27 Best Things to Do in Ocean Shores Washington + Camping Details

LOOKING FOR THE BEST THINGS TO DO IN OCEAN SHORES WASHINGTON?

You’ve come to the right place. We’ve been traveling together since 2010 and have spent months in the Pacific Northwest. Ocean Shores in Washington is one of the best beach towns in Washington to visit.

There are lots of things to do in Ocean Shores, and the beach is really fun. It is unique in that you can drive out on the beach, which is great for avoiding the crowds.

It is also really close to other fun coastal towns to visit, like Astoria and Olympic National Park. Not to mention North Cascades National Park as well, making it a great base for day trips along the coast.  

Things to Do in Ocean Shores

Of course, the beach is a great place to hang out in Ocean Shores, WA. There are also some fun places for hiking in the area and a small downtown area with delicious restaurants and fun activities. I would plan on spending 2-4 days in Ocean Shores, depending on how much time you want to spend at the beach.

1. Hang Out at the Beach in Ocean Shores, Washington

The beaches in Ocean Shores, Washington are known for their beautiful views of the Pacific Ocean. There are lots of different access points along the beach as well as different parks with beach access. Playing at the beach was one of my kids’ favorite things to do in Ocean Shores.

We love bringing our backpack beach chairs along on our beach adventures. They are so convenient to carry and it’s nice to have a spot to sit and relax after playing in the sand for a while.

Can You Drive on the Beach at Ocean Shores?

We loved the beaches here because you can drive right onto the beach. This made it easy to find a place on the beach without the crowds.

We drove out onto the beach to watch the sunset, and it was so great. We also drove out on the beach during the day, and it was nice to drive farther away from the beach accesses. Some people do drive fast on the beach, so make sure to keep an eye out for vehicles driving on the beach.

Driving on the beach can be tricky if you haven’t done it before. Keep track of the tide levels and only drive on the hard-packed sand. If the sand is dry and soft, you don’t want to drive on it.

The speed limit is 25 miles per hour.

Can You Have a Fire at Ocean Shores?

You can have a fire on the beach in Ocean Shores, Washington. Campfires must be smaller than 3 feet in height and on each side. The only other restriction is that campfires must be 100 feet west of the dune line, and fires and BBQs aren’t allowed in the flammable dune grass area.

Remember that the coast can be windy. If it is windy, don’t have a campfire.

Can you Swim in Ocean Shores WA?

You can swim in Ocean Shores, Washington; however, it is chilly! The water temperature averages around 55 degrees Fahrenheit in the summer. If you do want to go surfing or boogie boarding, it is a good idea to have a wet suit or dry suit to help you stay warm.

There are no lifeguards at any of the beaches, and the ocean currents are strong. The city recommends wearing a life jacket when playing near the water. There are also rip currents there, so be aware of that.

Ocean Shores in Washington Beach Access

There are quite a few access roads and access trails leading out to the beach. The closer you are to town when you access the beach, the busier it will be. Driving at least a few streets over from the city center will give you a much quieter beach.

The quieter beach access roads are Ocean Lake Way and Taurus Blvd.

Here are the beach access roads:

• State Route 115
• Chance A La Mer
• Pacific Blvd
• Ocean Lake Way
• Taurus Blvd  

If you aren’t comfortable driving your car out onto the beach, there are parking lots on the side of the road where you can park your vehicle and walk to the beach.

Taurus Blvd is the beach road access for the off-leash dog part of the beach. This part of the beach runs from Taurus Blvd to Butter Clam Street. Ocean Shores is very dog-friendly.

With the beach access trails, you will have to park your vehicle and walk to the beach.

Here are the beach access trails:

• North Jetty
• Damon Point
• Ocean City State Park
• Quinault Beach Resort & Casino

With the different beach access points, there really isn’t much of a difference between the areas. The biggest difference we found was the number of people at each access point.

2. Ocean City Beach Access Area

Our favorite place to enjoy the Ocean Shores beaches was at the Ocean City Beach Access Area. It is a little outside town however, we had the beach almost to ourselves one night at sunset. There was only another car or two there.

This was a quiet beach access area that we really enjoyed.

3. North Jetty

A fun part of the beach to explore and probably the most unique beach in Ocean Shores, WA is the North Jetty. It is the very south end of Ocean Shores. There’s a short walk out to the beach where you can walk on the beach, look at the driftwood and explore the jetty.

