Ocean Shores, Washington Travel Guide

In Central Washington, along the shores of the Point Brown Peninsula, is Ocean Shores. Point Brown Peninsula is a kitschy small town with roadside hotels with doorways shaped like a shark’s mouth and quirky art galleries selling things that could have washed up on shore or just as easily have been made my local craftsmen.

Things to Do in Ocean Shores, Washington

Ocean Shores has a budding cold water surf scene, so those not prone to shivering can consider trying to brave the swells of the coast of Ocean City State Park. North Bay Park is a great spot for a calmer crowd wishing to stroll through waterside gardens.

Best Time to Visit Ocean Shores, Washington

Any time of year visitors take a chance with experiencing some gloom and drizzle, but summer has the best temperatures for enjoying the town’s beaches.

A Local's Guide to Ocean Shores

Ocean Shores, a small peninsula on the coast of Washington State offers the perfect vacation destination for both family and friends. The town is surrounded on three sides by water, with an estimated 70 miles of waterfront. Vacation rentals in Ocean Beach along the shores mean guests will never be far away from the sea, and are popular throughout the year.

The beaches around the peninsula are popular for a range of activities such as fishing, razor clamming, surfing, swimming, kayaking, wind-surfing, sandcastle-making, and more. Sandcastle-building is such a popular passion here that master sand sculptors come from far and wide to take part in the annual competitions. Kite flying is also great fun, especially when the Pacific winds are strong. Participants arrive in June to take part in the kite flying tournament, which is a true spectacle to watch.

In addition to the sea, the city also boasts 23 miles of freshwater canals and lakes. Duck Lake is one of the best fishing lakes in Western Washington, and boating, water-skiing and swimming are common activities.

Bird-watchers flock to Damon Point State Park to witness a huge range of species in their natural habitat. Horseback-riders run through the surf and across the sands, and nature-lovers have all kinds of wildlife to look out for, including beavers, ducks and deer. The North Jetty provides the perfect lookout spot for a range of marine wildlife, such as sea otters and seals, and don't worry if you don’t spot anything -- the sunset is guaranteed to be spectacular. For more outdoor adventures, the Oyehut wildlife areas includes 682 acres of wetlands and tidal flats.

Head downtown to make use of the many entertainment choices, including a PGA golf course for golfing-enthusiasts, a bowling alley, fun-filled arcades, mini golf, go-karts and many events throughout the year, making the town a hot spot for families. Port Brown Avenue is one of the town’s busiest streets, and is full of shops, boutiques and thrift stores. Some travelers prefer to get a vacation home in downtown to be closer to the many shops and restaurants.

For more Ocean Shores vacation rentals, a house rental near the Pacific Paradise Family Fun Center is a great option. The center is home to the largest miniature golf course on the Washington Coast, as well other attractions like the bumper boats in a huge lake and 5,000 square feet of indoor video arcade! For those on a more romantic trip, the quiet miles of shoreline beckons for peaceful walks, and many properties in Ocean Shores have a hot tub, perfect for that romantic night in.

Cabins in Ocean Shores

There really is no place like Ocean Shores Washington, with so much to see and do, you may end up staying longer than you originally planned. Visiting Ocean Shores wouldn’t be the same without a trip to Damon Point. It's a popular destination with a shell covered beach and abundance of wildlife making for a great day trip. For breathtaking views, visit the North Jetty or head to the Coastal Interpretive Centre where you can learn a little more about the local history and see some of the hands-on exhibits. After, head out onto the canals and waterways by boat or visit the Pacific Paradise Family Fun Centre, the options are endless!

From your Ocean Shores cabin rental, you can fall asleep listening to the sounds of the waves, and wake up every morning to an incredible ocean view. There are a huge range of rentals in Ocean Shores, so you are sure to find one to suit your budget. You could even splash out and get one with a hot tub!