The sky is gray and breezes are cool, but there’s plenty to do on the coast.

Perhaps you’re not into snow sports, but you still want to enjoy a natural retreat during the long Seattle winter. Washington’s striking coastline gives Seattleites a place to rest and reflect during the cold, quiet months. If that’s not enough reason to hit the coast, empty beaches and winter resort rates provide extra incentive.

La Push

Things To Do:

Enjoy a wintry walk along a frosty shore during your stay on First Beach in La Push. Nearby Hoh Rainforest National Park’s Hall of Mosses provides a soothing trail perfect through old-growth rain forest — ideal for a meditative walk. Or, if quiet relaxation doesn’t suffice, unleash your inner-Bella or Edward during one of the Twilight tours offered in Forks, which lies just a few miles away.

How To Get There:

Take the ferry to Bainbridge island and then drive west on Highway 101 for roughly three hours.

Where To Stay:

The Quileute Oceanside Resort has accommodations that range from luxury cabins to single rooms; from November to March, rates fall between $66 and $196. Restaurants in the area are sparse, but each room has a mini-kitchen — so bring some food to cook. As a relaxing bonus, the rooms are sans television, encouraging you to enjoy the sounds of the ocean.

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Moclips, Pacific Beach and Ocean Shores

Things To Do:

Three wonderful towns — Moclips, Pacific Beach and Ocean Shores — lie half-way down the Washington coast. Each one provides an idyllically quaint setting, perfect for a respite from your busy work schedule. In addition to hiking the numerous seaside trails, beach-combers can get dirty digging for Razor Clams or enjoy a romantic, beachside horse-back ride. Mark your calendar for  the 6^th Annual Ocean Shores Razor Clam Festival on Saturday, March 24.

How To Get There:

These towns are all within 20 miles of each other. The drive from Seattle takes less than three hours; no ferries necessary.

Where To Stay:

You’ll have your pick of vacation rentals and resorts during the off-season. In Ocean Shores, accommodations include Beachwood Resort, Collins Inn & Seaside Cottages and The Grey Gull; in Moclips and Pacific Beach, options include Bob’s Pacific Beach House, Seabrook and Ocean Crest Resort.

Long Beach

Things To Do:

For the next few months, storm-watching is the thing to do in Long Beach. Each year, visitors from around the world flock to this scenic land spit, where the abounding vistas allow awesome views of crashing waves. Waikiki Beach in Cape Disappointment State Park offers the best scenery, especially when a large storm meets high tide during a full moon. If you prefer, enjoy the storm from inside your warm room, or as you sip your favorite hot beverage at one of the many coastal cafés. Hot toddies, anyone?

How To Get There:

Long Beach is located near the Oregon border. Drive time from Seattle is roughly three hours; no ferry is necessary.

Where To Stay:

Long Beach visitors have their pick of bed & breakfasts, hotels/cottages, campgrounds and vacation rentals.