Your Guide to the Perfect Family Spring Break in Westport
Ah, Spring Break—the time when parents everywhere ponder the age-old question: “How do we entertain the kids without losing our sanity and breaking the bank?” Fear not, weary guardians: Westport, Washington has your back, and a spring break trip to the coast is likely more affordable than you’d expect. We’re here to offer a plethora of family-friendly activities that may just make you the hero of your household, at least for a week. Here are some top picks that will have your family singing your praises (or at least not complaining).
World Class Crab Races, Crab Feed & Derby
On April 19th, head to the marina in Westport for a crustacean celebration like no other. Witness crabs racing (yes, you read that right), indulge in a crab feast, and participate in the derby. It’s a unique experience that combines the thrill of competition with the joy of mouth-watering seafood.
Introduce the kids to Crabbing!
Check out our Crabbing 101 Guide to experience the thrill of catching your own live meal. You can rent gear at the marina, buy a shellfish license, and try your luck off the docks. Dungeness crabs are the stars here, and you’ll find plenty of spots in Westport’s marina where you can drop a trap and wait for the magic to happen.
Beachcombing at Twin Harbors State Park
If you love the great outdoors, Twin Harbors State Park is the perfect spot for your beachcombing adventures. Kids can find shells, driftwood, and sometimes even a message in a bottle. And the pine forest along the shoreline can add a mystical feel to the proceedings.
Pro Tip: Bring a bucket for your treasures and your smartphone to capture the picturesque scenery. And if you’re feeling particularly ambitious, create a scavenger hunt checklist for the kiddos to fill out, including things found under the trees like pine cones and mossy logs.
Visit the Westport Maritime Museum
Dive into the region’s rich maritime history at the Westport Maritime Museum. With exhibits showcasing local shipwrecks, lighthouse and Coast Guard history, and maritime artifacts, it’s both educational and fascinating. (Another way to sneak in some learning during vacation!) Don’t miss the beautiful glass float display in the beach room—and when you get home, you and the kids can impress your friends with newfound knowledge about the area’s nautical past.
Explore Westport Light State Park
Take a family hike through Westport Light State Park, where scenic trails lead you to beautiful ocean views. It’s an ideal spot for picnicking, kite flying, or simply soaking in the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest. Pro tip: pick up some delicious seafood from one of Westport’s eateries for the perfect PNW picnicking experience.
Indulge at Granny Hazel’s Candy and Gifts
No trip to Westport is complete without satisfying your sweet tooth at Granny Hazel’s on Westhaven Drive. Established in 1962, this local gem offers fresh, house-made fudge and a variety of bulk candies, of course including a large selection of saltwater taffy. It’s a delightful stop that will transport you back to simpler times.
Clam Digging Adventures
April is a great time to introduce the kids to a quintessential Pacific Northwest activity: razor clam digging. The WDFW has released dates for Twin Harbors (listed below), so check the clam tides and head to the beach with your gear! (You can rent gear from local vendors if you don’t have your own.) It’s a fun, hands-on experience that connects you with the region’s coastal traditions, and there are plenty of places to stay that include a kitchen where you can cook your catch!
Upcoming Twin Harbors dates and times (check the WDFW website to make sure the dates are still valid, and don’t forget your license!):
March 29, Saturday, 6:58 a.m.; -0.1 feet
March 30, Sunday, 7:43 a.m.; -0.8 feet
March 31, Monday, 8:28 a.m.; -1.2 feet
April 1, Tuesday, 9:17 a.m.; -1.3 feet
April 2, Wednesday, 10:09 a.m.; -1.0 feet
April 3, Thursday, 11:07 a.m.; -0.5 feet
April 12, Saturday, 6:57 a.m.; 0.4 feet
April 13, Sunday, 7:29 a.m.; 0.0 feet
April 14, Monday, 8:00 a.m.; -0.2 feet
April 15, Tuesday, 8:33 a.m.; -0.3 feet
April 16, Wednesday, 9:08 a.m.; -0.2 feet
April 17, Thursday, 9:48 a.m.; 0.0 feet
April 18, Friday, 10:33 a.m.; 0.3 feet
April 26, Saturday, 5:53 a.m.; -0.6 feet
April 27, Sunday, 6:40 a.m.; -1.5 feet
April 28, Monday, 7:25 a.m.; -2.0 feet
April 29, Tuesday, 8:12 a.m.; -2.2 feet
April 30, Wednesday, 9:00 a.m.; -2.0 feet
Visit the Westport Viewing Tower
For panoramic views of the harbor, the Westport Viewing Tower is a must-visit. It’s a short climb that rewards you with stunning vistas and great photo opportunities for the whole fam.
Get the Ultimate Westport Experience—Charter a Fishing Boat!
If crabbing off the docks feels a little too low-stakes and you’re ready to level up your Pacific Northwest seafood cred, it’s time to charter a fishing boat. Yes, it’s not a low-cost option and you’ll have to wake up super early, but when else will you have the chance to take advantage of one of the top sport-fishing destinations on the West Coast with experts to guide you? Lingcod and Rockfish are open all through April for bottom-fishing trips—they’re aggressive, delicious, and a great way to start your charter fishing journey. Maybe you’ll get lucky and catch something big enough to put you in competition for the Westport Charterboat Association Derby, where prizes for the largest fish go as high as $10,000.
There is so much to do in Westport, we can’t cover it all. So, pack your bags, gather the family, and set your GPS to Westport. With a blend of quirky festivals, outdoor adventures, and sweet indulgences, it’s the Spring Break destination you didn’t know you needed. Plus, where else can you cheer for racing crabs and meet a mermaid in the same day?
Check out our accommodations page to find the perfect home base for your Spring Break adventure.