Ocean Shores, WA

Travel Guide

A rocky beach with large boulders, a sandy shore, and houses in the background.
A coastal residential area with houses, a grassy foreground, and mountains in the background.
Tall grass in a field with a blurred background of a blue sky and clouds.
A coastal landscape with houses on a grassy hill under a clear blue sky.
A coastal house with a balcony, surrounded by dense vegetation.

In this small town, visitors can relax and experience the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest.

Ocean Shores is small, with just 5,500 residents, but visitors will find plenty of things to do. The town is on a peninsula. Wake to a sunrise to the east over North Bay and Grays Harbor. Enjoy a busy day sightseeing and come back in time to drink a cocktail while watching the sun set to the west over the Pacific Ocean.The southernmost part of the peninsula is ironically the place to find the North Jetty. Park for free and roam the beach. Look for bits of bright sea glass rounded by the waves and brought to shore by tides. Head north along the 6 miles (10 kilometers) of beach and wade in the surf or build sand castles. In June, marvel at the kite flying that is part of the two-day Festival of Colors, an international stunt-kite festival that takes place on the city beaches and draws participants from around the world.Moving a half mile (800 meters) east, you’ll find Oyhut Wildlife Area. Bring binoculars and do some birding. You’re likely to find snowy plovers, herons, pheasants, pelicans and more in the 682 acres (276 hectares) of natural wetlands and tidal flats. On the eastern side of Oyhut, visit Ocean Shores Interpretive Center, with history and wildlife exhibits. Children will love the hands-on, interactive displays featuring snowy owls, sea otters and seals, the logging industry, whaling, predators and prey, fishing, ecology and sea creatures. There is even a display of a “person” made entirely from materials collected on the beach. There is plenty of free parking at the center, and there is no admission fee, but donations are welcome. Rent an eco-friendly electric boat and spend the day on the canal or Duck Lake that stretch along the interior of the peninsula, or venture into the harbor. Bring a picnic lunch, and plenty of sunscreen, and spend the day on the water. If you have time, drive just over three hours north to see Olympic National Park with views of 7,965-foot (2,428-meter) Mount Olympus and its surrounding glaciers.

Where to stay in Ocean Shores

Find the best Ocean Shores areas and neighborhoods for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Ocean Shores
Learn more about Ocean Shores
A sunset over a beach with waves and a clear sky.
Photo by Meghann Borden
Open Photo by Meghann Borden

Bay Side

If you're spending some time in Bay Side, Ocean Shores Golf Course and Coastal Intrepretive Center are top sights worth seeing.

A person standing in shallow water at the beach, facing the ocean.
Photo by Shruti Shandilya
Open Photo by Shruti Shandilya

Downtown Ocean Shores

If you're spending some time in Downtown Ocean Shores, Pacific Paradise Family Fun Center and Oyhut State Park are top sights worth seeing.

Lighthouse Suites Inn

Lighthouse Suites Inn

2.5 out of 5
491 Damon Road Ocean Shores WA
$110 nightly
The price is $123 total per night from Oct 1 to Oct 2
$123 total
Oct 1 - Oct 2
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this beach hotel in Ocean Shores. Enjoy free parking, a fitness center, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (2,389 reviews)
"Room great! Pool great! Though we attended breakfast during the allotted time only cereal and yogurt and toast remained. We presume this was due to the Labor day weekend. That being said we did like our overnight stay and would return."

Reviewed on Sep 21, 2026

Lighthouse Suites Inn
Hotel Mar Vista

Hotel Mar Vista

2 out of 5
845 Ocean Shores Blvd NW Ocean Shores WA
$94 nightly
The price is $105 total per night from Sep 23 to Sep 24
$105 total
Sep 23 - Sep 24
Total with taxes and fees
Stay at this hotel in Ocean Shores. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our reviews. ...
7.6/10 Good! (1,147 reviews)
"Muy limpio"

Reviewed on Sep 21, 2026

Hotel Mar Vista
Ocean Paradise Hotel and Resort

Ocean Paradise Hotel and Resort

2.5 out of 5
773 Ocean Shores Blvd NW Ocean Shores WA
$66 nightly
The price is $74 total per night from Oct 18 to Oct 19
$74 total
Oct 18 - Oct 19
Total with taxes and fees
Stay at this resort in Ocean Shores. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
7.6/10 Good! (995 reviews)
"Pleasant stay comfy pillows and bed. Breakfast in the am was ok. There’s a path that leads directly to the ADA walking path and then to the beach from there!"

Reviewed on Sep 20, 2026

Ocean Paradise Hotel and Resort
See all 495 properties in Ocean Shores
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
The Grey Gull

The Grey Gull

2 out of 5
651 Ocean Shores Blvd NW Ocean Shores WA
Book a stay at this beach aparthotel in Ocean Shores. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,416 reviews)
"Room was decent but way too hot- the unit would benefit from a ceiling fan at least or an AC unit. Bathroom shower needs a new mixing valve. Floor is unlevel. Balcony was a bonus but could benefit from a screen door . Overall a good stay however"

Reviewed on Sep 18, 2026

The Grey Gull
Ocean Shores cozy chalet located within steps from the beach

Ocean Shores cozy chalet located within steps from the beach

Ocean Shores WA
Stay at this chalet in Ocean Shores. Enjoy free WiFi, balconies, and cable/satellite TV service. Popular attractions Ocean Shores Beach and Chance A La Mer State ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (61 reviews)
"The pictures are beautiful but the property is more run down than the photos let on. There were multiple smells, dirty carpet and a moldy shower curtain. Bedding and pillows smelled bad, pillows were cheap and the upstairs (sleeping area) was hot and stuffy). Pretty pictures but not a good experience, ..."

