Pizza Slice

You might not know this, but Spokane has an epic pizza scene. If you’re a fan of a beautiful crust, savory sauces and toppings that seem to have been placed by God almighty himself then a trip to Spokane is absolutely the destination for you.

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Complete Guide of Things to do in Ocean Shores WA

The Best and Complete Guide to Ocean Shores, WA

The city of Ocean Shores, on the coast of Washington state is a quaint, friendly small town that needed a complete guide to the city and all activities, restaurants, events and more.  We took on the task of compiling all our our favorite things to do in Ocean Shores and more!  This is the best guide regarding Ocean Shores and covers; activities, kid zones, events, restaurants, coffee & treats, birding, shoreline, after hours, oyhut bay, shopping, hotels, airbnb’s, camping and a ton more.  For quick access to a section, click on one of the category links below.  And if you have any feedback or updates to our list, please let us know!

Section Categories for Quick Access

Activities

Kid Zone

Events

Restaurants

Coffee & Treats

Birding

Shoreline

After Hours

Oyhut Bay

Shopping

Hotels

AirBnb's

Camping

Other

Credits

Activities in Ocean Shores

GOLF

Driving range at Ocean Shores Golf Course

Driving range at Ocean Shores Golf Course courtesy of hwcdn.net

Ocean Shores Golf Course
500 Canal Dr NE, Ocean Shores, WA 98569
360.289.3357
http://oceanshoresgolf.com/
Ocean Shores has many outstanding options for the avid golfer, including a wide variety courses and plenty of tee times to fit your schedule. Plan to play a new course during your stay in Ocean Shores and take advantage of the incredible deals on tee times available through GolfNow.  If golf is your thing, Ocean Shores is a great place to get in some golf time.

Pacific Paradise
767 Minard Ave NW, Ocean Shores, WA 98569
360.289.9537
https://www.pacificparadisepark.com
Championship golf… with a putter! This is the largest miniature golf course on the Washington Coast, with 36 holes of fun for the whole family—day and night. Putt over the bridge, through a lighthouse, and around rocks and boulders. Both sand and water hazards await you for the ultimate game-time challenge.
RATES
18 Holes – $11
36 Holes – $15

BIKING

Electric Beach Bike Rentals
172 W Chance a La Mer NW | Ocean Shores, WA 98569
360.593.7441
https://www.electricbeachbikerentals.com/
Read a great review on TripAdvisor here
One of the best things to do in Ocean Shores is biking around town, as the area is very bike-friendly. You can bring your own bike if you have one or rent them from several different companies.  We especially like renting because they’ve got the great electric bikes that really give you the extra power you need when getting through the soft sand and out to the more compact sand near the water.

FLY KITES

Ocean Shores Kites
172 W Chance a La Mer NW, Ocean Shores, WA 98569
360.289.4103
http://www.oceanshoreskites.com/
 Ocean Shores Kites is our go-to kites store.  Not only do they have super unique kites, but about every trick kite you can imagine.  We especially love their knowledge of kites and the options for those on a tight budget.  Kids kites are a must in ocean shores.  Even the big kids love seeing a kite fly on the shores.

Amanda Moore was impressed by the customer service in her review here.

Cloud Nine Sportswear & Kites
201 W Chance A La Mer Ave. Ocean Shores WA 98569
360.289.2221

PADDLE BOARDING

Ocean Shores Boat House
952 Point Brown Ave SE, Ocean Shores, WA 98569
360-289-0487
https://www.osboathouse.com/
The Ocean Shores Boat House is a Veteran Owned Business. Rent Duffy Electric 21’ Cruiser boats, Sea Eagle 385FT kayaks, Sea Eagle NN14 stand-up paddleboards, and the Explorer I hydro bike. Choose the equipment you wish to explore the 23 miles of fresh waterways – the hidden gem of Ocean Shores. All watercraft are eco-friendly and made in the U.S.A.

Debbie Snidarich in her review on Google described how she had a blast on the waterways.  My daughter and I had a blast on the hydrobikes! The owners were so helpful and friendly and made sure we knew how to use them and gave us whistles and a map to see where we were going.

