What's new in Westport?

 

Fun things to do in Westport

 

 

Fun thinhs 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. Source.