A 1990 study by Scott Thomas concludes that Grays Harbor ranks sixth in the entire United States, for the area's beauty, amusement and recreation.

Theater and Music: Grays Harbor County is awash in local talent. Almost every weekend brings a choice of performances throughout the year. And access to big-city productions is within a pleasant drive. Although many of the local performing groups are comprised of volunteers, the level of talent and skill in performance are extraordinary. Some of the regular performance theaters include:

• The Bishop Center for the Performing Arts at Grays Harbor College provides regular performances in its modern 440 seat theater. In addition to performances by the Grays Harbor Symphony Orchestra and the Grays Harbor Civic Choir, programs include ballet, opera, jazz, theater, classical and popular music, lectures and family attractions.

• The Driftwood Theatre is home to the Driftwood Players, a volunteer theatre company that presents five plays during the year that play for one month each.

• The Elma Theatre is a 600 seat theater that is now home to the Elma Children's Theater Association.

• The 7th Street Theatre was built in 1928 to accomodate both vaudeville and motion pictures. Numerous productions are now performed regularly throughout the year.

• The Quinault Resort in Ocean Shores offers performances by nationally recognized singers and musicians year-round.

Libraries:

The Timberland Regional Library is a unique system of 27 branch libraries ranging over five western Washington counties. The library system offers computer access to its collection of 1.2 million books and other materials available through interlibrary loans. The Hoquiam Timberland Library is particularly proud of its beautiful Carnegie Library facility. The John Spellman Library at Grays Harbor College provides changing art exhibits that are open to the public.

Museums:

There are numerous museums throughout the region including:

• The Aberdeen Museum of History in Aberdeen has special exhibits featuring turn-of-the-century photos, artifacts, furnishings and implements.

• The Chehalis Historical Museum in Montesano was built as a Scandinavian Lutheran church in 1906. It provides displays of historical artifacts.

• The McCleary Museum in McCleary displays historical photographs, artifacts an seasonal exhibits.

• The Polson Museum in Hoquiam is a 26 room, restored mansion containing antiques and area history.

• The Westport Maritime Museum in Westport was a Coast Guard station built in 1940. It features photographs and artifacts of shipwrecks, Coast guard life, whale skeletons and a functioning class #1 (the largest made) Fresnel lighthouse lense. Separate rooms are devoted to the Timber, Fishing and Cranberry industries.