Dash Point Beach — Attraction in Federal Way

We enjoyed the drive to Dash Point State Park like WOW! Gorgeous!

Ten dollars for a one-day Discovery Pass (required to park) and we stayed less than an hour. This is a great place for kids and dogs. We brought neither. We arrived before 1:00 and the parking lot was filling fast. Even so, there were more than a dozen spots available.

The tide was out and "Ya gotta love that smell." I'd had pan fried oysters at lunch, so at least the smell didn't make me crave them. :-) There are picnic tables, decent tiled restrooms, and an outdoor shower for rinsing off the sand. There may be barbecue grills, I didn't pay attention.

Dash Point State Park beach reminds me of Marina Beach Park in Edmonds and many other such familiar local beaches. I imagine that it's great for the families who live nearby, but maybe it is not especially worth a drive. I speak as one living 5-minutes from Alki Beach, so -- I have a bias.

We drove on south to the manicured waterfront park at Brown's Point Lighthouse. Now THAT is a beautiful grass-covered hillside with graveled beaches and picnic tables. We promised ourselves to return with a...

This spot at Dash Point is one of our absolute favorites. I've never experienced warmer water in the Puget Sound!

This spot has a bathroom and shower/foot rinse available as well as lots of picnic spaces.

When the tide goes out - it really goes OUT. This is great access for everything from beach combing to throwing a ball for your dog to skim boarding (yep, there is a creek that feeds directly into the ocean and creates an amazing skim board spot!).

We've visited this location often during summers and bring a picnic and sun shade to make a day at the beach. I've brought my paddleboard and seen people fishing, kayaking, and even harvesting clam and shrimp during season!

The Creek is accessible at the end (SO COLD but fun) as well as along the walk from the parking lot. We love walking down to it and exploring here to cool off on hot days before/after and during our beach trip!

Watch for crows - seal and HIDE food well. They absolutely will get it if not!

This spot needs a Discover Parking Pass! You can buy one at an electronic kiosk for the day or put up your annual pass if...

BEACH - Not for everyone, hint hint - but I love it there. Just enough sand. Plenty of water to stare out to. I've seen kids and pets swim in the water so take what you will from that. Plenty of seaweed competing for water with swimmers as well.

OH I almost swam into a jelly fish a couple of weeks ago 😬 ! Not sure what kind but it's always nice to be aware of your surroundings!

They have a couple of picnic benches and drift woods you can sit on.

RESTROOM - Can't speak for men's, but for women's, plenty of stalls and typical set up (as with most beaches). I'd give it a 3.2 out of 5 if that helps you fill in the gap. Toilet paper are very thin, so bring your own if you don't want to risk leaving bits of paper- mache on your unmentionables or hands.

PARKING - Plenty! Need Discover Pass to park for free or pay, I think $10. They take cash, and card I believe. I usually pay cash into the envelope they provide at the entrance to the beach after you park. (Make sure you have a pen).

Overall great place for something local! You can walk around,...