Discovering Seabrook: A Quiet, Magical Beach Escape for Families and Friends
When my good friend Cassie mentioned in our neighborhood group chat that she and her husband were planning a weekend getaway to Seabrook, Washington, I was instantly intrigued. Cassie often raves about this quaint little town, calling it her “happy place.” As someone who loves saying “yes” to meaningful experiences—especially ones that bring joy to the people I care about—I knew this was a trip we couldn’t pass up.
Thankfully, our calendar was open, so we packed up for the three-day getaway. Cassie and Braulio brought their dog, Remie, while we brought our two kids, my daughter’s best friend, and our anxious but lovable pup, Nova. I’d never been to Seabrook before, but I was excited to explore this charming beach town and spend quality time with our close friends.
Getting There
Seabrook is about a 2-hour and 30-minute drive from our home in Washington. I’ll admit, the journey wasn’t the most scenic. Along the way, we passed through Aberdeen, a small town with a lot of vacant buildings. Fun fact: Aberdeen is the hometown of Kurt Cobain and Nirvana. But once we arrived in Seabrook, it felt like stepping into a Hallmark movie.
We visited in November, and many of the houses were adorned with twinkling lights that seemed to stay up year-round, creating a warm, magical ambiance. It felt like the kind of place that invites you to slow down and soak in the simplicity of life.
The Sundance House: Our Home for the Weekend
We stayed at the Sundance House, an adorable two-story, four-bedroom cottage available as a short-term rental. The moment we arrived, the kids burst through the doors, exploring the house with huge smiles on their faces. Meanwhile, my husband Nick and I sank into the cozy couch, taking in the peaceful atmosphere as we waited for our friends to arrive.
As I sat there, listening to the sound of the kids laughing downstairs, I was reminded of why we prioritize experiences like this. It takes intention and discipline in other parts of life, but saying “no” to things that don’t align with our values creates space for moments like these—simple, joyful, and filled with connection.
Exploring the Beach and Trails
We spent time hiking the many trails and walking along the beach while the tide was out. The fresh Pacific Ocean air was invigorating, and the crashing waves were mesmerizing. It’s worth noting that Seabrook’s waters aren’t swimmable due to the strong currents, but there’s something magical about letting the chilly water wash over your feet and soaking in the moment.
The kids collected seashells, and the dogs ran freely along the shore, their tails wagging with pure joy. It was a scene of carefree happiness—dirty paws and all. Thankfully, Seabrook has a self-serve dog wash at Salty Dog, where I gave Nova a bath in a pink tub using all the provided soaps, towels, and even a blow dryer. It was one of those “didn’t know I needed this” kind of moments that turned out to be awesome.
Pool, Sauna, and Family Time
Located in Seabrook’s South Farm neighborhood, Sunrise Pool & Gym was an instant hit. The kids had fun splashing around in the heated outdoor pool, while the adults soaked up some relaxation time in the barrel sauna—my personal favorite. The hot tub was another bonus for the adults, making it a perfect spot for everyone to unwind.
Simple Pleasures and Memorable Moments
We cooked meals together with groceries from Fresh Foods Market, a quaint local store with everything we needed, including fresh produce, steaks, desserts, and wine. Sitting around the house together felt like such a small yet meaningful way to connect.
We spent time walking through the community, admiring the variety of homes and picking out our favorites. Along the way, we stopped at Sweet Life Ice Cream and Candy Shop, which was a treat for both kids and adults. It’s impossible not to smile in a place like that.
Dining Out and Special Activities
One of the trip’s culinary highlights was lunch at KoKo’s Restaurant and Tequila Bar, where I ordered the Carne Asada, and it did not disappoint—perfectly seasoned steak served with rice, black beans, pickled red onions, guacamole, and the most delicious homemade corn tortillas. It was an easy 10/10, and I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it to anyone planning a visit.
At Lorraine’s Candle Studio, the girls and I loved mixing scents, choosing unique containers, and naming our creations. The next day, we picked up our finished candles—special keepsakes to remind us of this magical trip.
The kids spent a few hours at Seabrook Arcade, which brought a sense of nostalgia as I watched them play games and win prizes. It reminded me of the simple joys of my childhood and made the weekend even more memorable.
A Special Spot for Adults
One of my personal favorites was a visit to Stowaway Wine Bar, where Cassie and I shared a relaxing moment over wine flights and a Burrata + Pesto Board. Sitting by the fire, sipping wine, and chatting felt like the perfect way to unwind. The warm hospitality from one of the owners made it even better.
Why Seabrook is Worth Visiting
Seabrook isn’t just a beach town; it’s a place where life slows down, connection deepens, and simple joys take center stage. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful escape, a chance to create lasting memories with loved ones, or just a magical spot to recharge, Seabrook is the perfect destination.
This trip reminded me of the beauty in saying “yes” to what truly matters—time with family and friends, experiences over things, and embracing the magic of the present moment. If you’re thinking about visiting, I hope these highlights inspire your own getaway to this charming little town.
