Aberdeen

Travel Guide

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

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! (832 reviews)
"The room was very clean, comfy bed and good shower! Both times i went into the office the staff where not there, first time we waited 10mins , second time to sign out, nobody came."

Reviewed on 8 Aug 2025

Olympic Inn & Suites
Travelodge by Wyndham Aberdeen

Travelodge by Wyndham Aberdeen

2 out of 5
521 W Wishkah St, Aberdeen, WA
The price is €77 per night from 7 Sept to 8 Sept
€77
7 Sept - 8 Sept
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 (891 reviews)
"Would stay again. Nothing fancy but clean and comfy."

Reviewed on 6 Aug 2025

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 (151 reviews)
"We enjoyed ourselves they were very accommodating"

Reviewed on 10 Aug 2025

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.
PEACEFUL BAYSIDE GETAWAY

PEACEFUL BAYSIDE GETAWAY

Aberdeen
Stay at this vacation home in Aberdeen. Enjoy free WiFi, a beach locale, and a garden. Popular attractions Bottle Beach State Park and Westport City Park are ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (133 reviews)
Great time!
"Very relaxing and serene. Great attention to detail throughout the house to make one's stay memorable. Don't forget to book a charter for some tasty fish!"

Reviewed on 11 Jul 2025

PEACEFUL BAYSIDE GETAWAY
Rosie's Surf Shack, Rosie's Surf Shack: 3 BR, 2 BA house in beautiful Grays Harbor3 BR, 2 BA house i

Rosie's Surf Shack, Rosie's Surf Shack: 3 BR, 2 BA house in beautiful Grays Harbor3 BR, 2 BA house i

Aberdeen
Stay at this vacation home in Aberdeen. Enjoy a garden, laundry facilities, and cable/satellite TV service. Popular attractions Cranberry Road Winery & Bog Water ...
Rosie's Surf Shack, Rosie's Surf Shack: 3 BR, 2 BA house in beautiful Grays Harbor3 BR, 2 BA house i
Exclusive Bayside RV Sites

Exclusive Bayside RV Sites

Aberdeen
Stay at this apartment in Aberdeen. Popular attractions Bottle Beach State Park and Westport City Park are located nearby.
Exclusive Bayside RV Sites
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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