Ocean Shores Municipal Airport

Ocean Shores Municipal Airport occupies a single asphalt strip on the Washington coast, about 2 miles east of the Pacific Ocean beach that gives the city its name. The airport does not handle commercial airline traffic; it exists for general aviation — private pilots, flight training, occasional charter flights, and helicopter operations. With a runway length of 3,000 feet, it accommodates light aircraft such as Cessna 172s and Piper Cherokees, but not jets or large turboprops. The facility is owned and operated by the City of Ocean Shores, and its primary role is providing air access for residents and visitors to this coastal resort community.

Getting There

Ocean Shores Municipal Airport is located at 808 East Chance a La Mer Northeast, Ocean Shores, Washington, roughly 2 miles from the city center and the main beach access points. The nearest major city is Aberdeen, about 20 miles east via State Route 115 and US 101. From Aberdeen, drive west on SR 115 (Ocean Shores Boulevard) for approximately 15 minutes. The road is paved and straight, passing through forested areas and then opening into the coastal town.

For most visitors arriving by car, the airport is a short drive from downtown Ocean Shores. Parking is available on site, with a small lot adjacent to the terminal building. There is no public transit directly serving the airport, though taxis and rideshare services operate in Ocean Shores. If you are flying in, a courtesy car is sometimes available — contact the airport office in advance to check. Bicycling is feasible from town, as Ocean Shores is flat and the roads are quiet outside peak season.

Inside the Terminal

The terminal building at Ocean Shores Municipal Airport is compact but functional. Upon arrival, pilots will find a basic office, a waiting area, and a restroom — one of the confirmed facilities. The building is wheelchair-accessible, with an accessible entrance and parking spaces nearby. There is no security screening, no baggage carousel, and no concession stand; this is a self-service environment. Passengers should bring their own snacks and water for any wait.

For aircraft services, the airport offers hangar storage and tie-down spots on a paved apron. The tie-down area is well-maintained, with good spacing between aircraft. A dedicated helicopter landing area is marked on the north side of the runway. The airport is attended Monday through Thursday during the busiest hours noted — Monday 11 am, Tuesday 12 pm, Wednesday 6 am, Thursday 11 am — but outside those times, it is usually unstaffed. Pilots should call ahead to arrange fuel (100LL), which is available via self-serve pump operated by a credit card reader.

The atmosphere is informal and welcoming. The staff — when present — are known for being friendly and helpful. The airport is used by local flying clubs, owners of second homes in the area, and occasional touring pilots. There is a small bulletin board with notices about local events and services.

Ocean Shores Municipal Airport and Ocean Shores

Ocean Shores is a purpose-built resort town on a 6-mile-long peninsula between the Pacific Ocean and Grays Harbor. It was developed in the 1960s as a planned community with a grid of streets, canals, and beachfront lots. Today, the city has a permanent population around 5,000, but that number swells dramatically on summer weekends and holidays. The main attraction is the beach — a wide, hard-packed sand expanse that can be driven on with a permit. Driving on the beach is a local institution: you can park your car at the surf line, set up a bonfire (permit required), fly kites, or ride horses. If you get stuck in the soft sand, as the background notes mention, friendly locals with pickup trucks will often pull you out for a small fee — or simply push your car free.

The airport is a key access point for property owners and fly-in tourists. The walk to the beach from the airport is about 1.5 miles along easy, flat terrain. Several public paths connect the runway area to the beach through grassy dunes. For pilots, this means you can land, tie down, and be on the sand within 20 minutes.

Beyond the beach, Ocean Shores offers a handful of attractions: the Ocean Shores Interpretive Center (nature exhibits), the Coastal Interpretive Center (marine history), a public golf course, and the Ocean Shhores Marina where you can book charter fishing trips. The city has a small downtown strip with restaurants, souvenir shops, and grocery stores. Dining options range from fish-and-chip shacks to sit-down seafood restaurants. For a wider range of services, head to Aberdeen or Hoquiam about 20 miles east.

The airport itself is a point of pride for locals. It is sometimes called "Ocean Shores Elementary" in jest because of its location near the elementary school — but it is a fully functional municipal airport. The runway is well-paved and well-lit, and the approaches are unobstructed, making it one of the easier landings in Grays Harbor County. The main hazard to watch for is deer: the area has a healthy deer population, and they occasionally wander onto the runway, especially at dawn and dusk. Pilots should always do a low pass to check before landing.

Practical Information

Ocean Shores Municipal Airport (FAA LID: W04) is open for general aviation use during daylight hours, but the terminal office is only staffed during certain times. Confirmed open days: Monday through Thursday with specific busy hours — Monday 11 am, Tuesday 12 pm, Wednesday 6 am, Thursday 11 am. Other days and times may be unattended; pilots should plan accordingly.

Contact: Phone +1 360-940-7487 (City of Ocean Shores). Website: https://www.osgov.com/community/ocean_shores_municipal_airport.php

Facilities confirmed: Hangar storage (call ahead for availability), tie-down spots (good condition, first-come-first-served), wheelchair-accessible entrance and parking, restroom (basic, no showers), helicopter landing area.

Fuel: Self-serve 100LL avgas available 24/7 via credit card. No jet fuel.

Actionable tip: Before landing at Ocean Shores, execute a low pass over the runway to scare off any deer that might be grazing or crossing. This simple step has saved many pilots from bent propellers and worse.