Is Ocean Shores Dog Friendly?
WONDERING IF OCEAN SHORES IS DOG FRIENDLY?
We can help! The answer is YES! We’ve been visiting the Pacific Northwest since 2010 and have spent time with our dog in Ocean Shores in Washington State and had a wonderful time playing at the beach and exploring the town.
In this article, we’ll detail how to enjoy Ocean Shores on the pet-friendly beaches with your dog as well as offer our favorite dog-friendly restaurants and hotel recommendations. Here’s to a trip your pup will never forget!
Are Dogs Allowed at Ocean Shores, WA?
Dogs are allowed in Ocean Shores, WA. The town is very pet-friendly, and we would recommend bringing your pets along on a vacation to Ocean Shores.
Ocean Shores Off-Leash Dog Park
The best part of bringing a dog is the Ocean Shores off-leash dog park. It is the area of the beach between Butter Clam Street and Taurus Blvd. The access is off the Taurus Beach access road.
At this part of the beach, dogs can run off their leash and swim in the ocean. Our dog Storm had a lot of fun running in the waves and exploring the beach.
One thing to keep in mind is that you can drive on the beach in Ocean Shores. Make sure to keep an eye on your dog while at the beach so he or she doesn’t accidentally get hit. I was surprised at how fast people drove on the beach, so stay aware of your surroundings while at the beach.
Is Ocean Shores Dog Friendly – Beaches
Dogs are allowed on most of the other sandy beaches in Ocean Shores as long as they are on a leash. The only restriction for canine friends on the beach that I was able to find was at Damon Point. Dogs are only allowed on certain parts of this beach to protect the birds and other wildlife living on the beach.
The only off-leash beach is at the Off-Leash Dog Park Beach. While we were exploring the beaches, we did see people with their furry friends off of their leashes on other beaches.
Because you can drive on the beach, it is easy to spread out and avoid people. If you are letting your dog off-leash when others aren’t around, be courteous and leash your dog if someone does come. Even if your dog is well-behaved, some people are nervous around dogs and will appreciate you keeping them on a leash.
The best thing to do is to head to the off-leash area if you want to let your dog run around or bring a long leash. Dogs should still remain under voice control.
Are Dogs Allowed In the Ocean?
Dogs are allowed to swim in the ocean. If you’re visiting the designated off-leash dog area, dogs can swim in the ocean without a leash. If you are visiting another beach, it is a good idea to keep the leash on or go where there isn’t anyone else around.
Ocean City State Park
A great beach to go to that is dog-friendly is Ocean City State Park. It is a 170-acre campground with a beautiful beach and forest area. Ocean City State Park is a great place for walking on the beach, exploring, and looking for razor clams.
You can drive out on the beach here. Please observe the 25-mile-per-hour speed limit that is set for the beach.
Griffiths-Priday State Park
If you’re looking to have a beach to yourself, Griffiths-Priday State Park is a fun beach to explore. The Copalis Spit is a 1.5-mile-long stretch of sand and is a great place to give your dog some exercise. You can also drive out on the Copalis Spit if you would like.
Griffiths-Priday State Park has bathrooms, picnic tables, and grills.
Westport Trail & Beach
The Westport Trail and Beach is a beautiful place to go for a walk and explore the beach with your dog. The only thing is that it is about an hour away from Ocean Shores. It is just across North Bay from downtown Ocean Shores. There used to be a ferry between the two, but it is no longer running.
Despite the drive, Westport is a great place to visit because of the dog-friendly restaurants, the nature trails, and the lighthouse.
The trail is about 2.5 miles long and ends at the Port of Grays Harbor Tower. Along the trail, there are lots of wonderful ocean views and grassy dunes. This is the perfect spot to spend the day with your best friend.
Ocean Shores Dog-Friendly Restaurants
There are quite a few restaurants in Ocean Shores and nearby Westport that allow dogs on their outdoor patios. This makes it easy to grab a bite to eat with your dog.
Ocean Beach Roaster and Bistro
Ocean Beach Roaster and Bistro is one of the great Ocean Shores dog-friendly restaurants. It allows dogs on its outdoor patio. The bistro has a delicious eggs benedict, making it one of the best places to get breakfast before heading out for the day.
The fresh coffee also comes highly recommended.
For lunch, be sure to check out the fish tacos. They also serve beer and wine. Ocean Beach Roaster and Bistro is typically open for breakfast and lunch.
Bennett’s Fish Shack
Bennett’s Fish Shack is a great dog-friendly restaurant in Ocean Shores that allows dogs on their outdoor patio. If you’re looking for delicious seafood, this is a great option. They have battered cod as well as hand-breaded halibut on the menu if you’re looking for fish and chips.
Other options include fresh oysters, crab, and gourmet burgers. Be sure to check out the bay shrimp cocktail or Dungeness crab cocktail. You also can’t go wrong with their clam chowder in a sourdough bowl.
Green Lantern Tavern
Green Lantern Tavern has an outdoor seating area making it an Ocean Shores dog-friendly restaurant. It is a great place for breakfast as well as their dinner specials. The chicken fried steak is always a great choice. If you’re looking for something lighter, they have great fish and chip baskets and sandwiches.
The clam chowder is also really yummy!
Here are three other Ocean Shores Dog-Friendly Restaurants –
Ocean Shores Dog-Friendly Hotels
Finding an Ocean Shores dog-friendly hotel isn’t too difficult. There are lots of different pet-friendly hotels in the area that allow dogs to stay onsite, although there might be an additional fee. This makes it really easy to determine if Ocean Shores is dog-friendly.
