A Quiet Coast Awaits: Visiting Westport in Fall
By Jennifer Coleman | Photos courtesy of Experience Westport
As the Pacific Northwest transitions from the vibrant colors of fall to the crisp winds of winter, Westport takes on a quiet, almost mystical charm that beckons to those seeking a fall getaway. Located on the southern tip Grays Harbor, Westport offers stunning coastal landscapes, a welcoming fishing community, and a range of outdoor activities that shine even in the cooler months of fall.
Usually considered as a summertime destination, the fall season unveils a different side of Westport that captivates visitors. The summer crowds have thinned, leaving the beaches quieter and the trails more peaceful. During these months, Westport transforms into an ideal destination for those who appreciate solitude, nature, and the raw power of the Pacific Ocean.
The coastal winds become a little brisker, but they also add a sense of exhilaration as you walk along the sandy beaches, watching waves crash against the shore. The beachcombing opportunities are fantastic during this time of year. High tides wash ashore unique shells, driftwood, and other treasures from the sea. For bird watchers, fall is a great time to observe migratory species making their way along the Pacific Flyway, with the chance to spot shorebirds, raptors, and even pelicans.
While Westport is known for its fishing and maritime heritage, it is also a popular destination for surfers, even in the cooler months. October and November bring consistent swells, making it prime time for surfers to hit the waves. The jetty at Westhaven State Park is a great spot for both beginners and experienced surfers. With a wetsuit to keep warm, surfers can enjoy smaller crowds and excellent wave conditions.
Even if you’re not a surfer, there’s another reason to visit Westport in the fall: storm watching. Westport’s rugged coastline provides the perfect backdrop for this dramatic natural spectacle. As storms roll in from the Pacific Ocean, the skies darken, the wind howls, and the ocean becomes a theater of crashing waves and foamy tides. Watching these powerful storms from the safety of the observation tower at Westport Marina is a fun experience, especially with the high tides and waves crashing over the breakwater. Be sure to bundle up, you’ll be somewhat protected from the elements under the cover of the observation tower but can still get sea-misted and windblown.
CLICK HERE for the 2024/2025 King Tide schedule. It looks like big waves will be crashing in November, December and January! Westport offers numerous oceanfront hotels and vacation rentals that provide prime viewing spots as well. The best place to find accommodations is on the Experience Westport site where you can browse lodging options and plan your fall getaway.
Westport is home to the tallest lighthouse in Washington—the Grays Harbor Lighthouse. Built in 1898, this towering beacon stands 107-feet tall and offers dazzling views of the surrounding coastline. When in Westport, the lighthouse is a must-visit spot, providing a picturesque look at the past while offering fantastic photo opportunities. Visitors can climb to the top for panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and the nearby Westport Marina, one of the largest working marinas on the West Coast. Open hours during fall (October-November) are Thursday through Sunday, 11am-3pm, and winter (December-January) Friday-Sunday, 11am-3pm.
The Westport Maritime Museum located in the marina district is housed in a former U.S. Coast Guard Station that is listed on the National Historic Register. The main building has the museum's maritime collection, and the two whale house buildings are home to marine mammal exhibits, include minke whale and gray whale skeletons.
©Westport Maritime Museum
One of the most spectacular exhibits at the Westport Maritime Museum is a working first-order Fresnel lighthouse lens that came from the Destruction Island lighthouse, located 57 miles north of Westport. Constructed in 1890 in France, the lens contains twenty-four bull's-eyes and 1,176 prisms. The exhibit is contained in its own building on the museum grounds. Because the lens is in excellent condition and is exhibited in a building that allows viewers to see all sides as it rotates, the local exhibit is considered by lighthouse experts to be the best first-order Fresnel lens display in the world.
For those who love walking and hiking, there are great trails around Westport that showcase the region’s natural beauty. The Dunes Trail at Westport Light State Park is a 1-mile ADA-accessible paved trail that runs adjacent to the beach, giving visitors breathtaking ocean views and beach access. The trail is perfect for a peaceful walk in the cool autumn air, and it’s easy enough for families and casual hikers, as well as those on wheels. Three viewpoints can be found along the way, complete with interpretive panels describing the nearby flora and fauna.
Another fun hiking area is located at the nearby Twin Harbors State Park, where visitors can explore forested trails that wind through coastal dunes and offer access to more remote sections of the beach. The Shifting Sands Nature and Beach trail is especially great for those hiking with young kids. The relatively flat, 1-mile loop trail has illustrated interpretive signs that tell the tale of Field Mouse who began his journey searching for Traveling Dune, with each panel describing the creatures that Field Mouse encounters on his trek towards the dunes. There are many points to access the beach from this network of trails, and facilities at the nearby campground.
No visit to Westport is complete without indulging in its local cuisine. Westport is famous for seafood, and during the fall, the restaurants serve up fresh dishes featuring salmon, Dungeness crab, and other Pacific Northwest specialties. Local seafood markets process fish directly from the fishing vessels for sale to locals and visitors. They freeze and vacuum pack fresh fish for purchase in the off-season. The quality is exceptional because it is processed within two to three days of catch. Some fish is frozen at sea onboard the fishing vessels within hours of catch, meaning that the frozen seafood you get in Westport is of a higher quality than what you may find "fresh" at your local grocery store. Check out Westport's Fresh Catch for the latest season's offerings.
©Westport Winery
If you want to try something especially unique, the Westport Winery is a short drive inland and offers a cozy setting for tasting local wines, many of which are inspired by the maritime heritage of the region. Their award-winning wines, paired with views of the vineyards and surrounding gardens, make for a perfect way to spend a crisp autumn afternoon. While you’re there, be sure to stop in at the International Mermaid Museum which is dedicated to teaching ocean ecology from seashore to sea floor and is a full immersion into mermaid mythology. The Museum encourages visitors to imagine the undersea environment and understand the importance of clean oceans, the sea as a living environment, and the reality of ocean exploration as one of the last great adventures on earth.
Perhaps the best part of visiting Westport in fall is the chance to unwind. Without the summer crowds, Westport takes on a slower pace that encourages relaxation and reflection. If you like walking along the wind-swept beaches, sipping hot coffee in a local café, or watching the sunset over the Pacific, Westport offers a quiet, rejuvenating escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.