Tag: WA

Map Out Your Olympia to Ocean Shores Vacation Road Trip

Leave a comment

Road Trip from Olympia to Ocean Shores!

You don’t have to hop on a flight or go on a half-day drive to reach a relaxing vacation destination. For those who call the Olympia area home, you are less than two hours away from the Washington coast, the ideal spot for your next family getaway. It takes just under 90 minutes to drive from Olympia to The Polynesian Resort in Ocean Shores. However, if you leave early enough, you can make a mini-vacation out of your drive by stopping at fun and unique attractions along the way.

A Guide to Fun Stops on Your Washington Road Trip

To get to Ocean Shore from Olympia, you’ll likely drive along WA-8 W and US-12 W. Not only is this drive filled with breathtaking views but there are also a variety of attractions to explore along the way.

Make Memories on Your Way to Ocean Shores

Enjoy a vacation within a vacation by exploring stops along your drive from Olympia to Ocean Shores. After reaching your final destination at The Polynesian Resort, relax in your cozy accommodations. Our oceanfront resort is the ideal home base. Be close to everything you need to make the most out of your vacation, like local parks, hidden gems, and hiking trails.

Before turning in for the night, be sure to stop by The Rusty Anchor Grill & Pub, our on-site restaurant. Don’t forget to check out our current specials for ways to possibly save on your stay. To learn more about our offers or our resort, call 1-800-562-4836.

Create the Perfect Itinerary of Winter Things to Do in Ocean Shores, WA 

Leave a comment

For some states, winter means below zero temperatures and almost weekly snowstorms. However, winter in the Pacific Northwest can be much more pleasant. With mild temperatures and fewer crowds, this is an excellent time of year to book your stay at The Polynesian Resort. Our resort puts you close to the top things to do in and around Ocean Shores, WA.

Winter Activities Everyone Will Enjoy

During the winter months, temperatures in Ocean Shores average between 41 and 49 degrees. While this is still cold enough to warrant a coat, it’s not so cold that you won’t want to spend any time outside. Whether you’re visiting with friends or enjoying a family vacation, there’s plenty of fun to be had when you include some of these activities and attractions in your itinerary.

  • Go for a winter hike through picturesque forests and nature areas, including Damon Point State Park. Be careful as the trails can get muddy from winter rain and an occasional snowfall.
  • End your day with a breathtaking Ocean Shores sunset. The North Jetty and even the beach right behind our resort are great places to see the sky turn shades of pink, orange, and red. Check the sunset time so you don’t miss it.
  • While Ocean Shores may not get a lot of snow, winter is known for bringing some storms. A favorite of those who call the Pacific Northwest home is storm watching. Griffith-Priday State Park and Ocean Shores Beach are ideal spots for this activity, but remember your safety is more important than watching the storm roll in.
  • Depending on when you visit, your winter getaway is a great time to shop for unique gifts in local stores. Ocean Shores is home to various shops selling a range of quality items, including wood carvings, original artwork, and more.
  • When you visit in the winter, you can experience popular attractions without the usual crowds. Spend time at Shores Bowl or Pacific Paradise Family Fun Center for a bit of friendly competition.

Book Your Winter Escape Today

Winter will be here before you know it, so now is the perfect time to book your winter vacation getaway at The Polynesian Resort. Our coastal resort puts you close to all the things to do in Ocean Shores, WA, that make for a memorable vacation. Made up of condo-style and standard rooms, you’ll be able to find the right accommodation for your group. Enjoy a delicious meal without having to leave the property by stopping by Rusty Anchor Grill & Pub. Be sure to take advantage of our on-site amenities to get the most out of your stay. Call 1-800-562-4836 to learn more about our Ocean Shores hotel or special offers.

Soak in the Washington Sunshine at Ocean Shores Parks

Leave a comment

It’s no secret that Washington’s coast is home to beautiful beaches. The Polynesian Resort puts guests right on the beach in Ocean Shores, making it the perfect home base for your next getaway. After checking into our resort, set out on an adventure on a bike rental or find some of the town’s best-kept secrets. When you’re ready to switch things up, trade the sand for grass and spend a day exploring parks around Ocean Shores.

A Guide to Neighborhood and State Parks near Ocean Shores

Whether you’re looking for a park perfect for a picnic lunch or dinner from Rusty Anchor Grill & Pub or somewhere to let the kids run off some energy, there are plenty of parks around Ocean Shores to check out.

