Visit a Working Waterfront
7 Reasons to Visit Westport’s Working Waterfront
There are beach towns, and then there are port towns. The kind with weathered wood, boats that smell like fish (because they actually catch them), and more seagulls than souvenir shops. As one of the top 3 ports on the West Coast per tonnage, Westport, Washington is one of those rare gems—a working waterfront where things are refreshingly unpolished, genuinely friendly, and deeply tied to the rhythm of the sea.
Westport receives the majority of the PNW’s incoming seafood, making it the best place to get it fresh. Here are just a few reasons why that makes for an unforgettable visit:
1. You can buy fish straight off the boat
Yes, literally off the boat. Westport is one of the few places where you can buy seafood directly from the people who caught it—no middleman, no mystery. It takes a little research, but the reward is ultra-fresh fish and a story to go with it.
Late spring and early summer are the best times to connect with local fishermen to secure your spot in line to purchase the freshest local seafood.
Check out the Fresh Catch sign at the waterfront to find out which fishermen sell the species you’re interested in and where they’re located on the dock. (You can also find this information on the Fresh Catch page of our website and the Fresh Catch Facebook page.) Learn everything you need to know about buying fresh off the boat at our Fresh Catch blog her. This sign is updated regularly with the freshest spots.
Photo from the Westport Weighmaster on Facebook, who hosts the Annual Fishing Derby (happening right now)!
2. You can actually win money for catching fish
The Westport Charterboat Association’s annual Fishing Derby is a beloved tradition that transforms Westport into a hub for anglers and spectators. Running daily from March 9 through October 19, the derby offers over $60,000 in prizes, including a $10,000 grand prize for the largest Chinook salmon of the season. (Additional grand prizes include the largest Coho salmon, Lingcod, and Halibut.)
Participation is easy: purchase a derby ticket—$5 for most species and $10 for Halibut—when you check in with your charterboat. It’s important to secure your ticket before heading out, as some anglers have missed out on big prizes by neglecting this step.
Even if you’re not fishing, the derby offers great entertainment. Every afternoon, angling enthusiasts gather at the weigh station between Floats 6 and 8 to witness the day’s catches being weighed and recorded. The atmosphere is lively as the whole community comes together to celebrate the day’s achievements.
3. The seafood doesn’t get fresher
Even if you’re not buying it and cooking it yourself, you’re always eating it within a few miles (or feet!) of where it was hauled in. From crab shacks to waterfront diners, the menus in Westport are built around what’s biting—not what’s trending.
Whether you’re looking for Fish ’n’ Chips, clam chowder, or poke, Westport’s restaurants are where you’ll find it all.
4. You can actually learn something
A visit to Westport gives you a peek into how a real fishing economy works. Watching the boats come in, seeing how the tides shape the day, talking to someone who makes their living from the ocean—it’s more educational than any aquarium.
Additionally, the Westport Maritime Museum offers a rich and engaging exploration of the Pacific Northwest’s long maritime heritage. Housed in a historic 1939 U.S. Coast Guard station, the museum provides visitors with a tangible connection to the region’s seafaring past. One of the standout exhibits is the fully restored first-order Fresnel lens from the Destruction Island Lighthouse. Made in France in 1888, this impressive lens served mariners until 1995 and now resides in a dedicated, climate-controlled hall, offering a glimpse into the evolution of coastal navigation.
Beyond the lens, the museum features a variety of exhibits that delve into the area’s maritime history. Visitors can explore displays on the local fishing industry, shipwrecks, and coastal life, as well as view artifacts like vintage fishing gear and maritime instruments. The museum also houses the skeletons of marine mammals, including both a minke and gray whale, providing insight into the region’s marine biodiversity. Additionally, the museum’s location offers scenic views of the harbor, enhancing the overall experience.
5. The weather sets the mood
Sunshine? Great. Storm rolling in? Even better. There’s something deeply satisfying about braving the wind with a warm cup of coffee in hand, watching the waves crash while gulls scream overhead. The moodiness of the coast is part of the magic, and Westport’s viewing tower is the perfect spot to take it all in. Check out our new webcam to see live conditions at the waterfront, marina, and coast.
6. Authentic local events for every family
Westport’s calendar isn’t packed with cookie-cutter craft fairs. Instead, you get things like Rusty Scupper Pirate Daze in June and the Crab Derby in April, where you can watch exciting crab races all day and then eat the competitors. These events are less about photo ops and more about community, tradition, and just plain fun. View all events here.
7. It feels real because it is
No one built Westport to be a tourist destination. It just became one because people started appreciating what was already there: hardworking folks, wild coastline, great food, and a strong sense of place. You don’t just visit Westport. You become part of it—for a weekend, or maybe longer.
Whether you’re here for the surf, the seafood, or just a break from overly curated travel, Westport welcomes you exactly as you are. And that’s a rare thing these days.
Check out our accommodations page to find the perfect home base for your next trip to Westport.