Welcome to the Coastal Interpretive Center

Explore our exhibits and get the most from the coast!

Bring the kids and see them get inspired!

Our outdoor exhibits are engaging and fun!

  • WE’RE OPEN!

    Saturday and Sunday, 10:00AM to 4:00PM
    Closed Monday – Friday

    Admission: $5/adult, $10/family, members are free

    Outdoor exhibits open to the public daily

    Tours on request. For more information, call 360-289-4617.

  • Damon’s Outpost Bookstore Clerk and Docent

    Join our team! The Coastal Interpretive Center is hiring part-time Damon’s Outpost Bookstore Clerk and Docents. Have fun while inspiring the joy and wonder of nature! Click here to learn more and apply.

  • Now On – King Tides and Winter Storms

    Featuring fifteen works by six artists, the King Tides and Winter Storms exhibit captures some of the wonder of the winter seas.

    Click here to learn more

  • Plant ID Class

    Learn key terms and characteristics of native plants that occur along the coast and in our forests of Western Washington in this six-week class. Click here to sign up.

  • Easter Egg Hunt

    FREE event! Join us for the CIC’s annual Easter Egg (sand dollar) Hunt on Saturday, March 30 at 10 AM. Click here for more information.

  • Friday Guided Tours

    Are you seeking shelter from rain and storms? Then join the Coastal Interpretive Center for guided tours on Fridays from 3:00 – 4:30 PM, November – April. Stay warm and dry as you take a journey through the natural and cultural history of Washington’s Pacific Coast. Preregistration required. Learn more and register

  • Drink & Draw

    Drink & Draw is held the first Tuesday of each Month, November – April at Galway Bay. This fun event is free and open to participants 21 years and older. The Coastal Interpretive Center brings the nature and history and you bring your creativity.

WE'RE ON A MISSION. The Coastal Interpretive Center is a natural history museum whose mission is to educate the public about the natural and cultural history of Washington's Pacific Coast, and inspire the joy and wonder of nature.

WASHINGTON'S PACIFIC COAST extends northward from the Columbia River to Cape Flattery and eastward from the continental shelf to the watersheds draining into the Pacific Ocean.

LEARN MORE ABOUT WASHINGTON'S PACIFIC COAST

TOGETHER WE'RE SUCCESSFUL

Since 1977, the Coastal Interpretive Center has been a staple of the Ocean Shores community; entertaining and educating local school groups, the community, and THOUSANDS of yearly visitors from all over the world. 

We specialize in hands-on exhibits, guided adventures, and educational programming; none of which could be accomplished without our volunteers, members, and your donations!

How You Can Help

JOIN DONATE VOLUNTEER

WHAT IS AN INTERPRETIVE CENTER?

Interpretive Centers present user-friendly, hands-on experiences that are focused on teaching visitors about the cultural and natural heritage of a specific area.

 

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