Westport, Washington, sits at the southern edge of Grays Harbor where the Pacific Ocean meets one of the busiest commercial fishing harbors on the West Coast. Known officially as the "Sport Fishing Capital of the World" and designated a Coast Guard City USA, this small waterfront town packs a remarkable number of attractions into its compact footprint. Whether you're fascinated by maritime history, looking for hands-on marine education, or want to walk a jetty stretching into the open Pacific, the things to do in Westport WA will fill a memorable day—or several.
At Ocean Spray Beach Resort, we send our guests to Westport regularly. It's just a short drive north from our Grayland cottages, and the combination of working waterfront, quirky museums, excellent food, and stunning views makes it an essential part of any Washington coast vacation. Here's our guide to the best Westport Marina activities and attractions.
1. Westport Maritime Museum: Where History Comes Alive
The Westport Maritime Museum is housed in a historic 1939 Coast Guard station, and stepping inside feels like stepping back in time. The building itself is a beauty—a classic example of the utilitarian architecture that defined Coast Guard stations along the Pacific coast during the early 20th century. Today, it serves as the centerpiece of Westport's rich maritime heritage.
The museum's collection spans the full breadth of the area's relationship with the sea, from the Indigenous peoples who first fished these waters to the modern commercial fishing fleet that still operates from Westport harbor. Exhibits cover shipwrecks, rescue operations, cranberry farming (a major local industry), and the evolution of fishing technology from hand-pulled nets to today's sophisticated vessels.
The crown jewel of the museum is the working Fresnel lens from Destruction Island. This magnificent piece of lighthouse technology—with its precisely ground glass prisms that could focus a small flame into a beam visible for miles—represents the pinnacle of 19th-century optical engineering. Seeing it up close, with its intricate brass framework and hundreds of individual glass elements, gives you a profound appreciation for the craftsmanship that went into keeping mariners safe along this treacherous coastline.
The museum also features a whale skeleton display, maritime art exhibitions, and rotating exhibits that highlight different aspects of coastal life. It's an excellent rainy-day activity, though we recommend visiting even on sunny days—the history here enriches your understanding of everything you see along the coast.
The Westport Maritime Museum occupies a beautifully preserved 1939 Coast Guard station along the waterfront.
2. Grays Harbor Lighthouse: The Tallest in Washington
Standing 107 feet tall, the Grays Harbor Lighthouse is the tallest lighthouse in Washington State and one of the most iconic landmarks on the Pacific coast. Built in 1898 and still operational, this towering sentinel has guided mariners safely past the treacherous bar at the mouth of Grays Harbor for well over a century.
The lighthouse is open for tours during summer months and select weekends, and climbing the 135 steps to the top is an experience you won't forget. The spiral staircase narrows as you ascend, and stepping out onto the observation platform rewards you with a breathtaking 360-degree panorama of the Pacific Ocean, Grays Harbor, and the surrounding coastline. On clear days, the view stretches for miles in every direction.
Even when the tower itself is closed, the grounds are worth a visit. The lighthouse sits within Westport Light State Park, surrounded by coastal forest and dune trails that lead to the beach. It's a photographer's dream, especially during golden hour when the white tower catches the warm light of a Pacific sunset.
For a deeper dive into the lighthouse's fascinating history and visiting tips, check out our complete Grays Harbor Lighthouse guide.
A stunning Fresnel lens—precision-engineered to focus light across miles of ocean—on display near Westport.
3. Westport Aquarium: Touch a Gray Whale Skeleton
The Westport Aquarium is small but mighty, offering hands-on marine education that's perfect for families. The star attraction is a full Gray Whale skeleton—and yes, you can touch it. Running your fingers along the massive bones of a creature that once swam the Pacific gives you a visceral connection to the marine world that no photograph or video can replicate.
Beyond the whale skeleton, the aquarium features touch tanks with local sea life, displays on Pacific Northwest marine ecosystems, and knowledgeable staff who are passionate about ocean education. It's an ideal stop for families with children, especially as part of a morning of ocean-themed exploration around the marina.
If you're visiting during whale migration season, the aquarium visit pairs perfectly with actual whale watching in Westport—seeing the skeleton first gives kids (and adults) a much deeper appreciation for the living whales they might spot from shore or on a charter boat.
4. Westport Jetty: Walk the Breakwater into the Pacific
The Westport Jetty is a massive rock breakwater extending from the south side of the Grays Harbor entrance out into the Pacific Ocean. Built by the Army Corps of Engineers to stabilize the harbor channel, the jetty stretches roughly half a mile into open water and offers one of the most dramatic walks on the Washington coast.
