Category: Things to do in Ocean Shores

Explore the Beauty of Ocean Shores Horseback Riding

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Two people horseback riding in Ocean Shores.

The Pacific Northwest is known for its breathtaking natural beauty, and Ocean Shores is no exception. The Washington coast town is one of the most visited seaside destinations in the state for a reason. Enjoy the perfect beachfront vacation by booking your stay at The Polynesian Resort. One of the best ways to explore the picturesque Ocean Shores sights on your next visit is horseback riding.

A Guide to Local Washington Horseback Riding Services

Horseback riding is one of those activities you don’t need any previous experience to enjoy. The guides of these local Ocean Shores businesses will make sure you’re comfortable in the saddle before heading out on a memorable adventure.

  •  If you’re brand new to horseback riding and looking for more of a lesson than a trail ride, check out Nansea Stables. Reserve a one-hour Western or English lesson led by qualified instructors. They also offer a 20-minute lead-around for children not old enough for lessons.
  • Go for a ride along the beach with Honey Pearl Ranch. Rides start at 10 a.m., with the last one setting out between 4 and 5 p.m. This option does not accept reservations unless you are riding with a large group. 
  • Keep your eyes open for all kinds of wildlife on your ride with Chenois Creek Horse Rentals. Outings last about an hour and take you along the sandy shoreline. No need to make reservations, as rides are on a first-come, first-serve basis.

When choosing your excursion, be sure to check for things like age and weight restrictions. 

Discover All There Is to Do near The Polynesian Resort

Whether horseback riding on the beach or checking out local amusements, there is no shortage of things to do in Ocean Shores. Be close to all the top activities and attractions by reserving your stay at The Polynesian Resort. Our oceanfront resort is the ideal home base for everyone, from families to couples.

We offer a wide range of lodging options, including penthouse suites, one-bedroom suites, and standard rooms. If you find yourself staying with us often, be sure to check out our frequent guest program. Call 360-289-3361 to learn more about this program, our Ocean Shores resort, or other ways to save on your stay.

5 Reasons to Go to the Ocean Shores Razor Clam Festival

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Razor Clam Digging in Ocean Shores

Razor clam digging provides family fun in Ocean Shores.

5 Reasons to Go to the Ocean Shores Razor Clam Festival

The Ocean Shores Razor Clam Festival is a huge annual event held in Washington that brings many travelers from across the Pacific Northwest to stay at The Polynesian Resort each year. The festival is one of the most popular upcoming events in Ocean Shores, WA, and the Pacific Northwest during the springtime for seafood lovers and those with kids as well. Each year, the festival expands at the Ocean Shores Convention Center and brings more exciting activities for families to enjoy. There’s everything from an artisan marketplace to live entertainment as well as a children’s area and, of course, the Clam Chowder Cook-Off. The first thing to know about the event is that it’s free to attend, and while there are many reasons to go, here are five anticipated things to do in Ocean Shores, WA, at this year’s event. 

1. Enjoy the Food Variety

The food at the festival is what makes this one of the most anticipated upcoming events in Ocean Shores, WA, in March. While the razor clams can be found around every corner, there are several other seafood options, including a raw oyster bar, crab cakes, fresh shrimp, seafood gumbo, halibut, and cod! Along with seafood, there will also be brats, hot dogs, pork sandwiches, and a plethora of dessert festival favorites such as funnel cakes, kettle corn, and cotton candy. A large selection of adult beverages is also available for purchase at the Festival Bar inside the Convention Center, including beer, local wines, and spirits.

2. Sample the Chowders 

The highly anticipated Grays Harbor County Chowder Contest brings the city of Ocean Shores, WA, together for a fun day of chowder tasting. During the contest, many walk around sampling different seafood dishes by purchasing a tasting passport. Tasters have the option to vote for their favorite clam chowder in the Pacific Northwest once each option has been sampled. In addition to the chowder contest, cooking demonstrations run all day long inside and outside of the center. 

3. Enjoy Activities for Kids and Adults

Many families bring their little ones to attend the Ocean Shores Razor Clam Festival because of the versatile kid-friendly activities. While there are beverages, live music, and over 40 vendors for adults, children enjoy the giant outdoor slide, face painting, and cotton candy stand outside of the center. Both adults and kids can hop on the Mechanical Shark, where ride options range from wild to mild!   

