Washington's Underrated Coastal Town Offers Beaches, Parks, & Family-Friendly Fun

Ocean Shores has been overlooked for far too long. The Washington coastal town has gorgeous beaches and kid-friendly parks. It also has stunning views of the Pacific Ocean, and looks like the ideal place for a low-key family vacation.

This spot on Point Brown Peninsula, in between Grays Harbor and the Pacific Ocean, was originally the home of the Quinault people. They lived well here thanks to it being a perfect spot for fishing, hunting, and trading with other tribes. A New England fur trader, Robert Gray, first arrived in 1792. Though the harbor was named for him, the area was not settled until the 1860s, when a cattle ranch was established. Ocean Shores, a planned development, was not built until much later, in the 1960s. The beach community, which is less than 10 square miles, is now home to just over 7,000 people. The quiet and laid-back spot, with seemingly endless beaches, is a great place to explore with children.

Ocean Shores lies about 130 miles southwest of Seattle, and it's worth reading our guide to Seattle's overlooked must-see attractions before visiting the largest city in Washington. It's easy to fly into its Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA), which receives nonstop flights from cities around the world. You can then drive from the airport to Ocean Shores — and be on the beach — in less than two and a half hours.

Ocean Shores has six miles of beaches facing the Pacific Ocean. That's six miles of white sand where your family can dig holes, build sandcastles, and run down the beach with a kite. Though there are no lifeguards watching the surf, kids can jump in the waves. They just might not stay very long since the water is always chilly. You should also keep an eye out for whales on the horizon. Washington is known as the best destination for whale-watching, after all.

Though you can walk straight down the sand in Ocean Shores, the coastline is divided into numerous beaches. Ocean Shores Beach, Pacific Beach, and Taurus Beach all face west. They are lined with sand dunes on one side and powerful waves on the other. You might find seashells, sea glass, or sand dollars during your long beach walks. Due to the wide-open space, you are allowed to both drive and build campfires on the sand, as well. After you get tired of frolicking on the beach, why not grab some grub at highly-rated local restaurants like Los IV Hermanos, which offers dependably delicious Mexican food, or La Spiaggia Ristorante, a popular Italian place. If spending one day in town isn't enough, you can find affordable but acclaimed lodging at local hotels like The Canterbury Inn or Lighthouse Suites Inn, with most options averaging less than $100 per night.

North Jetty Beach sits at the bottom of the peninsula, where Grays Harbor meets the Pacific, and is a dangerous spot in Ocean Shores. Unlike the beaches to the north, this one is rocky, littered with driftwood, and pounded by crashing waves. It's definitely not safe to go swimming here. But it's a gorgeous spot that feels undiscovered. You can even see Westport Light State Park across the water.

Though you might travel to Ocean Shores for its stunning beaches, there are also numerous parks to keep your family entertained. Milo Schneider Park has a great playground. Chinook Park and North Bay Park both have boat ramps and fishing piers, while North End Grand Canal Park and Limpet Park are popular birdwatching spots. 

The Oyhut Wildlife Recreation Area, along the south coast, is another location birdwatchers love. Since the nearly 700-acre preserve is part of the larger Johns River Wildlife Area, you'll need to purchase a Discover Pass from the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (one-day pass $11.50) to visit it. You might see rare birds, such as snowy plovers, among its tidal flats. Deer like to hide here because it's quiet. You should also spend time on High Dunes Trail. The loop path is 1.5 miles long and paved. You'll pass seagrass and wildflowers, migratory and shorebirds along the way. When you reach the top of the sand dunes, there are stunning ocean views too.

Farther down the coast, near the Oregon border, you'll find one of the world's longest beaches. It's in Cape Disappointment State Park, also home to the North Head Lighthouse and what's left of Fort Canby, one of the first forts built in Washington State. With its coastal beaches and parks, this underrated part of the Evergreen State will quickly capture the attention of your entire family.