Ocean Shores, Washington Vacation Rentals
Explore 437 rental homes and villas in Ocean Shores, Washington for your next vacation or business travel. With private vacation home rentals, enjoy a more personalized stay and a wide range of amenities such as Best Affordable Homes, Great for Groups and Homes with Parking. With a wide range of homes to offer, pricing can start as low as $79 per night with homes containing as many as 7 bedrooms and 6 bathrooms. However you're looking to experience your stay, Homes and Villas by Marriott has your next vacation home waiting.
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Ocean Shores Overview
Nestled on the Washington coast, Ocean Shores is a captivating haven that promises an unforgettable escape. Imagine waking up to the soothing sound of waves in a private home, tailored just for you and your loved ones, with many of these retreats offering pet-friendly accommodations so that your furry friends can join in on the adventure.
At the heart of Ocean Shores is its magnificent six-mile stretch of sandy beach, a playground for the senses where you can revel in beachcombing for treasures, feel the thrill of kite flying with the ocean breeze, or experience the unique joy of horseback riding along the shoreline. For those who seek the exhilaration of the sea, the Pacific Ocean beckons with its waves perfect for surfing and rich waters for fishing enthusiasts.
Beyond the beach, the city is interlaced with freshwater lakes and canals, creating a paradise for boating and kayaking. The landscape is crisscrossed with over 23 miles of scenic biking and walking paths, inviting you to explore the natural splendor of Ocean Shores at your own pace.
Wildlife enthusiasts will be enchanted by the local inhabitants, from graceful deer to playful raccoons and a kaleidoscope of bird species. And if you're fortunate, you might catch the awe-inspiring sight of whales migrating just off the coast.
For those who enjoy a leisurely picnic or a day filled with recreational fun, Ocean Shores offers lush parks like North Bay Park with its convenient boat launch and fishing docks, and Damon Point State Park, a prime spot for birdwatching. Golfers can tee off at the Ocean Shores Golf Course, where each hole offers a new perspective of the area's natural beauty.
The city's vibrant calendar is dotted with events that celebrate the spirit of the community, from sandcastle building contests and kite festivals to arts & crafts fairs and music celebrations. These gatherings infuse Ocean Shores with a festive atmosphere year-round.
Culinary delights await as well, with a variety of restaurants serving up the freshest seafood and a diverse array of other mouthwatering dishes. And for those seeking mementos, the local shops offer an array of unique souvenirs and art pieces that capture the essence of this coastal gem.
For an elevated experience, consider a home rental with a swimming pool, where private dips under the sun or stars add an extra layer of luxury to your stay.
Ocean Shores is more than just a destination; it's a coastal sanctuary where every moment is a treasure, and every stay in a private home brings the comfort of seclusion with the vast ocean as your backyard. Whether you're in search of adventure or serenity, Ocean Shores is a seaside jewel that beckons you to discover its many wonders.
Cultural Attractions in Ocean Shores
Ocean Shores, Washington, is a charming destination for those who appreciate arts, history, and local customs. The city provides a range of cultural activities that are sure to engage any traveler.
While the Ocean Shores Convention Center is known for hosting conferences and events, it may not regularly feature art shows as previously mentioned. However, there are still opportunities to explore the vibrant local art scene within the city.
History buffs will find much to appreciate in Ocean Shores. The Coastal Interpretive Center presents intriguing exhibits on the area's history, including its Native American heritage, early European exploration, and shipwrecks along the coast. It's an excellent place to learn about the region's past and its relationship with the sea.
Regarding live music in Ocean Shores, it appears that performances may be more seasonal rather than year-round. Summer concerts and festivals seem to be more common musical events in this area.
Local customs can be experienced through Ocean Shores' numerous festivals and events. The Razor Clam Festival celebrates a favorite local delicacy with clam digging demonstrations, chowder tasting contests, and more. Other events like the annual Flag Day Parade or Winter Fanta-Sea craft show provide further opportunities to engage with local traditions.
In terms of getting around Ocean Shores, it seems that driving or biking might be more realistic options due to its spread-out nature. While some attractions may be within walking distance in certain areas of town, for longer distances or exploring nature areas like Damon Point State Park or North Bay Park renting a bike or car might be advisable.
Family friendly activities in Ocean Shores
Ocean Shores, Washington, is indeed a charming place for families with children. The city boasts six miles of sandy beaches that are ideal for activities like building sandcastles, flying kites, or simply having a picnic while observing the waves.
The Coastal Interpretive Center offers an engaging and educational experience. Children can learn about the local natural history and marine life through interactive exhibits. They can interact with real sea creatures in the touch tank, search for fossils in the fossil pit, or participate in nature walks or bird watching tours.
Outdoor activities are plentiful in Ocean Shores. Families can rent a bike or moped from Affordable Mopeds to explore the city's trails and parks. Alternatively, they can rent a boat from Ocean Shores Boat House for some water-based fun.