4. Learn How-To Dig for Clams

First-timers that attend the festival are encouraged to learn all about clam digging while staying in the city of Ocean Shores, WA, during the event. Workshops conducted by the staff of the Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife teach the public how to properly use clam digging equipment along with how to find, cook, and clean clams.   A license must be purchased before digging on the beach and are available at multiple locations close to the event (listed below). 

  • Ace Hardware
  • Sunrise Market
  • You & I Market
  • Oyhut Bay Fresh Market
  • The Sunshine Deli Mart & Gas

5. Live Like a Local 

The Ocean Shores Razor Clam Festival celebrates the culture and beach life of the Pacific Northwest while providing seemingly endless entertainment for all ages. The city of Ocean Shores, WA, features six miles of beach that become a sought-out destination for clam lovers and anglers in March. During the show, locals and visitors spend time shopping the vendor booths for artisan crafts, outdoor gear, and fishing equipment while chatting with the locals. For this year’s dates, schedule, and times, visit OSRazorClamFestival.org.

Stay Warm in Ocean Shores, WA

Stay close to the Ocean Shores Razor Clam Festival action by booking a stay at The Polynesian Resort located less than a mile from the Convention Center. Stay warm during

Heated indoor pool

the colder months by hopping in the heated indoor pool for a swim or make your way to the indoor spa and sauna on-site. Guests traveling with young adults and kids won’t have to go far for entertainment as there is a game room right at the resort. Take a look through the amenities page to learn more, don’t forget to look at the Specials online before booking directly on the website. Please call 1-800-562-4836 to speak with a staff member directly.

Summer Fun Things to Do in Ocean Shores

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Summer fun in Ocean Shores means kite flying

Flying kites at Ocean Shores

 

There are so many fun things to do during summer in Ocean Shores once you check into a spacious room at The Polynesian Resort.   

Drop your bags. Summertime fun is just around the corner. What to do first?  

With The Polynesian Resort as your home base, there are several family-friendly ways to get out and play in and around Ocean Shores.  From the start, you’ll be reminded of the carefree days of the past, when you enjoy all the things there are to do in summer in Ocean Shores with your own kids.   

On the beach in Ocean Shores

From The Polynesian Resort, stroll over the sand dunes to the beach.  Or if you to need to haul more gear than you want to carry, consider driving over.  Ocean Shores is one of the few places in Washington where you are allowed to park your vehicle on the beach.  Classic beach fun includes building a sand castle, flying a kite, tossing a Frisbee, strolling, jogging or just relaxing on the sand.  

Surfing attracts the most adventurous.  You can take lessons and rent a board wet suit from local experts.  You can also ride horses along the shoreline seven days a week all summer long.  Zip along the water’s edge on Fat bikes or mopeds, all rentable. 

Around the Lake

Ocean Shores is beautifully inviting for all members of the family. The town is surrounded by 23 miles of freshwater canals, with the Pacific Ocean to the west and easily accessible trails.  Wildlife abounds. The waterways are ideal for kayaks, canoes, paddle boards and birdwatching.  You can fish off several public docks.

Around Town

Guests to Ocean Shores often feel nostalgic for earlier days. That’s because a visit to the arcades and shops around town make you feel like a kid again.  Have fun playing a round of mini-golf, racing your kids around a go-kart track or bowling. After that, you can enjoy an ice cream cone as you browse around unique stores, like Sharky’s gift shop.  Nearly every guest to Ocean Shores has stopped there at least one time for a photo-op and to browse.  You enter through the mouth of a giant shark. Once inside, its a treasure trove of collectibles including toys, stuffed animals, t-shirts and a vast selection of salt water taffy. 

Summertime in Ocean Shores is about relaxing and having fun with the people you love.  

When you stay at The Polynesian Resort, you can enjoy spacious condo-style accommodations with full kitchens, an indoor pool, and game room.  Next door, at The Polynesian Resort’s private park, kids can romp around lush green lawns and playground while enjoying a picnic or BBQ.  And, who doesn’t enjoy a great game of tetherball?

At The Polynesian Resort in Ocean Shores, summertime is made for fun. 

Summer fun in Ocean Shores with family on the beach.