Surfing

North Coast Surf Inc
73 Point Brown Ave NW Unit A, Ocean Shores, WA 98569
(360) 289-0651
https://www.northcoastsurfshopwa.com/ 

Believe it or not, surfing is a big thing in Ocean Shores and Westport. And every surf town needs a surf shop, and Ocean Shores is no different. They have just about everything you need for surf and skate, as well as clothing, swimwear, sunglasses, sandals, jewelry, and of coarse, stickers. Staying for the day or weekend? They have board and wetsuit rentals for a fun beach day.

Joe Falk in his review on Google said, “Got a lesson from Aaron this morning and the whole experience was epic from putting the wet suit on to catching that wave near the end of my lesson. “

Kid Zone in Ocean Shores

Arcade

Pacific Paradise Family Fun Center
767 Minard Avenue NW Ocean Shores WA 98569
Email: info@pacificparadisepark.com
360.289.9537
https://www.pacificparadisepark.com/

Hours:
Sunday: 10:00 am – 8:00 pm
Monday-Thursday: 10:00 am – 8:00 pm
Friday: 10:00 am – 9:00 pm
Saturday: 10:00 am – 10:00 pm
*Hours subject to change without notice

https://www.instagram.com/pacificparadisepark/
https://www.instagram.com/p/CW83EbmDcK3/

Pacific Paradise is an amusement park and mini-golf course in Ocean Shores, Washington. Their focus is on family-friendly fun and their newly designed and recently updated grounds have something for everyone. It’s really amazingly well done for this small town.  The wide variety of activities at Pacific Paradise are top notch for any big city!

One visitor named Gynene Lane on Facebook said, “My family came from out of town and we all went and played 18 holes of golf. It was so nice! Except for a few careless people discarding their masks, it was clean and well manicured. The granddaughters rode the water rides, and we played arcades. Wonderful afternoon!!”

Bowling

bowling ball and shoes in a bowling lane

Ocean Shores bowling

Shores Bowl
125 W. Chance Ala Mer Ave. Ocean Shores WA 98569
360.289.9356
Email: obshaver8@hotmail.com

Saturday: 12:00 PM – 01:00 AM
https://www.facebook.com/shoresbowlwa/
Shores Bowl is a fun and friendly place to spend the afternoon or evening with family and friends. Food, drinks, games and parties all under one roof!

Luecinda Soriano-Churape (Cinder) left a review on Google and said, “We went on our last night of vacation. It was Saturday night. They were pretty full and it was probably close to 10pm. Every worker we encountered felt nice, talkative, and welcoming. We love the atmosphere of this town. I loved the small arcade and we spent an equal amount of time playing there too. We bowled two games also with one game with the night glow lights on. It was so fun.”

The continuation of this guide is a work in progress as of 9/7/22. 

 

Events

  • Sand & Sawdust

  • Celtic Festival

 

Restaurants

  • American Food

  • Asian

  • Mexican

  • Seafood,

 

Coffee

  • Coffee stands

  • roasters

  • local retailers

 

Birding

  • Trails

  • Areas

  • Species

 

Shoreline

 – Vehicles, Campfires, Beachcombing, Clam Digging

 

After Hours

  • Pubs, Bars, Nightlife

 

Oyhut

  • Outside activities, shopping, restaurants, events, lodging

 

Shopping

  • Clothes, Food

 

Hotels

  • Budget

  • Family Friendly

  • Pools

  • Cleanliness

  • Pricing

Airbnb’s

  • Beachfront

  • Canal Front

  • Luxury

  • Budget

  • Family Friendly

 

Camping

  • Campgrounds

  • RV Parks

  • State Parks

  • Private campgrounds

Pineapple Dole Whip

Spokane has some amazing ice cream spots. If you want some epic homemade ice cream and a trip through a nostalgic toy museum, then look no further than Doyle’s Ice Cream. It’s kind of like a twofer for the price of a single scoop. Get the waffle cone…seriously it’s worth it.

If you’re more of a soft serve fan, then it’s honestly hard to beat Dairy Queen. Sure it’s a chain but seeing that there’s a constant line around the building, I don’t think Spokanites mind so much.

Doyle’s Ice Cream

However, if you’re looking for a unique experience AND the best dang frozen treat this side of the Magic Kingdom… yeah that one. Seriously… then look no Further than Dick’s! Again, seriously. I know it sounds weird, Dick’s is the place for a great burger and the best people watching in Spokane. Never would I have considered getting an ice cream cone there. These days, I make special trips just for the golden frozen delicacy that is Pineapple Dole Whip.

