Westport Washington

Overview

I was searching for the perfect location to have a family vacation a few years ago and came across Westport, Washington. It looked like a great place to learn how to surf, hang out with family, and I could even bring my dog along! Since this first vacation, I have been back to Westport a few times. Each visit has brought new adventures, and I always dread having to leave. In this blog I will talk about where to stay, what to do, and everything else you need to know about Westport.

Westport, Washington, a coastal gem steeped in history and brimming with natural beauty. Nestled along the picturesque shores of the Pacific Ocean, Westport boasts a rich maritime heritage and a vibrant community that beckons visitors year-round. Join us as we delve into the captivating history of this charming town, uncovering tales of exploration, industry, and resilience that have shaped its character over the years.

History

With its roots tracing back to the days of early settlers and pioneers, Westport’s history is as diverse as it is fascinating. From humble beginnings as a small fishing village to its evolution into a bustling port town, each chapter in Westport’s story is infused with the spirit of adventure and perseverance.

As we journey through Westport’s past, we’ll also delve into its present, exploring the dynamic population that calls this coastal haven home. From hardworking fishermen to artists inspired by the rugged beauty of the landscape, Westport’s residents are as diverse as the sea itself, contributing to the town’s unique cultural tapestry.

Located on the ruggedly beautiful coast of Washington State, Westport enjoys a prime position surrounded by breathtaking natural scenery. With miles of pristine beaches, towering sea stacks, and sweeping ocean views, it’s no wonder that Westport is a beloved destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.

While Westport’s beauty is timeless, its character is also shaped by the ebb and flow of the seasons. From the lively energy of summer, when visitors flock to its shores to soak up the sun and surf, to the peaceful solitude of winter, when storms roll in off the Pacific, each season offers its own unique charm and allure.

Weather in Westport Washington

The weather in Westport, Washington, is characterized by its maritime influence, with mild temperatures, moderate rainfall, and frequent coastal fog. Situated along the Pacific Ocean, Westport experiences a maritime climate, which means that its weather is heavily influenced by the nearby sea.

Summer

Summers in Westport are typically mild and pleasant, with temperatures ranging from the mid-60s to the low 70s Fahrenheit (around 18-23 degrees Celsius). This is the busiest time of year for tourism, as visitors flock to the coast to enjoy the sunshine and partake in outdoor activities such as beach combing, fishing, and whale watching. However, it’s not uncommon for coastal fog to roll in during the mornings and evenings, creating a cool and misty atmosphere.

Fall

Fall brings cooler temperatures and an increase in rainfall as the region transitions into its wet season. Despite the occasional rain showers, fall can still be a beautiful time to visit Westport, with colorful foliage adding to the coastal scenery. The foggy mornings become more frequent, casting a mysterious and atmospheric veil over the landscape.

Winter

Winter in Westport is characterized by cool temperatures and frequent storms off the Pacific Ocean. Temperatures typically range from the mid-40s to the low 50s Fahrenheit (around 7-12 degrees Celsius), and rainfall is common throughout the season. Storm watching can be a popular activity during the winter months, as visitors marvel at the power of the ocean from the safety of the shoreline.

Spring

Spring brings a gradual warming of temperatures and a decrease in rainfall as the region emerges from its winter slumber. Flowers begin to bloom, and wildlife becomes more active, making it an excellent time for birdwatching and nature walks. While the coastal fog can still make appearances, sunny days become more frequent as spring progresses, signaling the arrival of warmer weather and the promise of summer ahead.

Places to stay in Westport, Washington

There are a few different options when it comes to lodging in Westport, but keep in mind this is a small town and it’s fairly limited. Keep in mind that Westport is a seasonal tourist destination and reservations can be hard to find in the middle of the summer. If you’re visiting during the winter you likely will not run into trouble trying to find a place to stay.

