19 Best Things To Do In Ocean Shores, Washington

Ocean Shores, Washington, isn’t where you go to check things off a list. It’s where you go to breathe differently. The kind of place where your phone magically stays in your pocket, your shoulders drop a few inches, and you remember what it feels like to just be. It’s equal parts beach town, foggy adventure zone, and “holy crap, is that a wild elk walking by?” energy. This place moves at its own pace, and once you tune into it, you’re hooked.

You can ride horses on the sand, drive your car straight onto the beach, dig for clams like your life depends on it, or just walk the shoreline with no goal but to exist. That’s the beauty of it—there’s no wrong way to Ocean Shores. If you’re hunting down the best things to do in the city, get ready for a little chaos, a lot of wind, and some weird, wild charm that stays with you long after you’ve rinsed the sand out of your shoes. Come curious. Leave salty, sandy, and seriously refreshed.

Dive into our guide to discover the best attractions in Ocean Shores and start planning your adventure today!

1. Enjoy the Beaches

Category: Outdoor Recreation
Location: Multiple public access points along Ocean Shores Blvd NW, Ocean Shores, WA 98569

At the heart of Ocean Shores is its biggest natural draw: the beach. Stretching for miles along Washington’s Pacific Coast, the beaches here are wide, windswept, and incredibly peaceful. Whether you’re walking hand-in-hand at sunset, flying kites with the kids, or just sitting back and listening to the waves roll in, the Ocean Shores coastline has a way of slowing life down in the best way possible.

These beaches are perfect for beachcombing, building sandcastles, and even driving on the sand in designated areas (a novelty for many visitors). In the cooler months, you’ll find storm watchers gazing at the dramatic surf, and in summer, bonfires and beach picnics are a common sight. No matter the season, the beach is always worth a visit.

2. Explore the Ocean Shores North Jetty

Category: Outdoor Recreation
Location: Multiple public access points along Ocean Shores Blvd NW, Ocean Shores, WA 98569

At the heart of Ocean Shores is its biggest natural draw: the beach. Stretching for miles along Washington’s Pacific Coast, the beaches here are wide, windswept, and incredibly peaceful. Whether you’re walking hand-in-hand at sunset, flying kites with the kids, or just sitting back and listening to the waves roll in, the Ocean Shores coastline has a way of slowing life down in the best way possible.

These beaches are perfect for beachcombing, building sandcastles, and even driving on the sand in designated areas (a novelty for many visitors). In the cooler months, you’ll find storm watchers gazing at the dramatic surf, and in summer, bonfires and beach picnics are a common sight. No matter the season, the beach is always worth a visit.

3. Visit Damon Point

Category: Outdoor Recreation
Location: Multiple public access points along Ocean Shores Blvd NW, Ocean Shores, WA 98569

At the heart of Ocean Shores is its biggest natural draw: the beach. Stretching for miles along Washington’s Pacific Coast, the beaches here are wide, windswept, and incredibly peaceful. Whether you’re walking hand-in-hand at sunset, flying kites with the kids, or just sitting back and listening to the waves roll in, the Ocean Shores coastline has a way of slowing life down in the best way possible.

These beaches are perfect for beachcombing, building sandcastles, and even driving on the sand in designated areas (a novelty for many visitors). In the cooler months, you’ll find storm watchers gazing at the dramatic surf, and in summer, bonfires and beach picnics are a common sight. No matter the season, the beach is always worth a visit.

4. Go Horseback Riding

Category: Outdoor Adventure & Family Activities
Location: Multiple stables along Ocean Shores Blvd NW—Honey Pearl Ranch and Chenois Creek Horse Rentals are top picks

There’s nothing quite like riding a horse down a wide, sandy beach with the ocean breeze in your hair—and in Ocean Shores, it’s not just a dream, it’s an easy reality. Several local stables offer guided horseback rides along the beach, available for all ages and experience levels. Whether you’re an experienced rider or it’s your first time in the saddle, these gentle horses and knowledgeable guides make it easy and safe.

