Ocean Shores is a coastal town with beach, bay and lake access
Drawing millions of tourists per year, Ocean Shores is a peninsula community with the Pacific Ocean to its west and Grays Harbor to its east. It's also home to Duck Lake and a canal system, resulting in nearly endless water views and recreation in this coastal area. “There’s miles and miles of beach, lake and canalfront. It’s a very quiet, close community. It's a nice place to be, with low crime,” says Thorn Ward, who works with John L Scott Real Estate and has over 40 years of experience in the area. The area’s CAP Index Crime Score is a 2 out of 10, lower than the national average of 4. Many of Ocean Shores' approximately 7,600 residents are retirees or owners of vacation homes.
Ocean Shores residents take great pride in their homes and yards.
Pacific Beach, WA is the state's "best kept secret" as stated on their website.
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Ocean Shores Beach, Weatherwax Trail and more outdoor fun
Ocean Shores’ terrain lends itself to a variety of recreation options, many on the waterfront. “We've got 6 miles of ocean beach, razor clam digging and a lot of bird watchers out here. There are freshwater fish and a lake right in the middle of town. There are also a lot of hiking trails nearby,” Ward says. Ocean Shores Beach, the city’s namesake, stretches along the community’s west side. It offers beachcombing, horseback riding, plus driving and parking on the sand. At the Weatherwax Trail, hikers can walk through the forest to overlooks of Duck Lake, a reservoir stocked with trout. Ocean Shores Community Club is in the southeast part of town, with Grays Harbor views. It has indoor recreation like a hot tub, a sauna and a game room. The Quinault Rain Forest Trail, located in the Olympic National Forest, is about 40 miles north of Ocean Shores.
The beach, stretching for miles, is the primary activity and attraction in Pacific Beach, WA.
Get your feet wet at Ocean Shores Beach Access near Copalis Beach.
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Contemporary coastal homes and New Traditionals in Ocean Shores
The community is suburban, with winding roads and subdivisions of single-family homes. Yards commonly have pine trees and shrubbery that create privacy between houses. With residential streets on the ocean, the bay, the canal and the lake, many homes overlook a body of water. Most of the area’s architecture is contemporary, since Ocean Shores was widely developed from the 1980s through today. Both bayfront and oceanfront contemporary homes range from $400,000 for three bedrooms to $1.1 million for five or more bedrooms, although homes on the ocean can have a more coastal feel, on stilts and with shingle exteriors. Located more inland, New Traditionals from the 2020s range from $650,000 to $750,000. “Almost all buyers are retired or second homeowners,” Ward says. This results in a slower market, with homes available for 89 days on average, compared to the national average of 48 days.
Two story cabins and cottages are an option for larger families living in Pacific Beach, WA.
Ocean Shores homes are beautifully maintained such as this craftsman style home.
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Local restaurants and stores on Point Brown Avenue
On the north side of town, Point Brown Avenue is lined with locally owned shops and restaurants. Galway Bay Irish Pub, Restaurant and Gift Shop is a laidback tavern that serves classic dishes, including shepherd’s pie and corned beef. At Ocean Beach Roasters, patrons can order brunch and coffee drinks in a rustic setting. More dining options range from Thai to seafood to Mexican. The artsy community is home to Fusions Gallery, where eclectic pieces have been displayed for over two decades. At the Gallery of Ocean Shores, visitors can find work by local artists and take art classes. The local grocery stores are Ocean Shores IGA and Ocean Market.
Visit Fusions Gallery for a selection of artwork crafted by local artists.
Ocean City locals head to the nearby Ocean Shores IGA to do their grocery shopping.
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Attractions, including Pacific Paradise and the Razor Clam and Seafood Festival
Ocean Shores welcomes about three million tourists annually, with an array of entertainment options for all age ranges. Just west of the main retail district, Pacific Paradise is an amusement center with bumper boats, an arcade and two mini golf courses. Next door, Ocean Shores Convention Center hosts the annual Razor Clam and Seafood Festival, which offers razor clams, crab dinners and live music every March.
Attend an event at the Ocean Shores Convention Center a few minutes from Ocean City.
Take a horse riding lesson at Chance A La Mer Beach Access just a few minutes from Copalis.
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Public schools from Ocean Shores Elementary to North Beach Senior High
On Niche, Ocean Shores Elementary School has a C-minus rating. North Beach Junior High School also earns a C-minus, while North Beach Senior High School has a B-minus rating. The high school’s course catalog includes App Lab for app creation and Game Lab, which covers game design and animation.
Pacific Beach Elementary serves students in K-5th grade.
North Beach Middle/High School is the only high school in the North Beach School District.
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A 25-mile drive to Aberdeen and more transportation
Via state Route 8, Ocean Shores is located about 75 miles from Olympia. It's about 25 miles west of Aberdeen via state Route 109. For public transportation, Grays Harbor Transit serves the community. The nearest hospital is the Harbor Regional Health Emergency Department, about 20 miles away. For commercial flights, the Seattle–Tacoma International Airport is about 120 miles away.
Ocean City locals have access to the Grays Harbor Transit System.
Copalis Beach has access to the Grays Harbor Transit System.
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Written By
Anna Anderson
Photography Contributed By
Noah Lubin
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Bryan Collins,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
On average, homes in Ocean Shores, WA sell after 91 days on the market compared to the national average of 50 days. The median sale price for homes in Ocean Shores, WA over the last 12 months is $395,000, consistent with the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Luxurious golf course home on the 7th fairway! This exquisite, light-filled home features soaring ceilings, an expansive wall of windows & an open-concept layout ideal for entertaining. The spacious kitchen offers stainless steel appliances, quality cabinetry, solid-surface counters & expansive island w/storage throughout. Primary suite includes back yard access, an ensuite bath w/double sinks &
Bayfront gem w/panoramic views from nearly every room & a wall of windows to bring in the stunning sunrises & natural light! This 1715 sq ft single-level home offers 3 bedrooms, 2 full baths & a bright, open-concept layout. Gently used & move-in ready w/nearly all furnishings remaining. Spacious primary suite is privately situated at one end w/a large walk in closet & 5 piece en-suite w/jetted
Spectacular top-floor condo w/breathtaking views! Vaulted ceilings, upgraded quartz countertops throughout, custom tile backsplash in the kitchen, SS appliances, stackable W/D, 2nd bedroom w/office nook, LVP flooring & a wall of windows bringing in the light & stunning views. Cozy corner electric fireplace in the living room adds warmth & charm. The spacious primary suite features an en-suite
Captivating sunrises, sunsets & panoramic views of the mountains, ocean, bay & jetty! This spacious home boasts 10ft ceilings, hardwood floors, vaulted upper-level ceilings & a stunning custom river rock fireplace. A dramatic wall of windows frames the sweeping scenery & fills the home w/natural light. 4 bedrooms (2 up, 2 down) & 3 baths (2 up, 1 down), there’s space for all. Enjoy an oversized
Luxurious golf course home on the 7th fairway! This exquisite, light-filled home features soaring ceilings, an expansive wall of windows & an open-concept layout ideal for entertaining. The spacious kitchen offers stainless steel appliances, quality cabinetry, solid-surface counters & expansive island w/storage throughout. Primary suite includes back yard access, an ensuite bath w/double sinks &
One of the most spectacular views in Ocean Shores! Whale & bird watching, fishing boats, ships, tugboats, Coast Guard activity, winter storms, king tides...the daily sights from the comfort of home! This can all be your reality! Now offered for the first time on market, this quality constructed custom home was started in 2023 & completed in 2024. Gently used home boasts a 4' high foundation to
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