Travel Guide: Things to do in Port Townsend

Imagine a rugged peninsula with a weathered lighthouse and historic architecture. Situated northwest of Seattle, Port Townsend is a Victorian-era seaport on the Olympic Peninsula. Home to the S’Klallam/Klallam people for thousands of years, today visitors can learn more about the culture and history of local tribes, admire Victorian architecture in the walkable downtown, experience Port Townsend’s thriving creative district, explore nearby parks, and so much more.

Things to do in Port Townsend

Outdoor Adventures

While the city makes an excellent home base for exploring Olympic National Park, visitors don’t need to travel far to immerse themselves in nature. At nearby Fort Worden Historical State Park, you can enjoy beach access, camping, 12 miles of trails, and views of Point Wilson Lighthouse (tours offered seasonally). Overlooking Admiralty Inlet and the Cascades on one side and the Olympic Mountains and the Straight of San Juan de Fuca on the other, this former military base provides some of the best vistas in the area. Kids will love splashing at the sandy beach, while history buffs can marvel at the old military installations.

Since 1904, the 6.5-acre grassy expanse of Chetzemoka Park has featured peaceful views of Puget Sound, beautifully maintained flower gardens, and beach access. Dogs can enjoy off-leash play at the adjacent dog park.

Walkers and cyclists can enjoy Larry Scott Memorial Trail, a convenient multi-use trail on the south end of town. Look for wildlife in over 7 acres of wetlands and along the shoreline of Port Townsend Bay. Cyclists and those interested in local history will appreciate the čičməhán Trail, which forms three loop trails. This interpretive trail, developed with the Jamestown S’Klallam Tribe, features 18 sites that tell the stories of the area’s Indigenous peoples.

For water fun, try a sailing lesson with Sail Port Townsend or take a guided or independent kayaking tour. Olympic Kayak Tours can set you up with rentals and guides.

Soak on the Sound

Port Townsend’s refreshing sea air and natural beauty make it the perfect rejuvenation destination. For the ultimate wellness getaway, plan some time at Soak on the Sound, a sauna and soaking experience. Relax after a hike in the tiled copper saltwater tubs or melt away your cares in the infrared and Finnish steam saunas. It’s great for a romantic getaway or girlfriends’ weekend, too, with tub rooms built to fit two to 10 people.

Culture and History

The traditional territory of the S’Klallam/Klallam tribes, the area now called Port Townsend has a rich history. The town itself was founded in 1851 by European settlers, who used it as a maritime trade port. Many of the handsome brick and stone buildings date from the second half of the 19th century. Visitors can explore downtown on their own with a self-guided architecture tour, or take a guided history walking tour in summer with the Jefferson County Historical Society. 

At the Jefferson Museum of Art and History – located in the impressive brick 1892 Historic City Hall – visitors can learn more about the city’s Native American heritage, European settlers, maritime culture, and area industries. Additional exhibits showcase works by contemporary local artists. More art can be found at galleries throughout town. A fun way to see the latest work is the First Saturday Art Walk, a monthly self-led tour of the city’s excellent art galleries and creative spaces, with over 20 participating locations.

Military history buffs and budding marine biologists will want to check out ranger-led programs and several museums at Fort Worden Historical State Park, including the Commanding Officer’s Quarters Museum and Port Townsend Marine Science Center (reopening in summer 2025).

And don’t forget to search for historic treasures in antique shops around town! The Port Townsend Antique Mall features over 40 vendors in over 15,000 square feet of retail space.

Local Dining

You’ll find options for everything from kid-friendly dining to date night indulgences in Port Townsend. Fine-dining favorite Finistère serves contemporary Pacific Northwest cuisine, from Washington oysters on the half shell to plates of truffle risotto or local salmon. Or just order a cocktail and enjoy the respite of the creamy white dining room with exposed beams and a wall of windows.

With a new menu and cozy, casual dining room, El Agavero Mexican Grill serves mouthwatering birria tacos with stewed beef, green-sauced enchiladas, and perfectly balanced margaritas. Kids have their own menu with options like quesadillas or mac and cheese.

For a light, casual breakfast or lunch, stop by The Lighthouse Cafe, a local favorite for about 80 years. Try specialties like blueberry bread pudding, creamy clam chowder, or a roast beef sandwich with cheddar and kraut.

In Chimacum — about 10 miles south of Port Townsend – award-winning Finnriver Farm & Cidery welcomes visitors to its orchard and farm store. Over 24 varieties of heirloom apples are grown on site. Enjoy the views from the pavilion, listen to live music, or sample vibrant ciders in the tasting room.

Attend an Event

In July, Centrum, an arts organization that oversees more than 250 public programs each year, hosts Jazz Port Townsend, Washington’s longest-running summer jazz festival complete with workshops, concerts, and youth education.

Come September, historic boat aficionados gather for the annual Wooden Boat Festival. With over 100 presenters and historic wood boats lining the docks at Point Hudson, visitors can enjoy everything from ropemaking and fixing diesel engines to sailing out on the bay with hundreds of painstakingly restored vessels.

One of Port Townsend’s quirkiest events takes place in October. Cheer on contestants in the Port Townsend Bay Kinetic Sculpture Race, which features creative human-powered vehicles that must survive a parade and a race through sand, mud, and water while traveling up and down the city’s hilly neighborhoods.

In winter, ring in the new year at First Night, Port Townsend’s premier New Year’s Eve celebration. The family-friendly festivities occur at multiple venues and spill out into the streets. See fire dancers, lantern parades, circus performers, and much more, all in the dark of night.

Where to Stay

The all-suite boutique Bishop Hotel, located a block from the water in downtown Port Townsend, offers 16 fireplace suites with kitchenettes in a historic building. Bonus: Many suites are dog-friendly. Be sure to visit the charming gardens with firepit tables (ask about wine tasting) and enjoy a drink or a bite at the on-site Bishop Block Bottle Shop.

You can’t miss the grand, red brick Italianate facade of The Monarch Hotel at the corner of Water Street and Quincy Street. The 19-room hotel resides on the second and third floors of a building that dates to 1889. It has delighted guests with its water and mountain views for decades.

With a grand staircase to its rooms, the Palace Hotel welcomes guests to its 26 unique lodgings, including 7 luxury lofts with water views. Many rooms are named after the women who worked at the hotel when it served as a brothel in its early days. Don’t be surprised if you’re visited by one of the ghostly occupants known to roam the halls. This is just one of Port Townsend’s many supposedly haunted locations.

About the Author

Jennifer Burns Bright is an editor and writer based in Astoria, specializing in Pacific Northwest travel, wellness, and local food. She enjoys foraging for wild food and renovating her 110-year-old cottage. She oversees longform content for clients like Travel Oregon and contributes to AAA’s Via magazine, among others.