Westport, Washington is one of those rare places where the Pacific Coast shows up in full force — the salt in the air, the roar of the surf, and the smell of fresh Dungeness crab drifting from the marina. Whether you are visiting for the first time or returning after years away, a single day in this town can pack in more authentic coastal experiences than most weekend trips manage to offer. And when your base is Mariners Cove Inn, located at 303 W Ocean Ave, you are already a five-minute walk from the very heart of it all.

Here is exactly how to spend a perfect day in Westport, WA — from morning light at the lighthouse to an evening plate of the freshest seafood on the Washington Coast.

Morning: Climb the Tallest Lighthouse in Washington State

What is the Grays Harbor Lighthouse and why should I visit it?

Start your day early. Walk out the front door of Mariners Cove Inn and make your way to the Grays Harbor Lighthouse, one of the most significant maritime landmarks in the Pacific Northwest.

Dedicated on June 30, 1898, the lighthouse stands 107 feet tall — making it the tallest lighthouse in Washington State and the third tallest on the entire West Coast, surpassed only by California’s Pigeon Point and Point Arena lighthouses. Designed by architect Carl Leick, who considered it his personal masterpiece, the structure was built to mark the entrance to Grays Harbor — then a booming timber port of global significance with ships arriving from distant ports across the Pacific.

Visitors today can climb all 135 steps to the top, where panoramic views of the coastline and the open Pacific reward the effort. The lighthouse is managed by the Westport–South Beach Historical Society, which acquired ownership in 2004 under the National Historic Lighthouse Preservation Act and has maintained public access ever since. Tours are available through the Westport Maritime Museum, reachable at (360) 268-0078.

Pro Tip: The lighthouse grounds open early and the morning light makes for stunning photography. Go before the crowds arrive.

Mid-Morning: Explore the Westport Maritime Museum

What can you see at the Westport Maritime Museum?

Just steps from the lighthouse sits the Westport Maritime Museum, housed in a former U.S. Coast Guard building — a fitting home for a collection that covers Westport’s deep ties to the sea. Inside you will find exhibits on the town’s surfing heritage, the Grays Harbor life-saving services, and the working fishing culture that has defined this community since its incorporation in 1914.

The museum’s most spectacular exhibit is a working first-order Fresnel lens from the Destruction Island Lighthouse, located 57 miles north of Westport. Constructed in 1890 in France, the lens contains 24 bull’s-eyes and 1,176 prisms, and lighthouse experts consider it the best first-order Fresnel lens display in the world. Combined with your lighthouse climb, this stop fills out the full story of how Westport became one of Washington’s most important coastal towns.

Late Morning: Fish, Crab, or Clam — Pick Your Catch

What fishing opportunities are available in Westport, WA?

By now you have earned some time on the water. Westport is one of the premier fishing destinations on the entire West Coast, drawing anglers from across the country to target species including salmon, halibut, lingcod, rockfish, and albacore tuna.

Charter fishing is the most popular option. Experienced crews depart from the Westport Marina, providing all the gear and local knowledge you need. The Westport Charterboat Association even runs an ongoing Fishing Derby with daily cash prizes for top catches — worth entering if you are heading offshore.

Where can you go crabbing in Westport, WA?

Prefer to stay on land? Crabbing off the marina docks is a beloved tradition in Westport, especially for families. The marina allows crabbing directly from the docks — Float 20 is a favorite among locals as it tends to be less congested. Dungeness crab are the big prize, and they are abundant. Many of Washington’s finest coastal restaurants source their Dungeness directly from Westport’s commercial crabbing fleet.

What are the rules for razor clamming at Westport?

If razor clamming is your thing, Twin Harbors State Park Beach is the go-to spot. Digging for razor clams requires minimal gear and is genuinely fun for all ages. Before you go, check current Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) regulations for open seasons and dig dates, and make sure you carry a valid Washington shellfish license. Season openings are announced by WDFW and can vary year to year, so always verify before you head out.

