Situated at the tip of the Point Brown peninsula, Ocean Shores has everything you could want in a Pacific Northwest beach getaway. The beach running down its western edge is the main draw of this small coastal town — especially in summer, when kites and migratory shorebirds fill the sky, surfers carve waves off the coast, and tidepools reveal an underwater world of sea stars and anemones. Colorful beach shacks serve fresh seafood pulled straight from the ocean, and vacationers cruise around on electric bikes. But there’s more to Ocean Shores than its beautiful beach. The popular Weatherwax Trail loops through a lush coastal forest, home to deer and coyotes as well as a variety of birds. Further south, Damon Point and the North Jetty offer coastal walks, small rugged coves, and spectacular sunset views.

This vibrant coastal town comes to life in the summer months, when the weather is warmer, at least by Pacific Northwest standards. Don’t book one of the area’s vacation rentals for early summer if you’re looking for a beach getaway: The month of June often means a fogged-in coastline. July through September are the warmest months, and September and October, the clearest. During April through October, approximately 18,000 grey whales migrate past Ocean Shores, with May offering the highest chances of spotting them. During fall and winter, visitors can join the locals in evening razor clam digs that take place at low tide. December and January are the coldest, rainiest months, making it a good time to bundle up indoors and watch the coastal storms roll in.

Ocean Shores Beach

Constant waves and winds make Ocean Shores Beach a fantastic spot for surfing and wind-surfing in the Pacific Ocean. Its wide, sandy shore is the perfect spot to unroll a towel and scan the horizon for grey whales and orcas. In the evenings, this west-facing beach is a nice place to admire the sunset over the water. Behind the beach you’ll find several seafood restaurants and souvenir shops.

Damon Point

Damon Point is a fantastic spot for a scenic picnic, offering uninterrupted views of the Olympic Mountains and Grays Harbor. It’s quite popular among nature lovers, thanks to its fantastic bird watching (including the snowy owl). The driftwood, seashells, agate, and other gems scattered across its sands make it a beachcomber’s paradise.

Seashore Conservation Area State Park

Established in 1967, Seashore Conservation Area State Park is one of the most rugged coastal parks in Washington. It stretches for 62 miles from Cape Disappointment, near the Washington-Oregon state border, to Moclips, on the southern boundary of the Quinault Indian National Reserve. The park, which encompasses several beaches, is a hotspot for watersports, wildlife watching, and kite flying.