Spread the love!

Westport, Washington: The Best & Most Fun Things To Do (Besides Watching Paint Dry)

The Grays Harbor Light Station has been guiding the ships into the harbor right since the year of 1898. Westport Light State Park out there covers a whole 560 acres of the coastal ground on it. The Westport Viewing Tower out there is a 40-foot tower looking over the whole of the landscape. Westport Winery out there runs over 30,000 of the plants on it. Book a charter.

Westport, Washington is a beach town that rewards anybody who cares about one thing in particular. Relaxing on the beach, working through historic landmarks or eating serious seafood, Westport carries all three. What follows is the best of what is here, so you get the most out of the trip.

The beaches are the main draw in Westport, and they run to beachcombing, hiking, kayaking, fishing and wildlife. For local culture and heritage, the Westport Maritime Museum and the tallest lighthouse in Washington. And for a slower day, the relaxation spots, the shopping and the winery.

Key Takeaways

• Westport is a charming beach town that offers a plethora of exciting activities and attractions for visitors of all ages.
• The town’s stunning beaches offer endless opportunities for beach escapades, wildlife encounters, and outdoor activities.
• Visitors can also explore historic attractions, relax and unwind at various relaxation spots, and indulge in shopping and winery delights.

The Allure of Westport

You know beach towns. A beach town that is also a fishing village, a surfing spot and a maritime hub is a different proposition. That is Westport, Washington.

Westport sits on the southwest Washington coast and it is proud of both its heritage and its natural country. The marina at one end and miles of sandy beach at the other.

Fishing people do very well in Westport. The town is known for salmon, halibut and tuna, and there are charter boats waiting to take you out. If you do not fish, you still eat the catch of the day at one of the seafood restaurants in town.

Westport is not only fishing. It surfs well too, with waves that suit beginners and experienced surfers both. And if you do not surf, the beach still works. Walk it, build something in the sand, or sit and do nothing.

No visit to Westport works without the Westport Maritime Museum. It covers the town’s history as a fishing and shipping hub alongside its part in the US Coast Guard. The Marine Mammal exhibit is the one to make time for, running from whales down to crabs.

A fishing trip, a surfing trip or a slow week on the beach, Westport, Washington covers all of them. Come and see why this town on the west coast holds onto its people.

Feasting in Westport

You are in Westport and you are hungry. Westport carries some of the strongest seafood restaurants around here.

For a casual meal, Blackbeard’s Brewing Company. They run craft beers and pub-style food, including battered fish, burgers and sandwiches.

For the upscale version, the Aloha Alabama BBQ & Seafood. The kitchen runs seafood across the range, crab cakes and shrimp scampi and grilled salmon among it. The cocktails and the wine list keep up.

For something different again, The Old Hen Bed & Breakfast. They run farm-to-table with fresh, local ingredients. The menu covers seafood, steak and vegetarian plates.

And no trip to Westport works without one of the seafood markets in the area. Take fresh seafood home to cook, or have one of the local restaurants prepare it for you.

Casual pub-style food or a serious seafood dinner, Westport has a room for it. Go and eat properly.

Beach Escapades

The beach. Sand underfoot and waves at the front of it. Westport holds some of the better beaches in Washington.

Half Moon Bay is the one beach people come for. The views run long and the water runs clear. Be careful at high tide, because the waves come in fast. Agates and shells both turn up on the sand if you look.

For somewhere quieter, take the beaches on the south side of the harbor. You get space to yourself and the views hold up just as well. Seals turn up on the sand there.

And the real reason anybody goes to a beach is to build something in the sand. Westport has the right sand for it. Take the bucket and the shovel. And the sunscreen.

Westport’s beaches are the reason to come. Half Moon Bay through to the south side of the harbor, the views and the water and the sand all hold. Pack the bags and go.

Fishing Adventures

Westport is a fishing town first. There are plenty of charters to take you out to the open sea. Salmon, tuna, rockfish or albacore tuna, there is a charter boat that knows where they are biting.

The strongest thing about fishing in Westport is that it runs all year. Chinook salmon comes in from May to September, and coho salmon from June to September. Tuna runs best from July to October. Rockfish comes in from May to September.

New to fishing, or after something different, go crabbing. The marina rents crab pots and you drop them off the pier and wait. It is easy and it produces dinner.

