Ocean Park on the Long Beach Peninsula is a thriving seaside town steeped in history and tradition that plays gracious host to scores of delighted visitors each year. Founded in the late 1800s as a religious community, Ocean Park is proud of its connections to the past. A walking tour of the community offers a glimpse into the town's rich history taking visitors past several houses, churches and businesses that were built well over 100 years ago. The Ocean Park of today offers much to do and see for visitors to the area. With 28 miles of sandy beach, nearby parks and wildlife refuges, unique shops and restaurants plus its many popular events like the Northwest Garlic Festival in June (where it's "chic to reek"), Jazz & Oysters in nearby Oysterville in August, the annual Rod Run to the End of the World in September and the Water Music Festival in October, Ocean Park seems to have something for everyone.

Nature lovers will enjoy taking a drive out to Leadbetter State Park and the Willapa National Wildlife Refuge where it is possible to see over 100 varieties of birds and other wildlife. Oysterville Sea Farms, a historically preserved oyster cannery now operating as a seafood market and store, makes an educational and fun stop where you can find fresh oysters, cranberries, oyster shell art and other local wares. A stop at Jimella's Seafood Market for some smoked salmon, a nice chevre and a bottle of regional wine and you have the ingredients for an Ocean Park picnic. A large antique trading post offers hours of browsing opportunities with its large selections of books, furniture, collectibles and everything from Armenian lace to Zeitgeist. And, if you're in need of anything else while you're in Ocean Park, you can probably find it at Jack's Country Store, a staple in the community since 1885.

"This area is not commercial," said Curt Stephens, the vice-president of the Ocean Park Area Chamber of Commerce, "so it can be difficult for visitors to find out what is here." To help coast explorers get the most out of their trip to Ocean Park, Stephens compiled the following don't miss list of area resources and events.

In & Around Ocean Park

FOOD
Full Circle Cafe (1024 Bay Avenue, Ocean Park)
Jimella's Seafood Market and Community Store (21712 Pacific Way, Ocean Park),
Bailey's Bakery and Cafe (26910 Sandridge Road, Nahcotta)
Oysterville Sea Farms/Willabay Seafood (First & Clark Streets in Oysterville)

ART
Weir Studios www.weirstudios.com
Wiegardt Studio www.ericwiegardt.com
Opal Art Jewelry 25918 R Street in Ocean Park
Windy Meadows Pottery www.windymeadowspottery.com

HISTORY
Ocean Park Walking Tour Historic homes of Ocean Park
Oysterville Walking tour of old church, schoolhouse, homes, www.oysterville.org
Oysterhouse Replica of the residences of oystermen and their families, www.portofpeninsula.org/oysterhouse.html
Oysterville Post Office The oldest continuously operating post office in the state
Oysterville Cemetery Where Chinook Indian Chief Nahcati and early settlers and sailors are buried

NATURE
Leadbetter State Park
The Willapa National Wildlife Refuge
Nahcotta Tidelands Interpretive Site
Ocean Park Beaches

SHOPPING
Adelaide's Books and Coffee 1401 Bay Avenue, Ocean Park
Jack's Country Store Corner of Bay Avenue & Hwy 103
Long Beach Peninsula Antiques Trading Post 22604 Pacific Hwy, Ocean Park
Sweet Williams 1311 Bay Avenue in Ocean Park
Buzy Beez 1808 Bay Avenue in Ocean Park

ACCOMMODATIONS
Ocean Park Resort, RV park and campground, www.opresort.com
Westgate Cabins and RV Park On the ocean in Ocean Park, www.vacationwestgate.com
Caswells on the Bay Bed & Breakfast Inn On Willapa Bay, www.caswellsinn.com

FESTIVALS
Northwest Garlic Festival June,Ocean Park
Old-fashioned Fourth of July July 4 in Ocean Park
Jazz and Oysters Festival August, Oysterville
Rod Run to the End of the World September,Ocean Park
Water Music Festival October, Oysterville