• Airbnb: Westport is a great town to rent an Airbnb in. You can find some options below $150/night, but they book up quickly in the Summers. I have also found many options that are dog friendly, making it easy to find accommodation.
• Hotels/Motels: There are about 10 different hotels and motels that you can stay at. The average price is $100-$200 per night. To view all of the hotels and motels in Westport click here. Here are a few options for your vacation:
  • The Westport In –
  • Mariners Cove Inn
  • Chateau Westport Resort
• RV and Camping: There are many RV and camping areas in Westport. These also book up quickly during the busy season.
  • Kenanna RV Resort by Rjourney
  • American Sunset RV & Tent Resort
  • Kila Hana Camperland
  • Totem RV & Trailer Park

Annual Westport Events

Westport Kite Festival

Each year Westport hosts a Kite Festival. People bring their kites – purchased or homemade – and fly them together at the festival for one weekend each July. This is a vibrant celebration located on the beach in Grayland, Washington. This event invites you to watch and fly colorful kites in the coastal breeze. Best of all, this experience is entirely free, offering everyone the chance to join in the fun and make cherished memories by the sea

Click here to go to the Kite Festivals Facebook page.

These are the upcoming dates:

2024: July 12-14
2025: July 11-13
2026: July 10-12

Westport crab Derby

Each year, Westport hosts their Crab Derby. This is a beloved tradition that brings together locals and visitors alike for a weekend of crustacean-themed festivities. Each April, this lively event showcases the maritime heritage of Westport.

Each year, Westport hosts the highly anticipated Crab Derby, a beloved tradition that brings together locals and visitors alike for a weekend of crustacean-themed festivities. Held annually in April, this lively event showcases the rich maritime heritage of Westport, Washington, and celebrates the bounty of the sea.

You can sign up for this fishing tournament the day of or the day before at Pier 8 in Westport. I joined in 2024 and it was a $10 entry. The day of the event, local crab fishermen release hundreds of Dungenous Crab, some marked with a color associated to a cash prize.

The crab fishing itself is very easy, you just need to get a crab pot, bait, and a Washington state fishing license. You can purchase your crab pot at a local shop or look on Facebook marketplace for a used pot. You can purchase your bait near the marina in Westport, we purchased our bait for $3 in town. Just look for one of the local fresh seafood stores, and go in to ask if they have bait. For more information on crab fishing in Westport, scroll down to my section on crab fishing.

Westport Dining

There are a few different places to get food while you are in Westport. Many of these restaurants have fresh seafood that is caught in the waters near Westport. Local fishermen bring in their catches daily to provide for the town of Westport and all of its visitors. When looking for dining in Westport, I always recommend looking for fish or crab. This allows you to experience the local cuisine!

There is one local grocery store in Westport, the Shop n’ Kart. This is where you can buy any groceries needed during your trip. If you’re staying at an Airbnb, this is a great grocery store to purchase the food you’ll need. In typical small town fashion, Shop n’ Kart also has many other items available for purchase. They have fishing gear, charcoal, sunscreen, and more! Plus, you can purchase a Washington State Fishing License here at the customer service desk.

Westport Restaurants:

1. Bennett’s Fish Shack
2. Westport Pizza Company
3. Aloha Alabama BBQ
4. Merino’s Seafood Market
5. The Sands Cafe
6. Blackbeard’s Brewing Company
7. Blue Buoy

Activities

Walking around town: One of my favorite things to do in Westport is to walk through the town. You can go near the marina and visit all of the little shops on the drag.

Hiking and walking on beaches: There are a few different beaches you can enjoy while in Westport.

Tide Pools: Westport is not well known for exploring tide pools, but there is one area I know of that’s worth checking out. If you visit the rock jetty in Half Moon Bay at low tide you can view some pacific ocean critters. You’ll see crab, sea anemone, starfish, and more. To view the Westport tide tables, click here.

Aquarium: The aquarium is a great stop to add to your trip in Westport! Located conveniently downtown near the Westport marina, you can spend a few hours exploring the ocean life in this aquarium. Plus, it’s dog friendly! Adults can enter for $8, kids get in for $6, and anyone under the age of 3 is free.