Most rides last about 30–60 minutes and travel along quieter stretches of the beach near the North Jetty or other less-trafficked spots. Some stables even offer sunset rides or longer trail options through dune areas and nearby woods. It’s a fantastic way to see the coast from a different perspective and create one-of-a-kind memories—especially for families and couples.

5. Experience Local Wildlife at the Coastal Interpretive Center

Category: Education & Nature
Location: 1033 Catala Ave SE, Ocean Shores, WA 98569

If you're curious about the ecosystems, history, and wildlife of Washington’s coast, the Coastal Interpretive Center is a must-visit. Tucked away in a quiet, forested area near Damon Point, this small but engaging museum offers hands-on exhibits about marine life, coastal geology, Indigenous culture, and the local flora and fauna. It's a favorite stop for families and nature lovers looking to dig deeper into what makes Ocean Shores unique.

Inside, you'll find displays featuring whale bones, shells, marine debris art, and regional fossils. Outside, there are short walking trails and interpretive signs that make the surrounding dunes and wetlands feel like part of the museum. Friendly volunteers often lead tours or answer questions, and kids can get up close with touchable exhibits, making this a very interactive and educational experience.

6. Try Your Luck at the Quinault Beach Resort and Casino

Category: Entertainment & Nightlife
Location: 78 WA-115, Ocean Shores, WA 98569

If you're in the mood for a little indoor excitement, head to the Quinault Beach Resort and Casino—a beachfront resort that combines Pacific Northwest charm with Vegas-style fun. Just minutes from the center of Ocean Shores, this coastal casino offers slots, table games, and poker, along with great dining and ocean views. It’s a popular spot for adults looking to unwind or spice up their evening with some entertainment.

Even if you’re not a gambler, the resort is worth a visit. It features oceanfront hotel rooms, a full-service spa, live music on weekends, and multiple dining options—from casual bites to a more upscale restaurant with panoramic views of the Pacific. You can spend an hour here or make it a full night out.

7. Rent Mopeds, Bikes, or Scooters

Category: Active Fun & Local Exploration
Location: Multiple rental shops along Ocean Shores Blvd NW—popular options include Apollo Mopeds and Affordable Mopeds

Want to cruise Ocean Shores with the wind in your hair? Renting a moped, bike, or electric scooter is one of the most fun and flexible ways to explore the town. It’s a favorite activity among visitors who want to get around easily without worrying about traffic or parking. From beachside paths to quiet neighborhood streets, it’s a breezy and scenic way to see more of Ocean Shores in less time.

Rental shops offer a wide variety of options, including tandem bikes, kid-friendly models, and even surrey carts for group rides. Mopeds are street-legal and can be taken on many of the town’s main roads, giving you access to the beach, downtown shops, and natural areas like Damon Point and the North Jetty—all at your own pace.

8. Take a Scenic Boat Tour

Category: Water Activities & Wildlife Viewing
Location: Departures vary; check with local tour operators like Ocean Shores Electric Boat Company and Quinault Marina

Looking for a peaceful way to experience Ocean Shores from the water? A scenic boat tour offers a fresh perspective on the area’s natural beauty and wildlife. Cruise through the tranquil canals or out onto the protected waters of Grays Harbor, where you may spot seals, seabirds, and even bald eagles soaring overhead.

Electric boat rentals are a popular, eco-friendly option and don’t require a license to operate. These quiet vessels glide smoothly through the canals, making for a perfect family outing, romantic sunset cruise, or low-key afternoon adventure. Some operators even allow you to bring food and drinks onboard, making it feel like your own private floating picnic.

