- Q: Where is Ocean Shores located?
- A: Ocean Shores is a small, charming coastal city in Gray’s Harbor County, Washington State.
- Q: What is Ocean Shores known for?
- A: Ocean Shores is known for its beautiful long sandy beach, surrounded by low dunes and a network of lakes and waterways.
- Q: What can be found in Ocean City State Park?
- A: The pine trees behind the dunes in Ocean City State Park serve as a protected area for migratory birds.
- Q: Where can visitors learn about the history of Ocean Shores?
- A: The best place to learn about the history, both natural and man-made, of Ocean Shores is the interactive Coastal Interpretive Center.
- Q: What events are organized in Ocean Shores?
- A: The Ocean Shores Convention Center organizes a range of events, including festivals and gatherings, both indoor and outdoor.
- Q: What romantic activity is available in Ocean Shores?
- A: Pearl Ranch offers fascinating romantic horseback rides on the Ocean Shores Beach.
- Q: What special festival takes place in Ocean Shores?
- A: Be sure to check out the Sand and Sawdust Festival at the end of June.
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1. Coastal Interpretive Center
Explore marine exhibits and discover coastal sights on an educational family visit.
The Coastal Interpretive Center in Ocean Shores, Washington is a fascinating place to learn about the history and ecology of Washington coast (both a natural and man-made environment). The center is a non-profit organization run by volunteers who offer tours of the center’s numerous displays. There are Native American artifacts, basketry, rock identification tables, collections of shells and whalebones, Japanese tsunami debris that has washed up on local shores, and information about Ocean Shores and its history. Galleries with displays on natural history focus on seabirds, local wildlife, and marine life such as the Orca whales that live in the waters around San Juan Islands. Many of the displays, especially ones in the Children’s Room, are hands-on. Outside the Center the S.S. Catala is tied up at the Marina and used as a hotel.
1033 Catala Ave SE, Ocean Shores, WA 98569, Phone: 360-289-4617
2. Ocean Shores Convention Center
Attend exciting events or enjoy a quick stop at this central hub.
The only Washington State ocean-side Convention Center, a block from eight-mile long sandy beach, Ocean Shores Convention Center is a 29,900 square-foot facility designed to accommodate groups from 30 to 1,000 people. It has 16,900 square feet of flexible meeting space, adjustable room configurations, breakout meeting rooms, catering and food service and all other meeting needs. The Center offers state-of-the-art communications and audio-visual equipment. With Ocean Shores temperate climate, the Center is also an ideal venue for outdoor events. Every year, the Center hosts a range of popular events from arts and craft festivals and motorcycle expositions to music festivals and sand castle building competitions.
120 W Chance a La Mer NW, Ocean Shores, WA 98569, Phone: 360-289-4411
3. Griffiths - Priday State Park
Walk along beaches and explore dunes on an easy nature trip.
Located on Copalis River Spit in Southwest Washington, Griffiths - Priday State Park is a popular destination for walkers. The low sand dunes between Conner Creek and the Copalis River are protected as a wildlife refuge. There is a nice picnic area with tables and benches. A trail that starts behind the picnic area winds along Conner Creek through the dunes covered in grass for about a mile. Hikers can spot bald eagles from several perches on the dunes. Besides the expansive Copalis Beach, there is a smaller private beach north of Conner Creek outlet that is perfect for walking along crashing surf all the way to the end of the spit, where Copalis River spills into the ocean. On a clear day, visitors can see Copalis Rock sticking out of the Pacific. The park is also popular for fishing, clam digging, mountain biking, beachcombing, and wildlife viewing – at the right season it is possible to spot migratory gray whales.
Ocean Shores, WA 98569, Phone: 360-902-8844
4. Pacific Paradise Family Fun Center
Play arcade games and enjoy mini golf during a fun kids outing.
The Pacific Paradise Family Fun Center is the place to go for hours of family fun. Here you will find one of the largest mini-golf courses in the US – 36 holes of fun obstacles to be navigated with just a putter in hand. Putt your way through lighthouses, over bridges and around rocks and boulders to be the first to sink your ball. In addition to mini golf the center has bumper boats (suitable for all ages), a games arcade and two thrilling Laser Maze games. The center is the ideal venue for children’s birthday parties or team-building exercises. You can choose which activities you prefer and put together a Combo Package to suit your group.
Pacific Paradise Family Fun Center, 767 Minard Avenue NW, Ocean Shores, WA 98569, 360-289-9537
5. Galway Bay Irish Pub
Savor hearty meals and listen to live music on a weekend night.
Galway Bay Irish Pub is a quirky, colorful old-world tavern in Ocean Shores, Washington. A pub, a full-menu restaurant, and a shop selling Celtic gifts is a popular gathering place and watering hole that offers Irish & American bar food, spirits, beer, and frequent live music. There is a family dining room, a fully-stocked semi-circular bar, a banquet hall, a well-equipped sports and game room with dart boards, pool table, a shuffleboards and TVs, and a charming covered garden for al fresco dining. The menu includes popular Irish dishes such as Forfar Bridy, Limerick Sausage Roll, Shepherd’s, Pie and much more. Galway Bay Irish Pub is a location of the week-long annual Irish music festival.
880 Point Brown Ave NE, Ocean Shores, WA 98569, Phone: 360-289-2300
6. Quinault Beach Resort Spa
Relax with ocean views and indulge in a romantic spa retreat.
You can add an extra element of relaxation to your Ocean Shores vacation or getaway by booking a pampering spa session at the Quinault Beach Resort Spa. Here you can cast away your cares for a few hours and embrace the health benefits of a steam room, dry sauna and tailored relaxing massage. There are four amazing massages to choose from, depending on your needs. If you just need a little pampering the Flame massage, using heated essential oils could be perfect for you. The Seaside Escape massage has been designed to bring peace and harmony, while the Deep Balance Massage includes deep tissue work.
Quinault Beach Resort Spa, 78 Street Rt, 115 Ocean Shores, WA 98569, 360-289-6003
Best Time to Visit
Places to Stay
Tips for Visiting
Spring (March-May) – Mild temperatures and blooming coastal landscapes.
Canterbury Inn – A cozy oceanfront stay with beautiful views.
Explore Damon Point – Walk along this scenic peninsula known for wildlife and driftwood.
Summer (June-August) – Cool and breezy, perfect for beach activities.
Quinault Beach Resort & Casino – A beachfront resort with gaming and dining.
Ride Horses on the Beach – Experience a guided horseback tour along the Pacific shoreline.
Fall (September-November) – Crisp air and fewer tourists.
Ocean Shores Inn & Suites – A comfortable stay close to downtown.
Visit the Ocean Shores Fresh Waterways – Kayak or paddleboard through scenic canals and lakes.
Winter (December-February) – Cool and stormy, ideal for storm-watching and a peaceful retreat.
Shilo Inn Suites Ocean Shores – A cozy stay with stunning oceanfront views.
Storm Watch at North Jetty – Witness dramatic Pacific Ocean waves crashing against the shore.
Plan Your Trip
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