Animal-loving children will be delighted to meet Buddy and Howie at the Shores Bowl. These rescued seals are popular mascots of Ocean Shores and love to entertain visitors.
For indoor entertainment, Playtime Family Fun & Peppermint Parlor is an excellent choice. It offers arcade games, bumper cars, laser tag, mini-golf and more. The attached Peppermint Parlor serves delicious ice cream sundaes that children will love.
Lastly, Ocean Shores hosts annual events like the Sand & Sawdust Festival where professional sand sculptors showcase their skills on the beach and Razor Clam Festival where kids can learn clam digging and participate in a clam chowder taste-off.
In summary, Ocean Shores offers an abundance of family-friendly activities that will keep children entertained throughout their visit.
Outdoor activities in Ocean Shores
Ocean Shores, Washington is a haven for nature enthusiasts, offering a wide array of outdoor activities and natural wonders. The city is located on a peninsula, bordered by the Pacific Ocean and Grays Harbor, making it an ideal spot for beachcombing, bird watching, and marine life spotting.
The sandy beaches are perfect for leisurely walks where you can enjoy the ocean waves and potentially spot migrating whales. For a different perspective of the beach, consider renting a moped or bike or even taking a horseback ride.
Water sports enthusiasts will find plenty to do here with opportunities for surfing, kite flying, fishing, clamming and crabbing. The North Jetty area is particularly favored for these activities.
Ocean Shores also features over 23 miles of interconnected freshwater lakes and canals that are perfect for kayaking or canoeing. As you paddle around these waterways, keep an eye out for local wildlife such as deer and various bird species.
For those who prefer land-based activities, the Weatherwax Trail offers an easy hike through dense coastal forest with interpretive signs providing information about local flora and fauna. It's an excellent place to connect with nature in tranquility.
While Damon Point State Park has been known to occasionally host snowy owls in winter months, they are not regular inhabitants there. Similarly, while it was once home to nesting western snowy plovers - a threatened species - recent reports suggest they may no longer nest there currently.
Lastly, make sure to visit Oyhut Wildlife Recreation Area where you can explore diverse habitats including saltwater marshes and some freshwater wetlands. While there may not be extensive forested wetlands based on satellite imagery analysis, the area still offers plenty of natural beauty to explore.
In summary, whether your interest lies in water sports or bird watching or if you simply enjoy peaceful walks amidst nature - Ocean Shores has something to offer every outdoor enthusiast.
Weather in Ocean Shores
Ocean Shores, Washington, located on the Pacific coast, enjoys a temperate oceanic climate. This results in generally mild weather throughout the year, featuring cool, wet winters and warm, dry summers.
The winter months of November to February are typically the coldest with average high temperatures in the mid-40s Fahrenheit and lows in the mid-30s. These months also see substantial precipitation with December being particularly wet. Rainfall is frequent during this period and while snowfall is not common, it does occur occasionally with several inches of snow each winter.
The summer months from June to September are usually the warmest with average high temperatures generally in the upper 60s to low 70s Fahrenheit. However, during heat waves, summer highs can sometimes reach into the mid 70s or even approach 80°F. The lows during these months are typically in the 50s and these months are relatively dry compared to other seasons.
Spring from March to May and fall from October to November serve as transitional seasons with temperatures gradually warming up after winter's chill or cooling down after summer's warmth respectively. However contrary to moderate rainfall as previously stated, spring and especially fall tend to be fairly rainy in Ocean Shores with fall being on average the wettest season.
The most popular time for visitors at Ocean Shores is during summer when weather conditions are most favorable for outdoor activities such as beachcombing, surfing or exploring local parks. For those who prefer a quieter visit with fewer tourists around and don't mind a bit of rain or cooler weather, winter can be an equally charming time to explore this coastal city.
Transportation in Ocean Shores
Visitors to Ocean Shores, Washington, usually get there by car or bus. The city is approximately a two and a half hour drive from Seattle, making it an easy-to-reach destination for those living in the Pacific Northwest. Greyhound also provides bus services to Aberdeen nearby, from where local transit can be used to reach Ocean Shores.
Upon arrival in Ocean Shores, tourists will discover that the city is relatively small and simple to navigate. The Grays Harbor Transit system runs buses within the city and its surrounding areas, offering an economical means of transportation. Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are also available.
For those who enjoy more active transportation methods, bike rentals can be found at various locations throughout the city. Biking is an excellent way to see Ocean Shores' six miles of sandy beach as well as its freshwater lakes and canals.
Regarding walkability, a large portion of Ocean Shores can be explored on foot due to the city's flat terrain which makes it easy to walk between attractions such as the beach, downtown shops and restaurants, and local parks. However, some attractions are spread out over a larger area so having access to a car or bike could be advantageous for longer trips.
In summary, whether you're arriving by car or bus, planning on navigating the city by public transit or bike, or intending on exploring on foot, you'll find that getting around Ocean Shores is uncomplicated and convenient.