Ocean Shores Travel Guide

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Flights to Ocean Shores

All fares Ashburn (IAD) to Ocean Shores (SEA) found by travelers in past 48 hours*
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Pro

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 Quiet, inexpensive, plenty to do 


Con

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 Not a quaint coastal village, poor service in some restaurants 


In a nutshell

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 A good weekend getaway 

 

Explore Ocean Shores

Things to Do  

Popular Wind Surfing Location

Popular Wind Surfing Location, Ocean Shores

 glabah Says:  I can not tell you too much about the qualities of the southern tip of the Ocean Shores peninsula when it comes to wind surfing. While it certainly looks like fun I have never learned to wind surf.However, Ocean Shores and Damon Point State Park certainly are popular... 

Weatherwax Forest

Weatherwax Forest, Ocean Shores

 glabah Says:  This is the last remaining native-style forest on the Ocean Park peninsula. As the peninsula was logged in the early 1900s, there are no real old growth trees here, or anywhere else on the peninsula. However, what is here is preserved second growth, with a huge effort put in... 

Damon Point State Park

Damon Point State Park, Ocean Shores

 glabah Says:  DANGER: This state park consists of a sand peninsula heading into Gray's Harbor. It is important to note that during the highest of high tides, much of the peninsula gets cut off from the mainland. Please take a tide table and know when it is time to head back to shore!Note... 

Ocean Shores Interpretive Center and Museum

Ocean Shores Interpretive Center and Museum, Ocean Shores

 glabah Says:  This small museum, interpretive center and tourist information center is quite good for a city of this size, and has quite a lot of local information, both for the city and for the surrounding area. Included in the collection here are various animal and bird specimens,... 

Boating and Kyaking

Boating and Kyaking, Ocean Shores

 Johnscarroll Says:  Ocean Shores has 25 miles of freshwater lakes and canals. Duck Lake is the largest segment, and it adjoins the Grand Canal at the south end.A power boat launch and dock is available at North Bay Park. Hand launching for kyaks and canoes is available at parks throughout the... 

Quinalt Beach Resort and Casino

Quinalt Beach Resort and Casino, Ocean Shores

 Johnscarroll Says:  This is only a five minute drive from Ocean Shores. Or, about a 45 minute walk north along the beach. Probably the best Indian casino in Washington state. It includes a hotel, restaurant, Sushi Bar, convention center, spa, gift shop, two lounges and (of course) a casino.The... 

Drive on the beach at Ocean...

Drive on the beach at Ocean..., Ocean Shores

 nature_girl Says:  Drive on the beach at Ocean ShoresThere is a designated state highway along the beach in Ocean Shores. Parts of it are closed off when conditions are not ideal. There's nothing like driving on the beach (until you get stuck!). 

One of the most popular...

One of the most popular..., Ocean Shores

 falicia2000 Says:  One of the most popular and fun activities to do on the beach in Ocean Shores is flying kites. There is a great shop with a huge variety of kites, windsocks, beach toys and much much more. Enjoy the Ocean Shores International Kite Challenge, one of Washington's largest kite... 

Hotels  

Judith Ann Inn

 2 Reviews and 68 Opinions  The Judith Ann Inn was the most beautiful experiance of my life. You are so close to the Ocean and... 

Holiday Inn Express Ocean Shores

 1 Review and 121 Opinions  After calling four days in advance and reserving a room with a guaranteed AAA rate we were quoted... 

Hotels  

Quinault Marina & RV Park: Inside Facing Marina and Campground

Quinault Marina & RV Park: Inside Facing Marina and Campground, Ocean Shores

 glabah Says:  I did not stay at this campground, but only explored it as part of getting to the Damon Point State Park. From the direction I came from, there was no indication that this is private property, and thought that it was part of the facilities of the state park until I wandered... 

Discovery Inn: Dog Friendly

Discovery Inn: Dog Friendly, Ocean Shores

 nwmountaingirl Says:  Located approximately 3 miles south of town situated on the Grand Canal and also near the bird sanctuary. Has a swimming pool and indoor hot tub where you can sit, relax and watch the sunset. Not a four star hotel but it is reasonably priced and welcomes dogs. 

Best Western Lighthouse Suites...

Best Western Lighthouse Suites..., Ocean Shores

 nature_girl Says:  Best Western Lighthouse Suites Inn, Ocean Shores$150 Ocean sounds, sights, and smells. Get a room with a fireplace! Definitely not economical, but a great treat at the end of the trip. 

Best Western Inn, 491 Damon Rd...

Best Western Inn, 491 Damon Rd..., Ocean Shores

 falicia2000 Says:  Best Western Inn, 491 Damon Rd NW, Ocean Shores, WA 98569, (360-289-2311)Canterbury Inn Luxury Resort, 643 Ocean Shores Blvd, Ocean Shores, WA 98569, (360-289-3317)Casa Del Oro Apartment Motel, 665 Point Brown Ave NW, Ocean Shores, WA 98569, (360-289-2281)Chris' By The Sea,... 