9. Visit the Ocean Shores Golf Course

Category: Outdoor Sports & Leisure
Location: 500 Canal Dr NE, Ocean Shores, WA 98569

If your idea of a perfect getaway includes hitting the links, the Ocean Shores Golf Course offers a scenic and relaxed playing experience just minutes from the beach. This public 18-hole course winds through coastal forests, dunes, and grassy fairways, offering a peaceful atmosphere and a surprising level of challenge. It’s welcoming for both casual players and seasoned golfers looking to keep their swing sharp while on vacation.

The course features wide-open fairways, well-maintained greens, and just enough water hazards and bunkers to keep things interesting. Rentals are available, including clubs, carts, and pull carts, so you can show up and play—even if you didn’t pack your gear. There’s also a driving range and putting green for warming up or practicing your short game.

10. Explore the Shops and Eateries in the Town

Category: Local Shopping & Dining
Location: Primarily along Ocean Shores Blvd NW and Point Brown Ave NW

One of the best ways to soak in Ocean Shores’ personality is by wandering its quirky, colorful downtown. Lined with local boutiques, souvenir shops, candy stores, galleries, and casual eateries, the central area offers a blend of beach-town charm and unexpected finds. Whether you're shopping for hand-crafted goods, browsing beachwear, or just grabbing a slice of pizza or a fresh bowl of clam chowder, the town has something for every pace and palate.

You’ll find treasures like local art, nautical decor, and Pacific Northwest-made bath products—and don’t be surprised if you stumble into a themed store or two. Dining options range from classic fish and chips to Thai, Mexican, burgers, and seafood straight off the boat. Many spots are pet-friendly and family-oriented, making it easy to spend a few hours exploring.

11. Pacific Paradise: Mini-Golf and Family Fun

Category: Indoor/Outdoor Entertainment
Location: 767 Point Brown Ave NW, Ocean Shores, WA 98569

If you're looking for all-ages fun under one roof, Pacific Paradise Family Fun Center is a must-visit. This colorful attraction offers classic mini-golf, bumper boats, a laser tag arena, arcade games, and more—making it the perfect place to spend a drizzly afternoon or take a break from the beach. It’s an especially big hit with families and groups looking for lighthearted competition and lots of laughs.

The 18-hole mini-golf course is a local favorite, with creative obstacles, fun themes, and lush landscaping that adds a Pacific Northwest twist to the classic game. Inside, the arcade features both retro favorites and newer games, and kids can collect tickets for fun prizes. It’s affordable, walkable from downtown shops and restaurants, and easy to enjoy whether you’re six or sixty.

12. Sharky’s: A Unique Shopping Experience

Category: Local Shopping
Location: 694 Ocean Shores Blvd NW, Ocean Shores, WA 98569

Even if you’re not a big shopper, Sharky’s is worth the stop. Known for its enormous shark-mouth entrance (yes, you walk through its jaws), this wildly themed gift shop is a staple of Ocean Shores and a favorite photo op for visitors. Inside, you’ll find everything from beachwear and toys to coastal-themed souvenirs, t-shirts, jewelry, and novelty gifts that range from hilarious to heartfelt.

The atmosphere is bright, beachy, and just a little over-the-top in the best way. It’s the kind of place where kids dart to the toy section while adults browse for quirky keepsakes or matching family shirts. And if you're visiting for the first time, snapping a photo at the shark mouth entrance is practically a rite of passage.

13. Ocean Shores Kites: Colorful Fun on the Beach

Category: Outdoor Fun & Local Shopping
Location: 172 W Chance a La Mer NW, Ocean Shores, WA 98569

A visit to Ocean Shores Kites is part shopping, part childhood nostalgia, and part beach-day upgrade. This long-standing kite shop specializes in everything from classic diamond kites to high-performance stunt kites—and it’s just a short walk from the sand, so you can head straight out to fly your new favorite in the ocean breeze. They also sell spinners, windsocks, flags, and other fun wind-powered toys that are as mesmerizing as they are colorful.

Inside the shop, friendly staff are happy to offer flying tips and help you choose the right kite for your age, skill level, or wind conditions. It’s a fun place for kids to pick out something bright and playful, or for adults to rediscover the simple joy of watching a kite soar above the surf.

