Location: Ilwaco
Top Things to do in Ilwaco
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What to do and see in Ilwaco, United States: The Best Places and Tips
Ilwaco (/ɪlˈwɑːkoʊ/ il-WAH-koh) is a city in Pacific County, Washington, United States. The population was 936 at the 2010 census. Founded in 1890, the city was home to the Ilwaco Railway and Navigation Company along the Long Beach Peninsula, with its core economy based on logging and timber rafting. The city is located on the southern edge of the Long Beach Peninsula, on the north bank of the Columbia River where it meets the Pacific Ocean. It is near the city of Astoria, Oregon, which lies to the southeast on the southern bank of the Columbia.
Restaurants in Ilwaco
1. Cape Disappointment State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 400 reviews
A scenic state park with hiking trails and cabins for overnight visitors.
Reviewed By DonnieB15 - Kabul, Afghanistan
Went there today in the off-season and to avoid Black Friday, today was free pass day so didn't have to worry about buying the Discover Pass and the park wasn't crowded only saw three people there walking the trails. I had a great time the trails are awesome, saw a lot of wildlife and the views are breath taking from both the Light Houses, the Jetty, and the Beach. The Interpretive Center was closed but i had a great time anyways if you are into hiking and walking trails and the beaches and different terrain and having some breath taking views this is an awesome chance to do just that. North Head Light is under construction so and fenced in but you still can take some great shots. Park is clearly marked Campgrounds, Rv Campgrounds and the hiking trails and the beaches. Would be a great place to camp and spend a couple of days there. Also there is a lot of history there from Lewis and Clark to the Gun Batteries from the Second World War
2. Long Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 517 reviews
Reviewed By Margaret H - Vancouver, Canada
The weather here is pretty windy, so it is no wonder why they have a kite festival. I walked the small downtown core. Plenty of eateries! The shops all seemed to sell the same touristy items. I liked the fact that they have public washrooms, even if they wern't as clean as I'd hope. The better part of my walk was along the beach board walk. Plenty of vantage points with binoculars. As I said, it was windy, and as to be expected there were lots of colorful kites up in the air. The car show was starting the following day, so a lot of hot rods were going up and down the main drag. This was a good day trip from Cannon Beach on my motorcycle. I wish I could have stayed for the car show, maybe next time.
3. Skookum Surf Co.-Day Classes
Overall Ratings
5 based on 11 reviews
Reviewed By Jacob C - Chicago, Illinois
We originally had surf lessons booked for a weekend visit to Long Beach, but got stormed out. Skookum called us the morning of our original booking saying that if we wanted, they would still take us out for our lesson, but we decided against trying to battle the weather at the same time as learning. It was nice to be given the option, so bonus points there.
We rain-checked our lessons for a later month (which was outside of the expiry date on our voucher) and brought a friend from Australia with us. Skookum was very accommodating, and did a great job coaching but giving us room to enjoy the process of learning. They've got a neat set up at their building too, which made us feel comfortable getting started.
The only thing I could recommend that Skookum do differently is to give at least a half hour more on the lesson time. Our group of 3 is in pretty good shape, and we felt the 2 hours came too quickly. I did notice the others in our group lessons were pretty wiped by 1.5 hours, so I guess it was more of a personal preference. Our instructor brought us in for a break and a fun-check at 1.5 hours, then let us loose for another 20 mins, so if there's going to be a break I'd try to have it a little earlier so the customers aren't caught off guard by only having 20 mins left. But, its a minor technicality.
Overall, we had a great experience, felt catered to, and would go back again. I gave Skookum a 5 instead of a 4 because of how flexible they were in re-booking us. The 2 hour limit would be the only reason to give a 4.
4. North Head Lighthouse
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 163 reviews
Reviewed By Penny E - Roseau
We visited here many years ago and enjoyed this stop but this time, it was under construction. There is ample parking and a very nice tree lined trail some some interesting historical markers and the lighthouse would have been impressive if it wasn't surrounded by scaffolding.
