Ocean Shores isn’t the sparkling, Hollywood-attracting destination it once was but it still has a lot going for it when you want to get away to the beach. We might not have the quaint look and feel of Seabrook but we do have beaches you can drive on, a predicted banner crop of razor clams coming, and a few more things that the lovely town of Seabrook doesn’t have.
Seabrook is killing us with charm
If you’ve been out to the Washington Coast lately, you know Seabrook looks nothing like the rest of the Hidden Coast Scenic Byway (aka SR-109). It’s a well planned, walk-able town with; shopping, dining, a farm, the beach, and bike trails plus a lot more. It caters to those who thrive on and can afford the creature comforts we’ve come to expect; Instagramable moments, a beer garden, live music, farmers market, festivals, art, places to commune, sand sculptures… you get the drift.
The Sounds of Seabrook on a Tuesday night.
Ocean Shores is worth a visit too
Let’s be real for a minute. No matter where you stay on the Washington Coast, spending time on the beach is often cold, wet, and windy. The water is beautiful and powerful but it isn’t swimmer friendly or a pleasant all-day, sun tanning experience. So, unless you want to snuggle with a good book, you really have to come prepared to venture out and find other things to do.
Welcome to Ocean Shores
If Seabrook is your landing pad, that’s great, you’re a short drive from some other fun things to do and see down south here in Ocean Shores. In fact while both Seabrook and Ocean Shores have pickle ball courts and beaches there are some things you’ll find here that you can’t find there.
1.
Seabrook doesn’t have: 23 miles of interconnected fresh waterways; canals and lakes where you can fish, boat, paddle and enjoy a lazy summer day on the water. Don’t have your own watercraft? No worries, the owner operated Ocean Shores Boat House has you covered with electric boats, paddle boards, kayaks and more for rent by the hour.
2.
Seabrook doesn’t have: A super cool bowling alley. Shores Bowl has been an institution here for almost all of the 60 years since Ocean Shores came to be. The decor is vintage, (I dig that!), they have midnight bowling and an arcade plus their pizza is, surprisingly, pretty good. Caught in the rain on vacation? Why not bowl a few games!
3.
Seabrook doesn’t have: An airport. But that’s okay, we’ll be happy to let you borrow ours or if you’re so inclined and feeling courageous, there’s a stretch of the beach at Copalis that’s designated a landing strip! It’s truly an experience of a lifetime since it’s the only beach in the state of Washington where it’s legal to land an aircraft.
4.
Seabrook doesn’t have: It’s a bird – it’s a plane… no, it’s a gift-shop-slash-roadside-attraction that delights like no other! Talk about a photo op! You can also find plenty of saltwater taffy, t-shirts, and matching shark hats for the whole family!
5.
Seabrook doesn’t have: Sooz Rusty Nail vintage shopping experiences where you can find unique “man cave,” breweriana, petroliana, yard art, oars, lighting, mid-century modern and other fun stuff. Seabrook has a lot of decorator items for sale but nothing authentically old, vintage, repurposed, or salvaged 😉 2020 UPDATE: we’re no longer in Ocean Shores. Find us a mile north of Seabrook at 55 Main Street, Pacific Beach, WA.
6.
Seabrook doesn’t have: Damon Point, one of the best locations for agate hunting on the Washington Coast. Formerly a Washington State Park, this 61-acre area is surrounded by water on three sides and houses a vast section of beach that cars can not drive on. You’ll find it at the south most end of Ocean Shores with plenty of parking and easily accessible.
In addition to these six adventures there’s plenty more family fun to be had here…
For kids big and small:
- Pacific Paradise Arcade – brand new arcade games and bumper boats along with mini golf and laser tag
- Playtime Family Fun – Bumper cars, arcade, ice cream, donuts, and Go Karts
- Electric Beach Bike Rentals – bikes, surreys, and more
- Coastal Interpretive Center – learning about wildlife, the natural surrounds, and Ocean Shores history
- Chenois Creek Horse Rentals – horseback riding on the beach
