Located on the Southwest Washington coast in rural Westport at the mouth of Grays Harbor, the South Beach Bulletin is a free-distribution weekly newspaper that offers local area news about and for the communities of Westport, Grayland, North Cove, Tokeland, Ocosta and Markham.
The newspaper is delivered each Thursday afternoon to more than 100 convenient news drops in its distribution area along our scenic 18-mile stretch of pristine Pacific Ocean beaches that run from the Grays Harbor Bar to Willapa Bay.
Publication history
Founded in 1993 by Barb Aue, she has continued as the managing editor, reporter and photographer for the SOUTH BEACH Bulletin since its first issue went to press.
Today the South Beach Bulletin is owned and published by the Sound Publishing.
South Beach Visitors Guide
Each February, the SOUTH BEACH Bulletin publishes a comprehensive visitors guide for Washington’s scenic South Beach area., highlighting tourist and family activities, events and festivals throughout the year. In addition to the online version here, copies of the South Beach Visitors Guide are available at more than 100 news drops in the area, as well as at visitor information centers in many areas throughout the state.
The communities of Westport, Grayland, North Cove, Tokeland, Ocosta and Markham are collectively called the South Beach. Also known as the Cranberry Coast, the South Beach boasts more than 1,000 acres of cranberry bogs. Covering the area from the Grays Harbor Bar at the South Jetty all the way south to the marina in Tokeland on Willapa Bay, you'll find friendly folks ready and willing to make your stay on the South Beach a memorable one.
Accessible? Easily! Just a couple of hours away from Puget Sound to the north and Portland to the south, the Westport/Grayland area is the perfect place for a getaway without the hassle of long travel miles. Or, you can fly into Westport's award-winning Municipal Airport and land a perfect vacation.
Lodging? All kinds! The South Beach has accommodations for every style. Deluxe suites with all the amenities imaginable, beach cabins on the water's edge or in the pine woods, a historic hotel, modern motel units with or without kitchens, bed and breakfasts, recreational vehicle parks, private camping sites and two state parks offer all visitors, whatever their preference, a comfortable, relaxing night's rest.
Shopping? The best! The entire South Beach, from Westport to Tokeland, offers an abundance of gift shops. Visitors will find souvenirs, collectibles, clothing, antiques, and everything in between, from kites to candles, crafts to crockery.
Fishing? Legendary! Charter offices in Westport can book you on a boat for the fishing trip of a lifetime any day of the week. Or try your hand at fishing off the jetty and revetment rocks. And don't forget the fresh crab and oysters! Drop a crab pot off a float in the Westport or Tokeland Boat Basins. All charter offices carry the licenses and stamps you need and will provide you with regulations books to keep you legal.
Seafood? Our specialty! There are eating establishments all along the Cranberry Coast that offer dining opportunities ranging from decadent to down-home, depending on your mood. The South Beach offers the freshest seafood. From boat or pot to bowl or plate, your choice is prepared the way you like it and served in style.
Beaches? Miles & miles! Tops on the list for entertainment has to be the 18 miles of pristine ocean beach that offers sand and surf, seashells and sand dollars, shorebirds and sunsets, not to mention some of the most beautiful driftwood on the West Coast. Storm watch in the winter, sunbathe in the summer. Fly a kite, build a sand castle, look for agates, or just pull up a drift log, bask in all 4.Å
9the natural beauty, and let the sound of the surf carry your worries away.
Entertainment? Top Notch! Besides first-class deep sea fishing and swimming, surfing shops can gear you up for a go on the water. There’s a go-kart track and bowling to entertain the younger set while you wander among the many shops. The South Beach also boasts more than a dozen annual festivals to entertain you.
Dress Code? Casual! Come as you are and relax. Locals say the sun shines every day on the Cranberry Coast, and they just might be right! Nonetheless, come prepared for ever-changing coastal weather. Throw in a sweatshirt along with that swimsuit and you'll do just fine.
Come to Westport, Grayland, North Cove, Ocosta, Markham and Tokeland. It's a year-round paradise, where you can get away from it all at a moment's notice. Come to the scenic South Beach. The Cranberry Coast is calling you!