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. Check the WestportWa.com Antique Stores Listing for a listing of
the antique stores in the area.
- 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 Lifeboat
Dedicated to its crew who gave their lives on a rescue mission, the Coast
Guard's 36 foot motor lifeboat has been preserved and immortalized for
you to see. It is dedicated to the four men who gave their lives on a rescue
mission. It is kept on the grounds of the Coast Guard station and has a parking
lot nearby. Due to increased security, the boat is inside the station fence
on the station grounds.
- 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.
- Cranberry Museum
Learn more about cranberries and harvest procedures at the Furfurd Cranberry
Museum. The museum is open various hours, so call a few days ahead of time
and talk to Bill Ripley (360) 267-5403. Bill will coordinate with you so that
he can open the museum for when you visit.
- 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)
- Ferry to Ocean Shores
If you are visiting Ocean Shores, you can hop the ferry to Westport and vice
versa. It is a nice short ride aboard a large 65 foot charter boat.
- 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
There are two go-kart tracks in Westport to choose from. One of them is at
the Breakers Motel. The other
is at the Westport Family Fun Center.
- 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.
- Miniature Golf
There are 2 miniature golf courses in the area. The Kenanna RV Park in Grayland
has a very nice and challenging
course at a bargain price! Westport also has a miniature golf course.
It is located at the Westport Family Fun Center on the way to the dock area.
- 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.
- 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. 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.
- 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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