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
David Cuthbert,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Ocean Shores, WA sell after 103 days on the market compared to the national average of 55 days. The median sale price for homes in Ocean Shores, WA over the last 12 months is $355,000, down 10% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Experience the best of waterfront living in this brand-new Craftsman-style home situated along the canal in Ocean Shores. Designed with a focus on quality, comfort & functionality, this beautifully appointed home showcases upscale finishes & thoughtful attention to detail throughout. The bright, open living area is enhanced by soaring 9’ vaulted ceilings, a striking floor-to-ceiling fireplace
Experience elevated waterfront living in this brand-new canal-front home in Ocean Shores. Thoughtfully designed with upscale finishes & exceptional attention to detail, this stunning Craftsman blends luxury, comfort & functionality in a serene coastal setting. The light-filled living space features soaring 9’ vaulted ceilings, a dramatic floor-to-ceiling fireplace feature wall & expansive 8’x12’
New Waterfront Residence at Ocean Shores, Washington! Incredible location fronting Perkins Pond with walking trail to Cabana Pool/Park. A few lots from a lake Minard park with kayak launch, around the corner from beach access via Marine View Dr, Bay beach access at Damon Point via Tonquin St, or a boat launch into the Ship canal and 23 miles of lakes and canals winding about the peninsula. Access
Spacious Coastal Retreat Near Dunes & Downtown Amenities! Plenty of room for everyone just minutes from the dunes and downtown Ocean Shores amenities! This welcoming home blends charm and functionality with numerous updates, including newer flooring, fresh interior and exterior paint, new interior and exterior doors, updated siding, newer windows, and trim. A newly expanded front deck offers an
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
Incredible investment opportunity in a Qualified Business Opportunity Zone! Talk to your CPA about potential tax benefits! This duplex was fully remodeled inside and out in 2023! New roof, siding, paint, fire sprinkler system, 208 sq. ft. private dock, and full interior remodel! The property is zoned commercial so the options are endless. Currently in use as an Airbnb with 5* ratings over the
Backed by the peaceful beauty of the Weatherwax property, this inviting home offers a private, tranquil setting where you can relax and enjoy passing wildlife, peaceful forest views, and star-filled coastal nights around the charming fire pit. A fully covered back deck extends your living space outdoors and is easily accessed through two sets of double French doors from the living and dining
The Crow's Nest — top-floor end unit in a nine-home oceanfront community where nightly rentals are not permitted. No suitcases in the hallway, no strangers on your floor, and no one above you. Views of the ocean, the jetty, the bay and the mountains, and because the building sits adjacent to public land, that view cannot be built out. Fully furnished and completely renovated: quartz kitchen with
Coastal Modern Cottage on the Grand Canal - this NW Contemporary waterfront home showcases 9’ vaulted, cedar-lined ceilings & expansive picture windows framing serene canal views & abundant year-round wildlife. The light-filled great room features western exposure, bamboo flooring, & a custom propane fireplace with coastal accents & live-edge mantle, with seamless access to the back deck and
Beautifully maintained home in a sought-after neighborhood just across from Duck Lake. This spacious residence features an open-concept design with vaulted ceilings, skylights, a dedicated dining area, and an expansive living space filled with natural light. The kitchen is equipped with newer appliances and attractive cabinetry, offering both function and style. The primary suite includes a
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
DUCK LAKE WATERFRONT RETREAT | 100+ FT WATERFRONT! Exceptional 3,065 SF, 4BR, 2.5BA home w/some of the most captivating views in Ocean Shores! Expansive wall of newer tinted lakeside windows frame sweeping views straight down Duck Lake while reducing heat. Oversized primary suite w/lake views, wood shutters, custom walk-in closet w/high-end built-ins & remodeled spa-like ensuite w/freestanding
This 3 bedroom 3 bath 2,696 sq ft home sits on a wide lake front double lot. There are spectacular views of Duck Lake from the entryway, living room, dining room, primary bedroom, and lower level family room. The property aslo features its own private dock making it easy to enjoy lakefront living. The large living room includes a warm and inviting gas fireplace perfect for cozy coastal evenings.
Duck Lake Waterfront Retreat with Private Dock, RV Hookups & Double-Sided Fireplace Enjoy the best of waterfront living from this beautifully maintained 2-bedroom, with office nook, 1.75-bath Duck Lake home! Stunning lake views from the kitchen, dining, and living areas, this inviting home offers an open, comfortable layout with an office nook perfect for working from home or extra space. The
Experience breathtaking oceanfront views, the sounds of crashing waves & awe-inspiring sunsets from this 3rd-floor unit, perfectly suited for nightly rentals, FT living or an ideal vacation getaway. The entire building has been beautifully refreshed w/new siding, entry doors, patio doors, deck railings, newer roof & exterior paint—peace of mind for years to come. Inside, the unit shines w/new
Effortless Coastal Living Awaits! Enjoy the ease of low maintenance living just moments from the Pacific Ocean in Ocean Shores, WA. This stylish 3 bedroom, 2.5 bath home offers builder model finishes including quartz countertops, luxury vinyl plank flooring, vaulted ceilings, and sleek designer cabinetry. The main level guest bath adds convenience, while the opulent upstairs baths elevate
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