Good to know: Visit and neighborhood recommendations in Ocean Shores
Ocean Shores blends breathtaking natural beauty with a fun and welcoming beach-town vibe. Guests can take long walks on the beach, kayak through the canals, or explore the local art galleries and souvenir shops. The city also hosts seasonal festivals, live music events, and car shows, adding to its lively atmosphere. With its peaceful setting and numerous activities, Ocean Shores offers something for every type of traveler.
Where to look for an Airbnb in Ocean Shores
Oceanfront District
For visitors who want to wake up to the sound of waves, the Oceanfront District is the ideal location. This area features stunning beachfront vacation rentals, charming cottages, and luxury condos with breathtaking views. Guests can enjoy direct beach access, scenic walking trails, and plenty of spots for picnics and bonfires.
Downtown Ocean Shores
Staying in Downtown Ocean Shores puts visitors at the center of the town’s restaurants, shops, and entertainment venues. Accommodations here include stylish apartments, boutique vacation rentals, and family-friendly homes. Guests can walk to local cafés, browse souvenir shops, or enjoy a night out at the local bars and arcades.
North Jetty
The North Jetty neighborhood is perfect for travelers seeking a quieter and more scenic retreat. Vacation rentals here include charming beachfront homes, cozy cabins, and secluded lodges surrounded by nature. Visitors can watch the waves crash against the jetty, spot seals and seabirds, or take beautiful sunset photos.
Ocean City State Park Area
For those who love camping and outdoor activities, staying near Ocean City State Park offers a great mix of adventure and comfort. Visitors can rent cozy cabins, rustic lodges, or modern vacation homes close to the park’s trails and beach access. The area is great for hiking, wildlife spotting, and fishing along the shore.
Southern Ocean Shores
Southern Ocean Shores provides a more residential and laid-back environment for visitors looking for a longer stay. Guests can find spacious vacation homes, quiet retreats, and family-friendly accommodations with large yards and scenic views. This area is known for its tranquil surroundings, abundant wildlife, and proximity to local golf courses.
Must-visit places and attractions in Ocean Shores
Ocean Shores Beach
Ocean Shores Beach is the town’s main attraction, featuring miles of sandy shoreline perfect for walking, kite flying, and beachcombing. Visitors can drive on the beach, set up a cozy picnic, or watch the sunset over the Pacific Ocean. The beach is also a popular spot for horseback riding and clam digging during the season.
Damon Point
Damon Point is a stunning peninsula offering breathtaking ocean views and excellent wildlife spotting opportunities. Visitors can hike along the beach, search for unique seashells and agates, or watch for bald eagles and harbor seals. The area is especially beautiful during low tide, revealing sandbars and tide pools filled with marine life.
Ocean Shores Boat & Kayak Rentals
Exploring Ocean Shores by water is a fun and unique way to see the area’s natural beauty. Visitors can rent kayaks, paddleboards, or pedal boats to cruise along the city’s scenic freshwater canals. The peaceful waters make it an enjoyable experience for all skill levels.
Weatherwax Trail
The Weatherwax Trail is a hidden gem offering a peaceful escape into nature. This forested trail winds through lush greenery and leads to a quiet lake, making it ideal for hiking and birdwatching. Visitors can spot deer, eagles, and a variety of native plants along the path.
Ocean Shores Convention Center
The Ocean Shores Convention Center hosts a variety of exciting events throughout the year, including car shows, music festivals, and craft fairs. Visitors can check the event calendar to see what’s happening during their stay. The center is also home to art exhibits and cultural showcases that highlight local talent.
Pacific Paradise Family Fun Center
For a fun-filled family outing, the Pacific Paradise Family Fun Center offers arcade games, go-karts, and an 18-hole mini-golf course. Visitors can test their skills at the laser maze, race friends on the go-kart track, or enjoy classic arcade games. The center is a great indoor activity for kids and adults alike.
Coastal Interpretive Center
The Coastal Interpretive Center provides fascinating insights into the marine life, history, and ecology of the Pacific Northwest. Visitors can explore interactive exhibits on local wildlife, coastal conservation, and Native American history. The center also offers guided nature walks and educational programs for all ages.
