Are you planning a road trip to the Olympic Peninsula and looking for a fun stop?
Port Townsend is a charming waterfront town on the northeastern tip of the peninsula – and a perfect addition to any Pacific Northwest adventure!
Not only are there tons of outdoor activities in the area, there are lots of indoor shops, activities, and attractions to fill your time. It’s perfect for the history buff, nature lover, and thrift shopper alike!
Berty and I visited Port Townsend last March and loved our time there! Keep scrolling for our complete list of things to do in Port Townsend!
Where is Port Townsend?
Located in Jefferson County on the Olympic Peninsula, this historic town is tucked away on the Salish Sea.
From basically anywhere in town, you can see a plethora of Washington islands across the water, including Whidbey Island, Indian Island, Marrowstone Island, and the San Juan Islands way up north.
It’s about a 2.5-hour drive from Seattle, with a ferry crossing required from downtown to Bremerton.
This short distance makes it an ideal and quick weekend getaway from Seattle!
Quick History of Port Townsend
Found on the Olympic Peninsula, Port Townsend is one of the cutest historic towns on the Salish Sea.
In 1851, Port Townsend was established as a seafaring village and was thought to become a large port city.
Nowadays, it is the perfect place to take a scenic drive or walk through the town to see the historic Victorian buildings, go crabbing, enjoy the coast, and eat some fresh seafood.
Go for a romantic getaway, day trip from Whidbey Island, weekend trip from Seattle, or stop along your Olympic Peninsula road trip!
The 11 Best Things To Do In Port Townsend, Washington
- Where is Port Townsend?
- Quick History of Port Townsend
- The 11 Best Things To Do In Port Townsend, Washington
- 1. Fort Worden Historical State Park
- 2. Port Townsend Antique Shopping
- 3. Soak on the Sound
- 4. Historic Fire and Bell Tower
- 5. Stay at the Palace Hotel
- 6. Chetzemoka Park
- 7. Better Living Through Coffee
- 8. Khu Larb Thai Food
- 9. Whale of the Wharf
- 10. Visit the Port Townsend Marine Science Center
- 11. Other Port Townsend Activities
- Not ready for your trip to end?
1. Fort Worden Historical State Park
Fort Worden Historical State Park is a former military base on the Olympic Peninsula that is now a campground, conference center, and park for all to enjoy.
Within the park, you can go on a history tour to learn all about the historic gun batteries, camp on the beach or in the forest (rates start at $40 per night), enjoy their art exhibit, and explore beaches and forests.
You can find some of the best hikes near Port Townsend here, like the classic Fort Worden Historical Loop (2.9 miles) or the trail to Point Wilson Lighthouse via the Bluff (3.1 miles).
TIP: A Discover Pass is required to visit this park ($10 day pass, $30 annual pass).
2. Port Townsend Antique Shopping
While in downtown Port Townsend, you can discover tons of cute, quirky antique shops—all while walking!
If you are staying at a hotel downtown, it’s extremely walkable, perfect for window shopping, browsing, and popping in and out of stores!
Check out Port Townsend Antique Mall or Magpie Alley Antiques and Oddities for a unique momento to remember your Port Townsend trip.
3. Soak on the Sound
Looking for relaxing things to do in Port Townsend? Check out Soak on the Sound. It’s a day spa where you can relax in a private saltwater soaking tub, private infrared sauna, or suite.
You can also enjoy specialty libations (including ciders and beer) and lounge on the deck. It’s the perfect place to stay for a while!
Rates to visit the spa start at $44 per person.
4. Historic Fire and Bell Tower
The Historic Fire and Bell Tower is a restored 75-foot wooden structure that was once a fire-alarm bell tower.
It was constructed in 1890 and houses a 1,500 pound brass bell.
You can find the structure, continue to enjoy the coast from the overlook then explore downtown.
5. Stay at the Palace Hotel
The Palace Hotel is the perfect Port Townsend getaway, with its charming Victorian style and lots of history (used to be a brothel!).
It’s even said that the Palace Hotel is one of the most haunted places in Washington, but we’ll let you decide that one.
The Palace Hotel is known for its stunning suites, bay views, and convenient downtown location. Rates start at $229 per night.
Other cool historic hotels to check out in the area include the Manresa Castle Hotel, The Monarch Hotel, and Old Consulate Inn.
6. Chetzemoka Park
If you’re bringing your family on a trip to Port Townsend, Chetzemoka Park is the stop for you!
Here, you’ll find a small, waterfront park where the kids can play on the playground and you all can enjoy a picnic.
It’s especially beautiful in the spring and summer, when the archway and covered walkway is dripping with gorgeous blooms.
While in the park, try and spot some sea otters or orcas too – they are very active in this part of the Salish Sea!
7. Better Living Through Coffee
For the coffee lovers out there, visit Better Living Through Coffee. This coffee shop is located on the pier and is a short walk from downtown Port Townsend.
Here, you can enjoy great views, delicious pastries, and local brews. We loved that it was right across the street from our hotel.
Centrally located, it’s a great spot to meet up with others, and the food selection made it a great stop to fuel up for the day!
8. Khu Larb Thai Food
Khu Larb Thai Food is the original sister restaurant to the very popular Thai restaurant, Wild Rose Northern Thai, in Bend, Oregon.
We love that they serve authentic Thai cuisine beyond the fan favorite Pad Thai! Don’t get us wrong, the pad thai is amazing, but we loved getting to try other dishes. Don’t know what to order? Ask your server!
It’s a local favorite and one of ours as well! Check out the menu here.
9. Whale of the Wharf
The “Whale of the Wharf” is a complete 42-foot-long gray whale skeleton display on the boardwalk of Port Townsend. Fun fact, the whale’s name is Gunther!
It’s a fun place to take kids and watch the ferries go by, and it’s a free thing to do in Port Townsend!
Just remeber to hold on to your hat on a windy day – it can get blown away quickly!
10. Visit the Port Townsend Marine Science Center
The Port Townsend Marine Science Center is another great activity for kids and adults alike! It’s also the perfect place to spend an afternoon if the weather is bad outside.
This is where you can learn all about the local marine life at the museum and see them for yourself at the aquarium.
To visit both the museum and aquarium, tickets for adults cost $7 and kids cost $5.
11. Other Port Townsend Activities
We certainly have a long list of things to do in Port Townsend when we return!
Here is what’s still on our list for what to do in Port Townsend:
If you’re up for exploring tide pools and beach combing, visit the beautiful North Beach County Park where you might find sea glass.
Check out the retro, remodeled Uptown Theater afterwards for a relaxing movie experience or go to the drive-in theater and watch a summer movie.
You can also see an intimate show downtown at the Rose Theater, featuring new releases, ballet, opera, and plays.
Not ready for your trip to end?
Here are some more cool things to do near Port Townsend if you want to extend your adventure!
Take the Ferry to Whidbey Island: On Whidbey Island, camp at Fort Casey (a historic base with a gun battery, trails, and lighthouse), hike around Deception Pass, and go crabbing off of a dock.
Keep driving west to explore Olympic National Park: We love Olympic National Park for its history, beautiful forests, and epic hikes.
Check out our article on things to do in Olympic National Park to build your itinerary and even capture some epic Olympic National Park photography!
What are your favorite things to do in Port Townsend? Tell us your favorite stops in the comments!