Charter fishing is where the big fish are. The charters in Westport are run by experienced captains who know the water and know how to work it. Half-day, full-day and multi-day charters all run, depending on your time and your budget.

An albacore tuna is the one to hope for. These fish are fast and strong and hooking one stays with you. They also eat well, so bring a cooler for the way home.

Fishing in Westport is the thing to do here. Seasoned angler or beginner, there is water at your level. Take the gear down to the marina.

Historic Attractions

History people have plenty to work through in Westport.

First is the Westport Maritime Museum, which covers the town’s maritime history. The exhibits run from the Coast Guard through to the local fishing industry. It is the stop for anybody interested in the seafaring past here.

Next is the Grays Harbor Light Station. This historic lighthouse has been guiding ships into the harbor since 1898. Take the tour for the history behind it.

For a walk, take the Westport Lighthouse Trail. The trail climbs to the top of a hill with the historic Grays Harbor Light in view and the ocean out beyond it.

And for the specialist, Destruction Island Lighthouse. This remote lighthouse only opens up by boat, and it earns the trip if maritime history is your thing.

Westport carries plenty for history people. Museums through to lighthouses, there is enough to fill the days.

Outdoor Activities

Westport, Washington suits outdoor people. Adrenaline or quiet, the town covers both.

For surfing, Westport holds some of the strongest waves in the Pacific Northwest. Westhaven State Park is where they break. Beginners are covered too, because the surf schools here teach at every level.

For hiking, the trails in and around Westport are good. Westport Light State Park runs the coastal trails, with the ocean and the forest around them. Take the camera.

Whale watching is the other popular one in Westport. Take a tour and get close to them properly. The size of them is the part that lands. Dolphins and sea lions turn up as well.

Birdwatchers do well in Westport. The area holds bald eagles, sandpipers and herons among other species. Take the binoculars to the parks and nature reserves around here.

Camping runs in Westport too. There are campsites in and around the area with a range of amenities. Rustic or comfortable, both exist here.

So pack the bags and get out to Westport, Washington. The outdoor half of the trip is waiting.

Wildlife Encounters

Westport holds a lot of wildlife you can actually get near. Sea lions through to whales, there is plenty to see up close.

Start at the Westport Aquarium. This small aquarium holds marine life including sea lions and octopuses. You can pet a sea anemone. It is the fastest way to learn what is swimming out there.

For something with more edge, take a whale-watching tour. Orcas, humpback whales and gray whales all pass through this area. Bring your sea legs, because these tours get choppy.

To stay on dry land, take the coast and watch for sea lions. They sit on the rocks, bark at each other and generally enjoy themselves. Give them room, because they are less friendly than they look.

However you take Westport’s wildlife, you will come off it with something to describe.

Relaxation Spots

After all that you will want to stop moving. Westport has plenty of places to sit down with the scenery in front of you.

The Cove is the best of them. This secluded spot works for a quiet picnic or an hour in the sun. It is also good ground for birdwatching, so bring the binoculars for the bald eagles and ospreys.

For a view, take the Westport Viewing Tower. This 40-foot tower gives you the ocean and the landscape around it. It is the spot for photographs and for the sunset.

For the active version of rest, take Westport Light State Park. This 560-acre park runs hiking trails, picnic tables and a boardwalk good for a slow walk. The historic Grays Harbor Light stands in the park too, so take the tour while you are there.

However you rest, Westport has a version of it. Sit down, breathe and take the town in.

Shopping and More

Shopping in Westport sounds unlikely and this little beach town carries a few things you will not find elsewhere as well.

First, if you need a bed, there are vacation homes for rent here. The beach houses are cozy and you settle into them quickly.

Now the shopping. For souvenirs and gifts there are a few shops in town. The Westport Winery Garden Resort runs a gift shop with wine-related items and local products. The Rusty Anchor gift shop carries beach-themed gifts and decor.

For art, there are a couple of galleries in town. The Westport Maritime Museum runs a small art gallery showing local artists. The Mermaid Gallery carries art and crafts made by local artists.

And for a sweet tooth, the Westport Sweet Shoppe. Candy and ice cream across the range.

Westport is not a shopping town and it still carries finds worth the walk. The right souvenir is in one of those windows.