  • Damon Point State Park: This 61-acre park features a mile-long walkable strip of land to the end of Damon Point. Enjoy views of Mount Rainier, Grays Harbor, and the Olympic Mountains. Make sure to bring a pair of binoculars to go bird watching.
  • Emerson Park: Play a round of tennis or volleyball at this Ocean Shores neighborhood park. Featuring tennis courts, volleyball courts, tetherball courts, and picnic tables, it’s the perfect place for a day of friendly competition.
  • Ocean City State Park: Make the quick drive to neighboring Hoquiam to explore Ocean City State Park. Not only is this park known for birding, but you can also dig up razor clams when they’re in season.
  • Chinook Park: Let the kids play on the swings, slide, or climbing equipment at this park on Duck Lake Drive. The 3.2-acre park also features a multi-purpose field with soccer goals and other playground equipment.
  • Griffiths-Priday Ocean State Park: Set on the Pacific coast at the mouths of the Copalis River and Connor Creek, this state park and beach is ideal for shelling or flying a kite. There’s almost 10,000-feet of freshwater shoreline and over 8,000 feet of saltwater shoreline to explore.

Take in Ocean Views during a Pacific Northwest Escape

When you stay at The Polynesian Resort, you’ll find out why this is one of Ocean Shores’ favorite resorts. With both oceanfront and ocean view room options, you won’t miss out on any of the stunning views that can only be experienced when you visit the Washington coast. We have both standard rooms and condo-style units, so we can accommodate groups of all sizes. After a day spent exploring area beaches and parks, take advantage of the onsite amenities like our own private park. Learn more about our resort and make a reservation by calling 1-800-562-4836.

cean Shores Parks, Ocean Shores Hotels, Hotels near Ocean Shores WA, Washington Coast Resort, Ocean Shores WA Hotels, Ocean Shores Hotels on the Beach

Cycle Ocean Shores with Bike Rentals

Leave a comment

Bike around Ocean ShoresOcean Shores is Washington’s most visited seaside destination for a reason. This quaint town is filled with activities for the whole family to enjoy, including horseback riding to beachcombing for shells. When you stay at The Polynesian Resort, you’ll be right on the beach and just a short distance away from all these attractions. Get out and explore Ocean Shores with an easy mode of transportation by visiting a local bike rental shop.

The Top Ocean Shores Bike Rental Shops

Biking around Ocean Shores is one of the best ways to explore this popular Pacific Northwest town. Cycle around downtown and stop into local shops, or discover the area’s bike trails. You won’t have to worry about bringing a bike with you, thanks to area bike rental shops.

Electric Beach Bike Rentals

Stop by Electric Beach Bike Rentals before hitting the trails or beach. Offering motorized, fat-tire bikes, this locally owned shop has bikes for riders of all sizes. You can even rent a child trailer if you’re traveling with small children who haven’t reached biking age.

Beach Cruzin’

Ride around Ocean Shores on the latest model electric, fat tire bike from Beach Cruzin’. The all-terrain tires on these bikes give you added confidence, stability, and comfort. You’ll enjoy an effortless ride on these bikes with a throttle power of up to 20 mph. Explore faster than you would on a traditional bike or even your own two feet.

Book Your Pacific Northwest Getaway

When you book your stay at The Polynesian Resort, you’ll be able to relax and unwind in our oceanfront and ocean view accommodations. With standard rooms, condo-style units, and suites, we have a room option that fits your needs and budget. After a day cycling around town, refuel at the Rusty Anchor Grill & Pub, or enjoy a dip in our pool. To learn more about our hotel or availability, please call 1-800-562-4836.

Spend a Romantic Day Horseback Riding in Ocean Shores

Leave a comment

See some spectacular Pacific Northwest sight from a different vantage point during your stay at The Polynesian Resort. Consider going horseback riding in Ocean Shores for a romantic afternoon trotting across the beaches and lush woodlands. There’s no better way to soak in the beauty of the Ocean Shores coastline than on a romantic equine adventure with your partner. 

Horseback Riding in Ocean Shores: What You Need to Know

Don your favorite flannel and cowboy boots for this particular Ocean Shores activity. Whether you’re a novice rider or an expert equestrian, you’re sure to have an excellent time horseback riding in Ocean shores. The guides will help you every step of the way and provide a training session before hitting the trails. Make sure your picture-taking device is packed and ready to go so that you can commemorate the adventures you have while staying at our Ocean Shores resort.

Chenois Creek Horse Rental

The guided tours at Chenois Creek Horse Rental might be the highlight of your equine outing. The tour itself lasts about an hour and leads you across the tranquil Pacific Northwest coastline. Keep your eyes peeled for local wildlife. Many riders have seen seals, whales, and a variety of birds.

Honey Pearl Horse Rental

Consider embarking on a romantic horseback riding escapade on the beach at sunset with Honey Pearl Horse Rental. They charge about $25 per hour and accept groups of up to ten people. Soak in a brilliant pink and purple sky over a horizon of endless waves when you ride with Honey Pearl.

The Polynesian Resort: Your Romantic Oceanfront Destination

Celebrate love and romance with your significant other at our Ocean Shores hotel. Choose from a wide variety of condominium units. You’re sure to appreciate the oceanfront views and the privacy our accommodations provide. Dine on some delicious dishes at our on-site eatery, the Rusty Anchor Grill & Pub, and discover all the romantic things to do in Ocean Shores. Start planning your romantic getaway by giving us a call at 1-800-562-4836.

