Grays Harbor County · Pacific Coast
Westport
Washington's tallest lighthouse, one of the Pacific Northwest's most consistent surf breaks, and the state's largest commercial fishing marina make Westport the coast's most action-packed small town.
Westport sits where Grays Harbor meets the Pacific Ocean, a town of about 2,200 that punches well above its size. The commercial fishing fleet here is one of the largest on the Washington coast, and the adjacent marina is among the biggest in the Pacific Northwest, meaning the charters, the fresh seafood, and the working waterfront are the real thing and not a recreation.
Three beach breaks along Westhaven State Park and Point Chehalis attract surfers year round, with conditions that work for beginners and experienced riders alike. The Jetty at Westhaven is the most consistent, breaking over a sand bottom that forgives wipeouts. Add the 107-foot Grays Harbor Lighthouse, the Westport Maritime Museum in a beautifully preserved Coast Guard station, and productive razor clamming beaches, and Westport earns a longer stay than the typical drive-through visit most travelers give it.
January brings storm watchers for the crashing winter waves. April through October draws anglers. Summer fills the marina with families learning to crab. There is no bad season here, just different versions of the same Pacific edge.
Getting Here
From Seattle, head south on Interstate 5 to Olympia, then west on US 12 through Aberdeen. From Aberdeen continue south on SR 105 to Westport. The total distance is about 130 miles and takes roughly 2 hours depending on traffic through Olympia. From Portland, head north on I-5 to Olympia and follow the same route west. There is no passenger rail or commercial air service to Westport, so a car is required.
Things to Do
Surfing
Westhaven State Park and The Jetty
Three beach breaks converge near Point Chehalis, with The Jetty at Westhaven Beach offering the most consistent waves over an all-sand bottom. Bigfoot Surf and Steepwater Surf Shop both run lessons and gear rentals for first timers. Experienced surfers ride here year round.
Fishing
Westport Marina Fishing Charters
The largest marina in the Pacific Northwest is the jumping-off point for guided charters targeting salmon, halibut, albacore tuna, rockfish, and lingcod. The season runs April through October, with different species peaking at different times. Charter crews provide all gear and will often clean your catch.
Landmark
Grays Harbor Lighthouse
At 107 feet, the Grays Harbor Lighthouse is the tallest in Washington state. Guided tours take visitors up 135 winding steps to the top deck for a full panorama of the coast and harbor. Open seasonally with a small entry fee.
Museum
Westport Maritime Museum
Housed in a beautifully preserved 1939 U.S. Coast Guard station, the Maritime Museum covers Westport's commercial fishing history, displays a giant Fresnel lighthouse lens, and keeps whale skeletons that give a real sense of what lives offshore. Free or low cost admission.
Clamming
Razor Clamming on Westport Beaches
Razor clamming is one of the most accessible ways to harvest your own seafood in Washington, and Westport is one of the best spots for it. Gear is minimal, the technique is learnable in minutes, and a successful dig sends you home with enough clams for a proper meal. A Washington shellfish license is required. Check WDFW for current season openings.
State Park
Twin Harbors State Park
About 2 miles south of Westport on SR 105, Twin Harbors covers 172 acres of coastal forest, grassy dunes, and direct ocean beach access. Camping, kite flying, and long beach walks are the main draws. One of the better campgrounds on the Washington coast.
Wildlife
Whale and Seabird Watching
Grey whales migrate past Westport in March and April on their way north, making the jetty and the observation platforms at Westport Light State Park prime viewing spots. Summer and fall bring feeding concentrations of seabirds offshore. Several charters also offer dedicated wildlife and whale watching trips.
Storm Watching
Winter Storm Watching
December through February brings massive Pacific swells that crash against the jetty at Westhaven Beach during high tides. The Observation Tower at the Westport Marina is the safest vantage point, but the outer dunes also deliver the spectacle. Storm watching season draws visitors specifically for this.
“The commercial fishing fleet here is one of the largest on the Washington coast, and the adjacent marina is among the biggest in the Pacific Northwest.”
Explore Washington State
Where to Stay
LOGE Westport
The adventure-focused lodging option in Westport, LOGE has RV hookups, campsites, motel rooms with hammocks, and hostel-style bunks for every budget. The communal fire pit, cedar hot tub, and live music events make it a destination for surfers and cyclists as much as a place to sleep.
Book LOGE WestportMarina Cottages
Centrally located rustic cottages facing the marina or the bay, each with a kitchenette, electric fireplace for chilly nights, a private porch, and an outdoor fire pit. Some rooms have jetted tubs. A good match for couples and anyone who wants to cook fresh-caught seafood in their room.
Book Marina CottagesSouth Bay Inn
A thoughtfully renovated 1966-vintage motel south of downtown with 21 rooms, each with a kitchenette and air conditioning. Larger groups can book a 3-bedroom vacation home. Good value and well maintained.
