Overview
South Bend is a city of 1,700 people (2018) on the Pacific Coast of southwestern Washington State, where the Willapa River makes its last bend before flowing into Willapa Bay. It is known for oyster production and natural scenery.
2 sights · 1 things to do · 1 bars & cafés · 3 places to stay
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about South Bend
Pacific County Courthouse
This building is on the National Register of Historic Places.
Pacific County Museum
Robert Bush Memorial Park
Watch local fishermen hauling in their catch of salmon during fishing season.
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: May–Sep. Summer highs reach about 78°F; winter lows dip to about 35°F. Wettest: Nov and Jan. (climate data from nearby Kent)
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- OLM Olympia Regional Airport, Olympia — 47 mi away. Directions
- TIW Tacoma Narrows Airport, Tacoma — 71 mi away. Directions
- SEA Seattle–Tacoma International Airport, Seattle — 89 mi away (major hub). Directions
U.S. Highway 101 (US-101) is the main road through town, connecting to other cities along the Pacific Coast.
Full “Get in” guide ↓Budget & where to stay
No prices are listed for this place yet. See the Sleep guide ↓ for options.
Sample 1-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning Pacific County Courthouse, Pacific County Museum
- Afternoon Robert Bush Memorial Park
- Evening Willapa Brewing Co.
Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.
Food for you
Cuisine (tap to filter)
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Photos
Map
Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.
Understand
South Bend was incorporated as a city in 1890.
Willapa Bay is a beautiful habitat for bald eagles, hawks, egrets, coyotes, deer, and Roosevelt elk.
Local information
Get in
By car
U.S. Highway 101 (US-101) is the main road through town, connecting to other cities along the Pacific Coast.
See
Do
Do Robert Bush Memorial Park
Watch local fishermen hauling in their catch of salmon during fishing season.
- Canoeing and kayaking from the recreational dock
- Fishing and crabbing on the Willapa.
Buy
South Bend has a large shellfish industry. You can buy oysters from Willapa Bay at the local canneries.
You can also buy fresh Dungeness crab when in season - you can check whether crab is in season on the Washington State Fish and Wildlife website.
Shop Pacific Seafood
Drink
Sleep
Stay The Cabin at Willapa Bay
Nearby
Raymond
City / town · 4 listings · 3 mi away
Oysterville
City / town · 2 listings · 13 mi away
Ocean Park
City / town · 4 listings · 17 mi away
Naselle
City / town · 1 listings · 19 mi away
Westport
City / town · 7 listings · 21 mi away
Aberdeen
City / town · 22 listings · 22 mi away
Hoquiam
City / town · 2 listings · 22 mi away
Montesano
City / town · 2 listings · 24 mi away
My experience
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