Here are some of the most recommended Ocean Shores hotels that are dog friendly –
Shilo Inn & Suites Ocean Shores
⭐️ Rating 7/10 |📍Location: 707 Ocean Shores Blvd NW in Ocean Shores | 🏩 View on Expedia.com
The Shilo Inn & Suites is a beautiful oceanfront hotel making it a convenient location for exploring the Ocean Shores beach and downtown area. Each spacious room comes with a balcony as well as a microwave and a small fridge.
✔️ Indoor swimming pool and hot tub
✔️ Fitness center with a sauna
✔️ On-site restaurant open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner
▶️ Check Rates & Availability at Shilo Inn & Suites
Canterbury Inn
⭐️ Rating 9/10 |📍Location: 643 Ocean Shores Blvd. NW in Ocean Shores | 🏩 View on Expedia.com
The Canterbury Inn is a beautiful Ocean Shores dog-friendly hotel right on the ocean. Each room has a private bathroom, seating area, and flat-screen TV. It is a great hotel for families, couples, and pet owners.
✔️ A large number of room options available for larger groups
✔️ Barbecue and lounge areas on site
✔️ Walking distance to Chance A La Mer State Park and Pacific Paradise Family Fun Center
✔️ An indoor pool and hot tub
▶️ Check Rates & Availability at Canterbury Inn
The Grey Gull
⭐️ Rating 8.8/10 |📍Location: 651 Ocean Shores Blvd NW in Ocean Shores | 🏩 View on Expedia.com
The Grey Gull is a charming hotel with a large selection of pet-friendly room options available. They have one-bedroom apartments that can sleep up to five people. It has a hotel library with free books, board games, and DVD rentals.
✔️ Suites have full kitchens with kitchenware and utensils
✔️ Units available with a porch or balcony with Pacific Ocean views
✔️ Seasonal outdoor pool, hot tub, and sauna on-site
▶️ Check Rates & Availability at Grey Gull
BayVue Hotel, Resort and Suites
⭐️ Rating 8.2/10 |📍Location: 685 Ocean Shores Blvd NW in Ocean Shores | 🏩 View on Expedia.com
The BayVue Hotel has very spacious and comfortable pet-friendly rooms, as well as a complimentary hot breakfast with pastries, eggs, biscuits, and waffles. It is within walking distance of the Ocean Shores Convention Center and is highly recommended by couples visiting Ocean Shores.
✔️ Indoor pool and gym
✔️ A large variety of room options with junior suites holding up to eight people
✔️ Friendly and welcoming staff
▶️ Check Rates & Availability at BayVue Hotel
Shorebirds Villas
⭐️ Rating 8.6/10 |📍Location: 782 Ocean Court NW in Ocean Shores | 🏩 View on Expedia.com
Shorebirds Villas is a fun and unique Ocean Shores dog-friendly hotel. Each villa has a unique theme and has the comforts of home, like soft sheets and specialty tea.
The kitchens are very well stocked. The villas have a secluded and private feel but are just a short walk away from the ocean.
✔️ Beautiful gardens are available on the grounds
✔️ All units come with a seating and dining area
✔️ The kitchen comes with an oven, microwave, toaster, and kettle
✔️ Great location for large gatherings with five villas holding up to 26 people
▶️ Check Rates & Availability at Shorebirds Villas
Dirty Dogs Self Dog Wash
The Dirty Dogs Self Dog Wash is centrally located in town and is a great place to wash your dog after a day of playing at the beach. They offer a full-service wash where they will wash your dog, or they have a self-dog wash station. All the supplies are provided in the store.
They also offer nail trimming services. The store is open Tuesday through Saturday from 11:00 a.m. to 5 p.m. On Sunday, it is open from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm.
Dog Sitters in Ocean Shores, Washington
If you need dog care for a few hours or overnight, Paws and Claws Adventure Resort is a great option. They have an hourly rate as well as half-day, full-day, and overnight rates. The resort has a 3,500-square-foot indoor and outdoor play area outfitted with tenderfoot rubber flooring.
All visiting dogs have to be current on vaccinations, and proof is required on drop-off. All dogs older than 1-year-old must be spade or neutered. It is recommended that you bring your own food. If not, there is a charge of $3 per meal.
Things to Do in Ocean Shores
Along with spending time at the beach, visiting the Ocean Shores tide pools is another fun activity. The best tide pools are at Damon Point and North Jetty. Be sure to check the tide schedule to visit at low tide.
If you want to explore more of the coast, there are lots of great tide pools up north around Fork Washington at Ruby Beach and Kalaloch Beach. Visiting tide pools are dog-friendly. Just make sure to keep your dog on a leash and keep them away from the wildlife in the tide pools.
Another one of the fun things to do in Ocean Shores is explore the beach on electric bikes. Electric Beach Bike Rentals have pet carriers making it easy to bring your pet along on the bike ride with you. We had a ton of fun riding the electric bikes on the beach.
Conclusion: Is Ocean Shores Dog Friendly
We hope you have found this article helpful in deciding is Ocean Shores dog dog-friendly. We had a great time exploring Ocean Shores with our dog, and she loved spending time at the beach.
There are lots of dog-friendly accommodations and restaurants, making it a perfect vacation destination for your pet.
