Oyhut Bay Seaside Village is an underrated destination on the Washington coast
Nestled on the southern tip of Ocean Shores at the edge of the Oyhut Wildlife Recreation Area sits a charming resort community that, somehow, few Washingtonians seem to know about (yet).
Although Oyhut Bay Seaside Village is fairly new, its classic cottages and condos by the sea evoke an unmistakable sense of nostalgia. And not only is this destination highly underrated, but the cottages are surprisingly affordable in the off-season.
Oyhut Bay Seaside Village is home to 58 vacation rentals (and growing), all fully furnished and well-stocked with everything you'll need for a beach getaway. The houses are contemporary and cozy, with plenty of blankets for those cold coastal nights. Most properties also have hot tubs and fireplaces, so you won't have to choose which amenities matter most when deciding where to stay.
Better yet, some rentals are pet-friendly, so your pups can travel, too!
While the beach town of Ocean Shores attracts a fair amount of tourists in the summer, it's a pretty quiet place the rest of the year. But a stay at Oyhut Bay is always in season — and in fact, you won't have to leave the property at all to have a fantastic and fulfilling trip. The village has everything you'll need for your vacation, as well as plenty of extra indulgences.
If you do leave the property but don't want to venture into town, just make the five-minute drive to the nearest public beach, North Jetty. This rugged stretch of surf and sand is easy to reach, rarely crowded, and offers simply stunning sunset views. North Jetty marks the entrance to Grays Harbor, and it's an excellent place for storm-watching (from a distance).
Since Oyhut Bay is situated next to the Oyhut Wildlife Recreation Area, there is also a direct access point from the community to the ocean if you'd rather not drive anywhere.
Of course, exploring Ocean Shores is always fun. Aside from the prestigious Ocean Shores Golf Course, the Pacific Paradise Family Fun Center is a top attraction. Boasting the largest miniature golf course on the coast, the fun center also has bumper boats and an enormous arcade. A trip to Sharky's, the quirkiest gift shop in the area, is also a must — you'll definitely want a selfie in front of the unique shark entrance.
Oyhut Bay was founded in 2015. At the time, it was clear there was a need for a planned development on the coast, especially a walkable community. Currently, the village mostly consists of privately-owned homes used as vacation rentals. However, as things continue to develop, more and more people are choosing to make it their permanent home. Can't say we blame them!
Anyone who appreciates a good meal will love the menu at Oyhut Bay Grill & Loft. The community's on-site restaurant serves lunch and dinner daily and brunch on the weekends, and the food is out of this world.
If you've ever had a meal at a hotel restaurant, you know they can be hit or miss — sometimes the on-site restaurants are delicious, and sometimes it seems they're put there for convenience alone. Rest assured; this restaurant stands out as top destination dining.
Chef Danica brings her years of culinary experience to the talented team, crafting Alfredo sauce from scratch, using house-made marinara for the pizzas, grilling freshly hand-cut steaks, and dreaming up decadent desserts. The dinner menu features cuisines from around the world. The menu rotates regularly, and if you have an allergy or special request, you're encouraged to call ahead so they can happily accommodate you.
In addition to the family-friendly restaurant, Oyhut Bay Grill has a 21 and over lounge that features live music on the weekends. Another new addition for the 21+ crowd is Corks & Taps, a wine bar with some serious character. Corks & Taps serves wine from around the world with a focus on West Coast vino.
They also offer a small plates menu with charcuterie and flatbreads galore — although, if you ask the staff, nothing tops the savory Garlic Cheesecake, which comes drizzled with honey and balsamic.
While you may not need to cook much with all the enticing food options near your doorstep, Oyhut Bay does have a well-stocked market and coffee bar in case you need to shop for any forgotten grocery items. There are also a couple of souvenir shops and a salon, with plans for more food and retail options as the community expands.
Oyhut Bay Seaside Village also makes a fantastic home base for exploring nearby areas like Seabrook, Westport, and the unique Olympic Peninsula. This adorable, welcoming village is both highly underrated and little known, but we predict it will not stay that way. Do yourself a favor and book a weekend in a cottage by the beach with a hot tub and a grill and relax and unwind while the community is still quiet.
Jessica Wick is a freelance writer for Seattle Refined. While the products, services and/or accommodations in this story were provided without charge, the opinions within are those of the author and the Seattle Refined editorial board.
