History of Ocean Shores

The Ocean Shores 2 mile wide and 6 mile long peninsula was first populated by the Native American Quinault Nation. Captain Gray traded with them when he explored the mouth of the Chehalis river. After white settlement, the area was used as cattle grazing land in the 1800's. Despite it being a cattle ranch, several people were drawn to try and settle there and would be run off the ranch.

Then, in 1960, Ralph Minard sold the cattle grazing area for one million dollars to some Seattle developers who had grand dreams of making it into a popular beach resort. The developers sold thousand of lots for cheap and constructed motels, restaurants, the golf course, marina and even the canal system. Celebrities came and the resort hosted the Pat Boone Celebrity Classic Golf Tournament. Ocean Shores was known as "Where the sun almost always shines" and the "Palm Springs of the Northwest". However, the resort plan came to an end when the developers went bankrupt in 1970. Yet this was not the end of Ocean Shores.

There were almost 1000 people living in Ocean Shores who didn't want to give up. They decided to incorporate Ocean Shores as an official city governed by a city council in late 1970. Currently, Ocean Shores is the fastest growing city in Grays Harbor County. The population is now estimated to be around 7700 people. Despite the significant growth, Ocean Shores maintains that small town charm. Supported by tourism, there are many events and things to do. The people are very friendly. Our little town on the beach is cherished as a place to come relax and enjoy quiet living at the beach.