Wonderful Things to do in Port Townsend WA That You Won’t Forget
Looking for things to do in Port Townsend WA that you won’t soon forget? Then you’re in the right place! Welcome to a local’s guide to the City of Dreams.
2024 Guide to Port Townsend Washington
Tucked away on the northeast tip of the Olympic Peninsula is one of the best small towns in Washington State: Port Townsend. And by “best” I mean welcoming, scenic, and historic.
In a nutshell, this maritime town is surrounded by the Salish Sea on 3 sides. If you’ve explored some of the islands of Washington, such as neighboring Whidbey Island, it shares a similar salty-air-spirit. Plus, if you’re approaching from Seattle then expect to sail on the Edmonds-Kingston ferry en route. (Although Port Townsend itself isn’t technically located on an island).
Since time immemorial, the area we now call the town have been traditional lands of the S’Klallam People. In addition, multiple tribes of the Coast Salish Peoples regularly frequented the area. This includes the Makah Tribe and Suquamish Tribe, among others.
Today, Port Townsend stands as a beautiful Victorian seaport — one of only 3 of its kind in the United States.
11 Things to do in Port Townsend WA
1. Discover the Salish Sea’s Secrets
Did you know that you don’t need a boat or scuba diving equipment to experience the biodiversity of our inland sea?
Thanks to the Port Townsend Marine Science Center, visitors can learn about the unique marine environment that draws so many people to Port Townsend (and Washington State generally).
If you’ve ever skipped a rock into its waters or perhaps dipped your toes into its waters, and wondered what is happening in the greater ecosystem then you definitely don’t want to miss this. In fact, I’d say it’s one of the best things to do in Port Townsend WA.
Curiosity peaked? Here’s what to expect at each of the 4 locations:
Aquarium on the Pier
Located within Fort Worden State Park, get up-close-and-personal with examples of nearshore habitats and the creatures that call them home (including a young octopus named Kakantu!)
Open seasonally during summer, admission is $7 per adult or $5 per youth aged 6-17. This includes access to the museum.
Hours: Thursday-Monday from 12-5pm
Museum
Just across the street from the aquarium is the museum. Here, you’ll find teachings about the human impact on the Salish Sea, interactive areas for children, & a small gift shop.
Hours are the same as the aquarium’s.
Downtown Gift Shop & Gallery
For a quick stop for meaningful souvenirs, check out the downtown location of the Port Townsend Marine Science Center. They sell books, clothing, ornaments, and more.
Located at 1001 Water St., in downtown Port Townsend.
Whale on the Wharf
Of all the free things to do in Port Townsend WA, seeing Whale on the Wharf is a must-do! This over 40′ feet long real gray whale skeleton (known as Gunther) who washed ashore in 2019.
Interpretive signs tell his story and struggle.
It is located at the cruise ship terminal (used Thursdays) at the end of Taylor St.
2. Celebrate Maritime Culture at an Annual Event
If you time your visit for early September, you may get the pleasure of enjoying the Wooden Boat Festival.
Whether you feel like sailing, sharing stories, or simply soaking up the beautty of the boats, what better place to do so than at North America’s largest festival of its kind?
Prepare to learn a lot – such as ropemaking, boatbuilding, and even how to sail – throughout the scheduled events.
Tickets are available online.
3. Connect With Nature at State Parks
Of all the things to do in Port Townsend WA, a fun, family-friendly activity is exploring our state parks. While Fort Flagler and Fort Casey are close by and great additional stops should your itinerary allow, the star of the show is Fort Worden Historical State Park.
Dating back to the late 1800s, the military utilized this area to protect the waters of Admiralty Inlet from enemy ships. Even if you’ve visited similar state parks, you’ll likely to be astonished at the sheer number of buildings still standing here.
There’s gymnasiums, officer’s quarters, and hospitals that have have been repurposed to house overnight guests, museums, and local businesses. And, of course, there’s bunkers.
For the most part, the bunkers are accessible by trail. Located throughout Artillery Hill, visitors may explore by foot or by bike. There is no access for cars.
{RELATED POST: 10 STUNNING STATE PARKS IN WASHINGTON}
Short on time? For a quick stop, your best bet is Battery Kinzie and Vicars. You’ll find them between the lower campground and Point Wilson Lighthouse.
