Tag: Pacific Northwest

15 Family-Friendly Things to Do in Ocean Shores

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Family Fun in Ocean Shores

Enjoy the small coastal city of Ocean Shores, WA, on an upcoming family vacation as the Pacific Northwest has much to offer travelers staying at The Polynesian Resort. With many family-friendly things to do in Ocean Shores, the region has become a destination for groups of all ages. The six-mile-long peninsula features over 250 species of birds, endless entertainment, numerous shops, and diverse restaurants with plenty of food options for picky eaters. Continue reading to learn more about the family-friendly things to do in Ocean Shores, WA, as you’ll find 15 listed below.

15 Family-Friendly Activities

  1. Stuff yourself with a fantastic all-you-can-eat breakfast buffet from the Rusty Anchor Grill & Pub located on-site
  2. Try something new, like stand up paddleboarding or kayaking with Ocean Shores Boat House
  3. Bring the little ones to play mini-golf at Pacific Paradise in Ocean Shores, WA
  4. Pick up a keepsake from the Bay Gifts souvenir shop to remember your vacation full of the fun Ocean Shores activities
  5. Find a hidden treasure at the unique Mermaid Cove shop which features local artisan creations
  6. See how many species of Pacific Northwest birds you can spot at Damon Point
  7. Pick out a kite at Ocean Shores Kites and enjoy a windy day at Ocean City State Park
  8. Go horseback riding on the beach with Honey Pearl Ranch
  9. For families with teens and young adults head to the Ocean Shores, WA, driving range
  10. Visit the North Jetty beach area and see who can find the most interesting shell
  11. Explore the nooks and crannies at one of the many antique shops located right in Ocean Shores, WA
  12. Put your bowling skills to the test or feel like a kid again playing arcade games at Shores Bowl
  13. Search for your childhood favorite candies from Buddy & Howie’s Old-Fashioned Sweet Shop
  14. When the storms come rolling in head to Damon Point or the North Jetty to see the Pacific Northwest waves explode
  15. If you have a family of anglers, see who can get the biggest catch with Ocean Charters

Relax in Ocean Shores, WA

While there are many other family-friendly things to do in Ocean Shores, these are several that travelers can add to their list. The Polynesian Resort offers guests a luxury experience when it comes to unwinding on a family vacation. Whether it’s grabbing a cocktail at the Rusty Anchor Grill & Pub while the kids play outside or a dip together in the indoor heated pool, you won’t have to go far to kick back and relax. To learn more about the fun things to do in Ocean Shores, check out the Attractions page on the website. For travelers looking to speak with someone at the resort directly, please call 1-800-562-4836.

 

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.