Local Culture and Heritage

You cannot be in Westport without picking up its maritime history and coastal culture. The town is tied to the sea and that shows in the museums, the landmarks and the festivals.

One of the best places to start your journey into Westport’s past is the Westport Maritime Museum. Here you can explore the exhibits and displays that showcase the town’s seafaring history. The museum has a particular emphasis on the Coast Guard, which played a significant role in the area’s development.

If you’re interested in learning more about the indigenous people of the region, you can visit the Shoalwater Bay Tribe and the Lower Chehalis People. These tribes have lived in the area for thousands of years and have a rich cultural heritage that is still celebrated today.

Another important group in the region’s history is the Willapa Chinook. This tribe has lived along the Willapa River for centuries and has a deep connection to the land and the sea. You can learn more about their culture and traditions at the local museums and cultural centers.

Of course, no discussion of Westport’s heritage would be complete without mentioning the Westport Jetty and the South Jetty. These structures have been a vital part of the town’s coastal defense and navigation for over a century. They are also popular spots for fishing, surfing, and other water activities.

Finally, it’s impossible to talk about Westport’s heritage without mentioning the Coast Guard. The town has a long history of working with the Coast Guard, and the local station is an essential part of the community. You can learn more about their work and history at the Maritime Museum and other local attractions.

Westport’s culture and heritage are what make the town what it is. History, culture or a plain good day out, there is a version here.

Winery and Other Delights

Wine people should get to Westport. The Westport Winery Garden Resort is the destination for anybody who takes wine seriously. This family-owned winery has won a run of awards for its wines, including Best Winery, Best Wine Shop and Best Boutique Winery for 2016 by South Sound Magazine. In 2016 Westport Winery was also named one of the top twenty most-admired wineries in North America by Winery & Vineyard Management Magazine.

The Westport Winery Garden Resort is not only wine. It is a garden resort as well, and it works as an afternoon on its own. Walk the gardens, which run over 30,000 plants, or take the gift shop for souvenirs. The Sea Glass Grill handles the food, with the gardens out through the window.

For an unusual bed, the Loge Westport. This hotel puts the outdoors alongside the comforts of home. The eco-friendly resort runs cabins, tents and RV sites. Surfboards and bikes both rent there if you want to get out into the country around it.

And do not miss the Destruction Island Lens while you are in Westport. This historic lighthouse sits on a small island off the coast and only opens up by boat. The journey earns itself in the views and in the history behind the landmark.

Wine person, outdoor person or somebody after a different sort of week, Westport has a version of it.

Seasonal Highlights

Westport, Washington works right through the year. Each season runs its own list, so the timing changes what you get. Here are the seasonal highlights to plan around.

Winter

Winter in Westport is chilly and it is still worth the trip. These are the things to do.

Storm Watching

The Washington coast is known for its winter storms and Westport gets them properly. Wrap up and take the beach to watch the waves come in.

Chinook salmon comes in right off this coast from the whole of May through to September. Coho runs from June to September and the tuna runs from July right through October. Rockfish comes in from May to September out there in the same water. Somebody here knows every one of those dates.

Fishing

Winter is a strong fishing season in Westport. The town is known for salmon and bottom fishing, so take the gear out onto the water.

Crabbing

For an unusual winter day, go crabbing. Westport runs several crabbing charters that take you out for Dungeness crab.

Pack warm clothes and a raincoat, because the weather here does what it wants in winter.

Spring

Spring is a good time to be in Westport. These are the things to put on the list.

Gray Whale Watching

From March to May, gray whales migrate past the Washington coast. Take a whale watching tour and see them close up.

Beachcombing

Spring is the season for beachcombing in Westport. What washes up on the shore changes every tide.

Bird Watching

Westport holds a range of bird species, bald eagles and sandpipers and pelicans among them. Take the binoculars to the beach or the marina.

Summer

Summer is the busiest season in Westport and the reason is obvious. These are the things to put on a summer list.

Surfing

Westport is known for its surf, so take a lesson while you are here. There are several surf schools in town teaching beginners and experts alike.

Fishing

Summer is peak fishing season in Westport. Salmon, halibut or tuna, the water gives up something.

Beach Days

With miles of sandy beach, Westport is built for a summer day. Take a picnic and the sunscreen and stay out.

