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 near Ocean Shores offers quiet respite from busier beaches in the area.
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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.
Some beaches stretch for miles in Ocean Shores.
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 Ocean Shores, WA.
Ocean Shores' coastal homes vary in architectural styles.
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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 Shores 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
Video By
Conar McDaniel
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Bev Blume,
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 97 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Ocean Shores, WA over the last 12 months is $381,250, down 2% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Peaceful & Serene Bell Canal home with everything you’ve been searching for including a newly refreshed crawl space! This spacious home offers 4 beds, 1 3/4 baths, & a 2-car garage w/plenty of addtl parking. Expansive windows flood the kitchen & great room w/natural light, highlighting the open layout that flows seamlessly to the large deck overlooking the canal—ideal for entertaining or enjoying
Beautifully customized Lexar home featuring thoughtful updates & upgrades throughout. Enjoy the benefits of a whole-house water filtration system & instant hot water tank for everyday convenience. An energy-efficient ducted heat pump w/electric furnace backup provides reliable year-round comfort. The covered back patio w/vaulted ceiling & lighting offers an inviting space for relaxing or
Stunning Multi-Generational Beach Home w/ income Potential! This beautifully designed home features a wall of windows that fills the main living space with natural light. The main floor includes a primary suite, while the upper level offers a second living area, bedroom & full bath. detached garage/ living area includes a 3⁄4 bath, bedroom, & shared laundry space. Upstairs there is a generous 1
Pre-Inspected, Move-In Ready, Ocean and Mountain Views & Second Lot Option! This nearly new custom home has been impeccably maintained & enhanced w/designer wallpaper, wall treatments, & stylish finishes throughout. A short walk to beach trails, bay, & jetty, enjoy sunrise & sunset views from covered porches plus ocean & mountain views from upstairs. 4 bedrooms, main-level office & an upstairs
Peaceful & Serene Bell Canal home with everything you’ve been searching for including a newly refreshed crawl space! This spacious home offers 4 beds, 1 3/4 baths, & a 2-car garage w/plenty of addtl parking. Expansive windows flood the kitchen & great room w/natural light, highlighting the open layout that flows seamlessly to the large deck overlooking the canal—ideal for entertaining or enjoying
Oceanfront condo offering unmatched views & direct beach access! This spacious 1,400+ sq ft unit spans 2 levels & features 3 bedrooms plus a potential 4th (currently used as a sitting area with W/D in closet) & 2 baths. Lower-level bedroom includes its own balcony & private beach access, while the large primary bedroom includes a separate outside entrance. Enjoy a cozy wood-burning fireplace for
From the Pacific Ocean to the mountains & beautiful Grays Harbor, this home captures it all. Walls of windows & front/back decks offer breathtaking sunrises & sunsets. Open-concept living/dining & kitchen space is positioned to frame the views, while the backyard & covered primary-suite deck overlook the harbor & mountains. Primary suite includes en-suite bath & walk-in closet. Downstairs
Spacious 2-story, 3-bedroom home ready for its new owner! Main floor features a utility room, open-concept kitchen w/abundant space (room for an island), adjoining family room, plus a dining room & separate office/2nd living space just off the entry. 2 pantries, newer LVP flooring downstairs & a sliding door leading to a large back deck overlooking a peaceful, wooded setting—perfect for morning
Turnkey, nightly rentable ground-floor condo with 2 bedrooms and 1 full bath. The open-concept living, dining, and kitchen layout creates an open and inviting space to enjoy and relax. Recent updates include newer LVP flooring, carpet in each bedroom, stainless steel appliances, and furnishings—truly move-in ready. Ideal as a full-time residence, vacation getaway, long-term rental, or
Impeccably updated first-floor unit offering incredible coastal living, w/a trail to the beach just outside your door (just a 2 min walk). This thoughtfully upgraded unit features high-end appliances, a full-size stackable W/D & designer finishes throughout. Custom wall treatments, upgraded carpeting, beautiful tile backsplash, glass shower doors, new interior doors & a new sliding glass door
Incredible investment opportunity in a Qualified Business Opportunity Zone! Talk to your CPA! This duplex was fully remodeled inside & out recently! New roof, siding, paint, fire sprinkler system, 208 sq. ft. dock, & full interior remodel! Property zoned commercial so the options are endless. Currently in use as an Airbnb with 5* ratings over the past year! Or use one unit as a primary
Stunning Oceanfront Condo – Turn-key! Experience coastal living in this luxurious 3rd floor condo! Enjoy breathtaking views of the ocean, jetty, mountains and stunning sunsets. Fully furnished and completely renovated, this condo features a bright interior with skylights, a modern kitchen with quartz countertops, new cabinets, SS appliances, and a double oven. The primary ensuite bedroom offers
Beautifully customized Lexar home featuring thoughtful updates & upgrades throughout. Enjoy the benefits of a whole-house water filtration system & instant hot water tank for everyday convenience. An energy-efficient ducted heat pump w/electric furnace backup provides reliable year-round comfort. The covered back patio w/vaulted ceiling & lighting offers an inviting space for relaxing or
Fantastic location, just a short walk to the beach via the Butter Clam approach. Lot is cleared and ready for you to start living your beach life! Camp up to 90 days per year or bring on all utilities and have up to 120 days per year. Opportunity to build your dream beach home and enjoy a possible view from a multi-story home. Sit back and listen to the crashing waves and watch the wildlife pass
Gorgeous Water & Big Sky Views Over the Cherished Perkins Pond. A serene nature filled path surrounds the lake. Take stroll from your private path access anytime. Bring your 2+ story house plans, you will be happy you did. Build your dream home or beach cottage. RV 120 days per year once utilities are installed, & 90 days as-is. This location is near the ocean, the cabana park pool, Oyhut Bay
This beautiful, fully furnished restaurant with over 5,000 square feet and ample off-street parking is immediately available. Seats 142 people (106 in restaurant and 36 in bar) and offering reduced rents for first 3 years of initial 6 year lease. Adjacent to the Polynesian Resort, with 69 rooms to draw in additional business. This is a great opportunity!
Walk Score® measures the walkability of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.
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