Coastal Interpretive Center

Top choice


This small but thorough museum draws kids and adults alike into hands-on displays about local animals and ecosystems, industries, cultures and treasures. Test your knowledge of coastal birds, pet a beaver pelt, and learn about the many careers of the shipwrecked SS Catala, among other things. Volunteer staff are a wealth of knowledge and enthusiasm. There's a short nature trail with interpretive signs that starts from behind the building.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby attractions

1. Westport Maritime Museum

3.21 MILES

This former Coast Guard station was built in 1939 and boasts some great period photos and artifacts of seafaring days gone by. A separate building houses…

2. Grays Harbor Lighthouse

4.51 MILES

At 107ft it's the tallest lighthouse in the state, although its setting in a clump of trees makes it less scenic than a classic promontory lighthouse. …

3. Arnold Polson Museum

12.06 MILES

Built in 1924 by one of the timber barons of Hoquiam, this 26-room riverside mansion is filled with period furniture, clothing, regional artifacts, a doll…

4. Lady Washington

15.85 MILES

For some interesting local history, check out this full-scale replica of one of the ships piloted by Captain Robert Gray when he first sailed into Grays…

6. Willapa Seaport Museum

26.48 MILES

This humble little museum holds a surprisingly compelling, well-arranged collection of memorabilia from the area's maritime history. Small vignettes…

7. Big Red House

28.31 MILES

This beautiful red house (built 1871) was the original home of Oysterville cofounder RH Espy. It's now a private residence.

8. Oysterville Church

28.48 MILES

Picture-perfect old church dating from 1892. Pick up a walking-tour brochure here during the summer months.