Reviewed on Sep 20, 2026

Ocean Shores cozy chalet located within steps from the beach
Cozy Sea Breeze Cottages

Cozy Sea Breeze Cottages

Ocean Shores WA
Enjoy balconies and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Ocean Shores Beach and Pacific Paradise Family Fun Center are located nearby.
9/10 Wonderful! (18 reviews)
"Very clean, very cozy. Smaller than I anticipated, but it worked for us. Cute place."

Reviewed on Sep 19, 2026

Cozy Sea Breeze Cottages
See all properties in Ocean Shores
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Stay near popular Ocean Shores attractions

A grassy path leading to the ocean with a clear blue sky.

Ocean Shores Beach

9.2/10 (2,524 reviews)
Watch the sun set over the Pacific Ocean, play with kites in the powerful wind and relax around bonfires on this dramatic stretch of shoreline.
See properties

Frequently asked questions

Is Ocean Shores worth visiting?
Ocean Shores is worth visiting for its standout attractions like North Jetty and Oyhut State Park. Travelers can also explore distinct areas such as Downtown Ocean Shores and Bay Side, and enjoy a variety of food options, including Italian cuisine and fresh seafood.
When is the best time to visit Ocean Shores?
The best time to visit Ocean Shores is from June through August, when the weather is typically pleasant and the destination is most popular. For travelers seeking fewer crowds and potentially better value, the quieter months of November through January are a good option, offering a cooler experience.
Where are the best neighborhoods to explore in Ocean Shores?
The best neighborhoods to explore in Ocean Shores depend on what you want to see:

  • Downtown Ocean Shores offers family-friendly entertainment with Pacific Paradise Family Fun Center, Fusions Art Gallery, and Playtime Family Fun.
  • Bay Side is home to natural beauty at Duck Lake, plus the Ocean Shores Golf Course and the Coastal Interpretive Center.

What is Ocean Shores known for?
Ocean Shores is known for its coastal features, including the North Jetty, Oyhut State Park, and Damon Point. Situated on the Pacific Ocean and near Duck Lake and Grays Harbor, travelers can enjoy exploring its natural waterfront areas and scenic views.
What is a good itinerary length for Ocean Shores?
A good itinerary length for Ocean Shores is two to three days to explore nature spots like North Jetty, Oyhut State Park, and Downtown Ocean Shores. For an extended stay of four to five days, travelers can also discover Damon Point, enjoy the Bay Side, and sample local Italian, seafood, or North American cuisine.
What are the top things to do in and around Ocean Shores?
Ocean Shores provides coastal landmarks, nature exploration, and family entertainment for travelers:


How do I plan a trip to Ocean Shores?
To plan your trip to Ocean Shores, search for places to stay on Expedia and book flights and rental cars in advance. Explore Downtown Ocean Shores or Bay Side, and plan activities like visiting North Jetty or Oyhut State Park. Always have indoor backup plans for outdoor activities due to weather flexibility.
What cuisines can you find in Ocean Shores?
In Ocean Shores you can find Italian cuisine, offering classics like pasta, pizza, and rich lasagna. Travelers can also enjoy fresh seafood, familiar North American dishes, and a variety of flavors from Asian and Latin American, including Mexican specialties like tacos.
Can I book a refundable hotel in Ocean Shores?
Yes, Expedia offers many flexible booking options, and you can look for refundable hotels in Ocean Shores by entering your dates and using the refundable or fully refundable filter. Always check the hotel's cancellation policy before you book, since terms can vary by hotel, and visit Expedia help center for further details.
Why book a trip to Ocean Shores with Expedia?
Expedia makes it easier to plan your Ocean Shores trip with travel tools, flexible search options, and bookable trip components all in one place. You can organize your plans in one account and use Expedia to help build a trip that fits your budget and travel style. Find out more about how by visiting Expedia's Trip Planner page.
Should I stay in a hotel or vacation rental in Ocean Shores?
The best choice depends on your travel style. Hotels in Ocean Shores can be a good fit for convenience, on-site amenities, and shorter stays, while vacation rentals may offer more space, privacy, and home-style amenities for longer trips, families, or groups. With Expedia, you can compare both options side by side, read traveler reviews, and filter by amenities to find the right fit for your trip.
How can I manage my Ocean Shores trip on Expedia?
Once you've booked your Ocean Shores trip, you can manage it through your Expedia account or the Expedia app. You can view your itinerary, access booking details, make eligible changes, and check for updates in My Trips. The Expedia app can also help you stay organized while you travel.
What if I need help during my Ocean Shores trip?
Expedia offers customer support before, during, and after your Ocean Shores trip. If your plans change or something unexpected happens, you can review your booking in My Trips and use Expedia help center channels for help with eligible changes, cancellations, or travel issues.
How can Expedia help me plan my first trip to Ocean Shores?
If it's your first trip to Ocean Shores, Expedia can help you plan by bringing together stays, flights, activities, traveler reviews, and trip-planning tools in one place. With Expedia's Trip Planner you can compare options, read reviews from other travelers, and build an itinerary that matches your interests and budget.
How can I save on my Ocean Shores hotel booking with Expedia?
Join One Key™ for free to unlock instant discounts with Member Prices on select hotels. You can also earn and use OneKeyCash™* on eligible bookings on Expedia. Booking in advance is usually another great way to save on your Ocean Shores hotel.

*Excludes taxes and fees. OneKeyCash is not redeemable for cash and can only be used on Expedia and other participating brands.

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