15 Things to Do in Westport, Washington(WA)

Westport, WA, is a charming coastal town known for its rich maritime heritage, scenic ocean views, and thrilling outdoor activities. Located on the Pacific Coast, this hidden gem offers something for every traveler, from world-class fishing and surfing to local festivals and delicious seafood.

Whether you’re planning a relaxing beach getaway or an adventurous trip, this guide covers everything you need to know about the best things to do in Westport, WA—one of the most unique places to visit in Washington (WA) state.

Best Time to Visit Westport, WA

Westport offers unique experiences throughout the year, making it a great destination in every season.

• Spring (March - May): Ideal for nature lovers and birdwatching. Milder weather with fewer crowds.

• Summer (June - August): The busiest season with the best weather, making it perfect for beachgoers, surfing, and fishing. Many local festivals take place during this time.

• Fall (September - November): Great for fishing, especially tuna and salmon. The weather remains pleasant, and the crowds start to thin.

• Winter (December - February): Best for storm watching and enjoying the rugged coastal scenery. Surfing is also excellent for experienced surfers.

15 Things to Do in Westport, WA

Westport is a charming seaside town known for its maritime history, scenic beauty, and outdoor adventures. Whether you're an avid fisherman, a history buff, or simply looking for a relaxing coastal escape, you'll find that many of the best things to do in Ocean Shores, Washington (WA) are also within easy reach of Westport’s diverse attractions. Here’s a guide to the best things to do in Westport, WA, along with key details to help you plan your visit.

1. Visit Grays Harbor Lighthouse

Grays Harbor Lighthouse is the tallest lighthouse in Washington State, standing at 107 feet tall. Visitors can climb the 135 steps to the top for breathtaking panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and surrounding landscapes.

Pros:

• Stunning views from the top

• Great historical significance

• Guided tours available

Cons:

• Steep climb, may not be suitable for all visitors

• Limited accessibility for those with mobility issues

Key Details:

• Open for guided tours seasonally

• Located near Westport Light State Park

2. Stroll Along Westport Marina

Westport Marina is one of the largest commercial fishing marinas on the West Coast. It’s a great place to watch fishing boats, shop for fresh seafood, or simply enjoy a peaceful walk along the docks.

Pros:

• Scenic and relaxing

• Fresh seafood markets nearby

• Opportunity to watch fishing boats unload their catch

Cons:

• Can get busy during peak fishing season

• Limited seating areas

Key Details:

• Located in the heart of Westport

• Best visited in the morning when boats return with fresh catches

3. Explore Westport Light State Park

This scenic park is perfect for hiking, picnicking, and enjoying coastal views. The Westport Lighthouse Trail offers a scenic stroll with breathtaking ocean vistas.

Pros:

• Easy walking trails

• Beautiful ocean views

• Family-friendly picnic areas

Cons:

• Can be windy along the coast

• Limited restroom facilities

Key Details:

• Free entry

• Great for photography and birdwatching

4. Surf at Westhaven State Park

Westport is a top surfing destination in Washington, and Westhaven State Park is the go-to spot for catching waves. With consistent swells and surf-friendly beaches, it attracts surfers of all skill levels.

Pros:

• Consistent waves for surfing

• Surfboard rentals and lessons available

• Less crowded compared to other surf spots

Cons:

• Water temperatures are cold year-round

• Parking can be limited during peak season

Key Details:

• Best surfing conditions in fall and winter

• Bring a wetsuit due to cold water temperatures

5. Walk Twin Harbors Beach State Park

A great spot for a peaceful beach walk, this park offers stunning views, opportunities for clam digging, and plenty of space for beachcombing.

Pros:

• Secluded and less crowded

• Dog-friendly

• Great for birdwatching

Cons:

• Limited facilities

• Can be chilly, even in summer

Key Details:

• Popular for RV camping

• Beachcombing is best after storms

6. Discover the Westport Maritime Museum

Learn about Westport’s rich maritime history, including shipwrecks, lighthouses, and the fishing industry.

Pros:

• Informative exhibits

• Features a historic Fresnel lens

• Kid-friendly

Cons:

• Limited hours of operation

• Small museum, may not take long to explore

Key Details:

• Located in a historic Coast Guard building

• Affordable admission

7. Climb the Westport Viewing Tower

For one of the best vantage points in town, climb the Westport Viewing Tower. This platform offers stunning 360-degree views of the ocean and harbor.

Pros:

• Free attraction

• Great for photography

• Perfect for whale watching

Cons:

• Can be windy at the top

• No seating available

Key Details:

• Best visited at sunrise or sunset

• Located near Westport Marina

8. Visit the International Mermaid Museum

This unique museum celebrates mermaid mythology, ocean conservation, and maritime history with fascinating exhibits and artwork.

Pros:

• Fun and educational

• Interactive exhibits

• Great for families

Cons:

• Small museum

• Can get busy during weekends

Key Details:

• Located inside a winery

• Features a gift shop with mermaid-themed items

9. Attend the Annual Crab Races & Crab Feed

One of Westport’s most anticipated events, this festival features live crab races, fresh crab dinners, and plenty of fun activities.

Pros:

• Unique local event

• Great for seafood lovers

• Family-friendly atmosphere

Cons:

• Limited seating

• Can be crowded

Key Details:

• Usually held in April

• Early arrival recommended for best seating

10. Visit the Westport Aquarium

A small but fascinating aquarium featuring local marine life, tidepool creatures, and hands-on exhibits.

