Guide to Beaches in Ocean Shores
Sun, sand and surf—these are the beach wonders that your family craves on vacation, and the small community of Ocean Shores, Washington has all of them and more
The name says it all. With many waterfront areas, this sparkling little beach resort on the Pacific Ocean is the place to dig for razor clams, kayak waterways, birdwatch, fish and surf.
Location, Location, Location
The town of Ocean Shores sits on the top lip of a small bay, so blue water laps its shores on three sides. To the west lies the Pacific, to the south and east, Grays Harbor. Each location has its own charms. In addition, fresh-water canals ribbon the land, inviting shorebirds and boaters. This incredible exposure provides you with a wealth of worthy beach choices for shoreline adventures so take your pick, pack your bags and head to a beach!
Silky Pacific Sands
Six miles of smooth white beach line the Pacific edge of Ocean Shores, providing an ideal playground for anyone seeking classic beach activities. Build sandcastles, dig for clams or fly that kite high in the blue sky. You'll find festivals galore. If your gang is into stunt kites, arrive the first week in June for a kite competition. Or hit the early summer Sand and Sawdust Festival where master sand sculptors and woodcarvers create art on the beach.
Oyhut Wetlands and Birding
Ocean Shores perches on a small strip of land banding the northwestern edge of Grays Harbor. If you venture due south, you'll discover a magnificent park—Oyhut Wildlife Recreation Area. It includes 683 acres of protected wetlands, with pristine beaches where cars are forbidden. Stroll along with binoculars in hand to spot great blue herons, pheasants, brown pelicans and protected snowy plover. The wild and beautiful area is a designated birding trail by the Audubon Society.
Protection Island
It's called Protection Island, but if your family traverses its shores, you'll find that it isn't an island at all. It's a two-mile-long spit of land that extends into Grays Harbor on the east side of Ocean Shores. A trek over the soft, pebbled beach isn't as easy as it sounds, but you may be rewarded by catching a glimpse of a bald eagle and—during winter migration—the magnificent snowy owl. Visit Damon Point's mile-long beach at the tip of the peninsula. Don't confuse this Protection Island with the wildlife refuge of the same name located in the Strait of Juan de Fuca.
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More to Explore
Ocean Shores Activities
Explore nature and beaches with our list of things to do in Ocean Shores.