Set 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. Home to one of the largest marinas in the Pacific Northwest, visitors can easily book a charter trip for world-class fishing, or simply spend the day on the beach. Whether you’re exploring the maritime museum, visiting a scenic lighthouse, or hitting the trail, there’s plenty to do in Westport.
Things to do in Westport
Outdoor Adventure
Surfing
The beach is the place to start your getaway in Westport. Surfers can take lessons 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. The waves break on an all-sand bottom, making this a great option for beginners.
Beach Walks & Hikes
Westport’s sandy beaches are made for long walks. At the 560-acre Westport Light State Park, stop by scenic Half Moon Bay or enjoy the ADA-accessible concrete boardwalk. For grassy dunes, coastal forest hikes, and camping, head to Twin Harbors State Park. During your walks, keep an eye out for marine birds, harbor seals, and migrating grey whales.
Stormwatching
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 & Shellfish Harvesting
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 lingcod, halibut, albacore tuna, salmon, and even Dungeness crab. On land, you can rent and drop your own crab pots. Westport is also 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 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.
Culture & History
Westport Maritime Museum
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.
Grays Harbor Lighthouse
At 107 feet tall, the Grays Harbor Lighthouse is the tallest in Washington State. The lighthouse building is typically open Thursdays-Sundays year-round. For a workout and panoramic views, climb the 135 winding steps to the top deck.
Cranberry Museum
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.
International Mermaid Museum
For more museum fun, head to the International Mermaid Museum. Here you can learn about oceanography and marine ecology through the eyes and lore of these mythical sea creatures.
Also See: Visit Washington’s Scenic Lighthouses
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 shop filled with vintage kitchenware, jewelry, gauzy dresses, and even freshly baked pies. Be sure to pick up some locally canned fish at Westport institution Merino’s Seafood Market & Cannery.
Annual Events
Storms and Seafood, January
Celebrate the town’s commercial fishing industry by eating your fill of local seafood and earning passport stamps at local businesses and viewpoints.
Westport Charterboat Association Fishing Derby, March-October
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.
Rusty Scuppers Pirate Daze, June
Dress in your finest pirate attire and enjoy live music, food vendors, dancing, and costume contests.
Windriders Kite Festival, July
This summer event fills the skies with colorful displays of fluttering kites. Enjoy demos and learn how to fly one yourself at 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. Blackbeard’s Brewing Company has two locations in town, each with its own menu. Pair your craft brew or cranberry cider with pizzas, wraps, or salads at the main brewery on Ocean Avenue, or enjoy marina views at its taproom.
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
Marina Cottages
For a relaxing stay facing the marina or bay, check out Marina Cottages. These rustic-chic cottages feature a spacious kitchenette, an electric fireplace for chilly nights, a private porch, and an outdoor fire pit. Some rooms have jetted tubs.
South Bay Inn
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 three-bedroom vacation home.
Find more places to stay in Westport.
Know Before You Go
Summers can be breezy, so be sure to bring layers, especially if you’ll be out on the water. Winters are relatively mild and usually snowless but still see 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.
Featured image courtesy of Experience Westport, WA