Washington State is full of surprises. I’ve lived here my whole life and there are these great pockets or areas that I’ve never been to (or sometimes even heard of). Living in Seattle, I’m truly lucky because there are so many great getaways only 2+ hours away. Rainforest? Check. Bavarian Village? Check. Breathtaking Islands? Check. Desert climate? Check. Coincidentally, these places work out well for our budget, because it saves us on airfare and everything else that comes with traveling far away. I’m all about the #ExploreLocal life. Last weekend we visited Westport, which is a beach town known for fishing as it’s one of the largest commercial fishing ports on the west coast.
Although Westport is a fabulous vacation spot, sometimes life is busy and time is limited. There’s still so much that you can see and do in Westport, even if you only have a day. Maybe you are taking an epic road trip and want to hit up as many coastal towns as possible. Or maybe you just want to visit for the day. Either way I’ve got you covered!
Things To Do In Westport, WA In One Day
Beach comb
Probably a given, but one of the first things we did when we arrived was hit the beach. Bring your shoes, because any Washingtonian knows that our beaches are the rugged “wear your shoes” kind of beaches. Beautiful in their own right, but not the sand between your toes kind :). If you see in tact sand dollars feel free to collect them. We checked with the locals and it’s ok to take them. If they’re washed up and look like this (without any hair like projections) they’re dead and it would save you for paying for them at the gift shop!
Clam digging for razor clams is also big here, and you could spend some of your time digging them up if you’re a seafood fan (or just want a new experience).
Climb the Observation Tower
Just off of the main street (towards the water) you’ll see a tower. A few flights of stairs up, and there’s a great view of the city and ocean. You might even run into friendly locals looking to get their exercise and steps in along the way here.
Check out the surfers
Surfers in Washington? It’s true! Surfing here is not for the faint of heart either; even with dry suits, these people are brave in my opinion. Watching them is something that doesn’t take a lot of time, but is a lot of fun. I suppose you could even catch a few waves yourself if you’re the type. I’m content just watching from the rocks on my way to the boardwalk.
Walk the Main Dock and stop in the Gift Shop
Not to be confused with the boardwalk, this main dock is right in the heart of Westport (across from Bennett’s and places to eat); it’s not a long walk but you can look at all kinds of boats along the way. At the end there’s a little gift shop. Saltwater taffy, anyone?
Grab something to eat
It feels like a must to have seafood of some sort when you’re in a beach town, right?! I would suggest Bennett’s if you’re short on time but big on flavor. Confession, I’m not the biggest seafood fan (gasp). I know, I live in Seattle and should live and breathe coffee and seafood but I don’t love either. I’m telling you though, that Bennett’s fish and chips are everything. Halibut has always been my fish of choice but they are SO good here! I think they were around 16.99, which felt like a lot for fish and chips, but I promise you it’s worth it!
Walk Fisherman’s Boardwalk
This was something recommended we do when I was doing my research. Would I agree? Totally. Does anywhere tell you how to find and enter this said boardwalk? No! So if you are reading this and looking for how to get onto the boardwalk you’re in luck! I hope that I can save you time so you can still enjoy the boardwalk without the confusion on how to actually get on it. At the end of Nettie Rose Drive, there’s a little parking lot by a roundabout of sorts. It appears almost like a dead-end that leads to slips for boats. You can see the boardwalk from here, but there doesn’t seem to be an entry point. See that silver ramp going down to Float 20 (in the pic below)? Follow that and you’ll soon be on Fisherman’s Boardwalk, where there’s a great view of Gray’s Harbor and the Westport Marina. This is also where my lens cap jumped out of my nearly numb hands and onto the rocks below. Word of caution; be careful if it’s stormy out :).
Stop at the lookouts
There are plenty places to stop and get a magnified look at the ocean. Much better chance of seeing seals this way. You’ll hear them, but this will help you see them too!
Count all the marine and wildlife that you see
Whether by land or sea, if you’re looking for it you’ll find great life here in Westport. You might even see Sasquatch…..just sayin’.
Visit Gray’s Harbor Lighthouse (tallest in the state of WA!)
For $5.00 a person, you get a tour of Gray’s Harbor Lighthouse. 135 steps up, with stunning photo ops and scenes along the way. I would say this is a must stop in Westport. It doesn’t take that long, but there’s just something really cool about lighthouses! Ask about any ghost stories…if you dare!
Stop at the Maritime Museum
If learning and history are your thing then the Maritime Museum is where it’s at. Money saving tip, the Lighthouse should give you a coupon for the museum so head there first!
Fly a kite
Bring your own or buy one at that gift shop on the Main Dock. It’s usually plenty windy and could take you back to your childhood. Who has the Mary Poppins song running through their head at this.very.moment?!
Sit back and enjoy nature
Crashing waves and stunning sunsets; sometimes being still is the best thing you can do in places like these. If you can time your trip to catch either the sunrise or sunset then you’re doing it right:).
Westport is big on charters for fishing, so if you had more time or wanted to use your whole day for that I’m sure you wouldn’t be disappointed. There are also some pretty amazing houses on VRBO nearby if you want to make a weekend of it and spend time just relaxing and taking in the view. Westport is a peaceful little beach town away from the hustle and bustle of city life. Whether you have a day and are just passing through or it’s your destination; I hope you have a fabulous time and #ExploreLocal!
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