Restaurants  

OCEAN SHORES Alec's by the...
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3.5 out of 5 starsHelpfulness

falicia2000 97 reviews

OCEAN SHORES
Alec's by the Sea Ocean Shores, (360) 289-4026
Dugan's Pizza Ocean Shores, (360) 289-2330
Flipper's Fish Bar Ocean Shores, (360) 289-4676
Home Port Ocean Shores, (360) 289-2600
Jimmy D's Country Waffle & Steak House Ocean Shores, (360) 289-0218
Las Maracas Mexican Restaurant Ocean Shores, Hoquiam, Westport, Raymond
Mariah's Restaurant & Lounge Ocean Shores, (800) 562-4862 (360) 289-3361
Sand Castle Drive In Ocean Shores, (360) 289-2777
Shilo Restaurant Ocean Shores, (360) 289-4600

NORTH BEACH
Ocean Crest Resort & Dinner House Moclips, (360) 276-4465

Written Oct 4, 2002

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Transportation  

Westport to Ocean Shores Ferry is CLOSED
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glabah 2179 reviews

In April of 2008, the Ocean Shores to Westport ferry, which saved over an hour drive all the way around Gray's Harbor to get between the two cities, closed.

More details are below, but the fact is money has not been found to solve the Ocean Shores marina problem.

Thus, no ferry between the two.

Written Jan 3, 2012

Website: http://www.northcoastnews.com/2009/02/24/the-ferry-is-still-dead/

Related to:
 Sailing and Boating
 Budget Travel

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Local Customs  

Quinault Indian Nation has Presence in City
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glabah 2179 reviews
Small Quinault Information Kiosk near Damon Point
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While Ocean Shores is not on the Quinault Indian Nation land, their nation does have a presence in town, and they own and operate a significant Casino and Resort on the north side of town. At the far south end of town, they also operate a Campground and Marina.

Today, the land has changed vastly from even what it was a generation ago. Ocean Shores was only a logged-off sandy peninsula in 1960.

If you happen to visit the area around Damon Point State Park and the campground, you will find a fairly large old tree stump that has been modified into an information kiosk about the Quinault Indian Nation. It presents only a very brief message, but at least gives some basic information into the First Nations of the area.

You will also find a bit of information about the Quinault over at the Interpretive Center and Museum. The web site below is the official web site for the Nation.

Updated Mar 30, 2011

Website: http://www.quinaultindiannation.com/

Related to:
 Historical Travel

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Warnings and Dangers  

Virtually No Public Restrooms: Stop at Oyhut

Virtually No Public Restrooms: Stop at Oyhut, Ocean Shores

 glabah Says:  There are very few public restrooms anywhere in the Ocean Shores community. Even Damon Point State Park has only a single portable toilet at its entrance, and even that disappears from time to time. The restroom nearest that point is owned by the Quinault Nation and is... 

The Beach Eats Cars!

The Beach Eats Cars!, Ocean Shores

 nwmountaingirl Says:  Take your time driving at night. Towards the north end of the beach the canal is extremely deep, so do not attempt to drive through. Drive along the compact sand and be careful not to get stuck in soft sand. Towing companies earn a profitable living here towing cars out, but... 

Don't drive on the beach at...

Don't drive on the beach at..., Ocean Shores

 nature_girl Says:  Don't drive on the beach at Ocean Shores with a Grand Am. (AAA does NOT cover off road tows, even though it's a state highway!) 

For the most parts locals...

For the most parts locals..., Ocean Shores

 falicia2000 Says:  For the most parts locals do not swim in the ocean, just to let you know. It may look inviting but can be very deadly even on a mild day. The Washington Coast is known for its dangerous Rip Currents. (Note: if caught in a rip-tide, swim parallel to the beach and out of the... 

Off The Beaten Path  

You will find some of the...
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3.5 out of 5 starsHelpfulness

falicia2000 97 reviews

You will find some of the best site seeing in Ocean Shores on the lakes and canals, in Duck Lake you can find water fowl and otters. If you stop by the north jetty you can see the power of the ocean. Take a ride to Westport with a chance of even seeing a few whales. A drive north along Highway 109 takes you through Ocean City, Copalis Beach, Pacific Beach and Moclips. You will find spectacular beach views along the way. 45 minutes north of Ocean Shores on Highway 101 will take you to Lake Quinalt and the Olympic Rain Forest. Here you will see breathtaking view of the lake you will find fantastic trail and waterfalls not to mention the worlds largest spruce tree

Written Oct 4, 2002

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Comments

* Pricing and fares have been collected during the three days prior to today's date. Actual pricing and fares are provided by air carrier and suppliers, whose prices change frequently and without notice.
Map of Ocean Shores