Walking the jetty puts you right at the intersection of harbor and ocean. You'll watch commercial fishing boats, charter vessels, and Coast Guard cutters navigate the channel just yards away. During incoming swells, waves crash against the rocks on the ocean side while the harbor side stays relatively calm—a striking reminder of exactly why this structure exists.
The jetty is a favorite spot for surf fishing, with anglers casting for perch, rockfish, and lingcod from the rocks. It's also one of the best storm-watching locations on the coast. When winter storms roll in from the Pacific, waves explode against the jetty with raw force that you can feel through the boulders under your feet. Just use common sense—stay well back from the end during heavy seas, and watch for sneaker waves.
On calmer days, the jetty rewards you with wide-open views of the Pacific, passing gray whales during migration season, and spectacular sunsets. Bring binoculars, a fishing rod, and a camera. This is Westport at its most raw and beautiful.
5. Fisherman's Boardwalk: The Working Waterfront
For an authentic glimpse into Westport's identity as a fishing town, walk the Fisherman's Boardwalk along the marina. This elevated wooden walkway takes you past the working docks where commercial fishing boats tie up after runs for crab, tuna, salmon, and bottom fish. The sights, sounds, and smells are pure Pacific Northwest waterfront—diesel engines, screaming gulls, and the briny scent of fresh catch.
One of the best things about the boardwalk is the opportunity to buy fresh seafood directly from the boats. When the fleet is in, you can often purchase just-caught fish and crab right at the dock, sometimes still wriggling. The prices are typically well below what you'd pay at a retail fish market, and the freshness is unbeatable. Ask what's in season and what came in that morning—the fishermen are usually happy to chat about their catch.
The boardwalk also passes by fish processing plants, charter fishing offices, and small shops selling fishing gear and souvenirs. It's a working waterfront, not a sanitized tourist attraction, and that authenticity is what makes it special. For a deeper exploration of the local seafood scene, our guide to seafood restaurants in Westport and Grayland covers the best places to enjoy the local catch prepared by expert hands.
6. Marina Viewing Tower: Whale Watching from Shore
At the end of the marina boardwalk, a viewing tower rises above the waterfront, offering elevated views of the harbor, the ocean, and—during migration season—gray whales passing along the coast. The tower provides a free, accessible vantage point that's perfect for scanning the horizon with binoculars.
Gray whale migration typically peaks in March and April (northbound) and November through January (southbound). From the viewing tower, you can often spot the distinctive spouts and occasionally see whales breach or fluke. Even outside migration season, the tower offers excellent views of the marina activity, passing ships, and the dramatic bar where the harbor meets the open ocean.
For a closer encounter with these magnificent creatures, whale watching charters from Westport take you out onto the water where the whales feed and travel. But the viewing tower is an excellent starting point—and it's free.
7. Charter Fishing: The Sport Fishing Capital
Westport didn't earn its title as the Sport Fishing Capital of the World by accident. The marina is home to one of the largest charter fishing fleets on the West Coast, with boats heading out daily (weather permitting) for salmon, halibut, lingcod, tuna, and bottom fish. Whether you're an experienced angler or have never held a rod, a charter trip out of Westport is an unforgettable experience.
Charter operations range from large party boats that accommodate 20 or more anglers to private charters for small groups seeking a more personalized experience. Most charters provide all necessary gear and tackle, and the crews are skilled at helping beginners hook their first fish. During peak salmon season, it's not uncommon to limit out before noon and return to the dock with a cooler full of fresh fish.
Book your charter in advance during popular seasons, as boats fill up quickly—especially for weekend trips during salmon and halibut openings.
Planning Your Westport Day Trip
A perfect day in Westport might look something like this: Start with a morning walk along the Fisherman's Boardwalk and the marina viewing tower. Visit the Maritime Museum and the aquarium before lunch. Grab fresh seafood at one of the waterfront restaurants, then walk the Westport Jetty to watch boats navigate the harbor entrance. Spend the late afternoon at the Grays Harbor Lighthouse for golden-hour photos before heading back to your cottage in Grayland.
Alternatively, book an early-morning fishing charter, spend the afternoon at the museums and aquarium, and end with a sunset walk on the jetty. However you structure it, Westport offers enough variety to fill multiple visits—and many of our guests at Ocean Spray make it a regular stop during their stay.
For more ideas on structuring your coastal vacation, our Grayland weekend itinerary integrates Westport attractions with Grayland beach activities and outdoor adventures for a complete coastal experience. You can also explore our full list of top things to do in Grayland for even more inspiration.
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Planning a trip to Grayland or Westport? Ocean Spray Beach Resort offers cozy beach cottages and tiny homes just steps from the Pacific Ocean. Check availability and book your stay today.
