At 107 feet tall, the Grays Harbor Lighthouse is the tallest in Washington State. Climb its 135 steps to the top on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 11 AM to 4 PM. Reservations are encouraged but not required. The lighthouse’s original 3rd order clamshell-shaped Fresnel lens will be illuminated every night at 6 PM throughout the holiday season. If you’re lucky, you may even catch a glimpse of Santa hanging out by the light.
2 - Breakfast at the Marina!
Santa says the best way to start your day is with Blue Buoy’s gingerbread pancakes with cinnamon whipped butter! Pick-up breakfast or dine on Blue Buoy’s marina-side tables. Don’t forget to purchase a gift card!
3 - Climb the Observation Tower!
Take in the views from the top of Westport Marina’s Observation Tower! This is a short and rewarding climb and may help burn a few of the calories from eating your way through the marina. From the top, you will be able to watch the surfers at the Groins and check out the waves in the Cove. Get a fabulous view of the marina, the Olympic Mountains, Ocean Shores, and sometimes even Mt. Rainier. Santa recommends coming at high tide if you want to see the waves crashing into the seawall.
4 - Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth!
How sweet it is! We all know Santa has a sweet tooth and a love of toys! We weren’t sure we’d ever get him out of Granny Hazel’s. So, if you’re looking to upgrade your cookies and candy canes, Santa highly recommends saltwater taffy and chocolates from Granny Hazel’s!
5 - Catch a Wave!
Santa is frothing for some winter surf sessions at Westhaven State Park! If you're not willing to brave the cold waters of the Pacific, this is a great spot to spend the day and watch the surfers.
Did you know that Westport is home to the first and oldest surf shop in Washington State? Whether it's your first time surfing in Westport or you want to swap stories with a legend (kind of like Santa), stop in at Westport Surf Shop and say hi to Al!
Fish & Chips or Clam Chowder? Santa says, why choose when you can have both! A trip to Westport isn’t complete without having fish & chips or clam chowder! There are plenty of delicious restaurants to choose from to satisfy your craving. Just pick your favorite!
7 - Go Beach-Combing!
Beach-combing for ocean treasures! Agates, sea glass, driftwood, marine debris, glass floats… you never know what you’ll find while strolling on our beaches.
8 - Shop Small! Shop Local!
Santa recommends supporting Westport’s local family-owned businesses by doing some of your Christmas shopping here! You’ll find lots of cute, coastal-inspired gifts for your loved ones. Perhaps the perfect gift is a trip to Westport! Most businesses are offering gift certificates, including fishing charters, hotels, shops, and restaurants so that you can curate the ultimate Westport experience.
9 - Get Stuffed!
Stocking Stuffers that’ll get you stuffed! Westport has 3 Seafood Markets offering delicious locally and ethically sourced seafood, fresh, frozen, canned, smoked; you name it! There are so many varieties to choose from. Come and check them out!
10 - Relax & Sip!
Westport is small, but it has no shortage of wine options. Enjoy a glass at the newly opened Westhaven Wines at the marina. Santa is pretty impressed with their Christmas decorations, wine selection, and beautiful wine bottle tree. Visit the Westport Winery on your way in or out of town and explore their beautiful gardens and fabulous wines.
11 - Westport Eats!
Dine-in or pick up food to go! Who has time to cook when you’re having so much fun exploring Westport? Many of our local restaurants are offering indoor dining, food to go, or outside seating. Santa highly recommends Aloha Alabama’s fish tacos. Warning, they are habit-forming.
12 - Cruise the Docks!
Santa doesn't believe in this thing called "Too many sweets!" during the holidays. Take a cruise on the docks through the beautifully decorated marina and pick up a sweet treat! We all know ice cream is a year-round delicacy when you're at the beach. Need a warm-up or a pick-me-up? Cruise over to Green Monster for one of their delicious coffee creations.
Thank you to the Westport Marina, Westport Maritime Museum, volunteers, and all the local businesses who have decorated for the holidays. A visit to Westport's marina will surely put you in the holiday mood. Come check out the lights, crab pot Christmas tree, and all the decorations.
I wish you all a very Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!