Click here to view the Westport Aquariums Facebook page.

Surfing/boogie boarding:

Fishing and Crabbing: One of my favorite Westport activities is fishing and crabbing. I highly recommend you learn how to do these activities on your own, or book a charter tour. Please read below for more information on fishing and crabbing on your own in Westport. If you’re planning on scheduling a charter boat, here are a few options for you:

1. Westport Charters
2. Slammer Charters
3. Tornado Westport
4. Blue Eyes Sport Fishing

Fishing

Westport is known for both it’s commercial and personal fishing. Westport, Washington, nestled along the Pacific coast, boasts a rich fishing heritage. Its fishing industry has been a cornerstone of the local economy and culture for generations. From commercial fleets to recreational anglers, Westport offers abundant opportunities to reel in the catch of a lifetime. However, alongside these opportunities come stringent laws and regulations designed to preserve the delicate balance of marine ecosystems and ensure sustainable fishing practices.

At the heart of Westport’s fishing industry lies its marina. This is where commercial vessels and charter boats set out for the deep waters of the Pacific Ocean in search of salmon, tuna, halibut, and other prized species. However, for individuals keen on casting their lines, Westport offers various options.

One popular spot for individual anglers is the Westport Jetty, a picturesque stretch of rocky shoreline jutting into the ocean. Here, anglers can try their luck at catching rockfish, lingcod, cabezon, and surf perch. The jetty’s rugged terrain provides a thrilling backdrop for fishing adventures. That being said, anglers must exercise caution, as the rocks can be slippery and treacherous, especially during high tide.

Another favorite destination for anglers is Grays Harbor, a vast estuary formed by the convergence of the Chehalis and Hoquiam rivers. Grays Harbor offers excellent opportunities for salmon fishing, particularly during the fall salmon run when Chinook, Coho, and Chum salmon return to their natal streams to spawn. Anglers can fish from the shore or launch their boats into the calm waters of the harbor.

Regulations:

When it comes to regulations, both state and federal laws govern fishing activities in Westport and its surrounding waters. Individual anglers must familiarize themselves with these regulations to ensure compliance and avoid hefty fines or penalties. Some key regulations include:

1. Fishing Licenses: All anglers must possess a valid Washington State fishing license, which can be obtained online or from authorized vendors. Additionally, specific endorsements may be required for certain species or fishing methods.
2. Catch Limits: Regulations specify the size and quantity of fish that anglers are allowed to harvest. These limits vary depending on the species, location, and time of year. It’s crucial for anglers to accurately measure their catch and adhere to these limits to prevent overfishing.
3. Seasonal Closures: Certain fishing grounds may be closed during specific times of the year to protect spawning fish populations or sensitive habitats. Anglers should consult current fishing regulations to ensure they are fishing in open areas.
4. Gear Restrictions: Regulations govern the types of fishing gear allowed and may restrict the use of certain equipment such as barbed hooks or gillnets. Anglers should use only legal gear and methods to avoid violating regulations.
5. Protected Species: Some species of fish, such as endangered salmon runs or protected marine mammals, are off-limits to fishing to support conservation efforts. Anglers must be able to identify these species and release them unharmed if accidentally caught.

By adhering to these laws and regulations, individual anglers can enjoy Westport’s waters. It’s important that we all contribute to the long-term sustainability of its fishing industry. Whether fishing from the jetty or navigating Grays Harbor, the allure of Westport’s fishing continues to attract anglers.

Crabbing

Crabbing in Westport, Washington, is my personal favorite activity in this small town. With its extensive coastline and abundant crab populations, Westport provides opportunities for crabbers of all skill levels. In fact, this is where I first learned the ins and outs of crabbing! Like fishing, crabbing is subject to regulations aimed at preserving crab populations and ensuring sustainable harvesting practices.

