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trail markers ocean shores

Ocean Shores – Not The Average Beach

I’m not gonna lie, this place is foggy, damp, and not the warm sunny beach destination one might consider visiting for a summer vacation.

ocean shores

Would I ever visit Ocean Shores, Washington again?  Oh Yea!  ‘The Sweet is never as Sweet without the Sour’ (bonus points if you know where that quote is from)…and the sunny days around here are about as sweet as it gets.

sunset ocean shores

Ocean Shores is a town rich in modern history beginning as a Cattle Ranch, then taken over by a California style Land Rush, became the hometown of Pat Boone and eventually was deemed the “Richest Little City” in 1969.

ocean shores washington

From our experience its a quaint fishing village built for tourists, and the local wildlife seems to agree considering they walked right up to us begging for food.

ocean shores wildlife

On the foggy nights we found ourselves gravitating to the local dive bar (I think we made our way back 3 times in 5 days). They kept enticing us with a never ending rotating tap and you know us, we had to try them all.  Especially the super hot habanero beer, yep I’m that guy).

Our tiny car with our logos was quite the hit pulling up to the bar windows, each visit we met new locals who were more than happy to treat us to one of their favorite brews! It was Good Times for sure! The place is called Elk Head Taproom and they serve up their own craft brews, warm nuts, and smoky cheese!

elk head tap room

On the nature side of things, there’s something undeniably romantic about getting lost in the rolling fog as you stroll down the beach. Nikki and I must have walked over a hundred miles up and down the beaches measuring the giant molting crab shells, chasing the birds, playing in the sand and of course bringing Singa along for the adventure to stretch his little legs.

fog beach ocean shores

And when the beach gets completely socked in there are these piles of wood and trash that seem to mark all the trails leading inland, very interesting and extremely effective visual markers in the dense fog.

trail markers ocean shores

We were fortunate enough to have sun on 3 of our 6 day visit; one day was so inviting even Cleo came out for some exploration.

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A sandy trail leads directly from our campground, through the sea grasses and dumps out onto the beach.

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The feeding birds gave us the perfect opportunity for an Alfred Hitchcock moment, and some great photo opportunities.  Remember earlier when I said that thing about the sweet and sour? Well this should sum up the beauty of this place on a sunny day.

hanging on beach ocean shores

We were in Ocean Shores to film the Thousand Trails Oceana Campground, so happy we had the opportunity to visit this tiny town.

Have you ever been to Ocean Shores? Did you buy us a beer while were there? Know what those Wood Trash piles are called? Tell us in the comments below.

Disclaimer: While we were compensated to film the campground (thanks Thousand Trails!)…all of our experiences and opinions are NOT purchased and are still our own.

Famous for my "how-not-to" videos, and typically the man behind the camera, sometimes I’m forced to be here in the “spotlight”. When you see my face you’re probably reading something more technical than adventurous, but either way I do my best to tell it like it is and infuse my opinions into the commentary…after all this is a blog and not MSN.

Comments (17)

  • Joanne Plourde

    Interesting info! Thanks!👍

    reply
  • Diana Woods

    We live in Snoqualmie WA it’s not much less rainy here than OS. We go there a few times a year and are thinking of moving there (beautiful new homes $200.000) ?. If we can sell our home we can buy home in OS cash with a lots of money left over. Love walking on beach with dogs Amazing!!!

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  • Kelsey

    Hello,
    I am an undergraduate college student and I was hoping that you could give me permission to use one of your Washington beach photographs for a project that I am working on. None of my work will be published and I would cite and credit you for the photograph in my report.
    Thanks for your help!

    reply
  • Paul meeker

    Moving there in June of 2017, can’t wait to feel the ocean on my face

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    • Trish

      How do you like it? I’m looking for a place to live that’s not sunny, rains a lot and is very cool. I’d like to hear how you like the weather, the community, houses, any info you can share! Thanks!!!

      reply
    • Stephanie Wolfe

      My husband and I are thinking of retiring in Ocean Shores. Now that you have been there a while, what do you think?

      reply
  • Tom

    I’m covered in moss because I grew up here and the coast is an unusual animal.
    If you can plan your time when the breeze blows towards the water you will probably have sun.
    If its blowing towards the land it will be foggy on the beach and for about 1 mile inland then sunny…..if its sunny.
    But in the summer when that breeze is offshore BEAUTIFUL, warm and short sleeves, otherwise I don’t care what time of year I always bring a warm coat.
    Heres why, the water temp is about 50-55 so the air above is also that cold, then it blows to the beach and its chilly even when the sun shines. But turn it around when the land is 80 degrees and that hot air blows down to the beach and its wonderful.

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  • Patti Habeck

    We are in Ocean Shores this week to buy a home. Leaving Yosemite area for this magical place.

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  • Laura

    I live in Ocean Shores Wa, and it is BEAUTIFUL.

    reply
  • Ed

    I m a little behind but would love to see a flip chart lesson on inverters. I learned a lot from your 3 minute flip chart.

    Thanks,
    Ed

    reply
  • “…craft brews, warm nuts, and smoky cheese!”

    Yep, sounds like heaven to me…
    😉

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  • Looks like a beautiful place. The Pacific northwest is on our must see list. I noticed you’ll be in Chicago and WI. You might want to consider going up to Michigan’s upper peninsula and visiting Mackinac Island….one of my favorites. Happy trails!

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  • cindy

    Looks like a “Simple pleasures are the best” kind of place. Looks like a peaceful place to be!

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  • You’re making me home sick. I loved the beaches in the Pacific Northwest. FL isn’t quite the same -:).

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  • I found out I was pregnant at this campground. We were in such shock I don’t think we left the RV once in the few days we were there. Romantic (classy?), huh!

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  • Stella MacDonald

    It was a very foggy week on the coast that week but it was our chance to catch up with you and have a cup of coffee in the sunshine one morning. Great to meet you and share a few stories. We will be on the road soon and maybe our paths will cross again. Happy travels.

    reply

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