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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 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

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

Is your family planning a trip to the Ocean? Ocean Shores is known for its scenic views, family-friendly environment and opportunities to walk or drive along the coastal sands of the Pacific Ocean. Finding the right Ocean Shores lodging may seem difficult at first but it doesn’t have to be.

There are a number of lodging options available in Ocean Shores for all kinds of families. From camping at a State Park to enjoying the accommodations of a Bed & Breakfast or hotel. We hope these tips help you in your search!

Read: 8 Great Hotels in Ocean Shores

Finding the Right Amenities

Many customers believe pricing to be the main factor in choosing their accommodations for a trip. However, finding the amenities that best suit your family’s needs should be at the top of the list.

I many cases, the extra cost of the room may save you in the overall cost of the trip. Lodging that includes complimentary breakfast is a big one along with pools, outdoor activities or game rooms to entertain the kids for “free.”

Lodging that offers shuttle service, or is close to public transportation may be convenient if you’re planning trips to popular locations in the area. Not having to drive is one less headache for you and your family.

Look for the amenities that best accommodate your reason for visiting Ocean Shores.

Tent, Trailer, House or Hotel

There are a variety of options in Ocean shores, from sleeping in a tent near the sandy dunes, to enjoying breakfast in bed with a view of the ocean.

One of the best aspects of camping in Ocean Shores is your close proximity to the amenities of the city. Shopping and restaurants are just a short drive, walk or bike ride away.

Often overlooked, are vacation rentals. Some families book the same rental home year after year. This allows your family the consistency of owning a beach house, without the year round costs.

Hotels are a great option if you are focused more on the activities than the stay. Let the staff take care of your needs. Many hotels offer extra perks like free breakfast, access to a pool or workout area as well as specialty concierge service. Make sure to ask about any added perks!

Consider a Bed & Breakfast!

Most bed and breakfast properties are viewed as cozy and comfortable, perfect for quick and fun family adventures. However make sure to check ahead if they allow children or pets.

B&Bs, can offer the comfort of a down home atmosphere, with the convenience of big hotel service. Again the breakfast aspect is a huge selling point. Rather than eating granola bars and hotel coffee, you are often treated to an amazing home cooked meal.

A lot of your needs taken care of by the owners. They can help you make reservations for local events, and can offer first hand knowledge of the area.

Travel Tip: Curious about where to dine? Ask your host if they have any recommendations, or menus for restaurants in the area.

Bed and Breakfasts are often overlooked, meaning you could find great value on a weekend that seems to be booked solid.

Customer Reviews are Important

Customer reviews have a major impact on the perception of a lodging property. A string of good or bad reviews can determine the growth or decline of the property’s reputation.

This being said, it’s important to use good judgement in determining if a review is truthful or not.

Things you want to look for when going on review websites are a variety of comments about the cleanliness of the hotel, the staff’s helpfulness when dealing with a problem (whether they were helpful or not) and guest pictures of the property.

Most review sites allow guests to post their own pictures online. This can help you get a first hand account of the accommodations beyond the professional, management approved pictures.

If the hotel has pictures online of bugs, maintenance problems, etc. you may want to look at a different property altogether. Not everyone’s review can be taken with 100% truth but a picture can confirm the claims in a negative review.

If you see glowing reviews and constant praise for the staff and the quality of the amenities you have a property that could be a sure-fire home run.

Do your research and come up with a small list of properties your family would not mind staying at.

Last Minute Booking

You may see television commercials or online ads urging you to use third party booking sites. They often claim to have the best last minute deals when booking a room. While this can be true, it’s not always the case.

It’s advisable not to show up on a busy weekend looking for a room. Make sure to call ahead of time. There’s a good chance the property has a handful of rooms left to sell you may be able to bargain a better rate.

Advanced Booking

If you don’t want to wait until the last minute, book your room in advance directly on the property’s website. Often this can result in better deals than you’d expect.

Can you imagine saving $200 per night because you booked a room for a busy summer weekend ten months in advance? It can happen and it does happen all of the time.

