Sleep by the Sea in Washington

The picturesque Washington Coast is lined with hotels, but why stay in a hotel when there are more unique options? These lodging destinations all bring people closer to the water so they can enjoy the community spirit and natural beauty of different towns up and down the coast.

Yurt camping, Grayland State Park
For those who like to hear the roar of the ocean and the skitter of creatures through the woods as they sleep, Grayland State Park has the answer: Yurts, which are very sturdy tent-like structures with creature comforts like heating and electricity. It's the best of both worlds, as the ocean lulls you to sleep in your toasty warm yurt. There are 14 yurts at this high-traffic park, so reservations in advance are recommended, especially in the summer. Yurts sleep six on a combination of bunk beds and futons, and there's an outdoor porch with a grill for cooking up dinner. With 7,500 feet of beach to explore and nearby Grayland's conveniences, you won't ever get bored. Call 1-(888)CAMPOUT to reserve.

Cottage Rentals at Seabrook, near Pacific Beach
This New Urbanist getaway offers the whole package - impeccably decorated homes with thoughtful details, walking paths and a recently opened cafe, which will be part of the commercial district at Seabrook once construction is finished. This sustainable community focuses on interaction with neighbors and on being self-sustaining, which means you shouldn't have to get in your car once you're there. Residents and visitors often ride brightly colored bikes through the streets, and kids play in Crescent Park. Offering 40 homes for rent throughout the growing community, they range from $99-$350 per night and from cottage to mini-mansion, sleeping up to 10 people each. Newly landscaped beach paths and nearby quaint Pacific Beach offer something for everyone while staying in Seabrook. Call (360)276-0265 to rent a cottage of your own.

Akari Bungalows, Long Beach
These 1930s cottages have been restored with love and are located right on the main beach approach in Long Beach. The renovation brought luxury amenities to each of the cabins, which feature pillowtop mattresses, gas fireplaces, jetted tubs, kitchenettes, DVD players and LCD televisions, and sumptuous linens. Each stay includes two breakfasts at Cafe Akari, the on-site restaurant. The bungalows are either studios or one bedroom units, and rates range from $89-$165 per night. Each cabin is cheerily decorated, and Long Beach keeps the action happening all the time, pleasing residents and visitors alike. Call (360)642-3828 to reserve.

North Head Lightkeepers' Residences, Cape Disappointment State Park
The enormous, 1,882-acre Cape Disappointment State Park is chock full of activity. There is an interpretive center, two lighthouses, 27 miles of beach and almost endless land to explore through hiking trails. Boating, fishing, clamming and crabbing are favorite activities here, as well as admiring the unique views and the stunning cliffs leading down to the roaring Pacific Ocean. Wildlife and plant species abound, and there are many camping options within the park. However, the most interesting is the availability of the Lighthouse Keeper's Quarters near the North Head Lighthouse. These three buildings each offer three bedrooms, one bathroom, a full living and dining room and a full kitchen. The park provides a dishwasher, microwave, linens, a TV and VCR. Prices vary. Call 1-(888)CAMPOUT.

Chevy Chase Beach Cabins, Port Townsend
These cabins are set on idyllic Discovery Bay in Port Townsend. The private beach offers a chance to enjoy it quietly, while nearby Port Townsend bustles with shopping, activities and a distinct Victorian personality. Each cabin is dog-friendly, and pool, shuffleboard and tennis are available to guests on the property. From a compact studio cottage to the large three-bedroom Homestead House, there is a cabin for every need and every group. Their bright, candy-colored exteriors make the property cheery, and it's affordable too, from $100 to $290 depending on which cabin and whether it be high season or low season. Cabins 4 and 6 offer the best ocean views, but all the cabins are centered on the coastal experience. Call (360)385-1270 for more information or to make a reservation.