Pros:

• Educational and interactive

• Great for kids

• Affordable admission

Cons:

• Limited number of exhibits

• Best for a short visit

Key Details:

• Located near the marina

• Touch tanks available

11. Go Beachcombing for Agates and Shells

Westport’s beaches are great for finding agates, seashells, and other treasures.

Pros:

• Free activity

• Relaxing and rewarding

• Best after a storm

Cons:

• Requires patience

• Some areas may have strong tides

Key Details:

• Bring a bag for collecting finds

• Check tide schedules for best results

12. Enjoy a Scenic Drive Along the Cranberry Coast Scenic Byway

This beautiful drive takes you past cranberry bogs, coastal scenery, and charming small towns.

Pros:

• Stunning coastal views

• Relaxing drive

• Multiple stops along the way

Cons:

• Limited services along the route

• Weather can affect visibility

Key Details:

• Best during cranberry harvest season (fall)

• Ideal for a leisurely road trip

13. Savor Local Seafood at Westport Restaurants

From fresh Dungeness crab to fish and chips, Westport is a seafood lover’s paradise.

Pros:

• Fresh, locally caught seafood

• Variety of dining options

• Great waterfront views at some restaurants

Cons:

• Some restaurants have long wait times

• Limited vegetarian options

Key Details:

• Best places include Bennett’s Fish Shack and Merino’s Seafood Market

• Try clam chowder and Dungeness crab

14. Go Deep-Sea Fishing on a Charter Boat

Westport is known as the “Sport Fishing Capital of the Northwest,” offering excellent opportunities for salmon, halibut, and tuna fishing.

Pros:

• Exciting outdoor adventure

• High success rate for catching fish

• Professional guides available

Cons:

• Can be pricey

• Weather-dependent

Key Details:

• Best fishing season is May–September

• Book in advance

15. Explore Local Art Galleries & Gift Shops

Westport has a variety of small galleries and shops featuring coastal-inspired artwork and unique gifts.

Pros:

• Great for souvenir shopping

• Supports local artists

• Wide variety of items available

Cons:

• Some stores have limited hours

• Higher prices for artisan items

Key Details:

• Look for handmade coastal art

• Located near the marina area

Accommodation Options in Westport

No matter your budget or travel style, Westport has a variety of accommodation options to choose from:

• Hotels & Motels: Popular choices include the LOGE Westport and Westport Marina Cottages for oceanfront views.

• Vacation Rentals: Cozy beachfront cottages and rental homes provide a home-away-from-home experience.

• Camping Spots: Twin Harbors State Park and Grayland Beach State Park offer great camping options for budget travelers and nature lovers.

Local Events & Festivals

Westport hosts several exciting events throughout the year, drawing visitors from across the region:

• Rusty Scuppers Pirate Daze (June): A fun-filled pirate-themed festival with parades, costumes, and live entertainment.

• Washington Tuna Classic (August): A competitive fishing tournament that brings together anglers from all over.

• Westport Art Festival (August): A celebration of local artists, featuring exhibits, live music, and handcrafted goods.

Dining Guide: Best Places to Eat in Westport

Westport is known for its fresh seafood and cozy eateries. Here are some must-visit spots:

• Seafood Specialties: Bennett’s Fish Shack and Aloha Alabama BBQ offer some of the best fish & chips and clam chowder in town.

• Coffee Shops & Bakeries: Blue Buoy Cafe is a great spot for breakfast and coffee.

• Budget-Friendly Options: Merino’s Seafood Market has affordable seafood options, including fresh Dungeness crab.

Outdoor Recreation Beyond the Top 15

In addition to popular activities like fishing and surfing, Westport has other outdoor adventures to explore:

• Kayaking & Paddleboarding: Enjoy calm waters and stunning coastal scenery at Half Moon Bay.

• Birdwatching Hotspots: Bottle Beach State Park is a fantastic place to spot migratory shorebirds.

• ATV Riding on the Beach: Some areas near Grayland allow off-road vehicles for thrilling beach rides.

Transportation & Accessibility

Getting to and around Westport is easy:

• Nearest Airports: Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) and Olympia Regional Airport (OLM) are the closest options.

• Road Access: Westport is accessible via Highway 105, a scenic coastal drive.

• Parking: Free parking is available at most beaches and attractions.

• Local Transportation: Biking and walking are great options, as the town is small and easy to navigate.

Tips for First-Time Visitors

To make the most of your trip, keep these tips in mind:

• What to Pack: Bring layers, rain gear, and waterproof shoes, as coastal weather can be unpredictable.

• Weather Considerations: Summer is warm but can be windy, while winter requires warm clothing for storm-watching.

• Safety Tips: Be cautious of strong ocean currents while swimming or surfing. Always check tide charts before beachcombing.

Conclusion

Westport, WA, is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience the beauty of Washington’s coast. With stunning beaches, exciting outdoor adventures, fresh seafood, and lively festivals, there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re an angler, surfer, or nature enthusiast, Westport offers an unforgettable escape beyond the usual tourist spots—much like the hidden gems you’ll find among the many things to do in Sequim, Washington (WA).

FAQs

What is Westport, WA, known for? Westport is famous for its fishing industry, excellent surfing conditions, and breathtaking coastal scenery.

Is Westport a good place for family trips? Yes! The town offers family-friendly attractions, including the Westport Aquarium, state parks, and fun local festivals.

Can I surf in Westport, WA? Absolutely! Westhaven State Park is one of the top surf spots in the Pacific Northwest.

Are there dog-friendly beaches in Westport? Yes, most beaches allow leashed dogs, and some areas offer off-leash sections.

With this guide, you’re ready to explore the best things to do in Westport, WA. Enjoy your adventure!