattle’s favorite Cookie’s Country Chicken) and grab an outdoor table.
For coffee and artisan bakery treats, head to Vista Bakeshop. Sweet and savory croissants, cruffins, cinnamon rolls, cookies, scones and more fill the shelves. Pro tip: grab their sourdough dinner rolls if you’re cooking dinner at home.
Speaking of which, if you plan to play chef in your vacation rental, we’d suggest stocking up on groceries before you arrive. Although Front Street Market offers a selection of food, drinks and supplies, they may not have every item you need in stock. A new 11,000 square foot grocery is under construction and will open early 2023.
What to do:
After eating and drinking your way through town, some outdoor activities may be in order. You’ll find hundreds of acres of mountain bike and hiking trails, sports courts, an indoor pool, firepits (the Seabrook team delivers wood and will even start them for you), 18 parks and all kinds of beach activities to keep you busy.
If you’re looking for water adventures you can try your hand at surfing, kayaking, skimboarding, or a stand-up paddle board. Buck’s Northwest provides rentals along with lessons for those who want a little guidance. They also offer fishing trips to nearby rivers and bike rentals;try the fat tire bikes on the beach, as they’re apparently a fan favorite.
Other activities through the year include razor clam digging, mushroom foraging tours, beach volleyball, bocce ball, special gardening classes, glass float finds and sidewalk chalk competitions.
For those who want more of a relaxed vibe, there are several specialty shops to browse in the town center. You’ll find something for all tastes from Spa Elizabeth’s retail shop, to Magnolias Clothing Boutique, Red Cedar Surf Co., Seabrook Kids, Tides by Seabrook, Brooklets Toys, Joie Des Livres: The Joy of Books, SeaWorthy Home and The Salty Dog. A new DIY candle shop is set to open early summer.
The town hosts events throughout the year, ranging from an outdoor summer concert series and oceanfront yoga sessions, to fall festivals and holiday celebrations. Seabrook’s concierge can assist guests with items from in-home grocery and chef services, to specialized outings and experiences and everything in between.
For those searching to venture beyond the town, Seabrook is a great launch pad for visiting Olympic National Park, Lake Quinault, Ruby Beach and some of the most coveted destinations on the Washington coast. Pack a picnic and a bottle of wine to go from The Stowaway and you’ll be set.
