Fall on the Washington coast is pretty hard to beat, and I've been here for 32 years, so I've had plenty of time to enjoy all the seasons here. The summer crowds thin out, the light turns golden and moody, and the swell starts showing up. If you've been curious about surfing in Westport, October is a beautiful time to see what the water is all about.

Westport has a deep surf culture, and the locals who surf here care a lot about this place. This little guide is for visitors who want to enjoy it the right way: safe, respectful, and well supported by the people who know the water best.

Why Westport in October?

Fall brings bigger swells, fewer people, and some of the prettiest coastal light of the year. Even if you never touch a board, watching the surf roll in from the beach with a hot drink in hand is a great way to spend an October afternoon. Westport is also a pretty easy weekend trip, with lots of cozy places to stay, plenty to eat, and a working harbor town feel you won't find everywhere else. (I’ll drop personal recs down below for stays and eats.)

Cold Water Gear: Don't Skip This

The Pacific here is chilly, and it stays that way. A few things to plan on:

• A proper full wetsuit that fits well

• Booties, gloves, and a hood for fall sessions

• A warm change of clothes and a hot drink waiting at the car

Not sure what to bring? Ask a local surf shop. Many rent gear, and they'll set you up with what actually works for the season.

Safety Basics for Surfing on the Washington Coast

• Never surf alone. Having a buddy matters, especially in cold water.

• Check the conditions. Look at the surf report, tides, and swell size before you go, and be honest about your skill level.

• Know about rip currents and shifting sandbars. Ask a local shop about current conditions.

• Take a lesson if you're a beginner. It's the safest and most fun way to start.

• It's okay to sit one out. If the surf looks big, watching from the beach is a perfectly good plan.

Surf Etiquette: Be a Good Guest

Surfing runs on unwritten rules, and following them goes a long way with locals:

• Wait your turn and never drop in on someone else's wave

• Give surfers space and be friendly

• Learn before you paddle out, and start on beginner-friendly days

• Leave the beach cleaner than you found it

• Don't expect anyone to hand over their favorite spots. Ask local shops where beginners should go, and respect the answer.

Start with Westport's Local Surf Shops

The best way to get to know Westport surfing is to walk into a local surf shop. They can set you up with rentals, lessons, and honest advice about conditions that day. The Surf Shop sells and rents gear. At Gravity Haus you can pick up a hot coffee before renting gear and heading out. Spending money here supports the small businesses that keep this community going.

Beyond the Surf

Plan a full weekend. Grab chowder on the docks, wander the marina, catch a sunset on the beach, and stay somewhere cozy. Surfing is just one of the many ways to fall for this place.

stays & eats

The fish tacos at Aloha Alabama paired with the cucumber margarita.

The fire dusted calamari and steak bites at the Pine Tree paired with your favorite beer on draft.

Literally anything from Blue Buoy paired with a mimosa, duh.

Walter’s Cabin or any of the rooms at Tokeland Hotel.

Saltwater Inn

Gravity Haus

Come Visit, and Be Kind

Westport is a small town with a big heart. Treat it like home, support local businesses, and take good care of the water and the people who love it. We'll be here, waiting with a warm welcome and a good cup of coffee.

Looking for a destination photographer for your tourism board or coastal business? I work with tourism boards, hotels, restaurants, breweries, and vacation rentals along the Washington and Oregon coast.