8 Tips for Summering in Westport
Westport, Washington, is one of those special places where time slows down just enough for you to breathe deeply, dig your toes into the sand, and remember what summer should feel like. Whether you’re here to fish, explore, or just relax and watch the boats drift by, we’ve come up with 8 tips to help you make the most of your Westport summer escape.
1. Embark on a Charter Fishing Adventure
Westport is widely considered to be one of the best sportfishing destinations on the West Coast. The marina buzzes with energy every morning as fishing boats head out to sea, chasing everything from salmon to halibut, lingcod, and tuna. Charter companies in Westport are experienced and well-equipped, so whether you’re a die-hard angler or a curious beginner, you’ll be in good hands. Need to know what you can fish for and when? Here’s a general guide to seasons:
Bottomfish like lingcod and rockfish have the longest season, typically from March through October.
Salmon fishing generally opens in late June or early July and continues through mid-September. This is for Chinook and Coho salmon, with specific bag limits and release requirements for wild Coho.
Halibut fishing generally opens in early May and follows a quota-managed system through June 30, with potential for extension if quotas aren’t reached.
Albacore Tuna opens in early July and continues seven days a week until mid-October.
It’s a lot to remember, but your charter fishermen will be knowledgeable about all of it, so ask for help when you book if you’re unsure!
Don’t forget that the Westport Charterboat Association’s Annual Fishing Derby is on all season, with daily prizes up to $250 and annual prizes up to $10,000!
Pro tip: Book your charter as far in advance as possible during summer—it’s a popular activity, and prime fishing days fill up fast.
2. Try Your Hand at Crabbing
If you want a truly hands-on Pacific Northwest experience, drop a crab pot in the water and see what you pull up. Crabbing in Westport is not only productive, it’s fun! You can rent gear at the marina, pick up your license at a nearby shop, and head to the docks or beach at low tide. There’s nothing better than cooking up your haul and enjoying a feast fresh from the sea. (Don’t forget butter and lemon!)
Here are some tips from our Crabbing 101 blog to help get you started!
Best Spots in Westport
Westport Marina: This is a hotbed for crabbing activity. Drop your pots from the docks if you’re looking for calmer water and a pier.
Half Moon Bay: Accessible and scenic, this spot is great for both beginners and families.
North Jetty: Known for its variety of marine life, this area is perfect for adventurous crabbers looking for bigger catches.
Tips for Success
Timing is Everything: Crabs are most active during incoming or slack tides. Check tide charts before you go. For pots, allow them to sit for at least an hour before checking them. For rings, 10 minutes (or more) should work.
Stay Legal: Follow state guidelines for catch limits, size, and gender restrictions (e.g., only male crabs of legal size can be kept)
Mark Your Gear: Use a buoy with your contact information to identify your pots.
Use the right traps: When crabbing from a jetty, don’t use box- or ring-style traps as they’ll get stuck on the rocks. In that case, use a crab snare or casting traps you can throw by hand.
Handle with Care: Crabs can pinch! Hold them by their back legs to avoid injury.
3. Mark your calendar for Rusty Scupper’s Pirate Daze, June 27-29, 2025!
Every June, Westport transforms into a swashbuckling seaside village during the beloved annual tradition of Rusty Scupper’s Pirate Daze.
The event draws pirates of all ages in full regalia for three days of costumed chaos; think cannon battles, pirate encampments, live music, sword-fighting demos, and magical mermaid sightings. There are treasure hunts for kids, food vendors for everyone, and endless photo ops to satisfy your inner scallywag. It’s quirky, fun, and totally Westport.
4. Get your history on at the Westport Maritime Museum
For a deeper dive into the region’s coastal history, visit the Westport Maritime Museum, housed in a historic Coast Guard station. It’s packed with fascinating exhibits about shipwrecks, sea rescues, and lighthouse life, including the original Fresnel lens from the Grays Harbor Lighthouse. The museum is a great place to learn about Westport’s roots in the fishing and logging industries and see how the town’s salty, seafaring culture still shapes it today.
5. Relax on the Beach
The beaches in and around Westport are long, wild, and stunning. Whether you head to Westhaven State Park for a surf session, Twin Harbors State Park for a peaceful picnic, or just walk along the dunes collecting sand dollars, you’ll find plenty of space to unwind.
Want to bring your pup? Many beaches (and most hotels!) in Westport are dog-friendly, so you can bring the family member who gets most excited about the beach!
Sunsets on the beach during summertime are especially colorful and beautiful—pack a blanket and stay awhile.
6. Climb the Grays Harbor Lighthouse
Standing 107 feet tall, the Grays Harbor Lighthouse is the tallest in Washington and offers sweeping views of the ocean and forests from the top. Climbing the 135 spiral steps is well worth the effort, especially on a clear day. On-site docents share stories of lighthouse keepers and shipwrecks, and there’s a great little gift shop at the base. It’s one of those perfect summer activities that’s educational and scenic.
June through August, the Lighthouse is open Thursday through Sunday, 10-4.
7. Savor Local Seafood
With commercial fishing boats coming and going daily, it’s no surprise that Westport is home to some of the freshest seafood you’ll find anywhere. Stop by a dockside market to buy crab or fish straight off the boat, or dine at one of the local restaurants where the day’s catch is the star of the menu. Try the halibut fish and chips, clam chowder in a bread bowl, or a classic crab melt. Pair it with a local brew and enjoy your meal with a marina view.
If you decide to catch your own meal, many of our hotels, motels and RV parks in Westport have fish cleaning stations. Just check out our accommodations page and look for the fish on the line!
8. Browse the Marina District Shops
The Marina District is more than just a working harbor—it’s a walkable, welcoming part of town filled with eclectic shops and friendly faces. You’ll find everything from nautical gifts and handmade jewelry to saltwater taffy, coastal art, and pirate gear.
Many local businesses are family-owned, so you’ll often meet the artists or shopkeepers themselves. It’s the perfect place to pick up a one-of-a-kind souvenir or simply enjoy the laid-back pace of this charming coastal town.
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Ready to Summer in Westport?
Whether you’re coming for a weekend getaway or planning your annual family vacation, Westport offers a summer full of salty air, fresh catches, and small-town charm. With activities for every age and interest, it’s a place that lets you disconnect, slow down, and savor the simple things.
So grab your sunglasses, pack a windbreaker (it is the coast, after all), and come see what summer in Westport is all about. Check out our accommodations page if you’re looking for a place to stay!