Oyhut Bay Seaside Village
Oyhut Bay Seaside Village is a charming destination with boutique shops, restaurants, and a relaxed coastal vibe. Visitors can enjoy fresh seafood, browse local artisan shops, or listen to live music at the village square. The area also offers vacation rentals with access to private walking trails and scenic picnic spots.
Where to find a vacation rental near Ocean Shores
Westport, Washington
Located about 30 minutes south of Ocean Shores, Westport is a charming fishing town known for its scenic harbor and excellent seafood. Visitors can book waterfront cabins, cozy beach homes, or vacation rentals near the marina. Staying in a vacation rental in Westport gives guests quick access to surf spots, boat tours, and harbor sunsets. The area offers great fishing, surfing, and whale-watching opportunities.
Aberdeen, Washington
About 45 minutes east, Aberdeen serves as a historic entryway to the Washington coast and is famously known as the birthplace of Kurt Cobain. The town features the Aberdeen Museum of History, riverfront parks, and nearby forested trails. Booking an airbnb in Aberdeen provides travelers with an affordable and convenient base just inland from Ocean Shores. Travelers can book vacation homes and quaint Airbnbs that offer convenience and a touch of small-town Americana.
Forks, Washington
Approximately two and a half hours north, Forks is nestled in the heart of the Olympic Peninsula and draws nature lovers and fans of the Twilight series. The town is surrounded by lush rainforests, with easy access to the Hoh Rain Forest and Rialto Beach. Renting a cabin in Forks offers a peaceful forest retreat with trailheads and coastal overlooks minutes away. Visitors will find rustic lodges, woodland cabins, and peaceful vacation rentals perfect for a quiet retreat.
Olympia, Washington
Just under two hours southeast, Olympia, the state capital, offers a blend of political history, arts, and waterfront scenery. Guests can visit the Washington State Capitol, stroll the Olympia Farmers Market, or explore the Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge. Staying in a vacation rental in Olympia provides easy access to cultural spots, lively eateries, and urban walks by the Puget Sound. A wide variety of vacation rentals are available, from modern downtown lofts to lakeside cottages.
Port Angeles, Washington
Around three hours north, Port Angeles is a gateway to Olympic National Park and a hub for outdoor exploration. From hiking Hurricane Ridge to kayaking in the Strait of Juan de Fuca, the area provides endless opportunities for adventure. Booking a house in Port Angeles lets you wake up to mountain views or harbor breezes while planning your next trail or paddle. Travelers can stay in vacation homes overlooking the harbor or cozy mountain-view cabins. Port Angeles brings dramatic landscapes and diverse activities that enhance any Pacific Northwest getaway from Ocean Shores.
Explore the allure of american beachside havens and picturesque coastal towns.
With its pristine beaches and stunning ocean views, Ocean Shores is a paradise for beach lovers. You can extend your sandy escape by exploring other unique beachside destinations. Imagine settling into an airbnb in Port Aransas, where the Texas Gulf Coast's warm waters and Mustang Island's natural splendor beckon. Or, perhaps the serene beauty of the Atlantic Coast calls you to short-term rentals Port St. Lucie, known for its beautiful beaches and charming waterfront restaurants. Meanwhile, New England's charm awaits with Charlestown rental properties, offering a gateway to the historic charm and enchanting lighthouses of Rhode Island's coastline.
Embrace the quaint atmosphere of coastal towns scattered across the United States. Head to the beautiful cliffs of Oregon by opting for vacation rentals Bandon, renowned for its remarkable rock formations like Face Rock and the historic Coquille River Lighthouse. Discover the cozy vibe of the Jersey Shore with accommodation in Surf City New Jersey, home to peaceful beaches and delightful local eateries. For a truly unique escape, experience the raw, rugged beauty of Alaska by booking an airbnb in Juneau, where the Mendenhall Glacier and wildlife adventures inspire awe. Alternatively, delve into the rich Dutch heritage of the Midwest with a stay in Holland, Michigan, famous for its vibrant tulip festival and charming windmills that transport you to another time.