Ocean Shores is small, with just 5,500 residents, but visitors will find plenty of things to do. The town is on a peninsula. Wake to a sunrise to the east over North Bay and Grays Harbour. Enjoy a busy day sightseeing and come back in time to drink a cocktail while watching the sun set to the west over the Pacific Ocean.
The southernmost part of the peninsula is ironically the place to find the North Jetty. Park for free and roam the beach. Look for bits of bright sea glass rounded by the waves and brought to shore by tides. Head north along the 6 miles (10 kilometres) of beach and wade in the surf or build sand castles. In June, marvel at the kite flying that is part of the two-day Festival of Colours, an international stunt-kite festival that takes place on the city beaches and draws participants from around the world.
Moving a half mile (800 metres) east, you’ll find Oyhut Wildlife Area. Bring binoculars and do some birding. You’re likely to find snowy plovers, herons, pheasants, pelicans and more in the 682 acres (276 hectares) of natural wetlands and tidal flats.
On the eastern side of Oyhut, visit Ocean Shores Interpretive Centre, with history and wildlife exhibits. Children will love the hands-on, interactive displays featuring snowy owls, sea otters and seals, the logging industry, whaling, predators and prey, fishing, ecology and sea creatures. There is even a display of a “person” made entirely from materials collected on the beach. There is plenty of free parking at the centre, and there is no admission fee, but donations are welcome.
Rent an eco-friendly electric boat and spend the day on the canal or Duck Lake that stretch along the interior of the peninsula, or venture into the harbour. Bring a picnic lunch, and plenty of sunscreen, and spend the day on the water. If you have time, drive just over three hours north to see Olympic National Park with views of 7,965-foot (2,428-metre) Mount Olympus and its surrounding glaciers.
Ocean Shores
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Popular places to visit
Ocean Shores Beach
Watch the sun set over the Pacific Ocean, play with kites in the powerful wind and relax around bonfires on this dramatic stretch of shoreline.
North Jetty
Stretching westward into the Pacific Ocean, this rocky strip marks the entrance to Grays Harbor and offers spectacular views of Ocean Shores.
Damon Point
Explore the great outdoors at Damon Point, a lovely green space in Ocean Shores. Wander the seaside and beautiful beaches in the area.
Ocean Shores Convention Center
Learn about the events happening in Ocean Shores Convention Center during your trip to Ocean Shores. Wander the seaside and beautiful beaches in the area.
Oyhut State Park
Explore the great outdoors at Oyhut State Park, a lovely green space in Ocean Shores. Wander the beautiful beaches and seaside in the area.
Ocean Shores Golf Course
Enjoy a round of golf in Ocean Shores at Ocean Shores Golf Course. Wander through the seaside and beautiful beaches in this family-friendly area.