Nestled along the northern coast of the enchanting Olympic Peninsula, Port Angeles sits between the sea and towering mountains in Olympic National Park. A hub of outdoor recreation and art with a charming downtown, you’ll find plenty of things to do in Port Angeles. Take a self-guided mural tour, learn about the area’s Indigenous communities, go hiking and biking, or simply stroll the streets and discover great dining and shopping.
Things to Do in Port Angeles
Outdoors and Nature
Whether or not you consider yourself an outdoor enthusiast, it’s impossible not to be excited by all the outdoor things to do in Port Angeles and the surrounding area. The city is only about 20 miles from Hurricane Ridge, one of the most accessible mountain hiking spots within Olympic National Park. In the winter, the area boasts fantastic skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, and more.
After hiking around Hurricane Ridge, head out and explore a different part of Port Angeles’ wild and wonderful nature. The shimmering, crystal-clear Lake Crescent is a mere 30-minute drive from the city and is an iconic destination for anyone exploring the Pacific Northwest. This 624-foot-deep glacier-carved lake is surrounded by lush forest and rugged mountains. The flat Spruce Railroad Trail is perfect for biking or walking and offers great views of the lake and an offshoot trail to the clear waters of Devil’s Punchbowl.
The Olympic Discovery Trail (ODT) is another wonderful way to see the north end of the Olympic Peninsula. The multi-use trail spans roughly 130 miles between Port Townsend and La Push, and it’s a premier destination for both hiking and (non-motorized) biking. With seven access points to the ODT in Port Angeles, drop in at any designated point along the trail and hike, bike, or horseback ride along sparkling lakes and towering forest stands.
Watch for wildlife in nearby Olympic National Park, which spans nearly 1 million acres and serves as a refuge for elk, black-tail deer, mountain goats, coyotes, and black bears, while 200 bird species attract many a bird enthusiast. Port Angeles Harbor and Hurricane Ridge are both locally renowned hot spots for bird watching.
Interested in seeing some sea life? The Feiro Marine Life Center offers up-close encounters with sea creatures found within 20 miles of Port Angeles and the Strait of Juan de Fuca. Or head to nearby Salt Creek Recreation Area to observe sea life in tide pools. And for those who want to paddle the serene waters of the strait, sea kayaking is another great way to immerse yourself in the abounding beauty of the surrounding sea.
Also See: Things to do on the Olympic Peninsula
Art and History
While the surrounding landscape begs to be explored, so too does the city of Port Angeles. With a population of around 20,000 people, the city maintains a small-town vibe but offers an abundance of amenities and activities to explore.
History buffs will have a special appreciation for the Port Angeles Underground Heritage Tour, which provides an in-depth look at the underground tunnels and old buildings constructed before city officials raised the city streets in 1914 (including an old movie theater and a hidden brothel).
Next, take yourself on an above-ground tour of the city’s art murals and sculptures — there’s even an official Port Angeles Art Mural Trail. With more than 12 outdoor murals dotting downtown, this trail is a great way to explore scenes of local Indigenous culture, nature, community industry, history, and more.
The Port Angeles Fine Arts Center features a rotating indoor gallery as well as the forested Webster’s Woods Sculpture Park (don’t forget to look up!). You’ll leave feeling more creative, connected, and refreshed. Looking to take a piece of art home with you? Peruse galleries like Harbor Art Gallery or One of a Kind Art Gallery in the Port Angeles Wharf building to find unique local paintings, jewelry, ceramics, woodcraft, and more.
Indigenous Culture & Heritage
Port Angeles is rich in Indigenous culture. Quite a few local tribes reside on reservations along the coast of the Olympic Peninsula, and numerous Port Angeles parks, museums, murals, cultural centers, and events pay homage both to tribal history and contemporary culture. The Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe — who once had 33 villages in the area — resides just west of the city and is actively involved in the community. Every September, tribal members and community members gather for an annual salmon ceremony to honor and bless a new season of spawning fish. In downtown, you’ll find street signs written in the Klallam language.
The Elwha Klallam Museum at the Carnegie, operated by the tribe, is a fantastic resource for those looking to learn more about the tribe’s culture and history. Located in the old Carnegie Library and open by appointment only, the museum features tribal exhibits, including the famous Tse-whit-zen Village — a pre-European contact village in the Klallam territory. Once located in the crook of Port Angeles Harbor, Tse-whit-zen flourished as a village for more than 2,700 years. Now one of the largest excavation sites of its kind, visitors can explore the deep history of Tse-whit-zen’s people.
One must-see structure is the House of Learning Longhouse at Peninsula Community College. This is the first longhouse in the nation to be constructed on a college campus. Six local tribes collaborated to design the building, which is set in a wooded area on sacred lands but open to all respectful visitors.
Also See: Discover Washington’s Native American Heritage Sites
Shopping
Downtown Port Angeles is full of fun shops and boutiques. Start at the Port Angeles Wharf on the waterfront, which is home to One of a Kind Art Gallery featuring works by more than 40 Pacific Northwest artists. You’ll also find an arcade, tour operators, an ice cream shop, and a cafe, plus views of the ferry to Victoria, B.C. In downtown, stop into Port Book and News to find your next favorite read before heading to Moss, a Pacific Northwest lifestyle boutique filled with clothing, candles, gifts, and outdoor gear.
At Kindred Collective, browse a curated mix of apparel, jewelry, home goods, children’s toys, and more. The boutique also partners with local makers to host a variety of hands-on workshops, from watercolor classes to sourdough 101. Nearby, browse an eclectic selection of antiques and search for vintage finds at Brocante.
Annual Events
You’ll never need an excuse to visit this gem of a city, but a festival weekend is always a fun time to go. Some of the top annual festivities include the Port Angeles Maritime Festival in June, The Juan de Fuca Festival of the Arts on Memorial Day weekend in May, the Dungeness Crab Festival in October, and the Wintertide Festival of Lights in December.
Where to Eat & Drink
With delicious, locally owned restaurants throughout the city, you’re never far from a great meal. Fuel your adventures with a bagel to go from Atomic Bagels. Their small space serves up big flavors, with a stellar variety of cream cheese schmears including smoked salmon, black garlic porcini sea salt, and ginger fig.
For coffee and pastries, stop into Silver Lining Cafe in the Port Angeles Wharf building to enjoy views of the water. Also in the Wharf building, Welly’s Real Fruit Ice Cream is known for New Zealand-style ice cream blended with real fruit, like blueberries and raspberries. Grab a cone to go and walk along the waterfront.
If you’re hankering for fish tacos, crab cakes, or a juicy burger after a long day of exploration, then Next Door Gastropub is the place for you. The Rail also serves up stellar burgers and brews, plus signature cocktails. For an elevated evening out, Kokopelli Grill dishes up memorable meals like crab-stuffed halibut and smoked salmon fettuccine. Looking for Italian classics with Pacific Northwest ingredients? Head to Bella Italia for the mushroom ravioli made with local mushrooms. Don’t miss the bone broth soups and rice bowls at Yodelin Broth Company. Their coconut curry wild halibut brone broth with udon is a standout.
For craft beer, check out Barhop Brewing and Artisan Pizza or Mighty Pine Brewing (be sure to keep an eye out for Mighty Pine’s friendly brewery cat). You’ll find plenty of IPAs and pale ales in addition to darker options.
Also See: Farm-to-Table Dining in Washington
About the Author
Jessica Wick is a travel writer and lifelong resident of the Pacific Northwest. While she loves exploring the world for work and for fun, she’s always happy to come home to Washington’s abundant nature, farm-to-table food, and diverse beauty.