If you’re craving a unique, intimate Pacific Northwest getaway, look no further than Mike’s Beach Resort and the much-anticipated Oyster Palooza, hosted in partnership with the local experts at Olympic Oyster Co. Set along the stunning Hood Canal, three generations of farmers have worked these tides to provide the highest quality shellfish our region has to offer, and now they’re ready to share the experience with you!

Whether you’re a longtime oyster lover or trying them for the first time (like us!), this event offers a rich opportunity to connect with nature, learn, and savor the freshest oysters. Despite my self-proclaimed “seafood phobia,” I was eager to dive in. It’s not every day you get the chance to learn about your food from start to finish—and enjoy it at its absolute freshest! And now, we want to help you know what to expect for yourself. For those who want to experience the quintessential PNW lifestyle, the oyster events at Mike’s Beach Resort are not to be missed!

The Perfect Time for Washington Oysters

While oysters can be enjoyed year-round in Washington, they’re at their freshest and most flavorful during the colder months from October to April. That’s why Mike’s Beach Resort is kicking off prime oyster season with Oyster Palooza—a three-weekend celebration featuring exclusive, hands-on experiences.

Taking place on October 12th, 19th, and 26th, 2024, Oyster Palooza is more than just an event—it’s a chance to connect with both the land and the sea, guided by Matthew and Sara Macias, the expert oyster farmers behind Olympic Oyster Co. Whether you’re a longtime oyster fan or just curious, you’ll leave with a new appreciation for these special shellfish. And if you’re planning ahead, mark your calendar for another Oyster Palooza in April 2025!

What to Expect at Oyster Palooza

This October, Oyster Palooza offers experiences designed to satisfy both your curiosity and your taste buds:

Sea to Suite Oyster Kits

Delivered straight to your room, these kits include everything you need to enjoy oysters in the comfort of your suite, from fresh oysters to a complete shucking kit. You can also take your experience to the beach if you get lucky with nice weather like we did during our visit! It was the perfect mix of relaxing by the water and trying something new.

Oyster Master Class

Dive deep into the world of oysters with a 90-minute, hands-on workshop. We loved learning everything from the oyster anatomy to shucking skills, all while enjoying the stunning views of Hood Canal. Matthew and Sara made the whole experience fun and relaxed, and we felt ready (and surprisingly excited!) to try our first oysters by the end.

To book these packages, simply add them to your reservation when booking your stay. Use the discount code “TheEgresis” to receive 10% off!

Year-Round Oyster Harvesting Adventures

One unique perk of staying at Mike’s Beach Resort is the opportunity to harvest your own oysters and clams directly from the resort’s beach. With a Washington State Shellfish license, you can harvest year-round, making every stay a true farm-to-table experience. Before heading out to the beach, check out the resort’s helpful guide on how to harvest safely and responsibly:

> How to Plan an Oyster and Clam Harvesting Trip at Mike’s Beach Resort

Looking for a guided experience? Olympic Oyster Co. also offers farm tours in the spring where you’ll explore the oyster farm, learn about oyster cultivation and its role in the ecosystem, and enjoy a shucking demo with a tasting. After the tour, additional oysters and shucking kits are available for purchase, with beer also available to enjoy by the fire!

Tips for First-Time Oyster Eaters

If you’ve never tried oysters before, Mike’s Beach Resort is the perfect place to start alongside the experts at Olympic Oyster Co. Here are a few tips from our personal experience:

• Don’t Be Nervous: I’ll admit, I was nervous to try oysters for the first time! The look and texture can seem intimidating, but Matthew and Sara made it so fun and laid-back that I felt ready when the time came to try my first one. They made sure we knew what to expect and helped us feel comfortable throughout.
• Shucking 101: I had no clue how to shuck an oyster, but the Oyster Master Class taught us the basics. It’s pretty tough at first, but with a little practice, you’ll be a pro!

• How to Eat Them: We came in thinking you’re supposed to swallow oysters whole, but we learned you actually chew them to bring out the flavor! The texture was much better than I expected—definitely not slimy like I feared.
• Toppings: You can eat them plain to taste the freshness and full flavor profile, or try them with lemon and hot sauce during the class (we liked both together!). The Sea to Suite kit also includes everything you need to make a mignonette (a tangy shallot and vinegar sauce), which is really good. Matthew and Sara also shared creative ways to serve oysters, and now we’re excited to try grilling or baking them next time!

Other Things to Do at Mike’s Beach Resort

Even if oysters aren’t your thing, Mike’s Beach Resort has plenty to offer for nature lovers and adventurers alike. On our first visit, we didn’t eat a single oyster and still had a fantastic time!

Hike

Explore the lush trails around Hood Canal and the Olympic Peninsula. Some of our favorite hikes in the area include Rocky Brook Falls, Staircase Rapids (pictured below), Lena Lake, and Mount Ellinor.

Kayak or SUP

Take to the waters for a peaceful paddle with stunning views. Bring your own watercraft, or rent from the resort!

Relax by the Beach

Unwind on the private beach and enjoy the tranquil scenery. We love hanging out by the fire with coffee or s’mores and watching the sunrise/sunset over the water. It’s hard to feel stress when you’re enjoying these views!

Soak in the Views; Not the Rain

Even if you get wet weather during your stay, you can enjoy incredible waterfront views right from the comfort of your cabin, or head over to the Timber Room to enjoy tons of games, coffee, and tea with a great waterfront view. 

Wildlife Watching

The area is teeming with wildlife—during our stay, we saw porpoises, seals, jumping salmon, eagles, and more. Sara also shared that orcas have been known to pass by the resort, which would be so cool to see!

Unwind in the Spa

Book a private session in the hot tub or sauna, the perfect way to relax after a chilly day outdoors.

> Curious about other things to do in the area? Check out our top picks for the Hood Canal and Olympic Peninsula

Whether you’re an oyster aficionado or trying them for the first time, Oyster Palooza at Mike’s Beach Resort offers an unforgettable Pacific Northwest experience. From hands-on classes to the freshest oysters you’ll ever taste, there’s something for everyone at this one-of-a-kind event. Book your stay today, and get ready for a shell of a good time!

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Our readers can use code “TheEgresis” for 10% off bookings made through the Mike’s Beach Resort website! Learn more and book here.

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Please know that our stay at Mike’s Beach Resort was graciously provided free of charge. However, all opinions expressed in this post are our own, reflecting our genuine experiences and impressions.

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