The jetty is the rocks on the left side of the beach. Climbing on the rocks can be tricky, so make sure you’re up for it before heading up. The waves on the opposite side of the jetty are much larger and fun to watch. The jetty is man-made to help control the waves and erosion in the area.

Our kids had a great time climbing over the rocks and finding the wildlife in the rocks, like crabs and brightly colored starfish.

4. Ocean City State Park

Ocean City State Park is a great place to spend some time at the beach. Birding, razor calming, and playing at the beach are all available in the park.

The park also neighbors the North Bay Natural Preserve, which has wetland streams and mudflats. This helps bring in lots of birds and wildlife to the area. You can drive out onto the beach from the state park.

This is a great place to go if you are bringing a dog.

5. Electric Beach Bike Rentals

One of my favorite things to do in Ocean Shores is to explore the beach in Ocean Shores. Washington was on electric bikes. We took a couple of bikes and trailers out from Electric Beach Bike Rentals and had a blast! Their electric bikes have super fat tires making them really easy to maneuver and ride on the beach.

Their location is just a few blocks from the beach, so it is really easy to pick up your bikes and head over to the beach. There are about 10 miles of open beaches you can explore during your bike ride. We rode from their shop down to Griffiths Priday State Park and back.  

If you haven’t ridden an e-bike before, they are a lot of fun and really easy to ride. The pedal assist and throttle make it really easy to pedal down the beach.

If you don’t want to take an e-bike out, they have pedal options as well as scooters. If you’re in town with your younger kids who can’t ride, they have bike trailers making it really easy and convenient to take them along. They also rent out pet carriers you can wear with your pet while biking or pet trailers.  

This was our favorite thing we did in Ocean Shores, and highly recommend checking them out.   

6. Coastal Interpretive Center

This is a great place to visit to learn more about the area, especially if you are visiting with kids. There are lots of hands-on learning experiences highlighting the Pacific Coast in Washington. There are five indoor exhibits looking at things like earth sciences, logging on the Washington coast, and marine mammals.

Be sure to check out their outdoor exhibits as well. There is an easy walking path that will take you to different exhibits and informational signs. There are fun things to see, like the originally carved seahorse from the Ocean Shores Inn as well as pieces of shipwrecks.

7. Griffiths Priday State Park

If you’re looking to explore the beach without the crowds, Griffiths Priday State Park is a great place to go. The park is home to open marshes, pine trees, beach dunes, and the Copalis River tidal estuary. You can also hike along the Copalis Spit, which is about 1.5 miles long.

You are also able to drive up to the Copalis Spit, which is known for being a great place to go if you’re looking to have the beach to yourself. While on the spit, keep an eye out for bald eagles and great blue herons.

The day-use area of the park has bathrooms, picnic tables, and grills. Keep in mind there is no beach access from the picnic area. You can access the beach about a block south on Heath Road over a footbridge.

8. Pacific Paradise Family Fun Center

Pacific Paradise Family Fun Center is a great place to spend the evening after a day at the beach. It has miniature golf, bumper boats, laser tag, and an arcade. The arcade is full of different games that everyone will enjoy, plus it has an air hockey table.

The buildings in the miniature golf course have the names of the cities in Washington on them, so it’s like you’re taking a trip through the state along the course.  

9. Ocean Shores Golf Course

The Ocean Shores Golf Course is a very nice 18-hole golf course near the ocean. If you aren’t up for completing the course, you can practice at the driving range.

They offer club rentals as well as trolley rentals. There is a bar and restaurant on-site as well.

10. Horseback Riding

Another great way to enjoy the beaches in the city of Ocean Shores is on horseback. Chenois Creek Horse Rentals provides guided horseback riding on the beach and is a great way to experience the ocean. The guides are knowledgeable about the wildlife in the area, like seabirds and whales.

The ride lasts about an hour, and they are open from June 17 through Labor Day. Rides are about $20 per hour, and helmets are available.

Kids as young as six years old can go on the horse ride.

11. Ocean Shores Boat House

Another fun way to enjoy the water in Ocean Shores, Washington is through the freshwater canals and waterways in town. There are several ponds and canals you can explore, and Ocean Shores Boat House has the rentals you need.

They offer electric boats as well as kayaks and water bikes. The canals in Ocean Shores are really pretty, and exploring them is a lot of fun!

12. Affordable Mopeds

A great way to cruise around town and explore the beach is with Affordable Mopeds. It is most common to rent the moped for two hours which is plenty of time to drive around town and explore the beach.