14. Buddy and Howie’s Old Fashioned Sweet Shoppe: A Taste of Nostalgia

Category: Desserts & Specialty Treats
Location: 749 Point Brown Ave NW, Ocean Shores, WA 98569

If your sweet tooth needs some attention, head straight to Buddy and Howie’s Old Fashioned Sweet Shoppe. This charming candy store is packed wall to wall with retro treats, handmade fudge, saltwater taffy, and chocolates galore. It’s the kind of place that makes grown-ups feel like kids again—and kids feel like they’ve just walked into candy paradise.

You’ll find bins of mix-and-match classics like jawbreakers, licorice, and sour gummies, plus a counter full of rich fudge and chocolate-dipped everything. The shop also carries nostalgic sodas and small gift items, making it a great place to pick up a few edible souvenirs or build your own custom candy bag.

15. Shores Bowl: Classic Bowling Fun

Category: Indoor Entertainment & Family Activities
Location: 125 W Chance a La Mer NW, Ocean Shores, WA 98569

When the weather turns gray—or you’re just in the mood for some friendly competition—Shores Bowl delivers classic bowling fun with a coastal twist. This long-standing, family-run bowling alley features well-maintained lanes, a cozy arcade area, and a laid-back vibe that makes it feel like stepping back in time (in the best way possible). Whether you’re a seasoned bowler or a total beginner, it’s a fun and affordable way to spend a couple of hours indoors.

With 10 lanes, bumpers for kids, and blacklight bowling on select nights, it’s an easy go-to for family entertainment, date nights, or casual group outings. There’s also a full snack bar serving up pizza, nachos, and local beers, so you don’t have to leave for dinner.

16. Oyhut Wildlife Recreation Area: A Natural Haven in Ocean Shores

Category: Nature & Wildlife Viewing
Location: Near the southern end of Ocean Shores Blvd SW, Ocean Shores, WA 98569

Tucked away at the quieter southern edge of town, the Oyhut Wildlife Recreation Area offers one of the best places in Ocean Shores to reconnect with nature. This sprawling preserve of wetlands, sand dunes, and salt marshes is home to dozens of bird species and other native wildlife. It’s ideal for walking, birdwatching, photography, or simply soaking up the serenity of the coast without the crowds.

A network of informal walking trails takes you through a unique mix of open spaces and natural habitats. Bring binoculars—bald eagles, herons, and migratory shorebirds are commonly spotted here. It’s also one of the best places to watch the sunrise or sunset over the water, especially in fall and winter when the skies are clear and crisp.

17. Chinook City Park: Community Charm and Outdoor Fun

Category: Parks & Local Recreation
Location: 700 Mt. Olympus Ave SE, Ocean Shores, WA 98569

If you’re looking for a low-key, family-friendly spot to unwind, Chinook City Park is the kind of neighborhood gem that locals love and visitors appreciate once discovered. Nestled in a quiet residential area, the park offers wide-open green space, a shaded playground, picnic tables, and even a small basketball court. It’s a great place to let the kids run around, have a casual lunch, or stretch your legs between activities.

The playground features slides, swings, and climbing structures suitable for younger kids, while the open lawn is ideal for frisbee, kite flying, or just laying out a blanket to relax. It’s usually not crowded, making it a peaceful escape from busier beach areas. The park is also just a short drive from the town center and other key attractions.

18. Visit the Ocean Shores Interpretive Center

Category: History, Culture & Ecology
Location: 1033 Catala Ave SE, Ocean Shores, WA 98569
(Often confused with the Coastal Interpretive Center but a distinct experience)

The Ocean Shores Interpretive Center is one of the best places to gain a deeper understanding of the area’s coastal ecosystem, native heritage, and local history. With a mix of educational exhibits, historical artifacts, and interactive displays, it’s a thoughtful, enriching stop that’s great for curious visitors of all ages.

