Ocean Shores

Ocean Shores, Washington, USA is a well-known surf destination on the Pacific Coast in the Pacific Northwest. It’s a long stretch of exposed beach break facing the open ocean, so it can pick up consistent swell and produce rideable waves, especially in fall, winter, and early spring.

Surf spot description

• Type of break: Mostly beach break
• Wave character: Often soft to punchy, depending on swell size and tide
• Best for: Beginner to intermediate surfers, though bigger winter swells can make it more challenging
• Conditions: Can be windy and changeable, with frequent shifting sandbars
• Tides: Tidal influence is important; some peaks work better at mid tide, while others improve around lower tide

What to expect

Ocean Shores usually offers multiple peaks along a long sandy beach, so there’s often room to spread out. Because it’s a beach break, the waves can be a bit unpredictable and the lineup may change from day to day. On smaller days it can be mellow and fun for longboarding or beginner practice; on larger swell periods it can get powerful and hollow in sections.

Hazards / things to watch

• Strong currents and rips
• Cold water year-round
• Wind chop and stormy conditions
• Occasional heavy shorebreak in bigger surf
• Changing sandbars can affect safety and consistency

Best time to surf

The best surf season is generally fall through spring, when Northwest storms bring more consistent swell. Summer can be smaller and less consistent, though still surfable at times.