Need a fun day trip or weekend escape in the Pacific Northwest? Head to Port Townsend! Stroll Victorian streets, take in scenic bay views, and dive into maritime heritage in one of Washington’s most charming coastal towns. Whether you're whale watching, browsing art galleries, or exploring historic forts, Port Townsend is rich in history, beauty, and culture.
Port Townsend, WA Highlights:
- Fort Worden State Park: Explore beaches, trails, bunkers, and museums at this historic coastal fort-turned-recreation hub.
- Downtown Historic District: Walk past 19th-century buildings filled with cafés, bookshops, and locally owned boutiques.
- Jefferson Museum of Art & History: Discover Port Townsend’s maritime and pioneer past in a restored 1892 courthouse.
- Chetzemoka Park: Relax in this lush waterfront park with gardens, picnic areas, and sweeping views of Admiralty Inlet.
- Point Wilson Lighthouse: Visit this still-operating lighthouse standing watch over Puget Sound's entrance since 1879.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Port Townsend is during the late spring through early fall (May–September). You’ll enjoy mild weather, scenic boat tours, art festivals, and great whale-watching opportunities in the Salish Sea.
How to Get There
- If you are traveling by car: Port Townsend is about 2–2.5 hours from Seattle, including a ferry ride from Edmonds or a drive via the Hood Canal Bridge.
- By Ferry: Washington State Ferries connect nearby locales like Coupeville on Whidbey Island directly to Port Townsend.
- By Bus: Jefferson Transit and other regional services offer limited routes from Port Angeles and Bainbridge Island.
Where to Stay
- Manresa Castle – Stay in a historic 19th-century castle-turned-hotel with vintage charm and water views.
- Bishop Hotel – Boutique downtown hotel offering cozy suites in a renovated Victorian building.
- Fort Worden Historic Lodging – Rent restored officer's quarters or cottages in a state park near the beach.
Best Things to Do
1. Step Into Coastal History at Fort Worden Historical State Park
Rating: ★★★★★
The big guns of Fort Worden, Fort Casey and Fort Flagler once formed the Triangle of Fire that was the coastal defense of the Puget Sound. Around the turn of the 20th century, this 432 acre property was home to 1000 troops and officers. The vast parade lawns are now parklands. Workshops, conferences and retreats are held in the Victorian officers quarters. For overnight accommodation, Fort Worden Historical State Park visitors can choose to stay in a castle, the Commanding Officer's home, the barracks or the camp site. Refreshments will be found in the Guard House Pub and there is a gift shop. Free lunch time concerts are held on Fridays in summer. Fort Worden Historical State Park Map
2. Picnic with a View at Chetzemoka Park
In 1904, 6.5 acres of land on the bluff overlooking Admiralty Inlet was set aside for Port Townsend's first community park. Hundreds of volunteers cleared the forest and landscaped the slopes down to the shoreline. Chetzemoka Park honors Chief Chetzemoka of the S'Klallan tribe who welcomed the settlers when they arrived. The gardens now contain antique roses, heritage rhododendrons and a trellised walk. The bandstand is a popular venue for wedding photos. Picnic facilities, fire pits, barbecues and a kitchen attract day trippers who can relax and enjoy the sea and mountain views. Shakespeare in the Park is held on weekends, throughout August.
Address: Chetzemoka Park, Blaine and Jackson Street Port Townsend, WA 98368
3. Dive into Discovery at the Port Townsend Marine Science Center (PTMSC)
This initiative was started by two teachers and several other volunteers in 1982, with the aim of conserving the marine life in the Salish Sea. The organization is still served by more than 100 volunteers. Through exhibits, education programs, lectures and publications they encourage the youth to form emotional ties with sea creatures and plant life and to become stewards of their habitat. Week-long summer camps focus on topics such as marine biology, coastlands and art. There are regular fundraising dinners and other events. The Port Townsend Marine Science Center (PTMSC) is open all year on weekends and weekdays in summer.
Address: The Port Townsend Marine Science Center (PTMSC), 532 Battery Way, Port Townsend WA, 98368, Phone: 360-385-5582
4. Shop Fresh and Local at the Jefferson County Farmers Market
Two farmers' markets are held in Port Townsend each week, on Wednesdays and Saturdays. A further market is held inland at Chimacum. Eighty vendors participate in the market, including farmers, food producers and artisans. The initiative has been recognized by the State of Washington as a leader in large markets. Fresh produce, pasture raised meat, free range eggs and prepared, preserved and processed foods are available in season. A roster of musicians entertains the stall holders and customers. The annual Artisan Food Festival includes cooking demonstrations, wine tasting and children's entertainment. The Power of Produce (POP) program is aimed at introducing youth to food production.