Afternoon: Surf, Stroll, or Simply Watch the Ocean

What are the best surfing spots in Westport, WA?

After lunch — more on that shortly — the afternoon in Westport belongs to the Pacific itself.

Westhaven State Park is home to one of Washington’s most consistent surf breaks, and the sport has grown into a core part of Westport’s identity since salmon restrictions shifted the local economy toward recreation in the late twentieth century. The main break sites include:

• The Jetty (Westhaven Beach): Westport’s most popular and consistent surf break, suitable for intermediate to advanced surfers.
• Half Moon Bay: A gentler stretch ideal for beginners, shore fishing, or simply a quiet beach walk.
• South Jetty: A more exposed break that works well at certain tides for experienced surfers.

Surf lessons and gear rentals are available at local shops including Bigfoot Surf and Steepwater Surf Shop, making Westport accessible even if you have never stood on a board.

Is Westport, WA worth visiting in winter?

Yes — and here is why. Westport in winter is one of the most dramatic coastal experiences in the Pacific Northwest. When King Tides and winter storm swells roll in, waves can reach 20–30 feet, drawing storm-watchers from across Washington and Oregon.

The best place to watch safely is the Westport Marina Observation Tower, which sits above the waterfront and offers a protected vantage point over the breaking surf. Rock fishing along the jetty, winter bird watching along the migration corridor, and the uncrowded beaches all make the off-season a genuinely rewarding time to visit.

Seasonal note: The annual Grays Harbor Shorebird and Nature Festival draws birders from across the region each spring as hundreds of thousands of Arctic-bound shorebirds pass through on journeys of up to 15,000 miles round trip.

Evening: Fresh Seafood the Way It Was Meant to Be

Where should I eat seafood in Westport, WA?

No day in Westport ends well without seafood — and this town delivers it fresh, local, and unpretentious.

Stop by Merino’s Seafood Market in the marina district for whatever came in that day. For a true local experience, look for Brady’s Oysters on Highway 105 — a family operation four generations deep, growing oysters using a suspended culture system that produces a clean, firm bivalve prized by chefs up and down the coast. They also sell smoked salmon, fresh crab, and shrimp in season.

Settle in for a dinner of Dungeness crab, clam chowder, or freshly grilled halibut at one of the waterfront spots near the marina. After a day like this, there is no better way to close it out.

Your Perfect Westport Day — Quick Reference

Time	Activity	Location
8:00 AM	Grays Harbor Lighthouse climb	Grays Harbor Lighthouse, Ocean Ave
9:30 AM	Westport Maritime Museum	Westport Maritime Museum
11:00 AM	Fishing charter / crabbing / razor clamming	Westport Marina / Twin Harbors Beach
1:00 PM	Lunch — fresh local seafood	Marina district restaurants
2:30 PM	Surfing / North Jetty walk / birding	Westhaven State Park / North Jetty
6:00 PM	Dungeness crab or halibut dinner	Merino's or local waterfront spots
End of day	Rest and recharge	Mariners Cove Inn, 303 W Ocean Ave

Where to Stay: Mariners Cove Inn

When it comes to motel accommodations in Westport, WA, Mariners Cove Inn is the natural choice for travelers who want comfort, value, and proximity to everything the town has to offer.

Located at 303 W Ocean Ave — just five minutes on foot from the Grays Harbor Lighthouse — the inn offers a range of room options including single and double queen bed configurations, non-smoking rooms, and spa service amenities. For guests traveling with animals, Mariners Cove Inn provides pet-friendly accommodations in Westport, WA, so your four-legged companions do not have to sit this trip out.

Reservations can be made directly at marinerscoveinnmotel.com or by calling (360) 268-6000.

Plan Your Trip

Westport is not a destination that asks much of you. It asks only that you show up, slow down, and let the coast do the rest. From the 107-foot beacon that has guided ships home since 1898 to the crab pots swaying in the marina’s current, this town carries its history lightly and wears its beauty without effort.

Book your stay at Mariners Cove Inn — the top motel in Westport, WA — and give yourself a day worth remembering.