Port Townsend, a historic seaport town is in the northeast tip of the Olympic Peninsula. It is known for its many Victorian style homes.
About
Port Townsend WA is a picturesque historic seaport on the Olympic Peninsula. It is surrounded by water and mountains. Port Townsend is an ideal home base for exploring the Olympic National Park. The historic district is filled with vibrant independently-owned shops, galleries and restaurants. Downtown is gentile today compared to its rough-and-tumble waterfront heritage. Tall ships no longer line the bay, but you may catch sight of classic wooden schooners under full sail.Uptown is home to classic Victorian mansions as well as other unique architecture.
The town has about 9000 permanent residents.
Weather and Getting There
Weather is mild year round. The town is shielded by the rain shadow of the Olympic Mountains and averages 19.1 inches of precipitation. Summer in Port Townsend is glorious with blue skies and temperatures in the low- to mid-70s. Winter is misty and rainy with temperatures in the low 50s.
Arrive by car or car ferry from Seattle via the Edmonds or Bainbridge Island ferry. There is also a short ferry from the charming town of Coupeville on Whidbey Island. Travel time from Seattle is 2 hours and 15 minutes when traveling by ferry from Seattle to Port Townsend. It is about the same travel time on driving around the southern end of the hood channel from SEATAC airport.
Dining
Festivals & Events
There is always music in Port Townsend. Popular events include the world class jazz, blues and fiddle festivals. Port Townsend is a mecca for wooden boat enthusiasts. Visit the Wooden Boat Festival and the annual gathering of vessels in September. Visit Fort Worden State Park and the historic Point Wilson Lighthouse.
Outdoors
Experience wine & cider touring, whale watching, hiking and cycling.
Things to Do
- Fort Worden
- Finn River Cidery
- Puget Sound Express offers amazing whale tours as well as a good option for a walk-on ferry service to Friday Harbor on San Juan Island (May-September)
- Saturday Farmers Market – Uptown
- Sail boat charters, kayak and bike rentals
- Great biking trails
- Browse downtown Artist’s studios, antique shops, wine tasting, local shopping, great restaurants
