Port Townsend
Exploring Historic Port Townsend
The City of Dreams
Port Townsend was settled on April 24th, 1851 and has been called the "City of Dreams" because it was believed to be the largest harbor on the west coast. The port was originally home to the S'Klallam Indian Community of Kah Tai.
Historic Port Townsend offers whale watching, shopping, art and more. During your stay, take advantage of events like Wooden Boat Festival and more.
In The Area
Chetzemoka Park
Port Townsend's city park was dedicated to Chief Chetzemoka (also known as Chief T'chiis-a-ma-hum or the Duke of York) in 1904. Chetzemoka City Park offers beautiful views of the Cascade Mountains, trails to the beach, as well as a picnic area and a replica of the original Victorian Bandstand that sat in the park.
Fort Worden
Hidden gun emplacements, expansive parade lawns and restored Victorian-era Officers homes place history front and center at Fort Worden Historical State Park.
Point Wilson Light
Situated at the corner of the Strait of Juan de Fuca and the entrance to Puget Sound at Admiralty Inlet, Point Wilson has long been a vital location for navigational aids for ships in the area.
Scenic Byway
Take a drive along one of the most scenic stretches in the Pacific Northwest. The Strait of Juan de Fuca Scenic Byway serves up 61 miles of Olympic Peninsula coast highway (WA-112) meandering through a landscape formed eons ago beneath the sea, carved by glaciers and carpeted with forests.
Local Dining
Finistère
Finisteré is Port Townsend’s premiere fine dining experience. Located in the Uptown neighborhood, Finsteré offers upscale French cuisine in patio, bistro, and restaurant settings.
Olympic Culinary Loop
The Olympic Culinary Loop is the most mouth-watering way to experience Olympic Coast Cuisines on the Olympic Peninsula of Washington State.
Key City Fish Market
Purveyor of the best in fresh seafood, natural meats, and free-range poultry from the waters and farmlands of the Pacific Northwest.
Local Farmers Market
The Farmers Market welcomes all people to come and enjoy the bounty, textures, and colors of locally grown and produced foods and arts.
On the Water
Whale Watching
Puget Sound Express has a guarantee - see whales or go again free. They offer inside seats for everyone, a fun and knowledgeable crew, and responsible wildlife viewing.
Sailing + Boating
Surrounded on three sides by water, Port Townsend is an unmatched destination for boaters and maritime enthusiasts.
Northwest Maritime Center
The Northwest Maritime Center engages and educates people of all generations in traditional and contemporary maritime life, in a spirit of adventure and discovery.
Kayaks + Rowboats
Get out on the water in and explore the waters Fort Worden, Admiralty Inlet, and Port Townsend Bay. On a lucky day, you might see sea otters, seals, sea lions, or even orcas! Rent kayaks on the beach at Fort Worden (singles) for $25 first hour, $10 each additional hour. A variety of kayaks and rowboats are available.
Olympic Kayak Tours also offers half-day or full-day tours from Marrowstone Island, a half hour drive from The Bishop. Paddle around Marrowstone Island and Port Townsend Bay with experienced guides, friendly seals, otters, and orcas, and beautiful scenery.
Finally, Splinter Stand Up Paddleboards provides SUP instruction in Port Townsend. From 1 on 1 beginner sessions to racing training, Splinter SUP has something for everyone.
Dog-Friendly
List of dog-friendly places from the Peninsula Daily News
Visiting Port Townsend with Your Dog
Dog-friendly Hiking Trails