Shaped by Sea and Story

Spanning 3,000 miles of Washington State’s saltwater shoreline, the Maritime Washington National Heritage Area celebrates our state’s unique and diverse water-based cultures. This heritage area builds partnerships to support our coastal communities in maintaining and sharing their water-based stories and resources.

We’re here to help preserve and interpret Washington’s maritime heritage. We do that by:

Connecting you with maritime stories and experiences.

Supporting those who steward and interpret our water-based heritage.

Advocating for maritime resources, practices, and ways of life.

Working Waterfronts: Moby Duck Chowder, Port Angeles

Meet Jeremy and Jason Holden, Jamestown S’Klallam fishermen and owners of a waterfront restaurant serving Native-caught seafood.

Grant Funds Available to Support Washington’s Maritime Heritage

Now accepting applications for the 2024 Maritime Washington Grant Program, funding work that strengthens, maintains, and shares maritime heritage.

Rain or Shine Weekend in North Kitsap

Explore charming small towns, dynamic beaches, and world-class maritime collections year-round.

On Native Shores

Since time immemorial, Native people have flourished—and continue to thrive—along Washington’s coastline, developing technologies, cultures, and lifeways that are deeply rooted in and shaped by this unique place. Explore our Maritime Mapper to find places where you can learn about the first people of this region directly from Tribes.

Where are we located?

The Maritime Washington National Heritage Area includes 3,000 miles of saltwater shoreline stretching north from Grays Harbor through Puget Sound to the Canadian border. Ranging from remote wilderness coasts to bustling ports and downtown skyscrapers, these dynamic shorelines connect a rich mix of communities, stories, and experiences.