Not only does Ocean Shores enjoy six miles of wide-open sandy beaches, but the peninsula offers a myriad of other activities and attractions as well.

Pacific Paradise, for instance, is home to a wild lagoon filled with self-powered bumper boats (above) - enough to keep you smiling for hours. BJ's Family Fun Center also has bumper boats for your enjoyment!

Go-cart and ATV (all-terrain vehicle) tracks also provide plenty of heart pounding thrills.

Did you know that Ocean Shores is home to more than 23 miles of fresh water lakes and canals? The canal system meanders throughout the Ocean Shores peninsula and is best viewed by canoe or small boat. You'll see plenty of wildlife, beautiful canal and lank-front homes, and scenic vistas. If you bring a boat, the city has two boat ramps and parking available at both parks.

Duck Lake is incredibly scenic and provides a variety of activities including some of Washington's best fishing (above), water skiing (below), or just exploration of the lake and canal system.

Charters are not available from the Ocean Shores marina. All charters currently operate out of the Westport Marina but most will pick up passengers at the Ocean Shores Marina. The RV park currently operates as first-come-first-serve and is on the honor system. Call the Chamber of Commerce for additional information at 1-800-76 BEACH.

The Ocean Shores municipal golf course is a PGA rated 6,152 yard championship course. The course features multiple tees and is located only two or three minutes from the Convention Center. Golfers will enjoy the pro-shop and snack bar. Rental clubs and carts are available and company tournaments are planned and organized by resident golf pros. Annual memberships are open to residents and visitors alike. The recently set course record of 65 replaces the old record of 66 that stood for more than 30 years. Can you break it? Open every day. Call 360.289.3357 for Tee times.

If miniature golf is more to your liking, you'll love Pacific Paradise's 36 holes - probably the nicest miniature golf course in the Northwest. You'll play over bridges, around waterfalls and fountains and an old-time seaport village. The grounds are planted with thousands of beautiful flowers and the course is lit for evening play. There is also a snack bar and 5,000 square foot state-of-the-art arcade available as well.

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While swimming in the surf is not recommended, there are plenty of other options available. Most lodging facilities in Ocean Shores have a pool, and there are 3 excellent parks with swimming areas around Duck Lake.

Beach activities are nearly endless! With more than six miles of sandy public beaches, Ocean Shores is a beach lover's dream. Among the activities, you can rent horses on the beach (above) or can go for trail rides in nearby wooded areas along the bay. Experience is not necessary.

Rental shops in town provide quite the selection of rental vehicles ranging from mopeds (you only need a standard driver's license to rent one), to various types of bikes and surreys. An excellent way to explore the beach or the town! ATV's are not permitted on Washington beaches.

The variety of fishing experiences in Ocean Shores is almost endless! There is surf fishing, jetty fishing (right), charters, and excellent fishing throughout Ocean Shores' lakes and canals.

The Ocean Shores Environmental Interpretive Center is a must-see for visitors. It's located next to the marina at the southern end of the Ocean Shores peninsula across from the Discovery Inn Motel. The center offers exhibits and programs focusing on the history, wildlife, and development of the peninsula, and opens in April and runs through Labor Day and weekends during the off season. An enjoyable and educational experience for all ages including slide presentations, workshops, etc. 1013 Catala Ave. SE in Ocean Shores 360.289.4617

With 70 miles of waterfront properties, miles of sandy beaches, 23 miles of interconnecting fresh water lakes and canals, numerous parks, Damon Point State Park, and 110 miles of scenic roads throughout the Ocean Shores peninsula provides for countless hours of exploration and sightseeing. Some of the most spectacular beaches are north of Ocean Shores along Highway 109. Explore Ocean City, Copalis Beach, Pacific Beach and the town of Taholah on the Quinault Indian Reservation.

The all-time favorite activity enjoyed by both visitors and local residents, is simply walking the beach. Ocean Shores is home to six miles of wide open public sandy beaches backed by pristine dunes and environmentally sensitive dune grasses. There's nothing as relaxing as walking along the beach to the roar of the Pacific surf and the cry of seagulls overhead. Simply put, Ocean Shores is the perfect place to rekindle the spirit and soothe the soul. Enjoy.

Kite flying is probably the most popular activity on the beaches in Ocean Shores. Some of the state's best kite shops are located in Ocean Shores and offer all types of kites, windsocks, beach toys, etc. All kite shops are open year round and kite flying is not just a summertime activity!

Ocean Shores is one of the Northwest's premier sites for bird watching excursions. Damon Point State Park (also known as Protection Island) is very popular and is a nesting site for the Snowy Plover. You'll also see brown pelicans, peregrine falcons, herons, and dozens of other species.

Nothing is more relaxing than sitting in front of the fire, curled up to a good book with the roar of the Pacific surf in the background. Nothing soothes the soul like watching the surf and seagulls. And nothing feels as good as digging your toes into the sand on a warm sunny day. Maybe this is why the beach is the world's number one destination and why Ocean Shores has become Washington's favorite seaside destination.

The winter months provide the best storm watching. An excellent vantage point is the North Jetty, located at the southern tip of Ocean Shores, but be careful: winter storms can bring in 25 foot seas and high winds which can be very dangerous. Monster waves create a powerful roar which can be heard throughout Ocean Shores.

Located directly on the beach at Ocean Shores, the new $60 million Quinault Beach Resort is Washington's premier coastal destination resort and casino. Opened in the resort offers sweeping oceanfront views. The 16,000 square foot Las Vegas-style casino features exciting table games and the latest in electronic slot machines. Play roulette or test your skill and blackjack, craps, Pai Gaw, keno and more. Or, find big-league action in the new poker room. With nightly drawings for prizes, live entertainment and thrilling special events, the Quinault Beach Resort and Casino offers exhilarating adult games to enjoy. Open seven days a week, the casino also sports two restaurants, the Seaview Lounge, a full service spa, indoor pool and game arcade for the family.

Ocean Shores, with 120 miles of country-like roads, offers excellent biking with very little elevation change and with numerous bike trails. There are marked bike routes, and some of the best and most scenic are on the bay side of Ocean Shores. With more roads than many large cities, you'll want to take a map with you.

West Court Park on Bass Avenue and at North Bay City Park on Albatross, first come, first served (no pun intended). Pacific Park courts on Ocean Shores Blvd., are available with advance permission from the Ocean Shores Community Club.

A very popular pastime and a great sport for those willing to get their arms wet. The reward is a meal of the Northwest's finest razor clams. Digging is allowed only during specified clam seasons which are sporadic. A license is required. Call the Chamber of Commerce (1-800-76 BEACH) for seasons and license information.

While surfing on the Washington coast is not for everyone, it is still a popular activity, particularly at the southern tip of the Ocean Shores peninsula. Surf board rentals are available.