It looks like the rain clouds are finally on summer hiatus and warm breezes are blowing. This is the time of the year when you don't need a ticket to Hawaii or a road trip to San Diego to enjoy a tropical day at the beach. Sure, this isn't Miami or Rio, but we're Northwesterners and we accept our gravel beaches and mudflats with a stoic pride. Sand is for sissies. We've visited popular local beaches to chart their attributes. So pack your lunch, grab your towel and hit the beach.

First, a primer:

 • With the exception of Long Lake in Lacey, no lifeguards are on duty at these beaches. Every year, tragedy strikes when a swimmer overestimates his or her capabilities. Know your limits and be vigilant in supervising children.

 • Wear sunscreen. Nothing will ruin the afterglow of a nice day at the beach like your skin glowing red with a second-degree sunburn.

 • No alcohol is allowed at these public beaches.

 • Don’t leave anything in your car, valuable or not.

PRIEST POINT PARK

The gravelly shoreline of Priest Point Park offers many beach opportunities.

Ellis Cove, with its serpentine shoreline, will make you feel like you’re on a lost beach despite being just minutes from downtown Olympia. But beware of mudflats. Emergency crews have had to rescue more than one stuck wader.

Location: 2600 East Bay Drive, Olympia.

Hours: 7 a.m.-dusk.

Beach: Mostly gravel extending out to mudflats on saltwater. Mussels can prove hazardous to naked feet.

Access: Via several trails, some not clearly marked.

Sun: Beaches are mostly west-facing.

Restrooms: Near overpass that connects east and west sides of park. Unfortunately, a lack of bathrooms near the beach can make the area bushes smell like a downtown Seattle alley.

Picnic tables: Scattered through park along with barbecues.

Views: Of Capitol, west Olympia, Budd Inlet and the Olympics.

Swimming: Mudflats can be dangerous. Signs warn of water and soil pollution and advise showering after swimming.

Shelter: Three, reservations required.

Amenities: Trails, rose garden, children’s play area.

More info: olympiawa.gov/community/parks.aspx

LONG LAKE PARK

Long Lake is a very civilized beach, almost to the point of being antiseptic. Paved paths and grassy areas fill out the well-maintained park. Located immediately adjacent to the Thurston County Fairgrounds, the small beach offers something others in the area don’t: summer lifeguards.

Location: 2790 Carpenter Road, Lacey

Hours: Park open dawn to dusk. Lifeguards are on duty from 11:30 a.m.-7 p.m. seven days a week through the summer.

Beach: Gravel on fresh water lake

Access: Paved sloping path leads from the parking lot to the beach.

Sun: The northeast-facing beach is better for sun earlier in the day.

Restrooms: Between beach and parking lot; outdoor shower

Picnic tables: Bring your own

Views: Of Long Lake and the nicely maintained homes across the shore

Swimming: A roped-off swim area keeps motorized craft away from the beach.

Shelter: None

Amenities: Volleyball courts, large grassy expanse, L-shaped swimming dock

More info: www.ci.lacey.wa.us.

KENNEYDELL PARK AT BLACK LAKE

This beach along the east shore of Black Lake near Tumwater feels like a private resort and you’ve become its newest member.

Diminutive and well kept, the beach area could easily fill up on a nice day. But trails, fields and play areas help to relieve the pressure.

Location: 6745 S.W. Fairview Road, near Tumwater.

Hours: 9 a.m.-dusk

Beach: Gravel on fresh water

Access: About 100 yards of paved path leads from the parking lot to the beach.

Sun: Southwest-facing beach provides late daylight.

Restrooms: Close to beach, with changing areas; shower not working on a recent visit

Picnic tables: Scattered through park along with barbecues.

Views: Of Black Lake and Capitol Forest.

Swimming: The large cove is roped off from boats and other motorized craft.

Shelters: Scattered through park’ rustic Kenneydell Lodge with fireplace and kitchen can be rented half and full day

Amenities: Athletic fields, children’s play areas, trails

More info: www.co.thurston.wa.us/parks.

Craig Sailor: 253-597-8541, craig.sailor@thenewstribune.com