Things to Do in Ocean Shores Washington: The Ultimate Coast Guide

Planning a trip to Ocean Shores, WA? Discover the best things to do, from driving on the beach to horseback riding. Complete travel guide.

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January 16, 2026·5 min read

Things to Do in Ocean Shores Washington: The Ultimate Coast Guide

Ocean Shores offers a unique escape where the Pacific Ocean meets the rugged charm of the Pacific Northwest. This is not your typical sun-soaked tropical destination. It offers a moody, atmospheric, and incredibly relaxing experience where you can drive your car directly onto the hard-packed sand. Travelers visiting Washington State often look for a break from the city life, and this coastal town provides the perfect contrast to the urban bustle.

Whether you are looking for outdoor adventures or a quiet weekend listening to the waves, this guide covers everything you need to know to plan your trip.

Distance from Seattle: Approximately 2.5 to 3 hours drive
Best Feature: Drive-on beaches
Atmosphere: Relaxed, foggy, nature-focused
Key Activity: Clam digging, kite flying, and beach driving

Why Visit Ocean Shores?

The primary reason to visit this peninsula is accessibility. It stands out as one of the few places in the country where the beach serves as a highway. You do not have to haul your gear hundreds of meters from a parking lot; you simply drive until you find the perfect spot.

The town itself feels slow-paced and friendly. You see locals riding mopeds, deer wandering through the neighborhoods, and kites filling the sky on windy days. It is an approachable destination that requires very little planning but rewards you with vast ocean views and fresh air.

Driving on the Beach: Essential Safety Tips

Driving on the sand is the highlight of any trip here, but it comes with responsibilities. The sand is generally hard-packed and safe for most passenger vehicles, but you must observe the tides. The ocean moves quickly in this region. You should always check the daily tide tables before parking your car near the water.

Local authorities enforce road rules on the sand just like they do on the pavement. You must adhere to the posted speed limits to ensure the safety of pedestrians and wildlife. Saltwater is corrosive, so planning a car wash immediately after your trip is a smart move to protect your vehicle.

If you are flying into the region to start your road trip, you might be landing at one of the major airports in Washington before renting a car and heading west toward the coast. The drive itself is scenic, taking you through tall evergreen forests before opening up to the dunes.

Top Things to Do in Ocean Shores

Once you have parked on the sand or checked into your rental, you will find plenty of activities to fill your day.

Horseback Riding on the Coast

Riding a horse along the edge of the Pacific Ocean is a bucket-list experience for many visitors. Local stables offer guided tours that cater to all experience levels. The guides know the terrain well and ensure a safe ride even if you have never been on a horse before. The sound of hooves on the sand mixed with the crashing waves creates a memorable atmosphere.

Wildlife and Nature

You might be surprised to find deer walking calmly through the town center or grazing in front yards. These black-tailed deer are accustomed to people, but you should always keep a respectful distance and never feed them. For bird watchers, the jetty and the canals offer excellent opportunities to spot herons, eagles, and shorebirds.

While you can see seals and occasionally whales from the shore, those specifically looking for marine giants usually head further north. Dedicated whale watching in Washington requires visiting specific hotspots like the San Juan Islands, but Ocean Shores still offers plenty of marine life encounters for the observant traveler.

Pacific Paradise Family Fun Center

Families often spend their afternoons at this entertainment hub. It features mini-golf, bumper boats, and arcade games. It serves as a great rainy-day option when the coastal weather turns wet and windy. The indoor atmosphere provides a break from the elements while keeping the energy high.

Exploring the Great Outdoors

Beyond the beach, the peninsula features a network of fresh waterways and trails.

The Canals

Ocean Shores has miles of fresh water canals and lakes connected to the peninsula. These calm waters are perfect for kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, or renting a small electric boat. It offers a peaceful alternative to the roaring ocean and allows you to see the backside of the peninsula from a different perspective.

Weatherwax Nature Preserve

If you want to trade the sand for the forest, head to the Weatherwax Nature Preserve. This area protects a section of the coastal forest, including old-growth trees and wetlands. The walking trails are flat and easy, making them accessible for most fitness levels. It is a quiet sanctuary where the wind is blocked by the dense canopy, providing a serene walking experience.

Practical Tips for Your Trip

Understanding the local climate helps you pack the right gear. The weather on the coast is unpredictable and often significantly cooler than inland areas.

Dress in Layers: Even in the middle of summer, the wind can make the beach feel chilly. A windbreaker or a waterproof shell is essential.

Respect the Dunes: The grassy dunes protect the town from the ocean. Walking on them is generally prohibited to prevent erosion. Stick to the marked paths and beach access points.

Combine Your Trip: Many travelers combine a coastal visit with a city break. After exploring the rugged coast, you might head back to the city to enjoy urban attractions like the Seattle Great Wheel, offering a complete picture of what the state has to offer.

Ocean Shores remains a timeless destination for those seeking a connection with the raw power of the Pacific. Whether you are driving on the beach, flying a kite, or simply watching the sunset from the dunes, it offers a refreshing reset from daily life.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, driving on the beach is legal and the sand is officially designated as a state highway in Ocean Shores. Most standard passenger vehicles can handle the hard-packed sand, but you must adhere to the 25 mph speed limit and traffic laws. Always check the tide tables before entering to avoid your vehicle being caught by the incoming ocean.

Swimming is generally not recommended due to strong rip currents, sneaker waves, and cold water temperatures that average around 50°F (10°C) year-round. While wading near the shoreline is popular, full immersion poses a risk of hypothermia and drowning; most visitors stick to kite flying, clam digging, and beachcombing.

No, beach access and parking on the sand in Ocean Shores are completely free and do not require a Washington Discover Pass. You can enter through main access points like Chance a la Mer or Taurus Boulevard without paying an entrance fee.

The best time to visit is typically from late June through September when the weather is driest and temperatures are mild. However, storm watchers often prefer the winter months (November to February) to witness the dramatic high tides and powerful gales from the comfort of an oceanfront hotel.

Yes, small recreational fires are permitted on the beach, provided they are built at least 100 feet west of the dune grass line. Fires must be kept smaller than 3 feet in diameter, and you are legally required to extinguish them completely with water—not by burying them with sand—before you leave.

The drive from Seattle to Ocean Shores takes approximately 2.5 to 3 hours, covering a distance of about 130 miles. The most common route takes you south on I-5 to Olympia, then west on US-12 and SR-8 towards Aberdeen, offering a scenic transition from city to coastal forest.

Yes, Ocean Shores is very dog-friendly, but local laws require dogs to be kept on a leash at all times while on the beach and in the city. This rule is strictly enforced to protect your pet from vehicles driving on the sand and to prevent them from chasing the local deer population.

Razor clam digging dates vary each year and are determined by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) based on marine toxin testing. Digging is typically allowed on specific evening low tides during the fall and winter months, and you must purchase a valid shellfish license before participating.

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United States