Are you ready for a weekend getaway or just need some time to recharge your life's battery? A little known vacation destination in Washington's coastal town of Pacific Beach is available for all federal employees. Take a Washington state map and draw a line due west from Tacoma to the ocean.  There you'll find the Pacific Beach Resort and Conference Center. It sits on a bluff overlooking a pristine expanse of coastline.

Until 1987, the facility was a Navy installation that housed about 125 personnel. After the sailors left, it was remodeled and set up to offer a wide range of facilities. Traditional motel rooms and presidential suites are available. In addition, three- and four-bedroom homes, RV spaces and camping spots are offered.

Groups can be accommodated for retreats, classes and conferences. Food is available from a caterer. Services include buffet meals, or you can have meals brought to your table.

Pricing depends on your status. Active duty personnel receive the best rates. Retired and reserve members pay a bit more. Even though federal civilians pay higher fees, it's still a bargain compared to prices at other resorts along the coast. The Pacific Beach Resort policy is to offer a 35 percent discount to all authorized users from Oct. 1 to the May 1. For availability, pricing and any other seasonal promotions, call (360) 276-4414. The toll-free number is (888) 463-6697.

"All Department of Defense employees are eligible," said Bernie Sysko, resort manager. "If you receive a check from the federal government, you qualify." According to Sysko, civil servants, postal and Veterans Administration employees as well as retirees are welcome. You'll need to have a picture identification provided by your federal agency employer. Federal retirees can bring any photo ID and a pension check stub to verify eligibility.

There's a lot to do at the resort any time of year. Even when the weather isn't favorable for catching some rays on the beach, there are other options.

"Storm-watching parties are a lot of fun," said Kerri Elgin, Catering and Special Events coordinator. "Put on a rain jacket and a hat; then comb the beach to look for glass balls that wash up on the shore." The Japanese fishermen use them to keep their nets afloat. "They're very popular for decorating," said Elgin. Near the RV campground is a covered area set aside for whale watching. Besides outdoor activities, the resort offers a bowling alley and a theater that shows free movies. A gym facility, saunas and hot tubs are also available. The Windjammer Restaurant and Lounge provides meals and cocktails. There are also live music and dancing as entertainment options. Security personnel are on-site 24 hours daily. Check out the Web site at www.navylifepnw.com and find the recreation section. Navigate to find the calendar of events and see what special events are coming up the rest of this year.

With all of the amenities offered at Pacific Beach, one of its best features is the calm and peaceful atmosphere.

"Even when we're full, it's still quiet," said Elgin. She reports that a Fort Lewis chaplain has brought soldiers and spouses here after returning from a deployment to Iraq or Afghanistan. The solitude affords an opportunity for couples' reintegration.

"We're in the process of developing some family-friendly programs," said Sysko. In the future, the resort hopes to offer transportation for day trips to Lake Quinault to hike trails there and shopping trips to Ocean Shores.  For a little friendly competition, Sysko plans to organize a family fitness challenge.

The next time you're thinking about where to go for a well-deserved break, consider the Pacific Beach Resort and Conference Center.