Things to do / Travel Guide
Address:Port Townsend, Washington
Our Tourist Attractions Expert Says:
Port Townsend, Washington, is a quiet, yet fun town with a Victorian finesse. It is a great place to visit, even just to eat at one of its many fine restaurants or stay at one of its Victorian style accommodations. It is best to come during warm weather and take advantage of outdoor activities.
The name Port Townsend was created by Captain George Vancouver, who discovered it in 1792, and established it as a good, safe harbor. The town was later settled in 1851, and earned the nickname "City of Dreams" because of speculation that it would be the largest harbor on the west coast, although this did not actually happen. Originally, the town was inhabited by Native Americans, including the tribes of Chemakum, Hoh, Klallam, Quinault and Twana. By the late 1800's Port Townsend was a well-known seaport, and many homes and buildings were built during that time, with most of the architecture ornate Victorian. Although a railroad was built to connect it to other cities, which promoted the city in terms of trade, they were later closed as a result of an economic depression, leading to the town's decline in population. Many of the Victorian homes still exist to this day, and visitors can still see parts of Port Townsend's history at museums or on the Walking Tour of Uptown or Downtown.
The landscape of Port Townsend offers great opportunities for outdoor activities, as the town is surrounded by the Olympic Mountains and the Port Townsend Bay. Recreational activities in Port Townsend include visiting city parks, hiking, biking, bird watching, golf, kayaking, horseback riding, tennis, boating, and whale-watching. At the Memorial Pool, families can go swimming.
Port Townsend is a hub of eateries, from ethnic cuisine to family restaurants to causal pubs and formal dining. Bread & Roses is famous for its fresh pastries and breads, and offers comfortable outdoor dining and live music. Inside the restaurant, you can take a peek at The A.R.T. Gallery, a small exhibition space with displays of local artwork. Another fun restaurant is the Castle Key Restaurant and Lounge at Manresa, found inside an historic castle, featuring an extensive wine list and a romantic atmosphere. For more casual dining, try Chimacum Café, famous for its homemade pies and milkshakes. Families may enjoy Dos Okies Barbeque which offers slow cooked meats and a festive ambiance. We also recommend The Highway Twenty Roadhouse, where besides eating, you can play cards, and try your luck at Texas Hold 'Em. Be sure to visit the FairWinds Winery, which produces many original non-mainstream wines, and is open for tasting.
Port Townsend is home to some of the most inviting accommodations, including several hotels, B&B's, and campgrounds. For an intimate experience, try Baker House B&B, Blue Gull Inn B&B, Commander's Beach House, or the English Inn B&B among many other options. Another fun experience can be had at one of Port Townsend's many Victorian era style hotels, including the Ann Starrett Mansion, the Belmont Hotel, the Bishop Victorian Hotel, Manresa Castle, and more, all of which are a fun way to relive history with luxury. If you are interested in camping, you can set up your tent at Fort Flagler State Park, Fort Worden State Park, or Jefferson County Fairgrounds.
Port Townsend is found in Washington State off the Sims Way highway. It is near the Sea-Tac Airport, and can also be reached by ferry. Getting around Port Townsend is easy, and it is recommended to travel around on foot, since parking is very limited. You would do best to park your car and travel by Jefferson Transit bus around town. You can also travel around by Victorian style horse drawn carriage. Very classy!