Cranberry Coast Attractions & Activities
Things to Do on Washington's Cranberry Coast. From fishing to flying a kite, surfing to sailing, attending a festival to visiting a museum, dinning out or digging clams, our list of activites and attractions is endless.
The Cranberry Coast offers a plethora of things to do and places to go ... so many in fact, that you'll need to come back again and again before you can get to it all. We've put together a short list of ideas for you, and we'll update it regularily.
Have ideas of your own? Why not share them with our other visitors? Also, don't forget to check our calendar of events for a constantly updated list of events, festivals, concerrts and other happenings of note.
Visit the Aquarium
The Westport Aquarium is worth a visit! It showcases many of the fish that call the coastal waters home.
Get a Bird's Eye View
Check out Grays Harbor and the Cranberry Coast from the sky. Aerial tours are reasonably priced and you'll get a view of the beach you will always remember.
Go to The Beach!
With 18 miles of beautiful beach, there's no shortage of things to do at the water's edge. Sit and watch the waves roll in, build a sand castle, get your feet wet, catch a wave, take a picture, go for a stroll, watch the colorful sunsets -- the list is endless. Just remember, most of the beach is a state highway, watch for signs that tell the rules of the road.
Ride a Bike
Most roads in and around the coastal communities are great for riding -- so why not take a few hours and go exploring on two wheels? You could ride the paved Dune Trail between the Westport lighthouse, Westhaven State Park and the docks. Or peddle your way through the back roads of cranberry bog country. You could also just pick your own starting point and enjoy. Scenery and wildlife are around every bend.
Stroll the Boardwalk
The Westport Marina is home to a scenic boardwalk. Watch the boats, watch the people, marvel at the beauty of Grays Harbor, or throw a line in and try to catch a fish. The boardwalk itself is a sight to see – worth at least a snapshot or two!
Bodyboarding Anyone?
Try it yourself, or watch the more adventurous. Bodyboards are small, light foam boards that people ride laying down and try to catch the waves. Try this out at the Groins or Half Moon Bay. Stop in at the surf shops for more information about the sport.
Charter A Boat Trip
Charter yourself a boat and enjoy sport fishing at its best. Reel in a halibut, land a salmon, or try your hand at bottom fishing, and that's just a start. The charter boats are also available during spring months for whale watching, sightseeing and bird-watching trips. It's best to call ahead and make a reservation.
Dig for Clams
In the mood for a clambake, or fresh chowder? You're in luck, razor clams love the beach, and there are several times during the year you can head out and dig them up. Clamming days are set by the state in advance, and the limit is the first 15 you pluck. Get a "clam gun" or "clam shovel" from most of the local stores. Head to the water line about an hour before low tide, and look for tiny holes to "pop" in the sand, that's where the succulent shellfish are hiding. Wear boots and a rain coat. Bring a lantern and bucket. Dig out of season and be prepared for a ticket and hefty fine.
Troll for Driftwood
The mighty Pacific deposits wonderful pieces of driftwood up and down the Cranberry Coast. Hold that special piece in your hand and you'll be hooked. Don't take ours! Hunt for your own treasure. Heck, you can even come back and enter your best find in the annual Driftwood Show.
Watch the Fishing Boats
Ever wonder how all that seafood gets to your table? Wander down to the Westport Marina and look at the boats that haul in food from the high seas.
Get Your Crab On
Feeling a little crabby? You're in the perfect place. The Westport and Tokeland marinas offer excellent crabbing spots. Rent or buy a crab ring, buy some bait, toss it in the water, and see what you can catch for dinner. Ready to eat? Our resident expert advises you throw a spoonful of rock salt in the water and heat it to boiling before you put your crab in. Cook 12-20 minutes depending on the size.
Cranberry Bogs Galore
Cranberry farms line the back roads, just inland from Grayland to North Cove. They are a sight worth seeing. The cranberry blossoms in the spring, the red berries in the fall. And, of course, the harvest. Guided tours are offered during the Cranberry Harvest Festival, but you can drive along Cranberry Road, Evergreen Park Road, or Smith-Anderson Road and see the farms anytime of year. Remember, the farms are private property. Enjoy.
Enjoy A Picnic
Why not? Head to the beach, the state parks or one of the local parks and share a meal with family and friends. Maybe cook up that crab you caught at the marina. Yum!
Fish for Fish
Try your hand at jetty fishing, surf fishing or just fishing off the docks in the marina in both Tokeland and Westport. Salmon are prime targets in the fall. Try for herring in the Spring. Of course, for the best catch, book yourself on a charter boat.
Browse the Gift Shops
Bring them a T-Shirt? Sure, but why not find the perfect beach gift too, and while you're at it, something for yourself. Antique shops and gift shops dot the Cranberry Coast, so stop in and see what sort of treasures you might find.
Ride a Go-Kart
Take the kids, and yourself, for a spin. The Breakers Boutique Inn has a Go-Kart track that's sure to be a hit!