Find the best pricing option on your trip and save yourself a chunk of money in the process.

Loyalty Rewards

Having membership in groups like AAA or AARP can be a great way to get discounts. Make sure to ask if the Hotel offers any such discounts. Also check with any organizations that you are a part of, to see if they have any special partnerships with hotel chains.

Most major chains such as Hilton or Marriott have taken an aggressive approach for guests booking directly with them. The extra incentive of a discount for loyalty members helps guests find the best deals.

Location, Location, Location…

Location is always a key component when traveling. It has the potential to make or break a trip. Maybe you want to be close to the action, or perhaps you want to be as isolated as possible!

Some of the more popular things to do in Ocean Shores include Horseback riding, walking along the beaches, shopping the shops, going to the family fun centers and boating in the area lakes and canals.

While the peninsula is only six miles long, the speed limit is restricted. Keep this in mind when booking a location. You may not want to book a spot near the North Jetty if your kids plan to be on go-carts and bumper boats for the whole trip. However if enjoying the peace and quiet of nature is high on your list, the North end of the Peninsula may be perfect for you and your family.

There is such a variety of things to do in the Ocean Shores area. Staying at a location close to the things you want to do is important.

How Would You Choose Your Ocean Shores Lodging Property?

So those are some of the best ways to choose an ocean shores lodging property for your next family trip.

Do you have any suggestions to offer for when you visit Ocean Shores? If so let us know in the comments below!

If you are looking for more fun things to do in Ocean Shores don’t forget to follow our blog!

Olympia is the little-known capital of Washington state and the thirty-eighth most populous capital in the United States.

Its lack of notoriety may be due to its population’s size, because it surely isn’t due to a lack of things to see and incredible hotels in Olympia, WA.

Are you looking for a great place to stay for your next vacation? Or maybe you’re just coming to town on business and looking for an impressive place to meet business clients?

Whatever you’re looking for in amenities, you’ll find in the 10 hotels featured on this list.

1. Swantown Marina

For those in town with their boat, anchoring at Swantown Marina is really the best option. As a waterfront state, Washington is lush with scenic marinas, but not all of them offer the ability to stay overnight.

Swantown Marina is the seventh-largest marina in Washington and a central hub for recreational boaters looking for a good time.

It allows for moorage of more than seventy boats and is conveniently located near downtown and the farmers market.

Amenities include:

Power and water included
Clean
Modern
Laundry facilities
Wireless internet
Fuel dock (Offering ethanol-free, diesel, and pump out service)
An event area for hosting
Tents, tables, and BBQ’s available
24-hour security

2. Great Wolf Lodge

Located just south of Olympia is the Great Wolf Lodge, a 56,000 square foot indoor water park.

The entire lodge is kept at a balmy 84 degrees year-round making this an excellent place to take your family any time of year.

When you’re done having fun on the slides all day, you can take a break and pick up a wand to battle a dragon in the interactive game, MagiQuest.

Or, if you are looking to have a more relaxing evening, you can head to the Grand Lobby for the Story Time every night. It’s a great way to help the kids wind down for bed after an exciting day.

3.Lucky Eagle Casino and Hotel

If you’re feeling fortunate, then head over to Lucky Eagle Casino to try your luck. They have 171 rooms for you to stay in and more than 1,000 slot machines to keep you busy all day long.

If slots aren’t your thing, then check out the live poker, blackjack, bingo, roulette, keno, craps, pull tabs or one of the other seemingly endless game choices.

4. The Governor – A Coast Hotel

For those coming to town on business or booking The Governor for a weekend getaway, you will feel comfortable and taken care of.

That’s because this hotel is stacked with amenities that make you feel like you never left home.

The rooms have recently been redone and have outstanding views of the Puget Sound Waterfront and the Olympic Mountains.

