closest point to the pacific ocean (Seattle, Olympia: beach, ferries, car)

[seakid]

Since I moved to seattle a few days ago, I've been itching to the see the ocean (though Elliott Bay is an arm or whatever), I wanna see it out in the open, for what it's worth.

Is the closest point from Downtown Seattle to the ocean, Aberdeen?

If not, or are there some places (cities or ports) with great views?

[allforcats]

Hi seakid, and welcome! Did you bring all this strange hot weather?

Aberdeen is not at the ocean. If you want to put your feet into the Pacific Ocean, get in the car tomorrow morning, drive south on I-5 to Olympia, at Exit 104 hang a right west toward Aberdeen and keep driving west to Ocean Shores. From sort of downtown Seattle, that's about 150 miles. You can drive your car onto the beach (and it won't get stuck in the sand) but be careful not to disturb the many seagulls who will greet you. You'll be able to see forever....

You can stop for lunch in Aberdeen -- lots of choices from McD's on.

In time, you will find lots of places with wondrous views, from the mainland, from Whidbey Island and Fidalgo Island, from the San Juan Islands, from the various ferries. But in those places you will largely be gazing at San Juan Strait. For the Pacific Ocean, you need to get to the western side of the Olympic Peninsula. Need more info?