Tag: Ocean Shores Washington

What to Do with Your Pup When You Stay at an Ocean Shores Pet-Friendly Hotel

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Pet Friendly Vacation in Ocean Shores

Bring your pup on vacation with you to The Polynesian Hotel in Ocean Shores.

Vacations are the perfect way for the whole family to enjoy some quality uninterrupted time together, but a key family member is often missing. However, when you book your stay at The Polynesian Resort, a pet-friendly hotel in Ocean Shores, your four-legged friend can join in on the fun. Several of the top activities you can enjoy are just as fun for your pooch.

A Guide to Dog-Friendly Things to Do

Temperatures in Ocean Shores stay relatively pleasant most of the year, so you won’t have to worry about excessive heat when you and your pup are out and about. This Washington coast town is filled with activities and attractions that welcome two- and four-legged visitors.

  1. Let your dog run off some energy at the off-leash park. This spot is near the beach between Taurus Boulevard and Butter Clam Street by the Taurus Beach access road. While at this location, let your dog run off leash into the ocean for a bit of swimming.
  2. Spend time at a nearby state park. Dogs are allowed at Ocean City State Park as long as they remain on a leash and under physical control. Another great park to explore is Griffiths-Priday State Park. You and your dog will have fun exploring the sketch of the shoreline and running in and out of the surf.
  3. With so many outdoor adventures to enjoy, your pup is sure to get a little dirty. Give them a quick clean at Dirty Dogs Self Dog Wash. This spot offers both self-wash and full-service grooming.
  4. Explore one of the several scenic hiking trails nearby, including the Weatherwax Trail. Dogs are welcome on most trails as long as they remain on a leash.

Reserve Your Pet-Friendly Accommodations

If you’re hoping to bring your pup along on an adventure-filled gateway, book your stay at The Polynesian Resort. Our Ocean Shores pet-friendly hotel is a hit between both two and four-legged visitors for a reason.

There is an additional cost of $15 per pet per night, and there are guidelines you need to follow. Please let us know at the time of booking that you need one of our pet-friendly rooms. There are designated relief areas, and you must clean up after your pet. Please do not leave your pet unattended in your room or anywhere on the property. For more information, call 360-289-3361.

 

 

Sand & Sawdust Festival

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Chainsaw King

Sand & Sawdust Festival

The Ocean Shores Convention Center kicks off the beginning of summer with the annual  Sand & Sawdust Festival, always the last full weekend in June.   Chainsaw carvers, sand- castle building workshops, food and beverages, crafts, and more. Free admission. Pro and semi-pro carvers compete in a weekend-long competitions with live auctions each day.

For more information,  360-289-4411

 

Spring Gray Whale Migration in the Pacific Northwest

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Whale Watching

Spring Gray Whale Migration   

The annual gray whale migration is just around the corner, and many stay at The Polynesian Resort in Ocean Shores, WA, during spring to catch a glimpse of the beautiful creatures. The best time for whale watching in the Pacific Northwest is between November through January when they migrate south, and again March to May when they migrate north. While each offers avid marine life enthusiasts the opportunity to spot whales, the northern gray whale migration is better as they travel with their young and can be spotted closer to shore. Keep reading to learn more about the spring season of whale watching in Washington.

Tips for Spotting Whales

Pacific gray whales are roughly the size of a school bus, measure over an incredible 40 feet in length, and can weigh as much as 80,000 pounds. Typically in the springtime, whales swim around one mile from the Pacific Northwest beaches and spout approximately every ten minutes. When scanning the horizon for pacific gray whales, many use a scope or binoculars and search for what resembles a white plume of water. The spout of the whale’s lung exhale is easily spotted against the blue sea as it shoots nearly 10 to 12 feet toward the sky. When the marine mammals swim close to the shores of Ocean Shores, WA, watchers also listen for the hiss of their spout and can smell the whale’s breath.

The Whale Trail

For the best opportunities for whale watching in Washington, head to the Pacific Beach State Park, which is just one of the 100 locations marked on The Whale Watch Trail. The park features educational facilities about the gray whale migration, well-marked vantage point signs, marine life pictures with information, and is less than 20 miles from Oceans Shores, WA.

