Imagine staying in a private cottage, surrounded by manicured gardens in a retreat-like setting that is only a short walk from the beach. That is the experience offered by Klipsan Beach Cottages in Ocean Park, Washington, on the Long Beach Peninsula.

You have your pick of one of eight cottages, each with a distinct charm, from the bright Beachy Keen to the nautically decorated Sailor’s Retreat or sophisticated Pacific Delight. Each cottage comes equipped with a full kitchen and either a gas or wood-burning fireplace for making the space warm and cozy on a rainy day. The grounds include an English garden and a sprawling park-like space with a fire pit, grills, tables and benches for barbecuing, picnicking and gathering with your fellow travelers.

From the cottage area, you can follow a peaceful grassy path down to the shoreline of the stunning Pacific Ocean to partake in a variety of activities, from fishing and clamming to playing in the sand, going for a walk or simply relaxing with the sound of rolling waves.

While the cottages promise an atmosphere of seclusion and serenity for a restorative getaway, you are far from isolated. Less than a 30-minute drive away, you can access two golf courses, museums, Leadbetter Point State Park and Cape Disappointment State Park, with its towering North Head Lighthouse and the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center.