Have you ever had a day where you wanted to do something but just didn’t know what to do? Or have you ever just wanted to get in the car to drive without knowing where to go, but just knew you wanted to go somewhere? We have, which has led to us wondering where we can go with just a tank of gas and a few bucks for food and fun.
Our first stop was Ocean Shores, WA. We were having a day where we just wanted to be by water. We wanted to hear the waves crash against the sand, feel the sand between our toes and stare out into the horizon. There really is nothing better than turning the mind off to enjoy nature’s beauty, which really is all around us.
Getting to Ocean Shores
The drive to Ocean Shores is scenic in its own way. Mostly, it’s residential with some industrial scenery. Once you get close to Ocean Shores, in particular Ocean City State Park, there are winding roads with beautiful trees and in the distance, the Pacific Ocean! It really is a sight to see and sets the tone for the visit/day.
Once you arrive at Ocean City State Park, you will have a nice little walk to the actual beach. I suggest not bringing too much with you to the beach as the walk is a little long. Plus, once there, take the time to soak up the beautiful view.
Our day at Ocean City Park was grey, but still beautiful and relaxing. There were people riding horses and people driving cars on the beach. The waves were moving perfectly along the sand, creating a beautiful, relaxing sound. We had our English Black Lab with us, so with the cars driving on the beach, we didn’t feel comfortable letting him run along the beach. I think he enjoyed it nonetheless.
After soaking up the beauty of this park, we decided to make our way toward Westport, WA to grab some pizza and beer.
Visiting Westport
Westport, WA had a pretty cool pub with pirate decor known as Blackbeard’s Brewing Company. It was only about 45 minutes to an hour away from the park and allowed dogs on the patio. There were a few other dogs for our furry child to mix and mingle with while we enjoyed food and drinks. The pizza was delicious, as well as the beer. They had many different flavors of craft beer on tap, it really was hard to pick. Would have loved to try more than two beers, but considering we were driving, that was not option. This just means we get to go back to try some more!
Grays Harbor Lighthouse
Before heading home, we wanted to find one more thing to do. About a half mile up the road is Grays Harbor Lighthouse. Here you can go inside and make your way to the top of the decommissioned lighthouse where you can see all of Grays Harbor. Also, there are volunteers who lead you to the top and give the history of the lighthouse and the articles in it. At this point, the clouds cleared enough for the sun to shine down on the ocean and surrounding areas.
All in all it was a fun, relaxing, beautiful day to explore a new area in the PNW.
So you can gauge this trip, we left from Bonney Lake, WA to Ocean Shores, WA, which took about 2 hours. We traveled to Westport, WA, which took about 45 minutes to an hour, then back home to Bonney Lake, WA which took another 2 hours.
Join us to find out where our adventurous spirit takes us next.
You may like our article about Seabrook which is just up the road from Ocean Shores.
5
Very nice article and photographs. Made me long for the beach.
Nice work Aimee! Make me home sick for the PacNW!!
[…] Horseback riding on the beach is one thing I was hoping to do but didn’t have the time to get to on this trip. Honey Pearl Ranch is currently operating daily, weather permitting. Whether you’re a complete beginner or an experienced rider, they have a horse for you. This is definitely on my bucket list for my next Ocean Shores trip! […]