5. Marsh's Free Museum
Overall Ratings
4 based on 494 reviews
Reviewed By Cherie G - Portland, Oregon, United States
Was really looking forward to going here. From reading reviews, I already knew that it was primarily a gift shop with some "museum" aspects to it and was looking forward to playing some of the old coin-operated machines that others have referred to. Unfortunately, 90% of the machines that I put my money in were broken and simply took my money. I only saw one machine in the entire place marked as "out of order," but it's quite apparent that maintenance on the majority of these vintage machines is not occurring. After about the 7th machine took my money, it kind of put a damper on the visit and I just wanted to leave...
I could see how this place could be really entertaining and interesting, but the lack of upkeep of the "attractions" was super disappointing.
I hate writing reviews like this for places that have obviously provided joy to others, but maybe if something is said, they'll put some care back into the place?
6. Cape Disappointment Lighthouse
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 175 reviews
Reviewed By TradingPlaces4fun - Laguna Niguel, California
We arrived in Astoria, OR during a port stop on a Pacific Coastal cruise.
We wanted to do some sightseeing "off the beaten path" during our visit. I did some research on historic Astoria & the surrounding area ahead of time and discovered this wonderful State Park, Cape Disappointment. (I can't imagine why this beautiful State Park is Called "Cape Disappointment"...) Is was any but disappointing! You don't need to pay for a tour/excursion to get there, you can easily navigate this sight seeing opportunity on your own. We simply rented a car in Astoria just about a block from the cruise port. Map in hand, we simply drove across the vast breath of raging Columbia River on the 101 HWY heading North to Washington State. It took all but 20 minutes to cross that 101 Why bridge and about another 15 minutes to arrive to the state park.
These 2 lighthouses were beautiful! Each had a great forest hike to get to them (not strenuous). There's wonderful Visitor center on the cliffs too. This day was quite an adventure & one of the highlights of our entire cruise! The landscapes, seascapes and lighthouses were awesome! Great photo op.
7. Cranberry Museum
Overall Ratings
4 based on 163 reviews
Reviewed By RonandJoan - Renton, Washington
We like museums and cranberries so we were anxious to visit this small museum. It was,so interesting. Who knew cranberries were so important during WWII?
The cranberry crops were doing poorly so in the 20's, a WSU student, Crowley, came to help. He studied the situation and solved many problems, including how to prevent the plants from freezing by spraying them with water..!!! .and it worked.
There is a small historical walk-through display which is very interesting, showing a lot of the specialized tools used.
There are many cranberry items to purchase and an outdoor walkthrough the WSU Research fields, but it was too windy that day to go outside.
8. Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 91 reviews
Reviewed By Anna G - Chicago
This center is beautifully located. But at the same time it spoiled the look of a natural sea shore. It does not blend in with s nature. It sticks out and hurts eyes. What a bad decision for this style of the building in this spot . See pictures.
9. World Kite Museum & Hall of Fame
Overall Ratings
4 based on 103 reviews
Long Beach's winds make it a mecca for kite enthusiasts.
Reviewed By UpNOut - TX
Long Beach has its Annual Kite Festival August 15-21. It's a fun event, with the sky full of colorful kites. Long Beach is windy, so be prepared with jackets, etc. The museum is right on the road to the beach, so after finishing here, you can just walk down to the beach, or next ddor, there is a horse-back riding stable for those who want to ride on the beach. The entrance fee for seniors is $4, and it includes making a small kite, if you're so inclined. There is a small theatre with a film about the kit festival in Dubai. Downstairs, the Kite Festival posters from years past are on display. Some are for sale. Upstairs (yes, there is an elevator) are the kite displays. In Asia/Pacific/Japan, kite flying has a long tradition and meaning, and this is explained in the exhibits. Another room has a film demonstrating how kites were used to train gunners in WWII, along with Arctic kite deliveries. A nice little museum worth a stop.
10. Don Nisbett Art Gallery
Overall Ratings
5 based on 22 reviews
Reviewed By Reta B - Prosser, United States
Every year we visit Don's Gallery and purchase a print. He always signs it and personalizes it for us. We really appreciate Don's sense of humor in his art. He is obviously a huge participant in the business community, as we see his art in business' all over the area as well as his involvement in community events. His art definitely is his passion and it shows.
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