Located on the south side of Grays Harbor where it meets the Pacific Ocean, Westport has long been a favorite of fishermen, clam diggers, and surfers. Featuring one of the largest marinas in the Pacific Northwest, visitors can book a charter trip for world-class fishing and enjoy fresh seafood at casual eateries near the docks after a day on the beach. Beyond time in the sand, visitors can explore museums, visit a scenic lighthouse, go hiking, and much more.
Things to do in Westport
Outdoor Adventure
The beach is the place to start your getaway in Westport. Surfers can take a lesson at Bigfoot Surf or Steepwater Surf Shop (where you can also rent gear), or shred the consistent waves at one of three surf breaks, including The Jetty at Westhaven Beach at the tip of Point Chehalis. The waves break on an all-sand bottom, making this a great option for beginners.
Westport’s sandy beaches also encourage long walks and wildlife viewing (keep an eye out for marine birds, harbor seals, and migrating grey whales in season). At the 560-acre Westport Light State Park, stop by pretty Half Moon Bay or enjoy the popular, ADA-accessible concrete boardwalk. For grassy sand dunes, hikes through coastal forest, flying kites, and camping, head to Twin Harbors State Park.
Come winter, bundle up for storm-watching as massive waves crash along the shoreline during high tides. One of the best places to safely catch the action is atop the Observation Tower of the Westport Marina, but you can also watch from distant dunes.
Fishing & Seafood Experiences
Westport is the perfect place to try your hand at catching your own seafood. Don’t miss a guided fishing charter to reel in delicacies like rockfish, lingcod, halibut, albacore tuna, and salmon. Heading out from the Westport Marina, an experienced crew will provide all the gear and services you need to bring home dinner. Find the perfect guide for a group and see which seasons your favorite fish will be available.
For visitors seeking delectable Dungeness crab, some charters also specialize in crabbing, or you can rent gear to throw pots on your own from the docks at the marina, along Half Moon Bay, or off the North Jetty. Westport is also known as a popular destination for razor clamming. Digging these meaty clams out of the sand is fun for the whole family, and since gear is minimal, it’s also one of the easier ways to harvest your own shellfish in Washington.
Tip: Be sure to secure a shellfish license and familiarize yourself with harvesting regulations and seasons before heading out.
Culture & History
Westport is rooted in maritime history. For an overview of the town’s past and present, visit the Westport Maritime Museum. Located in a handsome historic U.S. Coast Guard station, you’ll find whale skeletons, a giant lighthouse lens, and natural history exhibits. Nearby, the 107-foot Grays Harbor Lighthouse—the tallest in Washington—offers guided tours that take visitors up 135 winding steps to the top deck to check out the inner workings and panoramic views.
A short distance from Westport in Grayland, the Cranberry Museum dives into the history and cultivation of this coastal crop. Learn about bog preparation and planting before snagging some cranberry goodies from the gift shop. For more museum fun, make your way toward Aberdeen to the International Mermaid Museum. Here you can learn about oceanography and marine ecology through the eyes and lore of these mythical sea creatures.
Shopping
What’s a trip to the beach without sweet treats? Granny Hazel’s Candy and Gift Shop has been making fudge in its shop since 1962 and offers a wide selection of saltwater taffy. It’s also a great place to snag sweatshirts and other Westport-themed attire to commemorate your trip.
Expect the unexpected at Junk Queens Tackle Box, a funky antique shop filled with vintage kitchenware, jewelry, gauzy dresses, and even a selection of freshly baked pies. Be sure to pick up some locally canned fish at Westport institution Merino’s Seafood Market & Cannery. For a thoughtful gift, browse the curated selections at Pomegranate Home and Gifts. You’ll find everything from the perfect Christmas ornament to handcrafted skin care and fun stickers.
Annual Events
Don’t miss some of Westport’s exciting annual festivals. Storms and Seafood in January celebrates the town’s commercial fishing industry. Eat your fill of local seafood and earn passport stamps and a prize at local businesses and viewpoints. Did you reel in the big one? Enter your catch to win daily cash prizes in the Westport Charterboat Association Fishing Derby, an ongoing contest during the fishing season from March to October.
In June, the Rusty Scuppers Pirate Daze fills Westport with friends and families dressed up in their finest pirate attire as they enjoy live music, food vendors, dancing, and costume contests. In July, the Windriders Kite Festival fills the skies with colorful displays of fluttering kites. Enjoy demos and learn how to fly one yourself at this festival, which takes place south of town on Grayland Beach.
Where to Eat & Drink
A downtown Westport classic, Bennett’s Fish Shack has been serving up the finest fish and chips, chowder in a sourdough bowl, crabcakes, and more since 2010. Grab a patio seat if available (just be prepared for a wait if visiting in the peak summer season). Blackbeard’s Brewing Company has two locations in town, each with its own unique menu. Pair your craft brew or cranberry cider with pizzas, wraps, or salads at the main brewery location on Ocean Avenue or enjoy the marina views at its taproom with smash burgers, tacos, and burritos.
New in 2025, The Siren Oceanside Steakhouse is the place to go to celebrate an anniversary or date night, with ocean views and a comforting menu of pasta, burgers, steaks, and fried seafood. For a casual lunch or dinner alongside locals, try Taqueria Los Tres Figgies. The mulitas—similar to a thick quesadilla—and the quesabirria tacos filled with cheesy braised beef, come highly recommended. End the day with ice cream in homemade waffle cones at Whale of a Cone.
Where to Stay in Westport
Perfect for the adventurous traveler, LOGE Westport has you covered with RV hookup sites and a variety of camp sites, as well as cozy motel rooms complete with hammocks or more budget-friendly, hostel-style bunks. Listen to live music and enjoy the communal fire pit or cedar hot tub with fellow surfers and cyclists.
For a relaxing stay facing the marina or bay, check out the centrally located Marina Cottages. These rustic-chic cottages feature a spacious kitchenette with all the amenities, an electric fireplace for chilly nights, a private porch, and an outdoor fire pit. Some rooms have jetted tubs.
For cute digs in a beautifully renovated 1966-vintage motel south of downtown, book a room at South Bay Inn. All 21 rooms come with kitchenettes and air conditioning; larger groups can book a 3-bedroom vacation home, as well.
Know Before You Go
Summers can be breezy, so be sure to bring warm layers, especially if you’ll be out on the water. Winters are relatively mild and usually snowless but with plenty of rainfall. Weekends are busy in the fishing season, so consider scheduling your trip mid-week in summer or during spring or fall. Booking charters and lodging ahead of time in peak season is a must.
From Seattle, the most direct route is to head south on Interstate 5 and then west through Olympia and Aberdeen. The trip is about 130 miles. From Portland, Oregon, the 165-mile trip starts on north Interstate 5 and then heads west.
About the Author
Jennifer Burns Bright is an editor and writer based in Astoria, specializing in Pacific Northwest travel, wellness, and local food. She enjoys foraging for wild food and renovating her 110-year-old cottage. She oversees longform content for clients like Travel Oregon and contributes to AAA’s Via magazine, among others.
Featured image courtesy of Experience Westport, WA