Things To Do



Ocean Shores

Ocean Shore is a 6,000 acre peninsula at the mouth of Grays Harbor, the only deep water port on the Pacific coast north of San Francisco. Ocean Shores was originally developed in 1960, and is one of Washington’s most popular resort destinations. In Ocean Shores, you’ll find 6 miles of sandy beaches which extend north of town 15 miles to Moclips. The city also features 23 miles of interconnecting lakes and canals, and 12 miles of scenic bayside.

Aberdeen Museum of History

11 E 3rd, Aberdeen, (360) 533-1976. 1922 National Guard Armory features period exhibits, a slide presentation, interesting artifacts. Hours are the same as Polson Museum. No admission charge. www.aberdeen-museum.org

Airplane rides

Whidbey Scenic Flights offers airplane rides on summer weekends.
Call 360-929-2539 Open Memorial Day thruogh Labor Day

Bumper boats & go-karts

Bumper cars and boats located on Pt. Brown Avenue across from City Hall, are operated by Playtime, Inc. 360-289-2702. Bumper boats are located at Pacific Paradise 360-289-9537.

Beachcombing

Walk or stroll along Ocean Shores 6 miles of sand and surf. Enjoy the excitement of finding hidden treasures along the way. The best time to find unusual items is after high tide or after one of our exciting winter storms. A popular site to stop at during your search is at the North Jetty where you will find agates and often times shells or sand dollars. A popular spot locals enjoy is at Damon Point (also known as Protection Island), the perfect place for camp fires.

Bicycling

The Ocean Shores Peninsula is for the most part flat which is for perfect for bicycling. Ocean Shores has 120 miles of roads more than most large cities with many scenic routes on the bay side. Special bike lanes follow the main artery (Point Brown) from town to the Jetty for your convenience. Rentals
Olympic Outdoor: 360-289-3736
OWW, Inc.: 360-289-3830


Casino gaming


Located directly on the beach at Ocean Shores, the new $60 million Quinault Beach Resort is Washington's premier coastal destination resort and casino. Opened in the resort offers sweeping oceanfront views. The 16,000 square foot Las Vegas-style casino features exciting table games and the latest in electronic slot machines. Play roulette or test your skill and blackjack, craps, Pai Gaw, keno and more. Or, find big-league action in the new poker room. With nightly drawings for prizes, live entertainment and thrilling special events, the Quinault Beach Resort and Casino offers exhilarating adult games to enjoy. Open seven days a week, the casino also sports two restaurants, the Seaview Lounge, a full service spa, indoor pool and game arcade for the family.

Clamming

A very popular pastime and a great sport for those willing to get their arms wet. The reward is a meal of the Northwest's finest razor clams. Digging is allowed only during specified clam seasons which are sporadic. A license is required. Call the Chamber of Commerce (1-800-76 BEACH) for seasons and license information. Click here for Clammin areas!




Driving the beach

There are 5 designated beach approaches in Ocean Shores - they are located off Damon Rd., Ocean Shores Blvd and Sand Dune Ave. These make beach access readily available by car or foot. Signs are posted at the entrances with warnings regarding driving on the beach. If you disregard the warnings you increase your chance of getting stuck in sand and having to pay to have your vehicle towed free of the incoming surf or being ticketed for driving violations. Both are costly and unnecessary.

VEHICLE and PEDESTRIAN SAFETY

The beach is a state highway and all of the rules of the road apply. You need to read and obey all posted signs on beach approaches.

Here is a list of some of the laws that you will need to be aware of so as not to find yourself in trouble with us.
  • All vehicles must be licensed and street legal.
  • All drivers must have a valid driver’s license.
  • You must drive on the uppermost hard-packed sand and not in the sand dunes or near the surf.
  • The beach speed limit is 25 mph but may have to be slower if conditions are poor or it endangers others.
  • You can not do "donuts" or circling on the beach.
  • All persons on motorcycles or mopeds are required to wear a helmet.
  • Do not drive in posted closed areas.
  • Do not drive while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

This in no way represents a complete list of all of the beach driving regulations, but rather is just a few of the more frequently violated ones.

Duck Lake

Ocean Shores is home to more than 23 miles of fresh water, navigable, interconnected waterways. Duck Lake is stocked and considered one of the best year round fishing lakes in Western Washington. The lake is power-boat accessible. Non-motorized boats are recommended in the scenic canal system.

Fishing

The variety of fishing experiences in Ocean Shores is almost endless! There is surf fishing, jetty fishing (right), charters, and excellent fishing throughout Ocean Shores' lakes and canals.












Freshwater boating

Did you know that Ocean Shores is home to more than 23 miles of fresh water lakes and canals? The canal system meanders throughout the Ocean Shores peninsula and is best viewed by canoe or small boat. You'll see plenty of wildlife, beautiful canal and lank-front homes, and scenic vistas. If you bring a boat, the city has two boat ramps and parking available at both parks.

Freshwater activites

Duck Lake is incredibly scenic and provides a variety of activities including some of Washington's best fishing (above), water skiing (below), or just exploration of the lake and canal system.

Golf

The Ocean Shores municipal golf course is a PGA rated 6,152 yard championship course. The course features multiple tees and is located only two or three minutes from the Convention Center. Golfers will enjoy the pro-shop and snack bar. Rental clubs and carts are available and company tournaments are planned and organized by resident golf pros. Annual memberships are open to residents and visitors alike. The recently set course record of 65 replaces the old record of 66 that stood for more than 30 years. Can you break it? Open every day. Call 360.289.3357 for Tee times.

Hoquiam’s Castle

515 Chenault Avenue, Hoquiam,(360) 533-2005. Built in 1897 by lumber tycoon Robert Lytle, the mansion was quite a contrast to the sawmills and bar rooms of the lusty, booming timber town. Open 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Seven days a week in the summer; 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. all other months, except closed in December. Minimal admission charge.

