Virgina Hill
Port Townsend Bay – The city is one of only three National Historic Seaports in the U.S.
Courtesy of the Chamber of Jefferson County
On the tip of the Olympic Peninsula nestled between the waters of Puget Sound and the snow-capped peaks of the Olympic Mountains is Port Townsend, one of only three National Historic Seaports in the U.S. This Victorian town has a storied maritime past, animated art and music scene, and is home to wonderful farm-to-table restaurants
Although 2020/2021 has been far from normal, Port Townsend has followed the Governor of Washington’s COVID-19 safety guidelines and adopted the JeffcoCARES pledge. This is a shared commitment from local business owners, employees, visitors, and residents alike to keep a focus on community wellness, which will allow the chance to plan for on-water destinations once it’s safer and healthier to travel freely once again.
Ashlyn G
Scenic Fort Worden State Park.
Located only 97 km (60 mi) from Seattle, Port Townsend is accessible by car, a ferry service, as well as a recreational boat with the area’s accommodating marinas. While there are numerous events happening each weekend in the spring and summer months in a ‘normal year,’ one event, in particular, commemorates the maritime tradition in Port Townsend.
Each September, the city hosts the Wooden Boat Festival, a blend of history and culture steeped in the salty sea air. More than 250 wooden boats from all over the world gather in the port ranging from historic vessels and replica pirate ships to Hollywood stars like the Lady Washington, which appeared in Pirates of the Caribbean: Curse of the Black Pearl. Many are open for tours and even sails.
Robert Sanzalone
From wining to dining – just one part of Port Townsend’s downtown district.
For a truly unique view of the hundreds of wooden boats, take a beginner stand-up paddleboard or kayaking class and learn to maneuver among these spectacular vessels. Live music, classes, kids’ activities, and vendors round-out the attractions. Last year’s 2020 event migrated to a virtual format due to COVID-19, and it was still successful. The dates and format for the 2021 Wooden Boat Festival haven’t been established yet, but the event is still happening. Check for updates at Woodenboat.org.
Another popular water-based activity in the area is kayaking and rental options – even guides – are available to take a guided tour around the Straits and experience Port Townsend from another vantage point. The tours include wildlife watching and bioluminescent plankton tours when the conditions are ideal.
On land are many hiking trails emanating from downtown Port Townsend. Grab a coffee in town before hitting the Larry Scott Memorial Trail, the only starting point to the Olympic Discovery Trail. Be sure to get your legs ready if you decide to hike further west with the pleasant warm-up trails around town. Or, explore the trails of Fort Worden State Park and check out the history and gorgeous view of the surrounding area.
Steve Ginn
The Wooden Boat Festival – more than 250 wooden boats from all over the world gather in the port for this iconic event.
Port Townsend Dining and Shopping
The restaurants and shops in Port Townsend are adhering to present COVID-19 guidelines, and as such, the following information may be subject to change as the guidelines change, but be sure to check www.EnjoyPT.com prior to your visit for the most up to date information.
Most of the restaurants are currently offering takeout (with some even featuring outdoor socially-distant seating), providing an ideal dinner option to bring back to your boat. When you’re ready for the local flavours, you’ll want to visit Wilderbee Farm. Famous for its mead, this farm is a destination for the whole family. Adults can sample a variety of meads at the tasting room and kids can feed the sheep, while everyone can pick beautiful lavender from July through to September. Cider and wine trails and farm-to-table experiences are famous in the area.
Port Townsend doesn’t lack amazing eateries. For lunch, try the Fountain Cafe where you can sample the Sound's abundance of seafood ranging from Coho Salmon Cakes to paella. In the evening, dine at Finistere with its chef's tasting menu and wine pairings. Or perhaps skip the surprise and order off the regular menu that includes oysters on the half shell, the catch of the day, or the non-seafood dishes like grilled pork loin.
Joe Wolf
If you want to dine with waterfront views, head to Sirens Pub. It has an extensive menu featuring burgers, pasta, pizza, and of course, seafood. For happy hour and a casual beverage, the Pourhouse has glass-doored refrigerators that are stocked with bottles upon bottles of local microbrews. One of the best spots to relax is on their back patio right on the water with dozens of umbrella-shaded picnic tables and chairs. It’s also K-9 friendly.
To have a night away from the berth, there’s no end to the accommodations in Port Townsend. Experience historic Victorian charm at the Bishop or the Palace hotels or check out the quaint B&Bs, which dot the city and surrounding area. Many feature gorgeous views of the Straits.
Port Townsend is the perfect getaway for a weekend, but with its many activities and local flavor, it’s also an ideal location for longer escapes. Start planning your future dream vacation now for when it is safe to freely travel again. Check out the constantly updated EnjoyPT.com to see what the city has to offer!
For more information visit www.portofpt.com or call (800) 228-2803.