One of the most popular methods of crabbing in Westport is from a boat, either privately owned or rented from one of the local marinas. Crab pots, also known as crab traps, are typically used to capture Dungeness and red rock crabs, the two primary species targeted by crabbers in the area. These pots are baited with fish heads, chicken, or other bait to attract crabs, then lowered into the water and left to soak for a period of time before being retrieved.

Because I don’t own a boat, I visit Westport to crab in the marina. You can walk out onto the docs downtown and throw your crab pots into the water. There are many different docs that you can crab off of, and all you need is a net, bait, and a fishing license! You can throw your net or trap into the water, sit for a 10-20 minutes, and pull it back in to see what you’ve caught.

The cost of gear is quite low, especially when considering how much the cost of crab is.

• Crab pots: These vary in price from $30-$100, depending on design and size. I like to use a cage because you avoid the crab getting tangled in the lines.
• Bait: You can purchase bait at Merino’s Seafood Market in Westport, or you can use uneaten meat from home! Many people swear by using the remains of a rotisserie chicken, or even old rotting chicken. You can also use any unwanted fish heads or scraps from fishing adventures.
• Gloves: No matter what kind of crab pot you’re using, you are going to want some good gloves. You spend a lot of time pulling the wet rope up onto the dock. Waterproof and thick gloves are ideal. When I was first learning, I didn’t have any gloves to use and I my hands were cold and unhappy!
• Warm clothes: Westport is known for it’s fluctuating weather, so bring lots of layers and waterproof clothing for your crabbing adventures. Crab fishing is usually done in the winter, so pack for rain and cold wind.

Regulations

When it comes to regulations, it’s important to follow the rules designed to protect crab populations and promote sustainable harvesting practices. Some key regulations include:

1. Licensing: Crabbers must possess a valid Washington State shellfish license, which can be obtained online or from authorized vendors. Additionally, a crab endorsement is required to harvest Dungeness crab in the Puget Sound. The endorsement is not required if you are only crabbing in Westport.To purchase your $28 saltwater license, click here!
2. Catch Limits: Regulations specify the size and quantity of crabs that crabbers are allowed to harvest. You can only keep a total of 6 crab per day. For Dungeness crab, only male crabs measuring a minimum of 6.25 inches across the back are legal to keep. Female crabs and undersized males must be released unharmed. You can purchase a plastic measurement tool to
3. Seasonal Restrictions: Crabbing season in Westport is from December 1 – September 15th. For up-to-date information on crabbing dates, click here.
4. Reporting Requirements: Some crabbing activities may require reporting of catch data, either through mandatory reporting programs or voluntary surveys. Participating in these programs helps fisheries managers monitor crab populations and make informed management decisions. If you’re crabbing in Westport you don’t have to fill out a Washington State Catch Card.

By following these laws and regulations, crabbers can enjoy a rewarding and sustainable crabbing experience in Westport’s waters. Whether dropping pots from a boat or tossing them from shore, the joy in eating fresh caught crab is hard to beat.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Westport, Washington, stands as a testament to the enduring allure of coastal living and the timeless charm of a close-knit community. From its rich maritime heritage to its breathtaking natural beauty, Westport offers a wealth of experiences for visitors seeking adventure, relaxation, and a connection to the sea.

Throughout the seasons, Westport’s character evolves, offering new delights to discover with each visit. From the vibrant energy of summer to the peaceful solitude of winter storm watching, each season brings its own unique magic to this coastal paradise.

As I reflect on my own experiences in Westport, I am reminded of the countless memories made and the lasting connections forged in this special place. Whether it’s the exhilaration of catching the perfect wave or the simple pleasure of strolling along the shoreline with loved ones, Westport has woven itself into the fabric of my family’s story.

In sharing the wonders of Westport through this blog, I hope to inspire others to embark on their own journey of discovery in this coastal haven. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or a first-time visitor, Westport welcomes you with open arms and invites you to experience the magic of life by the sea. So pack your bags, leash up your furry friend, and set sail for adventure in Westport, Washington – where the ocean meets opportunity, and memories are made to last a lifetime.