Amenities include:

Refrigerator
Microwave
Coffeemaker
Hair dryer
Complimentary parking
Meeting and Banquet Facilities
Complimentary hot coffee and tea 24-hours a day
Near the Children’s Museum and Puget Sound waterfront
Wi-fi

5. The Marie Bed and Breakfast

The Marie Bed and Breakfast lies inside the Macintyre House on Old Cushing Street. It was built in 1892 and was one of the first houses on its block. It stands as a great example of the Queen Anne style of architecture.

This home was designed to impress and is a historical oasis in the modern town of Olympia.

One great thing about this bed and breakfast is that it has a cottage on the property that is ADA-compliant, making it accessible for all handicap persons. So you have no excuse not to visit!

You’ll love this home’s cozy front porch, and the gardens are replete with fountains, statues, and a variety of places to sit. It’s a great place for reading a book eating all day, or for heading outside to enjoy one of the prepared, farm-to-table meals bed and breakfast provides.

6. Swantown Inn and Spa

Even older than The Marie Bed and Breakfast, the Swantown Inn and Spa is a great example of the Queen Anne architecture that was popular in the area when the home was built in 1887.

This historic home is on both the city and historical registries. It’s a quiet escape from the hustle and bustle of the city that has been standing for decades.

It is a great place to host special events and weddings or even a company retreat. Or, come after your wedding and spend your honeymoon being pampered in the boutique spa and exploring the city.

7. Little Creek Casino and Resort

Little Creek Casino and Resort gives you the best of both worlds.

For the daredevils, it offers an excellent location for gambling. And if relaxing with a shiatsu massage is more your speed, it has that as well.

This property is only a twelve-minute walk from Salish Cliffs Golf Club, and you can get to downtown Olympia in twenty minutes.

The rooms have wi-fi, flat-screen TVs with HD cable, and coffeemakers. In the two-bedroom suites, you will also find whirlpool tubs and pull-out sofas.

If you stay at the Little Creek Casino and Resort, you will never have to leave the property since it has five restaurants, a cigar lounge, and a state-of-the-art spa.

For those coming in RV, they offer a site to hook-up so that you too can enjoy all the amenities this property has to offer.

Hotels in Olympia, WA for All Occasions

Whether you are visiting with your family for vacation or headed into town for business, there are great hotels in Olympia, WA.

For families that need an exciting place to stay, the Great Wolf Lodge is an awesome water park adventure. And for those coming to town on your honeymoon and looking for the romance, of one of the bed and breakfasts on our list will suit your needs.

Finally for businesspeople looking to impress, check out one of the luxury hotels we listed. For more information on things to do, see, or places to stay in Olympia, check out our blog today.

Illuminated Parisian hotel sign taken at dusk

Bellingham is a breathtakingly beautiful city situated near the Washington and Canadian border. It is the largest city in Whatcom County and is also its cultural center with places like the Whatcom Museum, the SPARK Museum of Electrical Invention and more giving tourists and locals alike a seemingly endless amount to do.

If you’re thinking of making Bellingham your next vacation destination or even if you’re passing through on business, you’ll want to stay at a hotel as awesome as the city itself.

To that end, our team has you covered. We’ve dug deep and investigated Bellingham WA hotels to curate for you a list of the top 10 places you’re going to want to lay your head at night in every budget range!

1. Hotel Bellwether

Hotel Bellwether is a quintessential luxury hotel located directly on Bellingham Bay. This hotel is great for couples or even mellow families who are looking to relax, enjoy world-class dining and lose themselves while staring down an unbeatable view of the water.

Hotel Bellwether boasts professional staff and an irresistibly cute dog concierge, “Bellwether Bella” who may welcome you when you check in.

2. The Chrysalis Inn & Spa

The Chrysalis Inn & Spa is another property that finds itself among the best Bellingham WA hotels thanks to its sophisticated style and awesome onsite amenities.

Here you can enjoy a full-service spa, incredible modern dining and of course, serene views of the seascape.

Another added bonus of The Chrysalis Inn is its proximity to local shops and entertainment. It’s a quick hop to both Fairhaven Village and Taylor Boardwalk.

