What to do and see in Port Townsend, United States: The Best Places and Tips

October 5, 2017 Misti Hsu

Surrounded on almost all sides by water, Port Townsend offers many places to launch your vessel of choice, from rowing scull to yacht. Frequent races, regattas and the annual Wooden Boat Festival testify to the relationship between land and sea. For the land lubbers, there are also numerous parks surrounding the city, including Fort Worden and Old Fort Townsend State Parks and, further away, Olympic National Forest. An artists' haven, the town is home to many galleries and a vibrant Art Walk.
Restaurants in Port Townsend

1. Chetzemoka Park

Jackson St, Port Townsend, WA
Excellent
74%
Good
24%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 209 reviews

Chetzemoka Park

This popular waterfront park was established over a century ago.

Reviewed By narfishi

Gorgeous water scenery, play equipment for children, a pretty gazebo, and beach access. If you have time, go down to the beach! We found the walk along the beachl therapeutic. The morning we were there, we watched the fog lift and were awed by the fall foliage on the majestic cliffs.

2. Fort Worden State Park

200 Battery Way, Port Townsend, WA 98368-3621 +1 360-344-4431
Excellent
64%
Good
29%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 829 reviews

Fort Worden State Park

Stroll along beautiful beaches and explore rows of Victorian-style houses: this park has something for everyone.

Reviewed By msjradennis - Sequim, Washington, United States

Fort Worden has a wonderful history including military, its relationship with Port Townsend and even some Hollywood history. The entire family (even the granddaughters) enjoy the military museum. You can literally spend hours there. The state park has huge bunkers left from years gone by. All the kids love going there to run through the cement fort. The beach is long and wonderful for walking and even some sea glass collecting. Great place to bring your RV or tent. And camping close to the hill is optimal...especially in inclement weather...shields you from some wind. We go here every year. Beautiful park and close to town.

3. Port Townsend Marine Science Center

Fort Worden State Park, 532 Battery Way, Port Townsend, WA 98368 +1 360-385-5582
Excellent
74%
Good
19%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 115 reviews

Port Townsend Marine Science Center

Founded in 1982, the Port Townsend Marine Science Center is a non-profit 501c3 educational organization whose mission is to inspire conservation of the Salish Sea. The PTMSC provides place-based, people powered, hands-on learning for all ages including youth camps, exhibits of marine flora and fauna, educational and historical displays, citizen science programs and community-based lecture series. Located at Fort Worden State Park, Port Townsend, Wash., the PTMSC offers two public exhibits: the Marine Exhibit and the Natural History Exhibit.

Reviewed By my3sons359 - Yakima, Washington

Great view from the dock with a couple picnic tables. Watched people set crab pots over the railing. Very educational exhibits including water tables with marine life-fun for the kids!

4. Port Townsend Farmers Market

Tyler St. Between Lawrence and Clay, Port Townsend, WA
Excellent
73%
Good
26%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 75 reviews

Port Townsend Farmers Market

Reviewed By Amy P - Seattle, Washington

Our B&B host suggested the Farmer's Market for lunch. I wouldn't have thought of it but found they had at least 6 different food stalls in addition to crafts and, of course, local produce. What a treat.

5. Northwest Maritime Center

431 Water St, Port Townsend, WA 98368-5723 +1 360-385-3628
Excellent
63%
Good
32%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 81 reviews

Northwest Maritime Center

Reviewed By Elizabeth R - Vancouver, Washington

Learn about Thea Foss, the inspiration for Tugboat Annie, see wooden boats, maritime memorabilia, Mosquito Fleet information and more. Several interesting collections. For kids there is a marine life touch tank and harbor clean up education. A must-do when in Tacoma.

6. Kelly Art Deco Light Museum

2000 W Sims Way, Port Townsend, WA 98368-2229 +1 360-379-9030
Excellent
54%
Good
37%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 72 reviews

Kelly Art Deco Light Museum

Reviewed By deepowell - Kansas City, Missouri

Full of all kinds of lighting fixtures from grand chandeliers to lamps. Lots of art deco. Visited with friends and we all loved it. You wouldn't think a museum of lighting fixtures would be all that exciting, but they are pretty amazing.

7. Jefferson Museum of Art & History

540 Water St, Port Townsend, WA 98368-5725 +1 360-385-1003
Excellent
56%
Good
37%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 64 reviews

Jefferson Museum of Art & History

Jefferson Museum of Art & History is located in Port Townsend's historic City Hall building. The Museum features award-winning exhibits that display our unique cultural history of Maritime, Native American, and Early Settler life throughout its multiple galleries. The historic courtroom is now a rotating art gallery, displaying the works of noted artists. Once Port Townsend's Fire Hall, Courtroom, Jail and Police Station in the late 1800s, the building itself has many stories to tell! During the summer, the Museum offers historic walking tours of our beautiful Victorian seaside city. The Jefferson County Historical Society also operates the historic Rothschild House as well as the Commanding Officers Quarters at Fort Worden which are open to the public from May through September.

Reviewed By DoloresJacoby - West Palm Beach, Florida

The building is a fabulous example of great 1880s architecture. The museum requires a small entrance fee and is enjoyable to visit at one's own pace--no docent or tour. The old jail is down the stairs and has interesting information about how men and women were incarcerated. Much good historical information to take in. There's a nice little gift shop as well. Original signage as to all of the uses of the original building are still in place.

8. Larry Scott Memorial Trail

Haines St., Port Townsend, WA
Excellent
77%
Good
18%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 37 reviews

Larry Scott Memorial Trail

Reviewed By Linda P - Edmonds, Washington

Have been to Port Townsend many times and just discovered this trail. Great for an easy hike, accessible for bikers, walkers and horseback riders. Hiked halfway, nice place for a 'pit stop' then back on into town. Will definitely try to do the entire 7.3 miles (one way) next time.

9. Port Townsend Aero Museum

Jefferson County International Airport, Port Townsend, WA +1 360-437-0863
Excellent
67%
Good
25%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
7%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 55 reviews

Port Townsend Aero Museum

Reviewed By DoloresJacoby - West Palm Beach, Florida

It's just a bit of a drive out of Port Townsend, a right turn I to the airport grounds. It's small, charming and interesting

10. Fort Townsend State Park

1370 Old Fort Townsend Rd, Port Townsend, WA 98368-9777
Excellent
51%
Good
29%
Satisfactory
14%
Poor
3%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 64 reviews

Fort Townsend State Park

Reviewed By DoloresJacoby - West Palm Beach, Florida

It's Cable House Canteen and it's worth the stop after a vigorous walk by the sea. Indoor and outdoor seating and a gift shop too. Food is light fare or from the coolers.

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