Westport offers several distinct coastal experiences: miles of beaches, a paved trail through coastal dunes, and maritime history in the Marina District. When planning, you can decide whether beach activities, getting out on the trail, or the lighthouse and museum should take center stage.

Coast, Park and Beach Activities

Westport offers miles of beaches for walking, beachcombing, and whale watching. Westport Light State Park covers 560 acres, is a day-use park, and has 1,215 feet of shoreline. The Westport Light Trail winds through the coastal dunes; the paved trail is ADA-accessible. About halfway along, it enters Westhaven State Park. If you’re looking for a paved, ADA-accessible trail through the dunes, it’s an alternative to a beach walk. The acreage describes the park’s area, while the shoreline length describes its coast.

There are also opportunities for razor clamming in the Westport area; nearby beaches can be reached on foot or by car. Seasons and regulations may change.

Lighthouse, Museum and Marina

The Grays Harbor Lighthouse is 107 feet tall and the tallest lighthouse in Washington State. The Westport Maritime Museum is located in Westport’s Marina District in a complex of five buildings that was formerly a U.S. Coast Guard station. The museum houses its maritime collection in the main building; its exhibits focus on the maritime history of the South Beach. The lighthouse and museum offer different highlights: the lighthouse is notable for its height, while the museum centers on its collection and history.

The Westport Marina District has public facilities for accessing the water. Together with the museum in the same district, these make it a maritime hub that reflects both the history of the South Beach and today’s use of the water.

Surfing, Fishing and Seafood

Westport offers three main surf breaks for all skill levels. Westport’s charter fleet runs fishing trips for salmon, halibut, rockfish, lingcod, and albacore tuna. Which species may be available on trips depends on the season and regulations.

There are also opportunities to catch Dungeness crab and red rock crab in the Westport area; here, too, seasons and regulations may change. You can buy fresh, locally caught seafood directly from Westport fishermen or at Westport fish markets. Selection may vary from market to market.

In winter, you can watch for king tides from the Westport Marina Observation Tower; visibility varies. This seasonal activity differs from fishing opportunities, which are governed by seasons and regulations.

Discover more destinations: Copalis Beach, Hoquiam, Elma, Quinault, Aberdeen, Cohassett Beach, Moclips, Grayland

For the overview of the wider area, see: Grays Harbor County.