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
Jesse Cope,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Ocean Shores, WA sell after 100 days on the market compared to the national average of 56 days. The median sale price for homes in Ocean Shores, WA over the last 12 months is $367,500, down 6% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Turnkey, beautiful modern cottage sits on a private corner within community. A perfect blend of coastal living or versatile investment opportunity. Step-free into universal design single living area on main: Modern accessible kitchen with lowered counters, wide clearance, full-sized cabinetry, stainless steel appliances, spacious roll-in shower with grab bars, accessible bathroom and kitchen.
NEW, quality construction, comes fully furnished a spacious 2bed/2ba home. Large primary suite, 2nd bedroom, walk-in closets, 14ft vaulted ceiling. Open space living/dining areas drenched in natural day light. Entertainers' kitchen features gorgeous slab countertops, sitting area and luxe Whirlpool SS appliances. Soft close cabinetry, LED lighting, high efficiency heat & cooling (A/C mini split).
New Elegant Residence at Ocean Shores, Washington! Built by Z Brothers Construction is Situated across the street from lakefront estates on the bay side of Shores. This home is near Chinook lakefront park with boat launch, fishing docks and dog park area, our 18-hole golf course or the Weatherwax walking trails. A bit further to ocean beach access and town center for dining and shopping. This
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
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
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
Exquisite, custom built and pristinely maintained home with expansive bay and mountain views! Quality and pride in ownership shows in every detail. Main floor features stunning floor to ceiling two-way stone fireplace, gourmet kitchen with newer appliances, granite countertops and a wine rack built into the island. Decks on the front and rear add outdoor living space to an already spacious main
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
Perfect Opportunity To Make This Home Your Own, Near the Beach! Bring your ideas and make this beach home your own! This 3-bedroom, 1.5-bath home offers 1,462 sq ft of living space filled with natural light from expansive windows that create a bright, welcoming coastal feel. Two bedrooms are located on the main level—one with convenient access to the laundry area and garage, one with a sliding
Spectacular 180+ degree views of the Pacific Ocean and Jetty await from the living room, dining area, and kitchen of this beautifully positioned coastal home! Watch whales, ships, crashing waves, breathtaking sunsets, and abundant wildlife from the comfort of your own living space. Just steps from the beach, this impressive 2,380 sq ft home offers the ultimate Pacific Northwest beach lifestyle.
Panoramic Pacific, Mountain & Harbor Views – Backing to Oyhut Wildlife Recreation Area! From the Pacific Ocean to the mountains & beautiful harbor, this exceptional home captures sweeping, ever-changing views in every direction. Expansive walls of windows & front & back decks showcase vibrant sunrises & breathtaking sunsets that shift beautifully with the seasons. The open-concept living, dining,
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
FOR LEASE – $2,200/MONTHPrime, high-visibility downtown Ocean Shores commercial location on Point Brown Avenue, the city's main retail and tourist corridor. Located in the same building as Flying Cats and adjacent to the popular Boardwalk Shops, this property enjoys excellent exposure and consistent vehicle and pedestrian traffic. Conveniently situated near the Ocean Shores Convention Center,
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