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.
