The wide, flat beach at Ocean Shores is one of the best kite-flying locations on the Washington coast, and the town embraces this identity with enthusiasm. The prevailing onshore wind is reliable, the beach is flat enough to walk on, and the open sky above the surf line offers as much room as you could want. Kite shops in town sell everything from simple diamond kites to elaborate power kites and stunt kites.
The annual Ocean Shores Kite Festival, held in summer, draws participants and spectators from around the region. Competition categories include most elaborate design, longest kite train, and precision flying — and the spectator experience is genuinely impressive. Even outside festival season, a walk along the beach on a breezy afternoon reliably turns up a few serious flyers with large, architectural constructions overhead.