Ocean Park, Washington: Things to Do & Where to Stay

Ocean Park sits about two-thirds of the way up Washington's Long Beach Peninsula, a long, skinny strip of land with the Pacific on one side and Willapa Bay on the other. It's quieter than Long Beach to the south, with wide-open beach, a small-town main drag, and easy access to the peninsula's wild northern tip. Here's how to spend a few days.

Walk the beach from Bay Avenue

The Bay Avenue beach approach is Ocean Park's main gateway to the sand, and from here the beach seems to go on forever in both directions. It's a classic Washington Coast beach: flat, wide, and made for long walks, kite flying, and sunset watching. Pack layers — the wind is part of the experience.

Explore Leadbetter Point State Park

Drive north to the very end of the peninsula and you'll reach Leadbetter Point State Park, which stretches from the ocean beach to Willapa Bay and overlaps with the Willapa National Wildlife Refuge. Trails wind through dunes and coastal forest, and the bay side is a major stopover for migrating shorebirds. Bring binoculars, and check whether you'll need a Discover Pass to park.

Step back in time in Oysterville

Just across the peninsula on the bay side, tiny Oysterville is a National Historic District — a cluster of historic homes, a white-steepled church, and views across the tidelands. Take a self-guided stroll, then pick up fresh Willapa Bay oysters at Oysterville Sea Farms. The bay is famous for its shellfish, and nearby Nahcotta has been part of the oyster story for generations.

Visit Washington's oldest store

Jack's Country Store dates to 1885 — before Washington was even a state — and is widely considered the oldest continuously operating retail business in Washington. Today it's a sprawling, old-school general store in Ocean Park with groceries, hardware, beach gear, and plenty of nostalgia. It's the easiest stop for forgotten supplies.

Day-trip to Long Beach and the Discovery Trail

Head south to Long Beach for the boardwalk, the World Kite Museum, and the paved Discovery Trail, which runs a little over eight miles between Long Beach and Ilwaco. Keep going past Seaview to Cape Disappointment State Park and its Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center, perched on cliffs above the mouth of the Columbia River.

A little history

Ocean Park began in 1883 as a Methodist camp-meeting resort, founded as a peaceful retreat from the bustle of oyster-boom Oysterville. That unhurried spirit still sets the tone for the town today.

Where to stay in Ocean Park

Most vacation rentals in Ocean Park are within walking distance of the beach, and nearly all of them welcome dogs. For a big family reunion, the Lake House sleeps 14 on a 12-acre lakeside property, while 1303 Beach Retreat combines two fenced homes a minute's walk from the Bay Avenue beach access — great for groups of up to 10.

Want ocean views? First Mate's Cottage is an oceanfront four-bedroom with big decks. For something cozier, Journey's End is a cedar A-frame about 150 yards from the shore, and Breakaway Beach Cottage is a stylish two-bedroom a short stroll from the sand. Couples can settle into The Bungalows #3, a one-bedroom retreat steps from the beach.

Book direct and skip the fees

Every home on BeachCombers NW is booked directly with the owner or local manager — no booking fees, no middleman. Browse all Ocean Park vacation rentals, or explore more Washington Coast vacation rentals up and down the peninsula.