3. Fairhaven Village Inn

If you’re looking to be a little more in the middle of it all and less secluded by the sea, the Fairhaven Village Inn provides a nice solution. This hotel is undeniably charming and is located dead-center in the excitement of Fairhaven District.

Fairhaven Village Inn is quaint with 22 rooms and is family owned so you can expect impeccable service during your stay!

4. SpringHill Suites by Marriott

Looking for something a little more “no-frills” but still pretty darn nice? There are quite a few options that fit that bill in the Bellingham area but our top pick is the SpringHill Suites by Marriot.

You typically know what to expect at Marriot.

Comfortable room. Good service. Decent price.

SpringHill Suites follows through on that promise and adds a little extra with complimentary breakfast, airport shuttles and of course, an onsite bar for late night drinks.

5. Four Points by Sheraton

Another brand name property that finds itself among the best Bellingham WA hotels is the Four Points by Sheraton. This hotel attracts most of its guests due to its proximity to Western Washington University making it a go-to for conference crowds.

This hotel isn’t all business, however (though it is an incredible choice for business if that’s what you’re coming up for). Four Points has excellent dining choices including one of the best rated new restaurants in the area “B-Town Kitchen & Raw Bar”. It is also conveniently located downtown which means you’re close to all of the best action Bellingham has to offer.

6. Best Western Heritage Inn

If you like Best Western you’re going to love Best Western Heritage in. We’ve been in and out of a lot of Best Westerns (seriously… like a lot a lot) and there was something about this one that made us feel extra “at-home”.

You can be the judge of how homey Heritage Inn makes you feel when you check in. Just be sure to take advantage of all of its amenities including its pool, gym, free breakfast and resort-quality beds before you decide.

7. Home2 Suites by Hilton

Are you one of those people that like to always be close to an airport when you visit a city in case you feel the urge to make a run for it? Whether that is indeed the case for you or you just want to be able to hop straight into a comfy bed after a long flight, Home2 Suites by Hilton is a great option.

This hotel is located two miles from the airport and offers a free shuttle to and from arrival terminals. The hotel is pet-friendly, has free wifi and meeting rooms if you have business to conduct.

8. TownePlace Suites by Marriott

We like TownePlace Suites because it’s spacious and really close to a lot of what makes Bellingham special. This hotel is 5 minutes from Bellis Fair Mall and 10 minutes tops from the awesome Whatcom Museum.

Amenities are in full force here so get ready to enjoy a fitness center, free WiFi and oh, an indoor pool… Believe us when we say you’re going to get a lot of use out of it.

9. La Quinta Inn & Suites

La Quinta is usually a safe choice when you’re hanging out in a major city. While the one in Bellingham is nothing to write home about, it fulfills this brand’s implied promise of decent prices, decent service and above average comfort.

Rooms come complete with refrigerators and microwaves so leftover lovers can feel right at home.

10. Quality Inn Grand Suites

We saved what might be the best value seeker spot for last. If you’re looking for big rooms at a motel price, Quality Inn is probably your go-to.

Every other hotel we’ve mentioned on this list comes in at over $100.00 a night most times of the year but Quality Inn Grand Suites tends to hover lower than that.

The hotel is centrally located, has an awesome free breakfast, and 24-hour airport transportation. Basically, everything you want in a hotel at a lower price then you’ll pay almost anywhere else.

Wrapping Up The Very Best Bellingham WA Hotels

Bellingham Washington is a fantastic place to be for any purpose, whether it be business or pleasure. This is especially true if you check into the right Bellingham WA hotels.

We recommend you pull your pick from our list. Whether you’re looking for a high-end boutique, a trusted mid-range name brand or a budget hotel, our recommendations have all Bellingham WA hotels you should keep on your radar!

Want more of the best travel advice for Bellingham and beyond? Our team has you covered.

At Clever Neighbor, we pride ourselves on being that travel savvy acquaintance you wish you had. You know, the one that saves you money and helps make your trips awesome?

Read more of our great tips on popular Washington cities now!