4. Snap a Photo at Point Wilson Lighthouse
For the cherry on top of your park adventure, swing by the Point Wilson Lighthouse. Without a doubt, it is one of the top attractions in Port Townsend.
If you’re a lighthouse lover like me, then this is a great photo-op.
Bestie Tip: Sunset can be gorgeous from here. We tried for sunrise two days in a row, but the fog was thick both times.
Wondering about entering the lighthouse? Weekend tours are available between 11am and 4pm. In addition, there is typically a small celebration held on National Lighthouse Day in August.
For Washington State Parks, the best bang for your buck is to get a Discover Pass. This is an annual pass that is available for purchase online and in-person.
5. Go Kayaking
As you can tell, there are so many things to do in Port Townsend that center around Fort Worden! Last up on our list is renting a kayak through Olympic Kayak Tours.
Every summer, they set up shop next to the Port Townsend Marine Science Center Museum (You can’t miss it at the bottom of the hill).
Based on your ability level, opt for a guided tour or a self-guided excursion. They have single and double sit-on-top options as well as stand up paddleboards.
While out on the water, you can kayak right off the shores of downtown Port Townsend! Enjoy a unique perspective of the city while keeping an eye out for wildlife like river otters, harbor seals, and heron.
6. Hike on North Beach Park
Feeling like strolling along the shore? Besides downtown and Fort Worden Historical State Park, your other option is North Beach County Park.
Located in a residential area, this parking lot often fills up quickly as there is lots of room for people to spread out on the beach.
Bestie Tip: If you are camping at Fort Worden, you can take the hiking trails to North Beach Park!
With the expansive views of the Salish Sea, Whidbey Island, the San Juan Islands, and the Olympic Mountains, you will immediately wonder why beachgoers are looking down at the ground…
That’s because they are searching for sea glass! North Beach has become a very popular spot for beachcombing. That being said, be sure to be conscious of what you take home — it’s best not to remove plants, sea creatures, and rocks from their natural environment.
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As always, be aware of tide charts. Unfortunately, hikers have become stranded when attempting to return at high tide.
7. Enjoy Heavenly Salted Caramel Coffee
When you need your coffee fix, head to Better Living Through Coffee. Not only does their coffee taste amazing, but it is made amazing(ly). In other words, it is organic, fair trade, and locally roasted.
Plus, they are situated at a stunning waterfront location with a pocket beach and ample outdoor seating next to it. Plan to arrive early in the morning if you want to snag a coveted table indoors!
Bestie Tip: Loved your salted caramel latte? Take a jar home with you! That’s what I did, and now I’m sitting on my couch with a homemade latte fueling me as I write!
Open daily 7:30am to 4:30pm.
8. Stroll Downtown
No guide on things to do in Port Townsend WA would be complete without a walk around the Victorian-style downtown — After you’re caffeinated, of course. (But first, coffee)
There’s no telling what surprises you’ll find… A typewriter shop? Fascinating antique shops? New and used books? Yes, yes, and yes!
Since the Key City is small, after all, your best bet is to visit Thursdays – Sundays between 11am and 4pm. As we learned, businesses tend to close early (even on summer weekends).
9. Listen to Live Music
While street performers are a common sight, it’s the summertime Concerts on the Dock that you’ll want to keep an extra close eye on.
Once a week, on Thursdays in July and August, the Pope Marine Plaza turns into an outdoor concert. It’s complete with beer, wine, and additional vendors.
It’s free to listen, so go grab a seat on the ground just before 5pm.
{RELATED POST: 20+ EXCITING THINGS TO DO ON WHIDBEY ISLAND}
10. Relax Your Body in a Saltwater Soak
If you’re anything like me and love being in the water but the Salish Sea is just a tad too cold for you, then check out Soak on the Sound.
It’s a day spa with private soaking tubs filled with saltwater! And, they have saunas as well.
This is a favorite on my personal list of things to do in Port Townsend — especially in the colder seasons.
11. See the Northwest Maritime Center
Don’t worry if your trip doesn’t align with the Wooden Boat Festival. No matter when you visit, you can get a taste of the rich maritime traditions.
For example, check out the Northwest Maritime Center. They offer tours of the bay, private sailing lessons, and youth summer camps.
You may be surprised that they even have a pilothouse ship simulator, thrift store, and a hotel (The Swan Hotel!)
This post was all about the best things to do in Port Townsend WA.
Do you have a recommendation you’d like to add? I’d love to hear it. Please share it below!