Inside, you’ll find exhibits covering the geology of the Pacific coast, maritime history, the wildlife of Grays Harbor, and the cultural contributions of local Indigenous tribes. The staff and volunteers are passionate and knowledgeable, often sharing stories and answering questions. Kids can enjoy hands-on areas while adults appreciate the historical depth and scientific detail.

19. Go Clam Digging (Seasonal)

Category: Seasonal Activities & Coastal Tradition
Location: Designated beaches along Ocean Shores’ coastline—check Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife for exact locations and dates

If you want to experience Ocean Shores like a true Pacific Northwesterner, clam digging is a must-try seasonal tradition. From fall through spring, during approved low tides, locals and visitors alike head to the beach with buckets, boots, and clam guns in hand to harvest razor clams—a regional delicacy and community ritual. It’s muddy, hands-on, and genuinely fun, especially for families and first-timers.

Digging is allowed only on specific days, set by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW), and you’ll need a valid shellfish license (easily obtained online or at local vendors). Once you're on the beach, look for small dimples in the sand at low tide—these are often signs of a razor clam below. It’s part treasure hunt, part workout, and always rewarding when you fry up your catch later that night.

Conclusion

Ocean Shores is one of those places that sneaks up on you. You come thinking it’s just beaches and driftwood, and you leave wondering if you should buy a kite, a clam gun, and a beach cruiser. There’s something oddly comforting about the way this place doesn’t try too hard. The waves crash, the seagulls yell, and somewhere, someone’s trying to dig razor clams in rain boots two sizes too big. It's equal parts peaceful and ridiculous—in the best way possible.

If you’re still wondering about the best things to do in Ocean Shores, here's the secret: don’t overthink it. Walk the beach. Ride a horse. Fly a kite and get sand in your shoes. Eat fish and chips with your hands. Get lost in a gift shop full of sea glass and oddly specific saltwater taffy flavors. Then, do it all again tomorrow, but slower.

Karta has some amazing deals on Ocean Shores vacation rentals for you!

FAQ

1. What is Ocala, Florida, known for?

Ocala is known for its beautiful horse farms, earning it the title “Horse Capital of the World.” It is also recognized for the scenic Ocala National Forest, rich history, and outdoor recreation opportunities like Silver Springs State Park.

2. What outdoor activities can I enjoy in Ocala?

Visitors to Ocala can enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking and canoeing in Ocala National Forest, exploring the crystal-clear waters of Silver Springs State Park by kayak, horseback riding through the area’s trails, and zip-lining at The Canyons Zip Line and Adventure Park.

3. Is Ocala a family-friendly destination?

Yes, Ocala offers plenty of family-friendly attractions, including the Appleton Museum of Art, Sholom Park for peaceful nature walks, and Gypsy Gold Horse Farm, where visitors can learn about the famous Gypsy Vanner horses.

4. What is the best time of year to visit Ocala, Florida?

The best time to visit Ocala is during the spring and fall when temperatures are pleasant, making outdoor activities more enjoyable. The cooler months also coincide with fewer crowds and special seasonal events.

5. Are there any cultural attractions in Ocala?

Yes, cultural attractions in Ocala include the Appleton Museum of Art, which showcases a variety of art collections, and the Ocala Civic Theatre, which hosts live performances and community productions.

6. What is there to do in Downtown Ocala?

Historic Downtown Ocala is full of charm, offering local shops, art galleries, and restaurants. The Ocala Downtown Market is a popular spot for browsing local produce, artisan goods, and crafts.

7. Is Ocala a good place for outdoor enthusiasts?

Absolutely. Ocala is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts, with activities such as hiking, birdwatching, fishing, and camping in places like Silver Springs State Park and Ocala National Forest.

8. Are there any unique events or festivals in Ocala?

Yes, Ocala hosts a variety of events, including horse shows and equestrian events at venues like the World Equestrian Center. Seasonal festivals and art shows are also common throughout the year.

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