Long stretches of sandy beaches are usually a haven for sun worshippers who kick back, slather on some sunscreen, crack open a pulpy read and while away the day. I’ve certainly been guilty of this pleasure whether it’s been hitting the warm, soft sands of SoCal, Hawaii, Costa Rica, Auckland, NZ or the far reaches of Cape Town, South Africa.

But a little bit closer to home, a trip to the beach can often mean something entirely different. Sure, with more than 150 miles of coastline hugging the state of Washington you won’t have difficulty finding some warm sandy stretch to roll out your blanket and catch a few rays. But given the geography of the state (some coastal towns see more than 200 days of precipitation a year), the Washington coast tends to lend itself to a more rugged and moodier experience.

If you make your way to one of the most southern towns in Washington, you’ll find yourself strolling the longest beach in the U.S. At 28 miles long, the appropriately named Long Beach Peninsula is home to plenty of summer festivals, like the insanely popular International Kite Festival. In the summer months, the town of Long Beach swells with sun seekers and kite flyers not only from the Pacific Northwest but from around the globe as well.

On a recent trip to Long Beach, I checked in to the Adrift Hotel & Spa with a two-day reservation. By the time I checked out of this ocean front 80-room retreat, I immediately began making plans for my return visit and here are some reasons why.

To get a head start on my day of sun and fun, I simply hopped on one of the many beachcomber bikes that await outside the first floor lobby for the enjoyment of the hotel’s guests. It’s amazing how much ground (and beach) you can cover when biking on the well paved boardwalk that cuts across the windswept dunes.

Working up an appetite I soon found myself enjoying some seriously hearty clam chowder at Captain Bob’s Chowder – but not before some internal debate about the merits of the other two chowders (lobster and salmon) Bob’s was offering up that day.

Thoughts of lunch soon turned to dinner as I overheard a couple talking about a must-try Mexican restaurant “just outside of town.” That evening I drove the mere five minutes it takes to get to the outskirts of Long Beach and headed into El Compadre restaurant for a classic, comfy meal of enchiladas, beans and rice. Well worth the drive.

Closer to home (and the beach) you only need to head to the top floor of Adrift Hotel and Spa where their restaurant, Pickled Fish, serves up fare from both land and sea. Grab a seat at the bar, or one of the tables lining the restaurant’s picture windows for a sweeping 180-degree view. With a glance to the south, you can watch the waves crashing up against the rocky coastline of Cape Disappointment. Look to the north and your focus will run out along the seemingly endless sandy beach.

The fare at Pickled Fish is decidedly Pacific Northwest with a nod toward food that’s sourced or produced in the region. On the menu you’ll find the PF Burger with beef from Little Barn Farms from the lovely town of Sequim (WA), alongside the Spicy Fishermen’s Stew anchored down with oysters from nearby Willapa bay.

While Long Beach has plenty of options to grab a bite out, the same does not hold true for those looking for an expertly mixed cocktail. Fortunately, Pickled Fish not only focuses on satiating your hunger they also make sure to stock their bar with hyper-localized whisky, gin and liqueur from their own Adrift Distillers – guaranteeing a lively bar scene well into the evening.

I quickly tucked into a drink called Freckles and it couldn’t have been more local. This savory sipper starts with 2bar Bourbon (Seattle), mixed with Starvation Alley Cranberry Juice (practically right down the road), and is topped with Skip Rock Walnut Liqueur (Snohomish, WA) – a perfect nightcap before heading back to my room.

There is more than enough comfort in the rooms at Adrift to unwind after a day on the beach. Yet, there is also enough space and lack of clutter that gives your mind a place to rest while you peer out onto the ocean – a view that can be had (thanks to some clever mirror placements) from just about any vantage point in your room.

If you’re not quite ready to call it a night, Adrift will often play host to notable musicians from across the region who perform live in the restaurant’s spacious side room.

Great in the summer, but if you want a little more space for your bonfire on the beach, the Washington Coast in the fall or winter can’t be beat.

Adrift Hotel and Spa is located in Long Beach, WA.