I’m not alone. Upon my last visit, I extolled the virtues of this pineapple flavored soft serve with another customer, and he said that he had made a special trip just for the treat. So did I. Dole Whip even has a massive cult-like following.  So much so that you can literally express your love of the whip in an official shirt sleeve. I wear an XL by the way. For a true fan, a special trip isn’t really that big of a chore.

Pineapple Dole Whip gained its fame on the Disney properties. Of course, in the Polynesian resort as well as inside the parks. A pineapple Dole Whip was always a highlight of the trip. I’d wait 45 minutes in line just to get a taste. I was never alone; many-a-fan of the “whip” would make a pilgrimage to the Enchanted Tiki Room just to get soft served. While there are several flavors of Dole Whip, pineapple is the only one that matters.

Imagine my surprise when I went to get my Whammy, no onions, fries and soda only to see the Dole Whip sign. I was shocked. Never before have I gotten away with buying the whip without paying an admission fee and seeing families in matching t-shirts. At Dick’s it just cost me $2.15 for a large cone and instead of people wearing matching shirts, apparently they never bothered to put up the no shirts no service sign at the home of the Whammy.

coffee fest Portland

Are you vegan? Lactose intolerant? No worries. Pineapple dole whip is vegan and Dairy free. Despite that, it’s also amazing.

Now here comes the bad news. Even with the large volume of cones flowing through the order window, the end is nigh. Unfortunately, Dick’s only carries the whip seasonally. With the summer coming to an end, you only have a few weeks left. The manager told me that they would most likely quit selling Dole Whip at the end of August. Until next year that is. I guess that’s the silver lining of this golden treat.

So quick, get to Dick’s and get that soft serve. It’ll melt in the heat so EAT! EAT! EAT!

Couple holding hands

Washington state can offer plenty of opportunities for romance. From visiting Tacoma to visiting Seattle, there is always something new and exciting to discover for everyone. You can explore beautiful mountains, enjoy the coolness of a rainforest, take a walk on the coastline, or visit an island. You may also partake in outdoor activities to round off your perfect romantic holiday.

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A bridge in Portland, OR

If you have decided to make Portland your hometown, congratulations are in order – you made a great choice. No matter what your lifestyle is or what you want it to be in the future, Portland is the right city for you.

It is the city that manages to make a chic, young fashionista, a family of five with toddlers, and a retired teacher feel like they are right where they belong. Being the biggest city in Oregon, Portland has many areas to choose from, and they can vary dramatically from one to another. After a careful review, here is our choice of the best neighborhoods to live in Portland.

Pearl District – modern architecture and fun places for kids

An area where industry morphed into art

This is truly a unique area since, in its past, it used to be made of industrial facilities and warehouses. Over time these robust buildings evolved into respected art establishments, modern business entities, and residences. Warehouses and old plants turned into modern lofts. So if you are an artistic soul with a taste for open-plan living spaces with an industrial feel to them, Pearl District is the finest area to settle in Portland for you. In this area, you can find some of the greatest and most unusual coffee shops in town, as well as restaurants, again boasting this unusual blend of robust industrial architecture and modern trends in interior design.

Kids love it here

This fashion-forward neighborhood is also quite family-friendly. There are lots of imaginative playgrounds for children. The city park located in this area has a signature tidal pool kids are crazy about on those hot summer days. All in all, Pearl District is a neighborhood that appeals to all our senses. It seems to have a way of being unforgettable for anyone that is introduced to it.

Foodies love Mississippi Avenue

An area in Portland with the most diverse offer of restaurants

Speaking of senses, here’s an area that makes an impact, especially if we are talking about taste. In Portland, this part of town is the best place to choose to live for food lovers. If you’re big on eating out and like to sample different cuisines, you will be happy here. Mississippi Avenue has a lot to offer from gluten-free pizza to all-out southern delights and Mexican food. Here the question “Where are we eating tonight?” has an exciting ring to it.

Eccentric stores in this area are truly unique

Another charming characteristic of this neighborhood is its eccentric stores. One of them, for example, is selling lightbulbs. Only lightbulbs, literally. All sorts of them, though. Yet in another one, you can buy the weirdest gifts, such as human or animal bones. Maybe this area wouldn’t be our first choice to recommend to a family with small children, but all others that prefer the night out in town to staying in and that are bored of the usual shopping experience would enjoy living here.