Horse back riding

Ride down the Beach on horseback and enjoy our beautiful ocean scenery and fresh air on an hour or half-hour ride. So come ride with Nan-Sea Stables down on the beach. Rides are available daily by appointment, weather permitting. To confirm our attendance at the beach we encourage you to call for more information (360) 289-0194. We hope to see you ride with us.

Interpretive Center

The Ocean Shores Environmental Interpretive Center is a must-see for visitors. It's located next to the marina at the southern end of the Ocean Shores peninsula across from the Discovery Inn Motel. The center offers exhibits and programs focusing on the history, wildlife, and development of the peninsula, and opens in April and runs through Labor Day and weekends during the off season. An enjoyable and educational experience for all ages including slide presentations, workshops, etc. 1013 Catala Ave. SE in Ocean Shores 360.289.4617 www.oceanshoresinterpretivecenter.com

Kite flying

One of the most popular and fun activities to do on the beach in Ocean Shores. We have some of the most fascinating kite shops anywhere with a great variety of kites, windsocks, beach toys and much much more. Come and enjoy the Ocean Shores International Kite Challenge, one of Washington's largest kite festivals featuring stunt kite competitions, displays, fun fly's, free kite flying lessons, merchants, beach vendors and more. June 2nd, 3rd and 4th

Cloud Nine Kite Shop: 360-289-2221
Cutting Edge Kites: 360-289-0667
Ocean Shores Kites: 360-289-4103
http://www.raybethell.com

Miniture golf

If miniature golf is more to your liking, you'll love Pacific Paradise's 36 holes - probably the nicest miniature golf course in the Northwest. You'll play over bridges, around waterfalls and fountains and an old-time seaport village. The grounds are planted with thousands of beautiful flowers and the course is lit for evening play. There is also a snack bar and 5,000 square foot state-of-the-art arcade available as well.

Moped, bike & surrey rentals

Rental shops in town provide quite the selection of rental vehicles ranging from mopeds (you only need a standard driver's license to rent one), to various types of bikes and surreys. An excellent way to explore the beach or the town! ATV's are not permitted on Washington beaches.

North Jetty

A premier visiting spot in Ocean Shores, ideal for beach combing and surf fishing. If you are a storm watcher, enjoy the view of crashing waves upon the jetty during a winter storm from one of our many warm and cozy rentals

Pacific Paradise Family Fun Center

The Pacific Paradise Family Fun Center features mini golf, bumper boats, arcade games and more.

Address: 767 Minard Ave NW, Ocean Shores,  WA  98569
www.oceanshores.com/pacific_paradise
Telephone(360) 289-9537 

Polson Museum.

1611 Riverside Avenue, Hoquiam, (360) 533-5862. This 1920's home includes antique furniture, clothing, artifacts from around the area. Between September and May, the Museum is open weekends from Noon to 4:00 p.m. No admission charge. www.polsonmuseum.org

Public Parks

Ocean Shores has many maintained parks for your enjoyment.
Here are some of the parks in Ocean Shores and the local area click on the links to find out more information and make reservations:

Duck Lake and Canals
23 miles of fresh water, navigable, interconnected waterways. Duck Lake is stocked and considered one of the best fishing lakes in Western Washington. Fishing year around and power boat accessible.

Pacific Ocean Beaches
Six miles of Ocean Beaches, approximately 170 acres at high tide. Clamming (while in season), jetty and surf fishing, whale watching, seashell and driftwood collecting. Horse rentals along the beach mostly year round.

Chinook Park
Boat launch, fishing pier on Duck Lake. Special facilities for handicapped.

North Bay Park
On Duck Lake with rest rooms, parking area, public dock, boat ramp, fishing, picnic shelter, baseball field and tennis court.

Emerson Park
Tennis court only minutes from downtown area.

Oyehut Wildlife Area
682 acres of wildlife habitat, wetlands, tide flats and world class bird watching.

Protection Island
1 544 acre natural area extending into the Grays Harbor entrance. Excellent view of shipping lanes, and Westport. Natural area for walking, beach combing, and bird watching. An abundant wildlife habitat.

Ocean City State Park
Located one mile north of Ocean Shores, 187 developed, private, wooded campsites, some with full hookups. Beach access, picnic area near the beach.

Olympic National Park
Home to all three temperate rain forests in North America with the worlds largest spruce tree. Southern entrance (Lake Quinalt) which is 40 miles northeast of Ocean Shores.


Storm watching

Storm watching is at its best in winter and near the North Jetty. Try to get a warm and cozy rental with a view. Please be careful during these powerful storms and while in the North Jetty area. This is a time to enjoy visually from a safe distance. 25 foot seas and high winds can be extremely dangerous and will occasional crash over the protection of the jetty wall.

Swimming

While swimming in the surf is not recommended, there are plenty of other options available. The Sands Resort has an out- door and in-door pool also there are 3 excellent parks with swimming areas around Duck Lake.









Tennis

West Court Park on Bass Avenue and at North Bay City Park on Albatross. Pacific Park courts on Ocean Shores Blvd., are available with advance permission from the Ocean Shores Community Club.







Whale watching

From the North Jetty or on the ferry ride from the Ocean Shores Marina to Westport. Whale watching tours are also available and are excellent.

Reservations: Catchalot Charters, (360) 268-0323 or Coho Charters, (360) 268-0111, both in Westport. Charters can pick up passengers at the Ocean Shores Marina.

Westport Village

Across the bay from Ocean Shores, this fishing village offers many great shops, an 800-slip marina (open to the public), charter fishing, whale watching, dinner cruises. 1939 Coast Guard Station featuring historic photographs and artifacts. Call (360) 268-0078.