Things to Do in Ocean Shores: Top Sights and Original 3, 5 & 7-Day Itineraries
Ocean Shores sits on a peninsula on Washington's Pacific coast, with six miles of sandy beach you can drive on, canals and lakes, and easy access to whale watching and the Olympic Peninsula.
This guide covers the best things to do in Ocean Shores, 3, 5 and 7-day itineraries with Westport, Lake Quinault and the Olympic rainforests, plus food, family ideas and where to stay.
Top things to see in Ocean Shores
Ocean Shores Beach
Miles of drivable sand.
Damon Point
Spit with birds and bay views.
Interpretive Center
Local wildlife and history.
Canals and Duck Lake
Kayaking and fishing.
Razor clam digs
Seasonal digging on the beach.
Westport
Marina, lighthouse and whale watching.
Grays Harbor Lighthouse
Tallest lighthouse in Washington.
Lake Quinault
Rainforest and historic lodge.
Ocean Shores in 3 days: an original itinerary
1Day 1 · Beach day
Start with a walk or drive along Ocean Shores Beach and fly a kite in the sea breeze. Lunch on fish and chips in town. In the afternoon, visit the Interpretive Center. Watch the Pacific sunset and enjoy a beach bonfire where allowed.
2Day 2 · Damon Point
Hike out to Damon Point to spot shorebirds, seals and views of Grays Harbor. Lunch in town. In the afternoon, rent kayaks on Duck Lake or the canals. Dinner at a local seafood spot.
3Day 3 · Westport
Drive around to Westport for the marina, the viewing tower and Grays Harbor Lighthouse. Lunch on fresh crab. In the afternoon, surf or walk Westhaven State Park. Return to Ocean Shores for dinner.
Ocean Shores in 5 days
Follow the 3-day plan above, then add these two days:
4Day 4 · Lake Quinault
Head north to Lake Quinault and the Olympic Peninsula's rainforest trails. Lunch at the historic Lake Quinault Lodge. In the afternoon, see the world's largest Sitka spruce. Return in the evening.
5Day 5 · Pacific Beach
Explore Pacific Beach, Moclips and the planned beach town of Seabrook. Lunch in Seabrook. In the afternoon, beachcomb for agates and driftwood. Evening campfire back in Ocean Shores.
Ocean Shores in 7 days
With a full week, keep days 1 to 5 and finish with:
6Day 6 · Whale watching
In spring, book a whale-watching trip from Westport to see gray whales on their migration. Lunch at the marina. In the afternoon, visit the Westport Maritime Museum. Dinner overlooking the harbor.
7Day 7 · Last day
Spend the morning digging razor clams in season or walking the beach, then shop for saltwater taffy and souvenirs. Lunch in town. Seattle is about two and a half hours away.
What to do in Ocean Shores on a weekend
For a weekend in Ocean Shores, combine beach driving, Damon Point and a day in Westport.
It's an easy escape from Seattle or Olympia.
What to do in Ocean Shores in the evening
Evenings are about sunsets, beach fires and casual seafood.
Quinault Beach Resort has a casino and restaurant.
Ocean Shores for couples
Couples can book an oceanfront room with a fireplace, walk the beach at sunset and dine on Dungeness crab.
Ocean Shores with kids
With kids, kite flying, beach driving, mini golf, bumper boats and the Interpretive Center keep everyone busy.
What to eat in Ocean Shores
Razor clams
Fried, in season.
Dungeness crab
Local favorite.
Clam chowder
Coastal classic.
Smoked salmon
From local smokehouses.
Saltwater taffy
Beach treat.
Where to stay in Ocean Shores: best areas
Beachfront
Oceanview hotels and resort.
Downtown
Close to shops.
Canal homes
Rentals on the water.
Westport
Quieter, near the marina.
What to do in Ocean Shores when it rains
On rainy days, visit the Interpretive Center, the Westport Maritime Museum, the casino or a cozy café.
How much does a trip to Ocean Shores cost?
Expect $120 to $220 per night, $15 to $30 for a meal and about $90 for a whale-watching trip.
Practical tips for Ocean Shores
Best time to visit
June to September for sunshine; March to May for gray whales.
Getting around
A car is needed; you can drive on designated beach areas.
Our practical tips
- Follow beach driving rules.
- Check razor clam dig dates.
- Buy a shellfish license.
- Watch for sneaker waves.
- Pack rain gear.
- Book summer weekends early.
Mistakes to avoid
- Driving in soft sand.
- Turning your back on the ocean.
- Digging clams without a license.
- Expecting warm water.
Frequently asked questions
What are the best things to do in Ocean Shores?
Beach driving, Damon Point, kayaking and razor clamming.
Can you drive on the beach?
Yes, on designated sections.
How far is Seattle?
About 2.5 hours.
When is clamming season?
Digs are announced in fall, winter and spring.