 Horseback Riding Ocean Shores, Ocean Shores, Ocean Shores WA, Ocean Shores Resort, Ocean Shores Hotels, Things to Do in Ocean Shores, Ocean Shores Activities

15 Family-Friendly Things to Do in Ocean Shores

Leave a comment

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.

 

Family-Fun in Ocean Shores, Washington

Leave a comment

What’s on your family-fun bucket list?

If you come to Ocean Shores, you can be sure to find memory-making adventures for everyone in your family.

Honey Pride Stables provides horses for beach rides in Ocean Shores

 

Natural Beauty

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.  Wildlife abounds.  Freshwater fishing is plentiful.  The waterways are ideal for kayaks, canoes, paddle boards and birdwatching. On the coast side, you’ll find miles of flat accessible beaches, perfect for kite flying, beach combing, and lounging.

A Unique Vibe

Ocean Shores has a unique vibe.  For one, you can park your car on the beach,  entering from five separate access points. Families love to load up their picnics and gear for a day of play, especially on July 4th when the sky is filled with colorful fireworks. You can also rent mopeds to ride on the beach or try out an electric fat tire bicycle.  Or visit Honey Pearl Farms or Chenois Creek Horse Rentals for a horseback ride along the sand.

Go Play!

The attractions in town are extremely inviting for families with kids.  After a day on the beach, you can go bowling, race the kids around a go-kart track or play mini-golf.  Discover surf shops, seafood joints and a boardwalk perfect for strolling at sunset. Certainly, a kid-friendly stop is the destination souvenir shop you enter through the mouth of a giant shark.   Appropriately known as Sharkey, nearly every visitor to Ocean Shores stops there at least one time for a photo or to select a treasure to take home.

Ocean Shores is the place to come to just relax and have fun with the people you love.

Ocean Shores means summer for many Washington families.

See why. Stay at The Polynesian Resort and enjoy spacious condo-style accommodations with full kitchens, an indoor pool, game room and private park.

There’s plenty to do!

 

 

Razor clam digging OK’d for May 2-3

Leave a comment
t_map_beaches

Copalis Beach, also known as Ocean Shores.

 

Olympia  – Clam diggers got a green light to proceed with a two-day razor clam dig starting May 2 at Copalis and Mocrocks Beaches, in Ocean Shores.

The Polynesian Resort in Ocean Shores has long been a favorite of retreat for fans of razor clam digging.

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) approved the digs after marine toxin tests showed the clams on those beaches are safe to eat. All of the digs are scheduled on morning tides. No digging will be allowed on any beach after noon.

The upcoming dig is scheduled on the following dates, beaches, and low tides:

  • May 2, Saturday; 6:23 a.m., 0.2 feet;  Mocrocks (Ocean Shores)
  • May 3, Sunday; 6:59 a.m., -0.3 feet; Mocrocks (Ocean Shores)

WDFW has also proposed additional digs in May, pending the results of future marine toxin tests.

All diggers age 15 or older must have an applicable 2015-16 fishing license to harvest razor clams on any beach. Licenses, ranging from a three-day razor clam license to an annual combination fishing license, are available on WDFW’s website at https://fishhunt.dfw.wa.go and from license vendors around the state.

During all upcoming digs, state wildlife managers urge clam diggers to avoid disturbing snowy plovers and streaked horned larks. Both species nest in the soft, dry sand at Leadbetter Point on the Long Beach Peninsula, and on a section of Twin Harbors beach.

The snowy plover is a small bird with gray wings and a white breast. The lark is a small bird with a pale yellow breast and brown back. Male larks have a black mask, breast band and “horns.”

To protect these birds, the department asks that clam diggers avoid the dunes and areas of the beach with soft, dry sand. When driving to a clam-digging area, diggers should enter the beach only at designated access points and stay on the hard-packed sand near or below the high tide line.

Tentative upcoming digs

Proposed digs are tentatively scheduled on the following dates.

  • May 7, Thursday; 9:30 a.m., -0.8 feet;
  • May 8, Friday; 10:14 a.m., -0.7 feet;
  • May 9, Saturday; 11:03 a.m., -0.4 feet;
  • May 10, Sunday; 11:58 a.m., -0.1 feet; ,
  • May 15, Friday; 4:58 a.m., -0.2 feet;
  • May 16, Saturday; 5:50 a.m., -0.9 feet;
  • May 17, Sunday; 6:38 a.m., -1.5 feet; ,
  • May 22, Friday; 10:18 a.m., -0.8 feet;
  • May 23, Saturday; 11:03 a.m., -0.2 feet;
  • May 24, Sunday; 11:51 a.m., 0.3 feet;

 

Clamming Ocean Shores, or Copalis Beach

Clam digging in  Ocean Shores, WA