Seabrook is a community on the Washington coast. It has been a hugely popular vacation destination for over 20 years. If you’re planning on visiting Seabrook, here are a few tips on how to make the most of your weekend (or week!) at the coast. Seabrook is one of my favorite vacation spots, and I’m sure you will love it as well.

How to get to Seabrook

If you’re coming from the Seattle area, as many Seabrook vacationers are, getting to Seabrook is a breeze. You don’t need me to explain how to plug the address of your Seabrook house into Google Maps, so I’ll skip that part. Instead, let’s check out two interesting stops along the way.

Visiting Aberdeen and Hoquiam

One thing to know about me is I love breweries. Whenever I travel I always try to check out one (or several) breweries during my visit. Luckily for me, Hoquiam Brewing Company is on the way to and/or from Seabrook. It’s a great little brewery in an old building that has many photos and memorabilia showing the long history of Hoquiam and Grays Harbor County. If you don’t like beer, that’s ok. Hoquiam Brewing has a full menu and many non-alcoholic drink options.

Another thing to know about me is I love clam chowder. I’m always on the hunt for the perfect bowl of chowder. It’s my favorite dish to make at home and I often order a cup when dining at restaurants along the coast. Aberdeen has a few worthwhile dining options, but if you’re looking for authentic fish and chips and a cup of chowder, you’re going to want to go to Breakwater Seafood & Chowder House. You can even get a to-go quart of chowder to enjoy at Seabrook. Leave the spices at home and let Breakwater make the chowder for you.

Things to do while visiting Seabrook

Seabrook has something for everyone. There are lots of things to do at Seabrook, but sometimes the best activity is doing nothing at all and just totally unplugging. That’s usually not an option if you have kids, however. Here are a few of the best activities for kids and kids at heart.

Best activities for kids

I had to consult an expert for the best tips on what kids like to do at Seabrook. My son is nine and has been to Seabrook several times. It is one of his favorite vacation spots, whether with his cousins and extended family or just on his own with his mother and me. Here are his four favorite activities while visiting Seabrook.

Indoor Pool – We usually end up visiting Seabrook in the winter, so we spend a lot of time at the indoor pool. My son could spend hours swimming and playing at the pool. The water can get a little cold, but it’s a great way for kids to burn off energy during the long winter nights.

Outdoor Pool – One of the newest additions to Seabrook is the stellar outdoor swimming pool and gym facility. The pool is saltwater and, more importantly, heated! My son and I went swimming on a rainy day and were perfectly comfortable in the warm water. If it gets too cold out, just head for the gigantic hot tub to warm up. Weather is not an issue while swimming at Seabrook.

Shopping – Kids don’t usually like to go shopping, but my son mentioned that shopping was one of his favorite Seabrook activities. Of course, he meant shopping at Brooklets Toys, a terrific toy store that has a wide variety of fun stuff for kids. You can balance out the toy shopping with a trip to Joie Des Livres, the independent bookstore that has many educational and entertaining books for kids and adults alike.

Best activities for adults

As a big kid, here is what I enjoy doing while visiting Seabrook.

• Walking on the beach and building forts with my son
• Checking out what’s new at all the stores
• Walking around the community and looking at all the houses while trying to figure out what has been built since my last visit
• Going to the pool with my son
• Going to the gym whenever I get a free moment, which isn’t often
• Eating at one of the many Seabrook restaurants on the days that I don’t feel like cooking at the house
• Just sitting on the couch watching tv or reading a book while reconnecting with my family

Where to eat while visiting Seabrook

Not so long ago you would have had to stop at a grocery store along the way to stock up on supplies. Not anymore! Fresh Foods Market is now open, and it has everything you need for your stay. Fresh meat and produce, wine and beer, and all the staples are available at competitive prices. Seriously, the store is huge! Be sure to check it out during your stay at Seabrook.

Whenever you don’t feel like cooking, Seabrook has many options to choose from. Here are my favorites.

Vista Bake Shop – Start your day with a scone, croissant, breakfast sandwich, or even a cookie along with your favorite coffee drink at Vista Bake Shop. This quaint bakery has everything you need to fuel up before exploring Seabrook or heading to the beach. You can also stop by again after your journeys to grab a sandwich for lunch or a loaf of artisan bread to go with your dinner at home.

Stowaway Wine Bar – Start out your evening with a glass of wine or beer at the Stowaway, a great place to catch up with friends over a drink. They have small bites if you’re hungry, but save your appetite for one of the restaurants.

Frontager’s Pizza – If you’re with family, this is the perfect spot for hungry teenagers and grown-ups alike. Everyone loves pizza, and Frontager’s slings some great pies. Be aware that it gets very busy, so you might have to wait during peak times since there are no reservations. If you’d rather hang out at home instead of waiting for a table, give them a call and order a few pizzas to go.

Final thoughts on visiting Seabrook

For anyone trying to find balance in their life (or balance during a job search), a trip to Seabrook might be just what is needed. Nothing clears your head like a walk on the beach or spending quality time with family away from the hustle of everyday life. Visiting Seabrook couldn’t be easier. The community is a short drive from Seattle and Portland but feels away from it all. Next time you’re looking for a vacation that has a little bit of everything, be sure to check out the many rental options at Seabrook.