You have to be 16 years old to drive the moped. The rental comes with everything you need, like a helmet, gloves, and goggles if you want them.

The speed limit around town is 25 MPH most of the time, so driving the mopeds around town is really easy.

13. Ocean Shore Kites

It is usually always windy in Ocean Shores, so it is a great place to fly a kite. If you don’t have your own, you can pick one up from Ocean Shores Kites. The store has everything from easy beginner kites for kids to advanced kites.

It is fun just to look around the store to see all of the different styles and designs of kites. My kids love flying kites, especially at the beach! This was one of their favorite things to do in Ocean Shores.   

14. Ocean Shores Casino – The Quinault Casino

The casino in Ocean Shores is the Quinault Beach Resort and Casino. Along with the casino, the property has an ocean-view restaurant, a relaxing spa, and a gift shop.

You can book your room at the Quinault Casino here.

15. Astoria Oregon

A great day trip from Ocean Shores is Astoria, Oregon. It is about a 2.5-hour drive south. The drive along the coast is beautiful. There are lots of fun things to do in the stretch of the Oregon Coast between Astoria and Cannon Beach.

If you haven’t been to Astoria before, we highly recommend exploring Cape Disappointment State Park. The city of Astoria has lots of great restaurants and shops. Climbing the Astoria Tower is another fun activity. The views from the top are beautiful!

16. Hoh Rainforest

Another really pretty area near Ocean Shores, WA is Forks Washington and the nearby Olympic National Park. Our favorite place to visit in the area is the Hoh Rainforest. The distance between Ocean Shores and the Hoh Rainforest is 63 miles.

Whether you take a day trip up to the Hoh Rainforest or spend the night in nearby Forks, it is a really beautiful area. The beaches up there are spectacular and are a great part of the state of Washington.

Free Things to Do in Ocean Shores

17. Sharky’s

Sharky’s is a fun souvenir shop downtown. The best part of the store is the large shark mouth outside of the building. To get into the store, you walk through the shark’s mouth. Before heading in, be sure to take a few pictures.

Inside the store, you can find everything you would need for the beach. There are swimming suits, beach toys, and sweatshirts. There are also fun souvenirs inside, like shark toys and jewelry.

18. Weatherwax Trail

• Length: 1.2 miles
• Elevation Gain: 13 feet
• Route Type: Loop
• Difficulty: Easy

If you’re looking to do some hiking in Ocean Shores, WA, the Weatherwax Trail is a great option. It is an easy hike through the forest, and part of the trail follows the banks of the lake. The trail is very well-maintained and easy to navigate.

Bird watching is popular on the trail. If you’re hiking in the fall, keep an eye out for the mushrooms in the forest.  

Dogs can be on the trail as long as they’re on a leash.

19. Damon Point

Damon Point is another fun place to hang out, which is by the North Jetty. There is a really nice beach near the parking lot that is perfect for picnicking, beachcombing, and relaxing.

If you’re traveling with a baby or toddler, this is a great place to set up an outdoor playpen or any other fun baby beach gear you might have on hand.

The beach extends out for about two miles, with the end being Damon Point. It is unique in that it is surrounded by water on three sides. There is a narrow spit that connects the mainland with Damon Point.

If you can, it is best to visit Damon Point at low tide. Damon Point is one of the Ocean Shores tide pools, and it is a lot of fun to explore.

Can You Walk to Damon Point?

Yes! After crossing the spit, you can hike around the point along the beach, or there is an old road that goes out to the point. The walk is about four miles if you walk around the entire point.

While on Damon Point, keep an eye out for Mount Rainier in the distance. Birding is also very popular on Damon Point, so bring a pair of binoculars if you have them. It is common to see bald eagles and lots of different kinds of shorebirds.

Whether you go all the way out to the end or not, it is a great place for a walk on the beach. It can be extra windy out on Damon Point, so be sure to bring some warm clothes.

20. Bill Ellis Park

Bill Ellis Park is a small park in the city of Ocean Shores. There is a small playground and picnic area.

The highlight of the park is that it is right next to Duck Lake. It is a great place to watch the local birds and launch your boat or kayak. It is a beautiful lake to paddle around in.  

You can also fish from the dock.  

21. Grand Canal Trail

If you don’t want to get on the water, a great way to explore the beautiful canals in Ocean Shores, Washington is from the Grand Canal Trail. It is a nature trail that runs along the main canal. The trail has beautiful views of the canal and residential area. There are some very cute and charming bridges that cross over the canal.