Address: Jefferson County Farmers Market, Chester Courtyard, Polk St., Port Townsend, WA 98368, Phone: 360-379-9098
Activities and Attractions for Couples:
5. Chart a Course Through Heritage at the Northwest Maritime Center
After the first Wooden Boat Festival in 1978, the idea took hold to establish a foundation in order to educate people of all ages about traditional and contemporary life on the water. The center has a fleet of sailing, rowing and motor boats. There are also two longboats that are replicas of those used in 1792 by Captain Vancouver. Through summer camps, overnight trips and sailing lessons the Northwest Maritime Center hopes to engender a sense of adventure in would-be sailors. Those trained are encouraged to participate in national and international races and sailing trips.
Address: Northwest Maritime Center , 431 Water Street, Port Townsend, WA 98368, Phone: 360-385-3628 x104
6. If You’re a Fan of Funky Finds, Visit the Kelly Art Deco Light Museum
The light fittings in this museum tell the story of middle- and upper-class lifestyle of the Art Deco era, from 1928 to 1938. This era coincides with the Great Depression, the time of prohibition, gangster rule and the speakeasy. There are more than 400 fixtures in the museum, including chandeliers, wall sconces and table lights. They are all labeled with the history, date and manufacturer details. The variation of design in the style is astonishing and most of them are not to be found elsewhere. There are light fittings for sale as well as antique furniture and other collectibles.
Address: Kelly Art Deco Light Museum, 2000 W Sims Way, Port Townsend, WA 98368, Phone: 360-379-9030
7. Trace Port Townsend’s Past at the Jefferson Museum of Art & History
There are 3 sites under the auspices ofThe Jefferson Museum of Art & History, namely the old City Hall, the Rothschild House and the Commanding Officer's Quarters. The museum tells the history of the Native Americans, early settlers and maritime activities. The City Council still meets on the second floor of the 1892 City Hall building. The lower floors house the museum, and the jail cells in the basement are invariably a talking point. The courthouse is now an art gallery of regional artists' work. Monthly and rotating exhibits fill the other spaces. From May to October the museum offers historic walking tours around Port Townsend.
Address: The Jefferson Museum of Art & History, 540 Water Street, Port Townsend, WA 98368, Phone: 360-385-1003
What to do if you are traveling with kids:
8. Wander the Woods and Relics of Fort Townsend Historical State Park
Fort Townsend was a US Army base from 1856 until a fire destroyed the barracks in 1895. The parade lawn, officers' row and World War II torpedo tower are still recognizable. Most of the old buildings have been reclaimed by nature. The 413 acre Fort Townsend Historical State Park is now a camping ground and picnic area with 6 miles of trails through Douglas Firs and Cedar trees. There is more than two miles of shoreline and visitors enjoy boating, fishing and diving offshore. The Friends' Barn, a replica of the stables, is available for hire for private functions. Fort Townsend Historical State Park Map
9. If Aviation Sparks Your Curiosity, Head to the Port Townsend Aero Museum
Port Townsend Aero Museum came into being in 2001, after aircraft restorers, Jerry and Peggy Thoutte, received a donation of six antique airplanes. Several young adults in the area volunteered to work on the restoration project. The Youth Mentorship Program grew out of the initial project. The museum has collected several more aircraft which are all airworthy and are flown regularly to events during the airshow season. There is also an extensive library and artwork collection. In 2008, sufficient funds had been raised to erect a building suitable or the museum. The building is hired out for private functions and additional funds are raised by repairing and restoring aircraft.
Address: Port Townsend Aero Museum, 105 Airport Rd, Port Townsend, WA 98368, Phone: 360-379-5244
10. Travel Back in Time at the Rothschild House Museum
DCH Rothschild was a local businessman who owned Rothschild and Co. Mercantile, a marine-based business. He had the family home built in 1868, on a bluff overlooking Port Townsend Bay. Only the Rothschilds have occupied the house. His widow remained in the house until 1918 and their daughter occupied the house until her death in 1954. In 1962 it was donated to the public and is maintained by the Jefferson County Historical Society. It is intact and depicts life as it was in the late 1800s. It has remained largely unchanged for more than a century. Roses and herbs planted by the family still grow there.
Address: Rothschild House Museum, 418 Taylor St, Port Townsend, WA 98368
Plan Your Trip