The coast of Washington state is full of gorgeous beaches and top vacation spots. One of those family-friendly places is Ocean Shores. As a mom of 6 and a Seattle area family photographer, Ocean Shores is a favorite vacation spot for my family and clients.
Over the past decade, I have captured gorgeous portraits of families and my own kids while visiting the beaches around Ocean Shores.
So what are the best beaches for family photos (or just take great photos of your kids?) I’m sharing my secrets here. Even more, you can hop onto my travel sessions newsletter list for access to my Ocean Shores calendar.
Okay, let’s get to the list, starting with the most obvious one.
Ocean Shores beach
While this may be the most obvious beach to pick, it actually is not my favorite spot. It offers an expansive shoreline with plenty of room for your family’s photos. However, because this beach is right in town of Ocean Shores, it tends to be the most crowded.
Even more, cars can drive right onto the beach. While that is my go-to for taking my kids for a day at the beach, you don’t want to have to worry about cars in the background of your photos.
So Ocean Shores beach is great for a day at the beach, it is not my top pick for family photos.
The North Jetty just outside of Ocean Shores
The North Jetty is my family’s favorite spot to visit when visiting Ocean Shores. Just 10-15 minutes from the town of Ocean Shores, the North Jetty is a little quieter spot.
There is a parking lot instead of allowing cars onto the beach. You will have to tow all of your things onto the beach for a day of adventure with the family. However, this is gold for family photos.
My kids love this beach as one side is lined with giant rocks they can climb and explore. There is also plenty of beach to explore, and even some gorgeous grassy areas, all offering plenty of variety for your family photos.
Seabrook Beach
If your family prefers to stay a little north of Ocean Shores, Seabrook offers a quaint experience. No matter where you stay, Seabrook Beach is a gorgeous spot for family photos.
Another area that offers a little variety beyond the wide-open beach, Seabrook Beach has a gorgeous treeline with trails through it. Plus, there’s that tall grass to explore leading you out to the open beaches. Because this beach is tucked below the cliffs, a portion of the beach has gorgeous red rock hills behind it.
While this beach may be a little more crowded than the North Jetty, summertime sunset is typically a quieter time to visit (and ideal for family photos).
You’ll love this location for your family photos (or a day at the beach). See even more of a family photo session at Seabrook, WA blog post.
Mocrocks Beach near Ocean Shores
Another quiet beach along the Washington Coast is Mocrocks Beach. This beach is a 30-minute drive from Ocean Shores. However, this quiet little beach is worth the drive.
During our visit in early August, my family spent 4-5 hours with almost no one else on the beach. The beach had expansive beach views, too. You can drive right onto the beach, meaning you’ll have to be aware of cars for family photos. Yet, since no one else was there, it was very easy for me to photograph my kids without getting our single car in the frame.
The Washington coast offers plenty of gorgeous, family-friendly vacation spots. The beaches shared are a few of my favorite for families to visit and have photos taken.
Want photographs that show off your family while helping document your special vacation? Consider a travel family photo session with Neyssa Lee Photography. Join the newsletter list to grab a limited spot.
Learn more about the benefits of family photos on vacation. Plus follow on Instagram and YouTube for tips and inspiration for photographing your family.
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