Fall

Fall runs quieter in Westport and there is still plenty on. These are the fall highlights.

Mushroom Hunting

Fall is mushroom season in Washington and Westport is good ground for edible mushrooms. Do the research first and know exactly what you are looking at.

Cranberry Harvest

Westport holds several cranberry bogs and fall is harvest season. Take a tour of a bog for the growing process behind it.

Fall Colors

The fall foliage around Westport holds up. Take a drive or a hike and let the color do the work.

Whenever you come to Westport, something is on. Plan the trip and go.

Accommodation Options

After a long day working through Westport, you will want a bed. There are plenty of options in the area.

If you’re looking for a traditional hotel experience, the Westport Inn (link to https://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g58823-d1768786-Reviews-Westport_Inn-Westport_Washington.html) is a great choice. With its comfortable rooms, friendly staff, and prime location, you’ll feel right at home. Plus, with rates starting at just $119 a night, it won’t break the bank.

For a more rustic experience, why not try one of the many campgrounds in Grays Harbor County? There’s nothing quite like sleeping under the stars and waking up to the sound of nature. Whether you’re in a tent or an RV, there’s a campground to suit your needs. Some popular options include Twin Harbors State Park (link to https://parks.state.wa.us/497/Twin-Harbors) and Westport Beach RV Park (link to https://www.westportbeachrvpark.com/).

If you’re looking for something in between, consider renting a vacation home. There are plenty of options available in Westport and the surrounding area, from cozy cottages to spacious beachfront properties. Check out sites like Airbnb (link to https://www.airbnb.com/) and VRBO (link to https://www.vrbo.com/) to find the perfect home away from home.

Wherever you land, Westport, WA will look after you.

Getting There

So you are going to Westport, Washington. Good call. Now the getting there.

Westport sits on the coast of Washington state, right on the Pacific Ocean. From Seattle it is about a 2.5-hour drive southwest. From Tacoma it is about a 2-hour drive.

Flying in, the closest airport is Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, the SEA, about a 2.5-hour drive from Westport. Rent a car or take a shuttle from there.

Driving is rarely the best part of a trip, so make the drive part of it. Take a scenic route through the Pacific Northwest. Stop at the roadside attractions on the way, the World’s Largest Egg in Winlock or the Fremont Troll in Seattle.

For the longer version, take a ferry from Seattle to Bremerton and drive to Westport from there. It takes longer and it gives you the Puget Sound.

However you get there, take the drive slowly and let the Pacific Northwest do its work.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there any dog-friendly beaches in Westport?

Yes. Westport Light State Park runs a designated dog-friendly beach area where the dog can run in the sand. Keep them on a leash and clean up after them.

What’s the best way to get from Westport to Ocean Shores?

By car. The drive from Westport to Ocean Shores takes about 30 minutes and runs a scenic route along the coast. Without a car, a shuttle or taxi service will do it.

What’s the most underrated attraction in Westport?

The Westport Maritime Museum is the one people walk past. The collection of maritime artifacts and exhibits carries the town’s history properly. It is also the best place to be on a wet day.

Where can I find the best seafood in Westport?

The Westport Winery Seafood Restaurant is where the seafood is. They cook fresh, locally sourced fish and the plates hold up. The wine list is serious too.

What’s the wildest event to attend in Westport?

The annual Crab Races at the Westport Marina take it. Crabs race to the finish line while everybody shouts at them. It runs through the summer months.

Frequently asked questions about Westport, Washington

When is the best time of year for fishing out of Westport, Washington?

Chinook salmon comes in right off Westport from the whole of May right through to September each year. Coho runs from June to September out there and the tuna runs from July right through to October. Rockfish comes in out there from the whole of May right through to September. Charter.

How old is the Grays Harbor Light Station lighthouse near Westport, Washington?

The Grays Harbor Light Station has been guiding the ships into the harbor right since the year of 1898. It stands inside Westport Light State Park out there and the tours run right the whole way through it. The Westport Lighthouse Trail climbs a hill out there for the view of the whole of it. Tallest.

Which beach near Westport, Washington is the one worth walking?

Half Moon Bay out there is the beach that people come to Westport for in the very first place. The water runs clear and the agates and the shells both turn up along the whole of the sand. The beaches on the south side of the harbor out there run a good deal quieter. Watch the tide.

Spread the love!