Goose Hollow is the best neighborhood to live in Portland for soccer fans

Soccer fans’ district of choice to live in Portland

First of all, if this is where you choose to live, geese will not be your first neighbors. It is likely your neighbors will be some soccer fans. Prep yourself to take up a revived interest in this sport since Portland is a town in love with soccer. The stadium Providence Park is located in Goose Hollow, with two very popular soccer teams calling it their home. Naturally, this area is packed with all things sports.

A soccer field
Goose Hollow is a soccer-oriented part of town

Vegans will love it here

On the other hand, there is plenty for those not into sports as well. The harmonious marriage between modern apartments and gorgeous historic buildings gives this district its distinct appeal. An impressive array of food choices ranging from high-quality breakfasts to a delightful donut bar, excellent brunches, pizzas, and Thai food, wouldn’t disappoint even the toughest of foodies. Vegans are especially appreciated here, given that Goose Hollow can provide a very satisfactory selection of vegan dishes. So basically, sports fans, this is the right part of Portland for you. Non-sports fans, if you are moving here, you will not be disappointed either, and definitely, you will not be hungry.

No car, no problem in Nob Hill

The best neighborhood to live in Portland if you do not own a car

A place once called the Alphabet District and Northwest Portland, Nob Hill has many things to take pride in. Even though finding parking is not very easy here, walking around this area is pure joy. Many trendy shops have found their place here as well as some amazing eateries. Taking a stroll, you will be able to enjoy the sight of very beautiful Victorian mansions, which are a trademark of this district.

When it comes to public transportation, among other lines, there is Portland Streetcar. It is very effective in getting people to and from work. So, a person not owning a car that loves urban walks will surely find that this is the best area to relocate to in Portland. Also, an interesting perk of this area is an amazing selection of happy hour options when it comes to drinks.

Relax and let the professionals take care of your stuff; start afresh in style

So if you are a person that doesn’t own a car, likes imaginative shops and restaurants, and appreciates a good transportation system, we recommend the following: hire a good residential moving company and rid yourself of the relocation stress, as their expert team can handle everything. Next, select a bar that seems best suited to your mood at the moment. Sit back, relax, and toast to all the wonderful things that are coming – your new life starts here.

A woman having a drink in one of the best neighborhoods to live in Portland

Wonderful mansions and stunning nature in Arlington Heights

Sunset by Taylor Dock Shelter at Boulevard Park Boardwalk in Bellingham Washington

A place out of a story-book

And here is a neighborhood fit for princesses and fairy tale endings – at least we see it that way. Imagine a beautiful house on a hill in Portland, surrounded by wonderful greenery. You can reach it going up a steep and narrow, curvy road, but the effort is worth it. Well, that house must be in Arlington Heights. As opposed to our previously described amazing districts to live in Portland, this one is neither bustling with bars and businesses nor does it have that feel of a large city.

Nature blossoms in Arlington Heights

There are many sanctuaries of nature in this area. One of them is Washington Park, which offers many activities like playgrounds, tennis courts, hiking trails, and the like.

There is also a Forest Park (which is dog friendly), one of the most beautiful parks in the country, and several theme gardens. Although peaceful, you can find several restaurants here which are, nonetheless, of very high quality. Arlington is an upscale neighborhood with expensive houses, stunning views, and amazing nature to admire. A fairy-tale district for many.

Conclusion

Deciding on the best neighborhoods to live in Portland is subject to many factors. But one thing is clear – there is a district in Portland for every type of person. Nevertheless, if you end up in any of the abovementioned, you will hardly be disappointed.

Olympic Mountains

If you’re looking for a stretch of beautiful beach on the Washington coast, find your way to Ocean Shores. With 8 miles of sandy beach to roam, wildlife viewing areas, clamming and fishing beaches, and plenty of family friendly activities, Ocean Shores offers something for everyone.

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A blue “Portland” sign on a building

Portland is the most vibrant city in the state of Oregon. It is known as being one of the most eco-friendly cities. Moreover, the city is home to some of the finest breweries in the state that you can find all around the city! Portland is great for nature lovers due to the high number of parks.

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Houses on a cliff.

Have you ever dreamed of living on the West Coast but could never pick a good city for it? Don’t worry. We can help you find the best places to live in the Pacific Northwest that most people overlook. Yes, there are small, charming cities and towns that you should look at besides the famous Seattle, Portland, or Vancouver.

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