The Grand Canal is 4.3 miles long. Be sure to keep an eye out for the local birds while walking the trail. I wouldn’t suggest walking the entire length of the canal, but it is a fun place to explore for a bit.

22. Point Brown Avenue

Point Brown Avenue is one of the busiest streets in this quiet and charming town. You will find a good assortment of boutiques, thrift stores, souvenir shops, and consignment stores. You could easily spend a morning searching for good deals.

Some of the biggest shops are The Boardwalk Shops, Anchor Avenue Thrift, and Captain’s Attic Consignment Shop. There are so many fun treasures in these stores.

Restaurants in Ocean Shores

There are some really authentic and yummy places to eat in Ocean Shores. We do recommend making reservations ahead of time if possible because some of the places can have a long wait, especially Galway Bay Irish Pub.

23. Galway Bay Irish Pub

Galway Bay Irish Pub is one of the best places to eat in Ocean Shores. It is very popular and a great place to hang out or grab dinner with the family. There is a family dining area as well as a fully stocked bar with a game and sports room. They also often have live Irish music playing in the pub.

The restaurant’s menu has fish and chips but also lots of other authentic Irish dishes like Irish soda bread and veggie pasty. Taytos are Irish potato chips and are highly recommended. It is a really unique place to eat in Ocean Shores and will have you dreaming of a trip to Ireland.

After dinner, be sure to check out their gift shop, which is filled with imported things from Ireland, like socks and clothing.

24. Bennett’s Fish Shack

During our time near the ocean, we can’t resist some good seafood. The crab cakes come highly recommended, as well as the beer-battered fish and chips. The restaurant has won 18 Best of Twin Harbor awards and is known for its great customer service.

This is a pretty popular restaurant in Ocean Shores, so it is a good idea to make reservations if you can.

25. Murphy’s Candy & Ice Cream

After dinner one night, we headed over to Murphy’s for some delicious ice cream. They have a wide variety of flavors, and the smell of the waffle cones was too much to resist. The waffle cones are so yummy!  

If you don’t like ice cream, they have a bunch of different classic candies to pick from and also have a large wall of saltwater taffy. They also have a good selection of chocolates.

They are just a few blocks from the beach, so you can easily grab a treat before a stroll on the beach.

26. Mike’s Seafood

If you can’t get in at Bennett’s Fish Shack or want more seafood, head over to Mike’s Seafood. It is a really charming nautical-themed restaurant serving seafood and steaks. You can’t go wrong with the surf and turf, as well as the ribeye steak.

If you’re looking for something a little lighter, they have a fresh Dungeness crab salad! My kids love fish and chips!

27. Umi Sushi

Umi Sushi is a Japanese sushi bar in the city of Ocean Shores. They have a really great selection of sushi that we enjoyed. If you don’t like sushi, they have other noodle and rice plates like traditional Japanese ramen bowls and chicken teriyaki.

My kids were so happy we found a sushi restaurant during our visit to Ocean Shores, Washington. When they get to pick where we go to dinner, most of the time, they will pick sushi.

What is Ocean Shores Known For?

Ocean Shores is known mostly for its long beautiful sandy beaches and nearby water canals that are fun to explore. It is one of the best cities to visit on the Washington Coast if you’re looking for a relaxing weekend at the beach.

Is Ocean Shores in Washington worth visiting?

Ocean Shores Washington is well worth a visit whether you’re visiting as a family or couple. There are lots of different activities families will enjoy, like hanging out at the beach, visiting the local fun center, and exploring the small city of Ocean Shores.  

How to Get to the City of Ocean Shores

Ocean Shores sits on the Pacific Coast of Washington in about the middle of the state. It is about a three-hour drive from Seattle, Washington, via I-5 South and US-101N. Depending on Seattle traffic, it is a pretty straightforward drive through Tacoma and Olympia.

There is an area around Aberdeen where you may lose service during the drive from Seattle.

The drive from Portland to Ocean Shores is also about three hours via I-5 North. If you prefer a more scenic drive, you can detour out towards Cannon Beach and head up the coast from there. This drive is about four hours long.

Ocean Shores WA Directions

Weather at Ocean Shores

In Ocean Shores, Washington, the summers are cooler with a few clouds, and in the winter, it is wet, windy, and cloudy. Even in the summer, there is usually a small breeze coming in from the ocean.

