10 Reasons to Experience Westport This Spring
Come and experience Spring on the Washington Coast in Westport! We have activities and events to entertain everyone in your family. Catch a fish or a wave, discover the magic of mermaids, race a crab, dig a clam, find a glass float, watch the wildlife, or relax and enjoy the calming effect of the ocean.
1 - Charter Fishing
People come to Westport from around the globe to experience world-class fishing. The seasoned crews of the Westport charter fleet guide people to fantastic fishing experiences that include Salmon, Halibut, Rockfish, Lingcod, and Albacore Tuna.
Bottomfishing, including Lingcod and Rockfish, opened from March 9 through October 14, 2024. The daily bag limit is seven rockfish plus two lingcod per angler.
Halibut fishing kicks off May 2 for fishing on Thursdays, Sundays, and Tuesdays.
2 - Mermaid Festival
April 6 - 14
The International Mermaid Museum is holding its annual Mermaid Festival from Saturday, April 6, through Sunday, April 14, from 11 am to 4 pm. During this nine day event, there is no charge for admission to the museum located at Westport Winery Garden Resort. In addition to the museum's educational and enchanting exhibits, there are a series of special attractions for visitors of all ages during this celebration of the sea. It is guaranteed during the festival that there will be siren sightings as mermaids swim to Unforgettable Grays Harbor.
3 - Surf Lessons
Have you always wanted to try surfing but didn't know where to start? Westport offers excellent opportunities for people of all ages and abilities to learn to surf. We have many options for surf lessons, surfboard, and wetsuit rentals.
4 - Whale Watching
From March through May, Gray Whales visit our shores. Look for their water spouts from the shore and watch while they cruise along our coastline feeding. Whale-watching boat excursions are also available from the Westport Marina with Ocean Sportfishing.
5 - Easter
Spend your Easter long weekend in Westport with friends and family. Instead of eggs, you can hunt for clams and glass floats.
6 - Beachcombing and Wild Floats
A favorite activity on our beaches. Whether you're looking for treasures that have traveled across the Pacific or gifts from the ocean, such as shells, sand dollars, agates, and beach glass, a walk on our beaches is enjoyable year-round.
Westport South Beach Historical Society brings you #wildfloats2024! From now until Memorial Day weekend, keep an eye out for Japanese Glass Floats on our beaches. Westport's Float Fairies will be leaving their prized treasures on Westport Beaches with the goal of tidal landings and beach finds during the Beachcombing season.
7 - Razor Clamming
The Pacific Razor Clam is one of the most sought-after shellfish in Washington. It is an exceptionally meaty shellfish with a narrow, elongated shell. In Washington, these clams can grow to a length of three to six inches. Recreational digging for razor clams is one of the most authentic PNW experiences and is fun for the whole family.
The WDFW has announced tentative razor clam dig dates for March and April.
8 - World Class Crab Races, Crab Feed & Crab Derby
A unique family fun experience at the marina in Westport. EAT, RACE & ENJOY! April 20, 2024 Races and Feed on Saturday from 11 am to 5 pm, Crab Derby Saturday 8 am to 7 pm.
9 - Birdwatching
Westport is a bird watcher's paradise! Whether from land or sea, you will find an abundance of seabirds to keep you entertained or to check off your list.
Each Spring, hundreds of thousands of shorebirds stop to rest and feed along the Washington Coast and in the Grays Harbor estuary during their migration northward. Coming from as far south as Argentina, these Arctic-bound shorebirds are among the world's greatest migrants. Some birds travel over 15,000 miles round trip! The concentration of birds during spring migration offers people a great chance to view several shorebird species. The Grays Harbor Shorebird and Nature Festival is May 3 - 5, 2024. For more information, please visit www.shorebirdfestival.com.
Head out on a birdwatching charter from the Westport Marina! A few of the birds you can expect to see on your Pelagic Trip: Black-footed Albatross, Northern Fulmar, Sooty Shearwater, Pink-footed Shearwater, Fork-tailed Storm-Petrel, Red-necked and Red Phalaropes, Pomarine Jaeger, Parasitic Jaeger, Sabine's Gull, California Gull, Western Gull, Glaucous-winged Gull, Common Murre, Pigeon Guillemot, Cassin's Auklet, Rhinocerous Auklet, Tufted Puffin… Regularly seen inshore species include: Pacific Loon, Red-throated Loon, Brandt's and Pelagic Cormorants, Black, White-winged, and Surf Scoters, Long-tailed Duck, Harlequin Duck, Black Turnstone, Surfbird, Wandering Tattler, Rock Sandpiper, Heermann's Gull, Mew Gull, Caspian Tern, and Marbled Murrelet.
For more information and to plan your Pelagic Trip, please visit Westport Seabirds.
10 - Celebration of Glass
May 27, 2024, at Westport Maritime Museum's McCausland Hall, from 10 am to 4 pm. Their floats experts and sellers will be on hand. There will also be displays of unique floats and beach clean-up activities with prize drawings.