A Postcard from Westport, Washington
Surf’s up. While we watch the kids out on the surfboard, we realize that there is just no reason not to come here every weekend, now that we have our own vacation home. Just think- we caught the clams for tonight’s dinner all by ourselves. Our harbor resort home is perfect. Hope you visit us soon.

  

About Westport, Washington
Lest you think that Oregon has claimed the entire Pacific coast for itself, just take an hour drive north across the Oregon/Washington border to Westport and end that myth instantly. Coastal communities and miles of ocean access offer excellent seashore recreation in the southern part of Washington. Westport itself is an old fishing town that has found gold right under its feet: miles of fabulous beach. Easily accessed from Seattle and Olympia Washington, Westport offer great beaches for camping, clam digging, kite flying and yes, even surfing (with wets suits, of course. We’re still on the mainland here!) A vacation home at Westport is a ticket to ride the ocean every day, in any way you choose.

Westport sits at the mouth of Grays Harbor, Washington’s primary sea port, so just watching boats enter the harbor can be a fun way to pass the day. The whole southern coastal area of Washington is sparsely populated, allowing the natural resources to be seen and enjoy for what they are. As with other places in the Pacific Northwest, logging and commercial fishing have taken their toll. However, the abundance of the ocean still calls people to enjoy life at its shore, perhaps this time with more care. 

Local History
Located on the Chehalis point, Westport was first settled in the 1850’s. Making the harbor safe  for ships began as early as 1902. Firmly protected from the ocean by a seawall built 50 years ago, Westport became a thriving fishing village, offering plentiful salmon. It fed the nearby tourist resort of Ocean Shores, and supported the timber mills on the inner part of Grays Harbor. After the timber and commercial fishing industries wound down, Westport easily moved into a new era of supporting outdoor recreation, which had long been one of its primary resources.

An Average Lifestyle in Westport
The ambience of a fishing town never quite leaves, and you find Westport filled with that friendly atmosphere of people who have the courage to take on the ocean and survive. Whether they take it on for fishing, running boats for whale watching, or supporting surfers, the people in Westport maintain a respectful relationship with the ocean which pounds at its seawall door daily. The result is a community that welcomes tourists and shows them the best nature has to offer. A friendly and fun community creates just the perfect place for a vacation home.

Housing in Westport, Washington
Westport and nearby Grayland and Ocean Shores all offer a great variety in vacation homes. In addition, there is a good vacation rental market here.

Median Home Value (2000 census) $112,900

Things to Do in Westport
Surfing at Westhaven State Park
Beachcombing
Kayaking and Canoeing in Grays Harbor or Westhaven State Park
Fishing- charter fishing, surf fishing
Bicycle on the dune trails
Camping in state parks
Clamming
Whale watching
Kite Flying

Cultural Activities in Westport
Grays Harbor Historical Seaport
Westport Lighthouse
Westport Maritime Museum
Nearby Excursions
Olympic National Forest

Location
At the mouth of Gray’s Harbor, in the Southwest portion of Washington State, about an hour from the Oregon Border.

Distance to other major cities
Astoria, Oregon: 51 miles.
Seattle, Washington: 132 miles (2.5 hours)
Olympia, Washington: 72 miles

Getting To Westport, Washington
Commercial flights into Seattle or Olympia, and then drive.

Weather
Annual Average Temperature
Low 36 (December/January), High 67 (August/September)
Annual Average Rainfall: 73 inches

Population
Population 2,137
Median Age, 2000: 43.4

Economics
Median Household Income: $32,037

Principle Industries
Tourism, Fishing