The Area
Aberdeen sits on magnificent Grays Harbor. Aberdeen's strategic location between the natural beauty of the Washington coast and the impressive Olympic Peninsula makes A Harbor View Inn an ideal place to call your home away from home from which to explore.
See nature at its best in the shorebird migration at Bowerman Basin. Glimpse Aberdeen's past in the historical museum, murals, and buildings. Discover hometown hospitality in distinctive, hospitable stores. Savor dining selections from home style to gourmet. Experience the finest in outdoor life with boating, fishing, hunting, hiking, biking, horseback riding, kayaking, bird watching, whale watching, clamming, and beach combing all within minutes of Aberdeen. Nature walks found throughout the city.
Destination Day Trips From A Harbor View Inn
Aberdeen, 5-10 minutes away.
- An excellent walking tour of the homes on historic Broadway Hill is a pleasant afternoon activity. Enjoy the gardens and homes built by many lumber barons and early business men of Aberdeen.
- Aberdeen Museum of History has local exhibits viewing the history of Aberdeen including a general store, fire department, theater, and home. You can also visit the Polson Museum in Hoquiam located inside a historic home.
- Stroll along the waterfront to visit local outdoor attractions including the Compass Rose and Morrison Riverfront Park.
- Two local theatres are available to enjoy plays: the Driftwood Theatre and the Bishop Playhouse.
- A 10-plex movie theater is located in Southshore Mall in southern Aberdeen.
- An abundance of downtown antiques and specialty shops are sure to delight the shopper in you.
- View shorebirds and other native birds at the Grays Harbor National Wildlife refuge, located in Hoquiam near Bowerman Basin.
- For those who love to golf, there are two courses in Aberdeen and one in Ocean Shores.
Westport/Grayland, 20-25 minutes away.
- Visit cranberry bogs in Grayland.
- Westport Maritime Museum is a wonderful place to learn about the history of boating in our area.
- Westport has a local deep sea fishing company for those looking to make the catch.
- Other local attractions include bird watching and whale watching charters.
- Go Surfing, Westport is among the best surfing spots on the Washington coast.
- Grays Harbor Lighthouse is a hidden historic relic among the trees and a wonderful scene to explore.
- Boat watching at the marina is a nice way to spend an afternoon. Walk the piers and enjoy the shops. Have a fresh seafood lunch right off the boats and do a little swimming and beachcombing on warmer days.
Ocean Shores and Pacific Beach, 30-35 minutes away.
- A wonderful place to bird watch.
- Beachcombing and swimming. When you go to check out the waves, feel free to drive right up onto the beach.
- Go horseback riding on the beach. Scooter and motor bike rentals are available, too!
- Golfing located close to downtown is a favorite on sunny days.
- Art galleries showcase local artists up and down the boardwalk.
- Mini golf and arcades are fun for the whole family.
- There are shops and boutiques to find antique treasures.
Lake Quinault in the Olympic National Park, 45 minutes away.
- A fabulous area for day hiking. There are designated, well maintained trails, for both long and short distances.
- The lake is wonderful for boating and fishing.
- The park service provides elk tours.
- Lake Quinault Lodge is wonderful for relaxing and enjoying lunch in the restaurant.
North Beaches: Ruby Beach, Beach 4 and Kalaloch, 1.5 hours away.
- This area is amazing for exploring marine life in tide pools.
- Watch for whales, sea lions and otters.
- Long stretches of ocean beaches are perfect for beachcombing and bird watching.
- Designated trails along the shore you can enjoy from sunrise to sunset.
Astoria, Oregon, 1.5 hours away.
- Take a guided tour of the historic Flavel House.
- For a more in-depth perspective of the history of Astoria, take the Town Historic Tour
- Three museums including the Fireman's Museum, Maritime Museum and Museum of History are right in town.
- Astor Column is a lighthouse at the top of the hill. A historic site well worth the trek up to the top of the hill to see the views of the Columbia River.
- Historic downtown shopping is made easier with the old time trolly.
Long Beach, 1.5 hours away.
- Long Beach is wonderful for strolling the boardwalk to view the long streches of scenic ocean side.
- Bird watch at the Lewis and Clark Park.
- Enjoy a bite to eat in one of the many wonderful restaurants.
Mount St. Helens, 2.5 hours away.
- The Mount Saint Helen's visitor center shows movies of what happened when the mountain exploded.
- View the spectacular volcano and the aftermath. See how the trees and vegetation are starting to grow back.
Centrellia, 1 hour away.
- Visitors could spend an entire day searching the malls along the boulevard for antique treasures and enjoying the curiosity shops.
- Discount outlet malls are a spectacular place to find the highest fashion for the best price.
Mount Ranier, 2.5 hours away.
- Hiking is a spectacular way to explore the most majestic mountain in the Northwest. There are designated trails that are well maintained and marked for family trips, as well as ambiguous forested terrain for the more adventurous.
- Viewing and picture taking of Mount Rainier is fantastic from the south side of the base area. See why people come from all over the world to hike this mountain.
Seattle, 2 hours away.
- Pike Place Market is in the heart of downtown Seattle right at the pier. It is the best market to buy fresh fish, fresh flowers, local artist craftsmanship and enjoy the waterfront pier, all at the same time.
- The Seattle Science Museum is a must see, offering I-Max theater movies, and exhibits that are interesting for the entire family.
- Underground City tours of Seattle explore areas of Seattle that are under sea level, which have been built on top of.
- The Seattle Space Needle is a monument dedicated to Seattle's future growth in the aerospace industry. It stands high above the skyline and offers wonderful 360 degree views of Puget Sound, as well as a revolving restaurant.
- The international district is a travelers paradise with asian markets and restaurants and antique malls.
- Boating and hiking along Lake Washington is also wonderful way to spend the afternoon.
Tacoma, 1.5 hours away.
- Tacoma has an amazing art museum in the center of town with a blown glass exhibit that allows visitors to watch glass being blown in their special theater. The museum showcases local as well as international artwork.
- The Washington History Museum is located across the street. It offers education on the history of Washington state.
- Point Defiance Zoo is a good travelers destination.
Olympia - 1 hour away.
- The Capitol Building will give visitors tours throughout the day.
- There is a wonderful farmer's market located close to the marina that is open on the weekends.
- Downtown shopping, local restaurants, waterfront parks and ice cream shops are great points of interest for tourists and locals.
Hood Canal is 1.5 hours away.
- Hood Canal is full of waterfront parks, wonderful for hiking and picnicking.
- Enjoy the scenic drives and a variety of fresh seafood restaurants.
Portland is 2.5 hours away.
- One of Portland's most enjoyable places to tour is the Rose Garden.
- The Portland Zoo is a great place for the entire family.
- The Japanese Gardens are a romantic destination open all week long.
- There is wonderful shopping to experience downtown.
- Portland has two rivers, the Columbia River and the Willamette River, both wonderful for boating.
- Multnomah Falls is a spectacular site for visiting and photo taking.
- Mt. Hood is one of the most popular local attractions with summertime hiking and skiing and snowboarding all winter long.