Camping at Grayland Beach State Park, Exploring Westport and More!
With miles of pristine beaches, abundant shopping, a diverse selection of restaurants to sample from, and endless year-round activities - you can’t go wrong with an overnight or even a quick day trip to enjoy one of our busiest seaports! We recommend making Grayland Beach State Park your base camp for adventure to explore both north to Westport and South to Tokeland!
GRAYLAND BEACH STATE PARK
There is something simply magical about this place! Breathing in the salt air and listening to the roar of the Washington coast rejuvenates and leaves you feeling refreshed after even a day of exploration. The park reservations fill fast for a reason! With both pull-through and back in lots that will accept up to 60-foot truck and trailer combinations (55 full hook up and 38 partial hook up sites), yurts, and plenty of space for tent campers - this park can accommodate most anyone.
The five loop trails offer easy walking access to the beach, although some can be flooded at varying times of the year requiring boots to explore (which just makes it more fun!) An access road situated just outside the park allows for driving onto the beach - but be forewarned, the sand conditions change often so assess before you consider driving onto the beach. This area is very popular during clam tides - we enjoy watching the hundreds of determined diggers chasing razor clams with varying techniques, and success. If you’re interested in clamming…check out the link below for all the info you need to ensure you reach your clam limit!
THE WANDERING GOOSE RESTAURANT
If you’re in the area, you have to visit the oldest hotel built in Washington State!!! The Tokeland Hotel is an easy 15 minutes south on State Route 105 and is home to the Wandering Goose Restaurant. I can’t even begin to describe how good the food is!! The setting is rustic, but the food is anything but, as famous Seattle chef Heather Earnhardt whips up savory and drool-worthy southern cooking. As you dine you might find yourself watching the resident cat, or Gus, the wonder-pup, lazing in front of the wood stove. Check out the website and read up on the history or the hotel before your visit - there’s lots to see!
SHOPPING IN GRAYLAND/WESTPORT
This area has a few hidden gems, boutiques that seem to belong in a swankier locale. One of our favorites is the Pomegranate Gift Shop which showcases local art, elegant home decor, and everything in between to help you fill any gift needs from big to small!
Do NOT bypass the Grayland Beach Outfitters thinking it’s just a small-town grocery store. The outside is very misleading as it’s anything but, the management ensures it lives up to its title of gourmet food and wine shop, yet it has whimsical beachy offerings to satisfy young and old alike. This is a FUN store to take your time and look through- you’re guaranteed to be surprised at their offerings.
Another hidden gem is the Rose Cottage which is parked right next to the True Value Hardware. This place is also deceptively small - and once you’re inside, you’ll love perusing the artwork, foodie offerings, Bagallinis, and so much more!
…and then there’s Westport! Ahhhh so many things to do - so much to see!!! You need to follow your ears and visit the Sea Lions as they playfully spar for a coveted spot to sunbathe on the docks, stroll thru the shops of Westport - and don’t forget the floating docks that jut out providing access to not only fresh fish, but the eclectic offerings of gift shops like the Basket House.
If you’re lucky you can watch the Coast Guard train as they work hard to protect our fishing fleet. Don’t rush….take in the sights and sounds and wonder at the bustling sea port as it works hard to bring our ocean’s bounty to our doorsteps and beyond! Anyone visiting simply must climb the tower at the end of the stroll through town so that you can enjoy a birds-eye view of the marina. Make sure you walk (or drive) to the end, rounding the jetty and drive towards the Fisherman’s Marina. Along the way you’ll find wooden boxes which house feeding stations for the resident jetty cats!!!
Lastly - any visit to Westport must include an exploration of Westhaven State Park! A visit here is ensured to satisfy the most picky of adventurers. Beach comb for agates, stroll miles of shoreline, watch surfers tackle waves and, if you dare, venture out onto the jetty and fish or watch others try to capture ling cod or rockfish. You can spend all day, or a few hours, and then venture back into Westport for lunch or dinner at the many food offerings in town from fish to pizza and beyond.