Book South Bay InnFind a Cabin Near Westport
Find a Cabin Near Westport
Food & Drink
Bennett’s Fish Shack — The waterfront classic since 2010, Bennett’s serves fish and chips, chowder in a sourdough bread bowl, and crabcakes from a patio that faces the marina. Arrive early on summer weekends or expect a wait.
Blackbeard’s Brewing Company — Two locations in town: the main brewery on Ocean Avenue pairs craft beers and cranberry cider with pizzas and salads, while the marina taproom goes with smash burgers, tacos, and burritos alongside water views.
Taqueria Los Tres Figgies — The local favorite for a casual lunch or dinner. The mulitas and quesabirria tacos come highly recommended by regulars. Unpretentious, well priced, and genuinely good.
Whale of a Cone — End the day here with ice cream served in homemade waffle cones. Worth it.
Festivals & Events
January
Storms and Seafood Festival
An annual January celebration of Westport's commercial fishing heritage, featuring a seafood passport challenge where visitors eat their way through local restaurants, plus viewpoint stamps and daily prize entries. One of the better reasons to visit the Washington coast in winter.
June
Rusty Scuppers Pirate Daze
Westport's most distinctive annual event fills the town with pirates, live music, food vendors, and elaborate costume contests in mid-June. Families and adults both lean into the theme hard. Free to attend and worth planning around if you're on the coast anyway.
July
Windriders Kite Festival
Grayland Beach just south of Westport hosts this annual kite festival, filling the sky with colorful shapes during a weekend in July. Kite flying demos, vendor stalls, and instruction sessions for first timers. A genuinely photogenic event on a wide, flat beach.
Day Trips
Aberdeen (25 miles north) — The Grays Harbor County seat holds the Lady Washington tall ship, Kurt Cobain Memorial Park, and a working downtown with Steam Donkey Brewing and Wishkah River Distillery. An easy half-day detour from Westport.
Ocean Shores (20 miles north via SR 115) — A more developed beach town with a longer drive-on beach, casino, golf course, and more lodging options. Good for a day if Westport is your base.
Bottle Beach State Park — A short drive north, this 64-acre park on Grays Harbor’s southern shore is one of Washington’s premier shorebird viewing sites. Tens of thousands of migrating birds pass through in spring.
Cranberry Museum, Grayland — A short drive south toward Long Beach on SR 105, the Cranberry Museum covers the history and cultivation of Washington’s coastal cranberry industry. Worth a quick stop paired with the kite festival in July.
Planning Your Visit
Summer weekends are the busiest, especially during peak fishing season from April through October. Advance booking for fishing charters and lodging is essential in summer. Come mid-week or visit in May and September for warm weather with manageable crowds. The surf is rideable year round but winter brings the biggest waves and the most dramatic storm watching. Pack warm layers even in July — the coast stays cool and windy well into what the rest of Washington calls summer.
More Westport on EWS
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Westport, Washington known for?
Westport is best known for its commercial fishing fleet, deep sea fishing charters, and one of the most consistent surf breaks on the Washington coast. The town also has the state’s tallest lighthouse at 107 feet and is one of Washington’s best spots for razor clamming.
Is Westport, Washington worth visiting?
Yes, especially for anyone interested in fishing, surfing, coastal wildlife, or authentic working waterfront towns. Westport is one of the less touristy options on the Washington coast while still offering genuine things to do. A weekend here feels different from the more developed Ocean Shores experience.
How do you get to Westport, Washington?
From Seattle, drive south on I-5 to Olympia, then west on US 12 through Aberdeen, then south on SR 105. The drive is about 130 miles and takes roughly 2 hours. There is no public transit or rail service to Westport, so a car is required.
When is the best time to visit Westport?
June through September is peak season for fishing, clamming, and surfing. January and February are ideal for storm watching when Pacific swells hit the jetty at full force. The shoulder seasons of May and October offer mild weather with significantly fewer crowds.
How tall is the Grays Harbor Lighthouse in Westport?
The Grays Harbor Lighthouse stands 107 feet tall, making it the tallest lighthouse in Washington state. It has 135 steps to the top and is open for guided tours during the summer season.
Is there good surfing in Westport, Washington?
Yes. Westport is Washington’s most consistent surf destination, with three beach breaks near Point Chehalis. The Jetty at Westhaven Beach is the most popular, breaking over an all-sand bottom that works well for beginners. Two local surf shops offer lessons and gear rentals. The surf is rideable year round.
What fishing is available in Westport, Washington?
Westport charters target salmon, halibut, albacore tuna, rockfish, and lingcod, with the season running April through October. Different species peak at different times, so check with charter operators before booking. Dungeness crabbing and razor clamming are also popular from the marina docks and beaches.