OceanShores.com - Map Of Ocean Shores, Washington

Welcome to Ocean Shores, Washington

Once you have come through the stones pillars welcoming you into this small tourist community you will understand why the town was voted “Best of Western Washington” 5 years in a row. The 6 mile peninsula is surrounded by 3 bodies of water and weaving through the middle is 26 miles of interlocking waterways.

You will not find any traffic lights, 7-11’s or Wal-Marts here. The population is about 3,500 people. The area’s mild weather and low real estate prices make it a perfect retirement spot. Welcome to Paradise!

Beach Approaches in Ocean Shores

There are 5 to 7 designated beach approaches off Ocean Shores Blvd and Sand Dune Ave., these make beach access readily available by car or foot. Signs are posted at the entrances with warnings regarding driving on the beach. If you disregard the warnings you increase your chance of getting stuck in sand and having to pay to have your vehicle towed free of the incoming surf or being ticketed for driving violations. Both are costly and unnecessary.

Please heed the signs regarding the rip currents and don’t become a statistic for our surf rescue team.

Down Town Ocean Shores, Washington

Located at the beginning of Ocean Shores, the down town area is home to a large number of businesses, the city government, and entertainment. Some of the high lights of tourist attractions include local merchant shops, restaurants, beach access, and activities like horseback riding, bowling, and go-carts.

Ocean Shores Municipal Library
The library, located beside the police department, is available to residents and visitors alike. From new releases and children’s books to classics and reference manuals - there is something for everyone. Public access computers are available for limited use on reserved time slots. Temporary library cards are available. For information please call 360-289-3919

O. S. Convention Center & Chamber
Owned by Ocean Shores, the convention center is over 11,000 square feet and can accommodate groups of up to 1,100 and do banquet seating for 550. The building has hosted trade shows, exhibits, and sporting events, among other things.

The Ocean Shores Chamber of Commerce and

visitors center is also housed in this building and is visited by thousands of tourists every year.

Tourist Interest in Ocean Shores, Washington

The North Jetty
Located at the southwestern tip of the peninsula, the North Jetty approximately 6 miles from the gates of Ocean Shores. Watching the wave’s crash over the rocks is only one of Mother Nature’s displays that draws tourists and locals to this area.

Jetty surf fishing for salmon and perch, surfing in the white-capped waves and kite flying are just some of the activities to enjoy down there. Abundant parking and public restrooms are available to the public.

Ocean Shores Marina & RV Park
The Ocean Shores Marina is located at the tip of the 6 miles peninsula at Grays Harbor. Although small in comparison to Westport, it is home to several private fishing and crabbing boats.

It is also the departure point for the passenger ferry, the El Matador which makes scheduled trips to and from Westport starting Memorial Day and going through till Labor Day. The 45 minute cruise is great for young and old – harbor seals and gulls are a welcome sight, and if you’re lucky you might spot a gray whale migrating north.

The RV Park located at the marina has 99 sites – with full hook-ups. If you’re looking for peace, tranquility and an awesome view – this is it!

Ocean Shores Interpretive Center
Are you looking for more information about the natural history of the area? The Interpretive Center offers programs for young and old – see the shipwrecked remains of the Catala, learn to identify many of the species of birds indigenous to the area or hear why the baby seals that rest on our beaches are protected by law. To get more information regarding their hours call 360-289-4617.

Parks and Wildlife Areas in Ocean Shores, Washington

City Parks
The city has 3 public parks that are open for anyone to use. Chinook and North Bay Park are both situated on Duck Lake. Chinook Park has a boat launch and fishing pier and North Bay Park has picnic areas, a playground for children, tennis court, fishing dock and baseball field, among other things.

Emerson Park is located near the downtown area and has a tennis court and play area.
All 3 parks are easy to find and close to town.

Damon Point State Park
This is also known as Protection Island, and gives safe haven to many species of birds and wildlife – including baby seals.

This is a wonderful location for beach combing, bird watching and looking for agates and other semi-precious stones.

Located at the end of the point is the remains of the Catala, one of our many shipwrecks. An excellent place to spend the day.

Duck Lake & Grand Canal
Duck Lake and the Grand Canal make up the 23 miles of interlocking waterways that weave their way through Ocean Shores. Duck Lake has residences on either side of it and most have private docks for fishing and boating. Power boats are permitted on the lake and water skiing is a common sight in the summer.

Duck Lake is stocked and a favorite fishing spot for tourists and locals alike. The Grand Canal travels south and ends at the spillway into the harbor. It has a speed limit of 5mph and is home to otters, beaver and many varieties of bird.

Oyhut Wildlife Recreation Area
Oyhut Wildlife Recreation Area, is located just north of Damon Point State Park and is another area if you are truly into nature watching.

Blue Herons, Brown Pelicans, Pheasants, Snowy Plovers and other species of birds can be spotted on the 682 acres of protected land.

Ocean Shores Airport

Nestled along the east side of Ocean Shores with a fabulous view of the bay is the town’s airport. Seasonal scenic flights of the area are offered by Whidbey Scenic Flights and only an aerial view can truly dramatize the many characteristic facets of our peninsula. Call 360-678-8384 to schedule a flight today.

Claming Areas in Ocean Shores

Claming on the north coast brings people from far and wide to face whatever Mother Nature has to toss out to dig their quota of the delectable shell fish. Governed by the Department of Fish and Wildlife – only designated days are opened each year.

For further information regarding upcoming digs check out the website of the Fish & Wildlife Department at http://wdfw.wa.gov/fishcorn.htm.

Storm Watching in Ocean Shores, WA

Nothing brings the sky to life like an approaching storm. Escape the hustle and bustle of city life and come join us for storm watching!

Sit in front of a fire and sip a glass of wine while Mother Nature unleashes her fury on the Washington coast. Wind gusts of 100 mph and twenty-five foot waves are truly a spectacle to see.