Hiking
The paved Dune Trail between Westport Light State Park and Westhaven State Park offers an great view of the ocean amid the beach dunes. It's also one leg of the Maritime Museum's History Trail. Stop by the museum for a trail map. But you don't need to walk the beaten path. You can walk the beach, or find your own path through town. Tell us about your favorite hike at CranberryCoastGuide.com so we can share the experience with others.
Climb the Lighthouse
Take a tour up into the historic Grays Harbor Lighthouse. The littlest ones aren't allowed to make this climb, so be sure you plan ahead.
Hunt for Agates
Agates hide among the rocks along a stretch of beach at Twin Harbors State Park. You might have better luck at low-tide.
Tour the Museums
History Buffs Rejoice! Five great museums dot the coast, from Westport, Grayland, Raymond and South Bend. The Westport Maritime Museum houses the Destruction Island lighthouse lens and a variety of exhibits on local history. The Furford Cranberry Museum in Grayland showcases all things cranberry. The Northwest Carriage Museum houses a fascinating collection of horse-drawn buggies, The Willapa Seaport Museum is home to a rich collection of nautical history. And don't forget the Pacific County Museum in South Bend. Which was your favorite?
Try for Par at Mini-Golf
The Kenanna RV Park has a miniature golf course that's sure provide some fun and spark some friendly competition.
Play the 9-hole Courses
Two 9-hole golf courses can help satisfy the itch. One is just off Tokeland Road, the other is in Raymond. If you get a hole-in-one, be sure to tell us about it.
Spot the Plaques
As you stroll along the Westport Marina, keep an eye out for the plaques by artist Bob McCausland. They showcase the historic ships of Grays Harbor.
Walk the Nature Trail
While any local will tell you that the whole beach is a nature trail, but a short interpretive trail is located at Grayland Beach State park. You just might learn something.
Check out the Old Whaling Station
Just upstream from the Elk River Bridge, east of Westport/Grayland on State Route 105, is what remains of a whaling station. It's the mark of a bygone era, and interesting to look at if you have a small boat. Take the 105 over the Elk River Bridge, turn right on Whalebone Way, and veer left following the paved road until you get to the water. The South Bay Hunt Club is on your left. Park along the road, but don't block any driveways. The whaling station remains are toward the harbor.
Paddle a Kayak or Canoe
This is the place! There are several spots to put in along the rivers or the harbors. And sea kayaking is growing in popularity. The Willapa River at Raymond and South Bend offers some magnificent scenery. Visit us at cranberrycoastguide.com for a collection of river maps and starting points.
Scuba Dive
Just off the south jetty is a comfortable dive for advanced divers, and, we hear, “spear-fishing heaven” as the waters run deep and are teeming with aquatic life. Be aware of the tides and know when to get out of the water. Got an underwater camera?
Buy Fresh Seafood
Buy it off the docks or from one of the seafood markets! Its as fresh as it gets, unless you plan to eat at sea! Cook some up for lunch or dinner. We know you'll be back for more!
Collect Some Shells
How's your seashell collection? As we thought, you could always use some new ones! Walk along our entire 18 miles of beach (probably not all the same day) and see what sort of shells you can find!
Check Out the South Jetty
The South Jetty (that's the south entrance to Grays Harbor, but the north edge of the Cranberry Coast) was built to help stem erosion of the coast by the pounding sea – it's a great place to see the waves crashing in, spy some birds, take a picture or catch a wave!
Attend an Event
Yep. There's lots to choose from. Race a crab, dance to bluegrass, or revel in the cranberry harvest. But the choices don't end there. Check out our events.
Go for a Scenic Drive
State Route 105 is a “scenic byway” for good reason. Take some time and enjoy the drive south to Raymond and South Bend. While you're there, you can enjoy some oysters, or visit some of the towns' many interesting attractions.
Enjoy the Tokeland Marina
Find it on the south end of the beach in Tokeland. A favorite of photographers, it's also a great place for crabbers and a cool place to sit and relax a spell.
Visit Johns River Wildlife Area
Freshwater fishing, bird watching, hiking and boating are popular activities at this state wildlife area. At Markham, turn away from the bay on Johns River Road, then left at Game Farm Road. As the road ends, you'll find a parking lot, trail head and a small boat launch.
Take in the View
A tall tower near the Westport docks affords a great view of the marina, the harbor and the jetty. Climb up with your camera. Do you see any surfers?
Marvel at Wash-Away Beach
At North Cove, beach erosion has taken quite a toll. It is interesting nonetheless, as you can see hints of what used to be.
Ride a Mountain Bike
The back roads and old logging trails make for fun mountain biking. Bring your mountain bike and see what adventure you can find. Respect private property, enjoy the views, then let us know the details about your favorite jaunt.
Wow at Roadside Structures
Metal sculptures dot the roads in Raymond. You'll want to stop and take a few pictures.
Pay Homage at the Memorials
There are three memorials in Westport. Be sure to visit all three. At the end of Neddie Rose Drive, find the Fisherman's Monument, the U.S. Coast Guard memorial is at the Guard Station, Veterans Memorial Park and the Street of Flags are just off of Montesano on the way into Westport.