Ocean Shores, WA

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 Harbor. 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 kilometers) 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 Colors, an international stunt-kite festival that takes place on the city beaches and draws participants from around the world.

Moving a half mile (800 meters) 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 Center, 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 center, 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 harbor. 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-meter) Mount Olympus and its surrounding glaciers.