For Washington city dwellers looking for a beach weekend, look no further than Ocean Shores; a six mile long peninsula with two fresh water lakes, an old growth forest in the city center and over 250 different species of birds. Located 134 miles – about 2 hours 39 mins – west of Seattle the sparse beach town is known for its summer kite festival and its main attraction, six miles of sandy beaches that allow car access.
The family friendly town offers several places to stay, most being simple motels and vacation rentals. Touted as the #1 hotel in Ocean Shores, we chose the Shilo Inn to bring our family (the two of us, our preschooler and our 80lb 12 year-old Golden Retriever named Rico Suave.
The inn offers some guest services that you would not expect to see in a small hotel chain such as fitness center with wet and dry sauna, indoor heated pool that is actually a decent size, business center and guest laundry. Our Golden Retriever, Rico, was welcomed with open arms, a per night fee and grounded to only first floor rooms which limits the view from the balcony.
The restaurant is actually very good with breakfast being a hit for our family. The eggs were perfectly cooked, pancakes tall and fluffy and coffee/juice was fresh and delicious. Another big bonus of the restaurant was the waitress who had lived locally for 15 years and gave us local tourist information of the caliber of any visitor center or concierge.
The beach was just a few feet from the hotel with foot and car access. The town is filled with small independent shops and restaurants. An Ocean Shores pastime is kite flying and a two-time world champion kite team has a shop in town. Stop by Cutting Edge Kites (676 Ocean Shores Blvd NW Tel: 360-289-0667 360-289-0667 ) http://www.cuttingedgekites.com to pick up a kite and get some professional flying tips.
For eating in I recommend the Shilo Inn restaurant for breakfast, lunch and dinner. For eating out there are a few great choices that will please any budget or picky eater.
The best pizza in town is found at Dugan's Pizza (690 Ocean Shores Blvd. Tel: 360-289-2330 360-289-2330 ). The simple looking establishment cranks out glorious pies, packed with fresh toppings and perfectly cooked.
Many times beach side pubs are beer joints that are perfect for that get- sunburn -get -beer cycle but not so great for families with kids. A family friendly Irish pub with good food can be found at Galway Bay Irish Restaurant, Pub and Gift Shop (880 Point Brown Avenue Northeast Tel: 360-289-2300 360-289-2300 ) http://www.galwaybayirishpub.com . Live music on weekends and a family section with chalk board table to keep the kiddies busy was just perfect. The extensive menu featured traditional Irish fare such a Sheppard's pie or local favorites such as award-winning clam chowder served with hot Irish soda bread.
After a few days exploring the beach by foot, dune buggy, scooter or with your own car you will be ready to relax, lounge and eat. Ocean Shores offers visitors nature, simple beach life, good food and decent accommodations that will turn any simple weekend getaway into a surprising success.
Ocean Shores Summer Events (source www.tourismoceanshores.com)
Kite Challenge
Saturday, June 5 - Sunday, June 6, 2010
Sponsored by "Team Cutting Edge Kites" - 2005 & 2006 World Champions. Free kite flying lessons, stunt competitions, fun flies, displays and more. Come to the beach and watch the sky come to life with hundreds of colorful kites!
Sand and Sawdust Festival
Friday, June 25 - Sunday, June 27, 2010
Five Star Dealerships Sand and Sawdust Festival welcomes you to the beach! Master, Intermediate, & Novice Sand-Sculpting teams compete for over $5,000.00 in cash prizes.
For help in planning a trip to Ocean Shores or the Pacific Northwest call 1-800-554-5170 1-800-554-5170 or 425-355-3700 425-355-3700 . Send an email to info@travel4real.com
Hi Rem Malloy
ReplyDeleteYeah.. visiting Beach town on Washington cost is awesome and breath taking. Last time i visit that place with my father, when i was just 17 and really eager to gotta go once again.
cheers