Port Townsend

Port Townsend

Port Townsend is a Victorian Seaport known for its magnificent buildings and stunning location on the Northeast tip of the Olympic Peninsula in Washington State. Highlights include shopping on Water Street, exploring historic Fort Worden, and attending the Annual Wooden Boat Festival or Jazz Festival.

Port Townsend Ferry

To get to Port Townsend from Seattle, just take the Seattle to Bainbridge Island Ferry then drive north-west for 1-hour.  The total distance from Seattle to Port Townsend is 60.9 miles.

Things to do in Port Townsend

1. Visit historic "Water Street":  Explore boutiques, bookshops, art galleries, gift shops, cafes and restaurants along bustling Water Street.
2. Visit the waterfront:  Stroll down to the new Northwest Maritime Building, and have coffee at the cafe on the waterfront.
3. Tour Rothschild House: History buffs can tour Rothschild House located on the corner of Franklin and Taylor streets, a few blocks from Water Street (open May thru September).
4. Visit Haller Fountain:  Relax beside the beautiful Haller Fountain at the bottom of the Taylor Stairs.  See a bronze sculpture depicting Venus, the goddess of love.
5. Climb Taylor Stairs: Climb Taylor Stairs, behind the Haller Fountain, on the corner of Washington Street and Taylor, and then admire historic houses along Jefferson Street at the top of the stairs.   
6. Visit Rose Theater: Catch a movie at historic Rose Theater, a charming neighborhood theater, originally opened in 1908.
7. Visit Undertown Coffee & Wine Bar: Enjoy coffee and live music below street level, in an underground cafe in Port Townsend's historic district.
8. Visit Chetzemoka Park: Have a picnic or take a stroll at this lovely waterfront park.
9. Eat at the Fountain Cafe: Savor a delicious gourmet meal at the Fountain Cafe.
10. Take the kids to Nifty Fiftys:  Enjoy icecream sodas, milkshakes, burgers, and a jukebox, at this 50's style diner.
11. Visit Fort Worden: Fort Worden was a 19th century military defence system that guarded Puget Sound, and is just a short drive from downtown Port Townsend. Kids will love the network of concrete batteries to explore at Fort Worden, and the spectacular Point Wilson Lighthouse.  Other highlights include the "Coast Artillery Museum" and "Commanding Officer's Quarters", both on 200 Battery Way (open May thru September). The 1982 Film an Officer and a Gentleman was filmed at Fort Worden.
12. Book a Tour:  Review the table below for kayaking tours, sailing adventures, bike rentals, and whale watching tours at Port Townsend.
13. Identify film locations from an "An Officer and a Gentleman":  Identify film locations in Port Townsend from the 1982 movie, an "Officer and a Gentleman".  These include scenes at the Tides Motel (1807 Water Street), and Water Street Brewery (639 Water Street).  Other scenes were filmed at nearby Fort Worden.
14. Stay at a Victorian B&B: Review the full list of options in the table below.

Port Townsend Festivals

Port Townsend hosts a week-long Jazz Festival each July, attracting musicians from around the world.  Another big event on the calendar is the annual Wooden Boat Festival in September, featuring more than 300 vessels.

Attractions near Port Townsend

Port Townsend is surrounded by excellent attractions.  Some of the best attractions include historic Port Gamble, the 5-mile Dungeness Spit at Sequim, spectacular Hurricane Ridge with soaring views across the Olympic Mountains, breathtaking Lake Crescent, and the unique Olympic Game Farm, where elk, bison and zebras roam freely in a safari-like setting.

• Fort Worden 1 mile north
• Marrowstone Island   16 miles SE
• Port Gamble 28 miles south
• Dungeness Spit - Sequim   38 miles west
• Olympic Game Farm  38 miles west
• Hurricane Ridge 65 miles southwest
• Lake Crescent   68 miles west
• Sol Duc Falls 90 miles southwest

Hotels, B&B's, Inns & Camping at Port Townsend

Check the table at the bottom of this page for a full list of hotels, inns and bed and breakfasts. Two campgrounds are also available at Fort Worden, with over 80 sites. Some popular lodging includes:

• Palace Hotel Port Townsend
• Tides Inn
• Bishop Hotel
• Swan Hotel Port Townsend
• Harborside Inn Port Townsend

Port Townsend Restaurants

• Fountain Cafe - lovely for fine dining - delicious cuisine!!
• Water Street Brewing - pub meal
• Nifty Fiftys - jukebox and fun atmosphere - great for kids

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