Many visitors to Grays Harbor find that renting a vacation house is an excellent way to truly kick back and relax on the Washington Coast.

A full house offers the ability to do a variety of activities that might be a little bit more difficult when staying in a hotel. Here are a few of the benefits of home rentals.

1. Clam Digging

Clam digging is a dirty sport! With sand up to your elbows, a bucket full of briney sea creatures and a boat load of clothes and gear that needs a good rinse, having some space for the clean up is essential. Also, a hotel might frown upon you bringing a bucket of clams in to boil on a makeshift camp stove inside your hotel room.

2. Caught in the rain

When it rains, it pours. Or drizzles. Or mists. Grays Harbor is no stranger to humidity and when your weekend turns from dreams of sandcastles to “I could really use a poncho right now,” having a little more indoor space is key. Vacation rental homes are often equipped with movies, games, and cozy blankets to snuggle up on those not-so-hot days. Plus, locations like Seabrook have many other indoor activities at their indoor pool and Town Hall.

3. The Kids Get their Own Room

Have you taken your kids on a “vacation” where you all stayed in a single hotel room. I’m sorry. While it’s nice to bond with the family, sometimes us parents could use a little space. Rent a house with multiple bedrooms (bunk beds? So fun!) so you can at least get 15 minutes of true relaxation time.

4. Front Porch Wine Drinking

Need I say more?

5. Cooking For the Whole Crew

Rental kitchens come equipped with a variety of cooking supplies and you can really experience the local flavor by visiting a local grocery store or independent foodie shop to grab ingredients.