The best months for visiting for the best weather are mid-July to early September. From June 21 to October 1, the average high is above 62 degrees Fahrenheit. The hottest month is August, with a high of 65 degrees Fahrenheit.

Keep in mind the beaches in the Pacific Northwest are not always sunny and warm. The weather can be unpredictable, with fog and rain. Because of this, it is important to bring lots of layers and have the right expectations.

Where to Stay in Ocean Shores

 There are some hotels to stay at in Ocean Shores as well as some private vacation rentals.

Wanderlust Inn – Budget 

⭐️ Rating 8.6/10 |📍Location: 686 Ocean Shores Blvd NW in Ocean Shores | 🏩 View on Expedia.com

Wanderlust Inn is an amazing, budget-friendly place to stay in Ocean Shores. We love that this property has so many different staying room configurations. It makes it so much easier to find a setup that best fits your needs. The options range from a studio suite, king suite, apartment, and even a full holiday home with several bedrooms. 

This inn is also pet-friendly and has a laundry facility, which is super convenient after having spent time on the beach with kids. They also offer free wifi and have a cool pool table for guest use. 

▶️ Check Rates & Availability at Wanderlust Inn

Lighthouse Suites Inn – Mid-Range 

⭐️ Rating 8.2/10 |📍Location: 491 Damon Road in Ocean Shores | 🏩 View on Expedia.com

Lighthouse Suites Inn offers clean and spacious rooms equipped with mini-fridges to keep drinks or small food items cool. We love that this inn has direct access to the beach, so you never have to leave the property if you don’t want to. 

Other pluses here include a gym and laundry facility. They also provide free wifi and have vending machines for late-night snacks! 

▶️ Check Rates & Availability at Lighthouse Suites Inn

The Canterbury Inn – Luxury 

⭐️ Rating 9/10 |📍Location: 643 Ocean Shores Blvd. NW in Ocean Shores | 🏩 View on Expedia.com

If there’s room in your budget to spend a little more on accommodations, The Canterbury Inn is one of the best places to stay in Ocean Shores for vacationing families. So many of their amenities are designed with families in mind, from stocked-up kid’s games and DVDs to the fun indoor pool and relaxing spa tub. There’s so much to enjoy at Canterbury Inn!  

This property also has a great outdoor area perfect for picnics. They even have a grill so guests can cook up their favorite meal and enjoy it in the beautiful Ocean Shores landscape. 

▶️ Check Rates & Availability at The Canterbury Inn

Camping in Ocean Shores

There are a number of state-managed campgrounds as well as private RV parks in and around Ocean Shores, Washington. There are options for campgrounds that are just a few steps away from the ocean.

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Can You Camp on the Beach at Ocean Shores?

You are not allowed to camp on the beach. It is closed to camping. However, there are some state parks and campgrounds steps away from the beach that make great options for camping in Ocean Shores.

Ocean City State Park is a waterfront park that has around 150 campsites and 29 utility sites. The maximum site length is 50 feet. You can make a reservation online for a site.

Ocean Shores RV Parks

Quinault Marina + RV Park

The Quinault Marina + RV Park is a great RV park if you’re looking for easy accessibility to the beach. It is literally steps away with beautiful ocean views. The park accepts reservations and offers potable water and RV hookups.

It is near Damon’s Point and the only campground on the Point Brown Peninsula. The campsites are pretty close together, but if you’re looking for some space, you can take a very short walk to the beach.

It is most popular with RVers, but tent camping is allowed. It is open year-round.

Oceana Campground

The Oceana RV Campground is just north of Ocean Shores and where we stayed during our time in Ocean Shores. It is open year-round and is a great home base for exploring the area. There is a short walk from the campground out to the ocean.

The campground has a clubhouse as well as a playground and restroom/shower facilities. There is a large grassy area for volleyball, soccer, and horseshoes. We were happy with our stay here and wouldn’t hesitate to stay here again.

Oceana Campground is part of the Good Sam Camping Club. The membership fee is only $29 for an entire year and gets you a 10% discount on over 2,100 Good Sam Parks and Campgrounds as well as a fuel discount. We have used this discount throughout the country and have always been happy with our experience.  

Conclusion: Things to Do in Ocean Shores

We had a great time during our week in Ocean Shores. It has a small-town beachy vibe that our family really enjoyed. We love the low-key and relaxed beach atmosphere.

We hope you found this guide helpful in planning all of the fun things to do in Ocean Shores in Washington!