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Christina and Jim Pivarnik
Port Townsend, WA
The waterfront of Port Townsend
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Christina and Jim Pivarnik
Port Townsend, WA
Shopping and more can be found on Water Street
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Christina and Jim Pivarnik
Port Townsend, WA
Port Townsend's Wooden Boat Festival is one of the country's largest celebrations of wooden boats.
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Christina and Jim Pivarnik
Port Townsend, WA
Port Townsend with the Olympic Mountains behind it.
Port Townsend
When a coastal city has been repeatedly featured on several "best of" lists from reputable publications in recent years, you just know there's something special about the area. As Port Townsend has become known for its many points of interest among visitors, it's also recognized for being a mecca for its historic maritime history and boating events, which includes the Annual Wooden Boat Festival as well as the hosting venue for world-class theatre, film and music festivals.
Port Townsend has two well-maintained marinas that will meet all your boating needs. While Boat Haven Marina is located within a mile of downtown, Point Hudson Marina and RV Park is within steps of the city's charming downtown shops, galleries and restaurants. What’s really captivating about its downtown district is that many of the businesses are located in historic buildings dating back to the 1890s.
As the city is one of only three Victorian seaports in the United States, it is once again commemorating its heritage this year during the annual Brass Screw Confederacy and Steampunk Hootenanny, June 8-10, 2018. The event consists of live entertainment, exciting competitions, performances and an exhibition to recognize its insightful history.
Port Townsend is also known for being a music-lover's paradise. For instance, The Centrum – the renowned arts non-profit at Fort Worden – presents large music festivals every summer drawing musicians from around the world. Among many of the events are The Olympic Music Festival, Port Townsend Acoustic Blues Festival, Concerts at the Dock, The Centrum's Festival of American Fiddle Tunes, to name but a few. In late September, the town rolls out the red carpet for the Port Townsend Film Festival, which showcases films in seven theatres throughout National Landmark Historic District in downtown Port Townsend.
If you have an appreciation for boating, check out the Wooden Boat Festival, one of the country's largest celebrations of wooden boats. Held on the second week of September, vessels of all sizes fill Point Hudson Marina and open their hatches for public viewing. Presentations on maritime skills are held throughout the three-day festival, along with dozens of exhibitors.
As Port Townsend is located on the edge of Olympic National Park, it's only natural for the area to be popular for outdoor activities and adventure. Walk the beach (and be sure check the tides) from Point Hudson to Fort Worden State Park or enjoy the series of other local beaches that surround the community. What’s more are the wide bike lanes through the city that lead to kilometres of magnificent trails or hit the water to experience kayaking, rowing and a myriad of other water sports.
Port Townsend Framer's Market, which was voted as being number one in Washington State, is where you can discover fresh produce as well as the expert works of chefs and vendors from around the region from April to December.
However, no matter what Port Townsend is known to be popular for, a visit to this coastal city won't leave you disappointed with its range of activities, history, attractions, and the friendly, hospitable community that attracts boaters back here year after
Key Events
- Strange Brew Fest – January 26-27
- The Brass Screw Confederacy – June 8-10
- Centrum Music Festivals – June - July
- Wooden Boat Festival - September 7-9
- The Port Townsend Film Festival - September 21-23
- Port Townsend Bay Kinetic Sculpture Race - October 6-7