Spring Getaway to Ocean Shores, WA

While it’s encouraged to check out the spring gray whale migration at the Pacific Beach State Park, observers also post up along the 6 miles of beach in Ocean Shores, WA. Along with whale watching in Washington, there are several other water-based adventures such as fishing, clamming, beach activities, and storm watching. There’s no better time than now to visit and have an unforgettable stay with The Polynesian Resort. To learn more about the different lodging options, please call 1-360-289-3361 or visit the accommodations page online.  

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.

For Mom, natural beauty & a unique vibe

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Mom relaxing on the Washington coast
Take mom to the beach and just watch her relax

Sure, summer is around the corner, but there’s no reason to wait to plan a trip to The Polynesian Resort in Ocean Shores.

Spend some time with the miracle-worker who loves you more than anything in the world. Reserve an oceanfront room or suite and just watch Mom relax. Or purchase a gift certificate for a later stay. She won’t say so, but you’ll be her favorite. Mother’s Day is Sunday, May 12.
fresh water surrounds Ocean Shores

Natural Beauty Abounds

Ocean Shores is surrounded by 23 miles of freshwater canals, with the Pacific ocean to the west.  Therefore, wildlife abounds.  Freshwater fishing is plentiful.  The waterways are ideal for kayaks, canoes, paddle boards, and bird watching.  Bring your dog for a stroll along the 1.2 mile Weatherwax Trail around Duck Lake, amid 120 acres of old growth forest.  Or, venture ocean side for miles of sand dunes and flat, accessible beaches.

A Unique Vibe

Ocean Shores mopeds

Ocean Shores is distinctive. In other words, you can find adventures that are unique to Ocean Shores. For one, you can park your car on the beach, entering from five separate access points.  Therefore, it’s easy to load up your car with a picnic and gear for a day of play.   In addition, you can rent mopeds for a ride on the beach or try out an electric fat tire bicycle.  Afterward, go bowling, race the kids around a go-kart track or play mini-golf.  Discover surf shops, seafood restaurants and a boardwalk perfect for strolling at sunset. There’s something for everyone in Ocean Shores.

The Polynesian Resort offers the only condominium-style accommodations oceanfront in Ocean Shores. That means spacious 1 and 2 bedroom units with full kitchens. Amenities include continental breakfast, free Wi-FI and an incredibly inviting indoor pool with spa and sauna.

Call today. Save up to 35%

If you book your stay before June 20th, you can save up to 35%. Call today to reserve your oceanfront room or suite and find out about other special lodging deals, 1-800-562-4836. Excludes Memorial Day weekend. Other restrictions may apply.

Volunteers Welcome! CoastSavers to Clean Shoreline

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CoastSavers volunteers. Many hands make light work.

You can join the CoastSavers clean up this weekend and enjoy an outing to Ocean Shores.

Gather up friends and family, walk the shore and lend a hand. The weather looks mild and promising for the annual spring event.

Every April Washington CoastSavers, its partners, and volunteers join forces to clean plastics and debris from the beaches. Governor Jay Inslee has declared Saturday, April 21 as “Washington Coast Cleanup Day.”

Spring is an important time for people to respond to get the plastics and other garbage off the beach and out of circulation.  In winter, debris arrives, getting trapped high on shore, on rocks and in sand.  In summer, the opposite happens and waters tend to move debris offshore.

But no matter where you live or what kind of work you do, marine debris is a human problem.

Marine debris is trash that somehow ends up in the ocean.  It could be a plastic water bottle you threw away several months ago – not at the beach, but at your home.   Maybe it blew out of your garbage, landed in a nearby waterway, and floated out to the coast. Now it’s degrading and poisoning coastal wildlife and releasing its toxins into the food chain.

Or maybe a commercial fishing boat lost some gear during a winter storm. Now it’s floating around out there, damaging coastal fisheries and pointlessly killing everything that gets caught.

The Washington Coast Clean up is part of an International effort to clear debris from the shorelines.

Register in advance and find out more about the beach clean up in Ocean Shores.