Aberdeen, WA

Travel Guide

Ocean Shores Beach featuring a beach and a house
Photo provided by GH Tourism
Photo provided by Courtesy of Aberdeen Area CVB
Ocean Shores Beach featuring a house and a coastal town
Photo provided by Courtesy of Aberdeen Area CVB

The Gateway to the Olympic Peninsula is a charming port town surrounded by national forest. It’s widely known as the birthplace of American grunge band Nirvana. 

Aberdeen is a small town in Washington state’s Grays Harbor County. It’s known as the “Gateway to the Olympic Peninsula” because of its location on the south end of a peninsula. From Aberdeen, you can easily reach the breathtaking Olympic National Forest and surrounding wilderness.

In popular culture, the town made a name for itself as the “Birthplace of Grunge” because it was the hometown of Nirvana members Kurt Cobain and Krist Novoselic. Nirvana was a famous band in the early ’90s that is said to have brought the grunge movement to the mainstream. Several of Nirvana’s songs directly reference locations within town. Visitors are welcomed to Aberdeen by a sign saying “Come As You Are,” a tribute to one of the band’s most famous songs.

Join Nirvana fans that make a pilgrimage to the Aberdeen Museum of History to view a statue of Cobain, seated with his guitar. See recreations of old shops, such as a historical blacksmith and general store.

Stroll along Broadway Hill and admire stately homes and gardens built by the early lumber barons of Aberdeen. Stop by the large compass rose embedded in the ground. Enjoy scenic views of the Chehalis River from Morrison Riverfront Park.

Visit Grays Harbor Historical Seaport to see the stately ship Lady Washington. Named the Official Ship of the State of Washington, this wooden vessel has been in numerous films such as Pirates of the Caribbean. Guided tours allow visitors to walk onboard the ship and explore below deck for a fee.

Go downtown and browse through the antique shops and boutiques that line the streets. Stop for refreshments in restaurants, bars and cafés. At night, view the best local talent onstage at Driftwood Theatre or Bishop Center.

In just over 2 hours, you can drive from Aberdeen to the Olympic National Forest and further north to Olympic National Park. This stunning region is known as one of the most beautiful mountainous areas of North America. Aberdeen is a short drive west of Seattle. Make the 2.5-hour drive south to Portland through rugged countryside. 

Olympic Inn & Suites

Olympic Inn & Suites

2 out of 5
616 W Heron St, Aberdeen, WA
Stay at this motel in Aberdeen. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and cable TV channels. Our guests praise the clean rooms in our reviews. Popular attractions Aberdeen ...
7.4/10 Good! (826 reviews)
"Staff was very nice and the room was great."

Reviewed on 2025/8/5

Olympic Inn & Suites
Travelodge by Wyndham Aberdeen

Travelodge by Wyndham Aberdeen

2 out of 5
521 W Wishkah St, Aberdeen, WA
The price is NT$2,318 per night from Sep 7 to Sep 8
NT$2,318
NT$2,596 total
Sep 7 - Sep 8
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly motel in Aberdeen. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
6.8/10 (887 reviews)
"We had a two night stay"

Reviewed on 2025/8/2

Travelodge by Wyndham Aberdeen
Oceans Inn & Suites

Oceans Inn & Suites

2 out of 5
1700 South Boone Street, Aberdeen, WA
Stay at this motel in Aberdeen. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and private hot tubs. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
6.2/10 (144 reviews)
A spacious room
"It was a very spacious room. There was 4 of us and we fit perfect. The only reason why I’m not giving a 5 star is because they’re wasn’t enough towels, toilet paper and you could tell they just cleaned it to clean and have some one take over the room. Other than that the service was great, the store ..."

Reviewed on 2025/7/26

Oceans Inn & Suites
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
The Grey Gull

The Grey Gull

2 out of 5
651 Ocean Shores Blvd NW, Ocean Shores, WA
Book a stay at this beach aparthotel in Ocean Shores. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a beach locale. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,106 reviews)
"Had a great time at the Grey Gull. The rooms were very comfortable and lots of room. Our Grandson loved the pool. No complaints!!"

Reviewed on 2025/7/29

The Grey Gull
Breakwater Resort

Breakwater Resort

3 out of 5
2013 Washington State Route 105, Grayland, WA
Stay at this 3-star beach condo in Grayland. Enjoy free parking, a beach locale, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Grayland Beach State Park and ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (17 reviews)
Family stay at Breakwaters
"From the beginning, communication was excellent. Finding where our unit was straight forward with the map they provided. The unit were very clean and well set up. There are some cooking essentials provided in the kitchen and enough plates and glasses for up to 6. Beds were quite comfotable.The path ..."

Reviewed on 2025/8/5

Breakwater Resort
Beachwood Condos & Resort

Beachwood Condos & Resort

3 out of 5
3009 SR 109, Copalis Beach, WA
Stay at this 3-star beach condo in Copalis Beach. Enjoy a rooftop terrace, room service, and a fitness center. Popular attractions Griffiths-Priday Ocean State ...
7.4/10 Good! (216 reviews)
"The owners or managers were very nice and made our stay amazing."

Reviewed on 2025/7/17

Beachwood Condos & Resort
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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