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There are many fun things to do in Westport, Washington.
We have listed many of them here for you in alphabetical order. Click
on the links below for more information. If you know of an activity
that is not on the list, please fill out our comments
form and let us know about it. Thanks.
- Antique Stores
There are a few antique stores in the area that may have just
what you have been looking for. One of these is the Painted
Pelican
- Aquarium
At the dock area, Westport has a small aquarium which displays
many of the different fish that live off of our coast.
- Beach
The area boasts miles and miles of beautiful public access beach
for you to enjoy in many ways. You can play in the sand, wade
in the water, and soak up the atmosphere as you watch and listen
to the surf pound against the shore. The southern portion of the
beach can be accessed with cars, so you can drive right down on
the beach. Be sure to bring a camera along because the beach is
great subject matter for pictures. 
- Bicycling
Both Westport and Grayland are excellent for bicycling. The back
roads in Grayland are quite scenic and go right next to hundreds
of acres of cranberry bogs. There are also several logging roads
for the explorer who is looking for a more challenging ride.
- Bird Watching
The tidal flats, sand dunes, and wooded areas are home to a large
number of birds. To assist you in your bird watching, you may
want to print out a copy of this bird
watching checklist. Don't forget your binoculars and camera.
Some charterboats also offer opportunities for viewing offshore
birds.
- Boardwalk
At the very end of Neddie Rose Drive in Westport at the dock area
is the scenic boardwalk. Fishermen and sightseers frequently visit
this attraction. You can watch boats enter and exit the Westport
Marina right next to you. There is also a very scenic view of
Grays Harbor from the boardwalk. Be sure to see this while you
are in town.
- Boat Basin Fishing
The boat basin is open for salmon fishing in the fall. It is exciting,
because you can see them swimming around as you hope they will
bite your bait or lure. In and around the area of the boat basin
are a variety of fish. Kids will enjoy using hand lines and leaning
over the docks to catch small perch. If you bring your pole, and
fish right next to the pilings with sand shrimp, there are some
large perch in there too. There are many other fish in the area
as well. The spring also brings fishing
for herring in huge schools of that at times saturate the
entire boat basin. They are really fun to catch.
- Boogie Boarding
Surf's up! Boogie boarders really have a great time in Westport.
There are a variety of places to go. They often use the area north
of the marina around the finger jetties on the small beaches there.
Some also get adventurous and tackle the big waves near the South
Jetty. To find out how big the waves are right now, go to the
WestportWa.com Other Features page and click
on the Ocean Conditions link.
- Charter Fishing
Charter fishing is alive and well in Westport! Charter boats run
a variety of trips including Bottomfishing, Halibut, Tuna, Salmon,
Whale Watching, and more. Contact one of the charter offices or the
Westport Charterboat Association
for more information. 
- Clam Digging
Razor Clams are plentiful on the beaches of Grayland and North
Cove. They are fun to dig, and they are very tasty. Seasons vary,
and are establised by the Department of Fish and Wildlife. For
more information on digging, cleaning, and cooking razor clams,
see our razor clam pages.
- Coast Guard Flag Tower
Halfway down the road to the South Jetty is the Coast Guard flag
tower. This tower lets boats know about the wind conditions that
are on the ocean. One red pennant is a small craft advisory. Two
red pennants is a gale warning. A red flag with a black square
is a storm warning. Two red flags with black squares in them is
a hurricane warning. (Let's hope we don't see any of those).
- Commercial Fishing Fleet
There are a large variety of commercial fishing boats in the Westport
marina. Coming soon, we will have photos and an explanation of
what each boat does. Feel free to walk down the docks on the south
end of the marina and look at all the different kinds of boats.
- Crab Gear
You can see thousands of dungeness crab pots at the dock area
in Westport. Commercial crab season usually opens in December,
and many crabbers quit in the spirng and put their gear away for
the year. You can see what these pots look like at the southern
end of the marina. In the winter, the pots will be out on the
ocean.
