Kite Flying in Ocean Shores: Where and When to Go
Ocean Shores’ broad beach and regular coastal wind make it a practical place to fly a kite. This guide covers where to set up, what wind conditions to expect, and how to give other beach users enough room.
Why Ocean Shores Works for Kite Flying
The peninsula’s long, wide beaches provide open space away from trees and power lines. Several beach approaches allow vehicle access, subject to current rules and conditions.
Pacific wind can provide useful lift, but it also changes quickly. Beginners should start with a simple kite and leave extra space between lines, people, vehicles, and the water.
Best Spots to Fly a Kite in Ocean Shores
You can fly a kite just about anywhere on the six miles of Ocean Shores beach, but a few spots stand out as particularly popular and well-suited for the activity.
- Chance A La Mer Beach Access: Located right in the heart of town, this is the most popular and accessible spot. It’s the primary hub of activity and the main location for the annual kite festival.
- Ocean City State Park: Just north of town, this park offers a slightly quieter but equally fantastic stretch of beach, perfect for a more relaxed flying session.
- Damon Point State Park: Situated at the southeastern tip of the peninsula, Damon Point is a beautiful, natural area with plenty of open space and consistent coastal winds.
The Grays Harbor Festival of Colors
For one spectacular weekend every year, the skies above Ocean Shores explode in a riot of color and creativity during the Grays Harbor Festival of Colors. Widely regarded as the premier kite festival on the West Coast, this annual event typically takes place the first full weekend in June and attracts enthusiasts from across the country and around the world — including flyers from as far away as India and Canada.
The 2026 festival is scheduled for June 4th through June 7th, taking place on the beach off the Chance A La Mer access road in downtown Ocean Shores. The event is a breathtaking spectacle, featuring massive show kites, mesmerizing sport kite demonstrations by professional teams like Quad Squad Northwest and Team Evidence, and a magical lighted kite fly after dusk. It’s not just for spectators, though — the festival includes kids’ kite making, mass ascensions where everyone launches their kites at once, and friendly competitions with special limited-edition pins for participants.
Tips for a Great Day of Kite Flying
A little preparation goes a long way toward making your kite-flying experience on the Washington Coast truly memorable.
- Get the Right Kite: Local shops like Ocean Shores Kites offer a wide variety of kites suited for coastal conditions, from simple single-line kites for kids to advanced stunt kites for experienced flyers.
- Dress in Layers: Coastal weather can change in an instant. Even on a sunny day, the Pacific wind can be chilly, so always bring a jacket or windbreaker.
- Be Mindful of Others: Always fly in a clear, open area away from other people, vehicles, and debris. Keep a safe distance from other kites to avoid tangled lines.
- Fly in the Morning: Morning and early afternoon often provide the most reliable and consistent wind conditions for kite flying.
- Secure Your Belongings: The same wind that keeps your kite aloft can carry away hats, towels, and other loose items, so keep personal belongings weighted down or secured.
Planning Around a Festival
The Grays Harbor Festival of Colors draws visitors from across the Pacific Northwest and beyond, which means accommodations in Ocean Shores fill up quickly for that June weekend. If you’re planning to attend the 2026 festival, don’t wait to secure your lodging.
Check availability at Tidal House for an A-frame cottage near the beach.
Photo credit: Photo via Wilmington and Beaches