Surf and Kitesurf Guide: Ocean Shores, Washington

Washington's coast gets a fraction of the attention Oregon and California pull in, and the stretch around Ocean Shores gets overlooked even by Washington standards. What is actually there is a long, surfable Pacific beach break and, tucked just around the point, a sheltered lagoon that is one of the Pacific Northwest's better kept kiteboarding spots.

Why Ocean Shores?

Ocean Shores sits on a peninsula at the mouth of Grays Harbor, with miles of open sandy beach on the ocean side and the calmer water of the harbor and Damon Point on the other.

→ The ocean beach picks up swell from the southwest, west and northwest, and works best with wind from the northeast, east or southeast, a combination that lines up often enough to make this a genuine surf stop rather than a scenic drive through.

↳ Around the point, Damon Point's lagoon works in almost any wind direction, with southwest, west and easterly winds considered best, giving kiters a flat water option when the open coast is too rough or onshore to surf cleanly.

That combination, a real wave on one side and flat, protected water on the other, is unusual enough that it is worth the trip on its own, and Ocean Shores still reads as an empty lineup compared to the well known breaks further south.

Getting There and Getting Around

Ocean Shores sits on Washington's coast, a genuine drive from the nearest major airport.

Fly into Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA), about two to two and a half hours away by car via I-5 south to Olympia, then Highway 101 or 8/12 toward the coast.
→ A car is essential. Damon Point is reached via Highway 115 out to the jetty, with a short walk from parking to the water.
↳ The main surf beach has public access points along Ocean Shores Boulevard, and a 4x4 can be useful for reaching some of the quieter stretches of sand.

When to Surf or Kitesurf

Surf and wind both run through the year here, but the two seasons favor different sides of the point. Winter brings the biggest, most consistent ocean swell and the strongest, most reliable wind for kiting at Damon Point, with January, March, November and December standing out as the windiest months. Wind at Damon Point tends to blow hardest in the early morning and ease off by early afternoon. Summer brings warmer water, smaller surf and a more forgiving learning environment on both sides.

Safety notes: rip currents and undertow are present on the open ocean beach, so check your skill level against the day's conditions before paddling out. At Damon Point, high tide brings its own hazards close to the jetty, including rocks, logs, brush and the rock structure itself, so plan launches and landings around the tide rather than against it. Southerly winds at Damon Point can turn holey and gusty rather than clean. Water temperatures run cold, from the low 50s°F in late spring to the upper 60s°F by August, so a full wetsuit is standard gear here most of the year. Kitesurfers should also confirm locally whether any permit or membership is required to kite at Damon Point before heading out.

Surf and Kitesurf Spots

Ocean Shores main beach: A long, open Pacific beach break with a sand bottom, working on southwest through northwest swell and northeast through southeast wind.
Wave: Left and right peaks, generally under 50 meters in length, best on a medium to high tide.
Level: Suitable for all experience levels, with the public access area considered the best spot to start.
Damon Point lagoon: A sheltered bay with smooth wind and flat water, best on mid to low tide, with wave riding available on the exposed south shore for advanced riders.
Wave: Flat lagoon water for kiting, with ocean swell on the adjacent south shore.
Level: Beginner friendly in the lagoon on a calm day, intermediate to expert once wind and swell both build.

Where to Stay

→ Ocean Shores itself has the widest range of options right by both the beach and the point.

Budget ($)

Shilo Inn Suites Hotel, Ocean Shores
A straightforward, well located chain hotel in town, close to the main beach access points.

Mid-Range ($$)

Comfort Inn & Suites, Ocean Shores
A reliable mid-range option with easy access to both the ocean beach and the drive out to Damon Point.

Luxury ($$$)

Quinault Beach Resort & Casino, nearby Ocean Shores area
A full resort with an oceanfront setting, a step up in comfort after a cold water session on either side of the point.

Food and Drink

Duffy's Restaurant:
→ A longstanding Grays Harbor area diner, a solid, unpretentious stop for a post session meal.
Grays Harbor seafood:
↳ Fresh Pacific seafood is the local specialty up and down this stretch of coast, worth seeking out at the area's small, family run spots.
Ocean Shores grocery and coffee stops:
Enough to fuel an early morning session, with the town built around visitors coming for exactly this kind of trip.

Photographing Ocean Shores (Surf Snaps)

A wave breaking along an empty Pacific beach on one side of the point and a kite cutting across flat lagoon water on the other give a photographer two completely different shots within a short walk of each other. If you are out shooting at Ocean Shores or Damon Point, you can upload the gallery to Surf Snaps and keep full copyright while setting your own price. Surfers and riders can then browse Surf Snaps to find their session by spot and date, with photos starting from $8 and no account needed just to look.

FAQ

Is Ocean Shores good for beginners?
The main beach is considered suitable for all experience levels on the right day, and Damon Point's lagoon is beginner friendly for kiting in smooth conditions, though both demand real respect for rip currents and cold water.

When is the best time to visit Ocean Shores?
Winter brings the biggest surf swell and the most reliable kiting wind at Damon Point, while summer offers warmer water and more forgiving conditions on both sides.

What hazards should I know about at Ocean Shores?
Rip currents and undertow on the ocean beach, and at Damon Point, high tide hazards near the jetty including rocks and logs, plus gusty conditions on southerly winds.

How do I get to Ocean Shores?
Fly into Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, then drive about two to two and a half hours via I-5 and Highway 101 to the coast. A car is necessary to reach both the main beach and Damon Point.

How can I get photos of my session at Ocean Shores?
Search Surf Snaps by spot and date for a gallery from your session, or upload your own if you were shooting.