- Crabbing
Both Tokeland's and Westport's marinas are good for dungeness
crab fishing. You can buy or rent crab pots and bait at various
places in town.
- Cranberry Farms
In Grayland, there are hundreds of acres of cranberry bogs. You
can drive right next to them and see what they are like. We have
created a self-guided cranberry
tour that takes you through the bog area and explains about
cranberry farming in Grayland. They are harvested in late September
and early October.
- Day use parks
In addition to the miles of beach, the area also has day use parks
for you to enjoy. The Westport City park has toys for the kids
to play on. There is also a nice covered picnic area in case it
rains.
- Driving tours of the area
Not sure exactly where to go to see interesting things in the
area? Print out one of our driving tours and take it with you.
The
Self-guided Cranberry Tour is fun and informative. More tours
coming soon!
- Dune Trail
Starting at the dock area by the viewing tower, there is a 2.2
mile pedestrian and bicycle trail that leads to the lighthouse.
It is a very enjoyable walk or bike ride. It is part of the Westport
Maritime Museum's History
Trail.
- Elk Grazing Area
Elk are occasionally seen in two different places. One is about
1/4 mile west of the elk river bridge on the left, and the other
is accross the highway from the Ocean Spray cranberry cannery.
(see the John's River Wildlife Area)
- Fishing
You can enjoy jetty fishing, charter fishing, surf fishing, and
fishing off the docks in the marina in both Tokeland and Westport.
- Fog Horn
You know you are at the beach when you hear the fog horn. It warns
mariners of the dangers of the sunken jetty. It can be heard for
quite a distance.
- Gift Shops
There are several gift shops throughout the
south beach area. It is a shopper's paradise.
- Go-Karts
The Breakers Motel, located
near the airport has a go-kart track.
- Half Moon Bay
To the east of the South Jetty is a small cove that the locals
call Half Moon Bay. You will find a nice beach, and rarely has
people. It is one of best places to visit. You can get there by
following the road to the South Jetty, and you can walk from the
parking lot.
- Harbor Tours
If you are looking for something fun to do for a great price,
you can take a harbor tour. These tours are fun and informative.
Visit or call Buccaneer
Tours for more information.
- John's River Wildlife Area
A few miles before you come into Westport, you will cross the
John's river bridge. If you take the first left and follow the
road as it heads back to the river, you will find the John's
River Wildlife Area. In the lowlands, elk are often seen.
This is also a good place to launch a small boat to do some trout
fishing or picture taking. 
- Kite Flying
The consistent afternoon northwest wind makes the Westport, Grayland,
Tokeland area one of the best places on the West Coast to fly
kites. There is always plenty of room for kite flying and plenty
of wind. Bring your kite when you come to the area, or you can
buy one from one of the many gift shops.
- Lighthouse
The Grays Harbor Lighthouse is one
thing that you need to see when you are in Westport. It is a very
tall lighthouse, and has a rich history.
- Look for Agates
At the north end of the beach for about a mile south of the South
Jetty, the beach is covered with small rocks. Among these rocks
are some agates that you can find. You can stroll the beach as
you look for these. It is easiest to find them at low tide.
- Maritime Museum
Be sure to visit the Westport Maritime Museum.
The museum is the home of the Destruction
Island lighthouse lens. This lens is absolutely beautiful.
The museum is informative, interesting, and educational. This
is a must see sight when you visit Westport.
- Motels, Cabins and House Rentals
If you are looking to get away from it all and spend some time
at the beach, the area has many Lodging options.
- Nature Trail at Twin Harbors State Park
Just south of Westport is the wonderful Twin Harbors State Park.
On the beach side of the park, there is a nice nature trail for
your walking pleasure.
- Nature Trail at Grayland State Park
The State Park in Grayland also has a nice nature trail for you
to visit.
- Old Whaling Station
Many years ago when whaling was still legal, there was a whaling
station just upstream of the Elk river bridge. Now all that is
left is the piling formation that marks this historic structure.
- Oyster Beds
From the Elk River bridge you can look to the north and see the
oyster beds at low tide.
