We’ve been planning a trip to Ocean Shores for a couple of summers now. Last summer, our Airbnb host had to cancel last minute due to an urgent issue with their property, which was quite disappointing. Determined, we tried again this summer. While Ocean Shores has its charms, it might not be our top recommendation if you’re traveling from the Portland-Vancouver area. Here’s a balanced look at our experience, highlighting the highs and lows.
The Highs: A Day at the Off-Leash Dog Beach
The highlight of our weekend was undoubtedly the Off Leash Dog Beach in Ocean Shores. Located along the western beach line of the peninsula, it offers a similar vibe to many other beaches in Oregon and Washington, where you can drive your car onto the sand – just ensure you have a four-wheel drive vehicle.
We brought our social labradoodle, who had an absolute blast running and playing in the water and with other dogs. The weather was ideal – mid-60s, slightly overcast, but warm enough to enjoy the water and sit on the sand all day. The breeze was perfect for kite flying, and we brought a picnic, which made for a delightful day. The kids enjoyed playing with some wooden structures on the beach. Overall, it was a fantastic beach day for the whole family.
Accommodation: Oyhut Bay
We stayed at Oyhut Bay, a newer development on the southern tip of Ocean Shores. Our Airbnb was adequate for our group of three adults, three kids, and a dog. It was conveniently located within walking distance to the bay and Damon Point State Park. As avid rockhounds, we chose this location because it’s reputed for good rockhounding, especially for agates. However, it seems this spot is quite popular, as there were many people rockhounding, and the area was pretty picked over. Despite this, we found some cool pieces, though it wasn’t the hidden “gem” we had hoped for.
The area around Oyhut Bay has a small, lively town center with a restaurant, taproom, market, and a few amenities like a playground, life-size chess board, and beach volleyball. The staff at the restaurant were friendly, and although we didn’t eat there, the menu looked appealing, and they were fully booked, indicating its popularity. The town is still growing, with more houses being built, suggesting future expansion and development.
The Drive: Less Scenic Than Expected
One major downside was the drive from the Portland-Vancouver area. While it’s advertised as a three-hour drive, it felt longer due to the mix of I-5 and winding roads. Unlike other coastal routes, the drive wasn’t particularly scenic, making it less enjoyable. The journey didn’t provide that relaxing, anticipatory feeling you usually get when approaching the coast.
From Portland-Vancouver, you can reach closer ocean beaches in under two hours. For the extra hour it takes to get to Ocean Shores, we expected a destination that felt more worth the effort. For those living closer, like in Tacoma or Seattle, it might be more appealing, but for us, it didn’t justify the extended drive.
Mixed Vibes: Old vs. New
Ocean Shores presents a stark contrast between its older, established areas and the newer developments. The northern part of the peninsula feels like a long-standing vacation spot, while the southern part, including Oyhut Bay, has a more modern, emerging vibe. This mix didn’t quite meet our expectations for a cohesive experience.
Rockhounding: Overhyped
Our rockhounding experience at Damon Point State Park was somewhat underwhelming. Given its reputation, we expected more. While we did find some interesting rocks, it was clear that the area is well-known and heavily visited by rockhounds, making it less of a hidden gem.
Traffic Woes: Construction Delays
On our return journey, we encountered significant delays due to bridge construction on the southbound lanes of I-5 near the Lewis River in Cowlitz County. This added an hour to our drive time, and taking the Google-recommended detour was a mistake, costing us an additional 30 minutes on winding, rural roads. If you encounter similar construction, it’s best to stay on I-5 despite the slowdowns.
Final Thoughts
If you live closer to Ocean Shores, it might be a pleasant getaway, especially if you have a dog that enjoys the beach. However, for a family weekend trip from Portland-Vancouver, there are other destinations that offer a shorter drive, more cohesive experiences, and a greater sense of comfort.
