Not all beaches are created equal, and the one that fringes aptly-named Long Beach, Washington is particularly picturesque. It's a vast swathe of grey-gold sand that sprawls for 28 miles (45km), while immediately south the 19th-century North Head Lighthouse is an icon of the rugged Cape Disappointment State Park. In town, there's a buzzy resort feel, with a family-friendly promenade, an arcade, mini-golf and the brightly-coloured Neptune Movie House.