- Photography
There are several scenic areas to photograph around Westport.
Be sure to bring your camera!
- Restaurants
There are many places for you to dine on the South Beach. Be sure
and try one of our restaurants.
- Recreational Fishing
The Westport Marina has space for over 650 vessels. There is a
boat launch facility for all sizes of boats. Check the Port
of Grays Harbor for details.
- RV Parks
In addition to our state parks, the South Beach area has several
RV parks
that are nice and reasonably priced.
- Scuba Diving
A fairly well kept secret, the Westport area abounds with sea
life for scuba divers to enjoy.
- Seafood
There are several seafood markets in Westport for you to buy fresh
seafood from including the Seafood
Connection. You can also buy seafood off the docks at various
times of the year.
- Shell Collecting
From Tokeland to the South Jetty, there is an abundance of shells
that wash up on the beach for you to collect and enjoy.
- Shellfish
You can catch your own crab or dig your own razor clams on the
South Beach. Be sure to check with the Department
of Fisheries to see when the season is open. 
- Shoalwater Bay Casino
In Tokeland is the Shoalwater Bay Casino. They have both slot
machines and table games.
- South Jetty
The South Jetty is a great thing to see. It stops erosion, and
provides habitat for an abundance of sea life. The Army Corps
of Engineers built it several years ago and works to maintain
it. You can walk out on the road a short distance and get a good
look at boats coming in from this marvel.
- Special Events
The Chamber of Commerce puts together a great list of exciting
events for
you to enjoy.
- State Parks
There are three state parks in the area. They are very nice and
right on the beach. Westhaven State Park is located very near
the South Jetty at the northernmost end of the beach. Another
is in Grayland on County Line Road, and the other is at the Y
between Westport and Grayland. You will see it on the left right
before the beach approach.
- Storm Watching
The Ocean gets quite rough in the Winter, and swells often get
over 25 feet high. The pounding surf is a sight to see and hear.
Stay far back from the water. The ocean can be extermely dangerous.
- Sturgeon Fishing
You can launch a boat from Westport and head upstream into the
Chehalis for some fine sturgeon fishing.
- Surf Fishing
If you have a good long pole and you like surf perch, give surf
fishing a try about 1/2 mile south of the south jetty. There are
surf perch that bite on sand shrimp.
- Surfing
Right next to the South Jetty, you will find a good place for
surfing. It is becoming more and more popular, even among the
locals. Wesport also hosts an Annual Surfing Contest and the Polar
Surf Challenge. Check the events schedule for more information.
- Tokeland Marina
On the south end of the beach in Tokeland is the Tokeland Marina.
This is an excellent place for photographers to snap shots of
the scenery. It is also a great place for crabbers and people
looking for a fun place to look around.
- Trout Fishing
John's River has a boat launch and in the summer is a great place
to catch cutthroat trout. See the Department
of Fisheries for season and license information.
- Viewing Tower
At the dock area, the tall viewing tower is a great place to stop
and check out the scenery. Be sure to bring your camera.
- Wash-Away Beach
In North Cove, nature is pounding away at the coastline which
has lost miles of land and homes. Be careful when you go. You
can see that the roads just end where they used to continue on
land into what is now the Willapa Bay.
- Westport Airport
Small planes can take off and land from the airstrip in Westport.
- Westport Winery
The westernmost winery in the state of Washington.
- Whale Watching
Your best bet is to go on one of the charters, but in the spring,
you can sometimes see the whales blow from the beach near the
jetty. Come to Westport and appreciate the beauty of these magnificent
creatures.
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Westport, Washington is a fantastic vacation destination
for the entire family.. The area has miles of beaches and lots of things
to see and do. The marina is one of the largest commercial fishing ports
on the West Coast, and also has a large charter fleet of fishing boats
ready to take you on an adventure for salmon, bottomfish, whale watching,
or albacore tuna. We have an active Chamber of Commerce that has regular
events all summer long. Come and join us!
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