Things to do & places to visit in Port Townsend, Washington, United States

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.

Port Townsend city in Washington, United States. Timezone: America/Los_Angeles, current date and time: Monday, April 29, 2024, 22:29.

Top things to do (29)

Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

5.0 Puget Sound Express (2.616 reviews)
- Second Time Even Better!
Monday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Boat Tours • Dolphin & Whale Watching

Our skipper did a fantastic job of sighting whales in the area for us and bringing our boat safely nearby so we could watch as two pods of orca moved up the coastline. He effortlessly kept the boat parallel to them so we could all see. It was spectacular. On the way back, he even stopped to point out some puffins and a horned puffin. I can't believe he eve saw them! Blueberry buckle was worth the money and a hot cup of cider in a Puget Sound Express mug was a perfect way to ride home. We have taken this trip twice now and I'm sure we'll do a third. See more..
5.0 Rose Theatre (275 reviews)
- My kind of theater!
Monday: Spent 2-3 hours Movie Theaters

Originally opened as a vaudeville house in 1907, the historic Rose Theatre in downtown Port Townsend features film, opera, dance and theatre from around the globe. With delicious popcorn, plus local beer and wine, the Rose is truly a one-of-a-kind experience. Every event is personally introduced! See more..
5.0 Northwind Arts Center (39 reviews)
- December 2012 Small Expressions show
Monday: 11:30 AM - 5:30 PM Art Museums

Northwind Arts Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides visual art exhibits and sales, literary (poetry, prose, theater) reading series, new music in the Songwriters Showcase, the annual Art Port Townsend event, the Art in the Library exhibit and sales at the Port Townsend Public Library, and other programs. Our property at 701 Water Street is also available for event rental. See more..
5.0 The Starrett House Inn (10 reviews)
- Victorian elegance with modern comforts.
Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks

A beautiful Victorian-style home with incredible architectural detailing. 5 guest rooms with private baths available to rent overnight. See more..
5.0 Wilderbee Farm (8 reviews)
- My favorite “biggest little farm” in Port Townsend!!!
Monday: Spent 1-2 hours Farms

Be sure to get off the beaten path. I love, love, love this Farm and these people. It’s family run and they work so hard making it an amazing experience. I took dear friends from Florida this weekend and they loved it—the soay sheep who love to be fed from the quarter machine, Bri the piranese dog, chickens, the lavender fields, the cutting flower fields, the trails, woodworking, honey, berries, gift shop and meadworks. They do it all! They are even host to a pottery class in conjunction with the Port Townsend School of the Arts. I love to visit this place and discover the special things to buy or see for the week. It’s a certified organic farm. There is never any pressure! Casey and Eric are so helpful and kind. It’s off the beaten path Hastings to Cook Avenue but so very worth the trip! Enjoy your visit! It is always very special. The newly Mead Works is beautiful open on the weekends. Check for times. I have very fond memories over four summers. See more..
5.0 Max Grover Gallery (5 reviews)
- You gotta check this place out - what a gem of a spot!
Art Galleries
Tucked behind the Sideshow Variety Shop on Water Street, you'll find Max's Empire: The Max Grover Gallery. Max is a local treasure here and one visit to his gallery will tell you why...you won't be able to keep a smile off your face! His fun and colorful works are both entertaining and also offer a nod to our culture through printed pop-ephemera that he incorporates in to his paintings. If you catch him during your visit, ask him to make you a Vietnamese coffee! See more..
4.5 Fort Worden State Park (1.055 reviews)
- Thanksgiving family reunion.
State Parks • Military Bases & Facilities

Stroll along beautiful beaches and explore rows of Victorian-style houses: this park has something for everyone. See more..
4.5 Chetzemoka Park (274 reviews)
- Great suburban park
Parks

This popular waterfront park was established over a century ago. See more..
4.5 Port Townsend Marine Science Center (140 reviews)
- Well run and kid friendly
Spent 1-2 hours Science Museums • Aquariums

Inspiring conservation of the Salish Sea. Founded in 1982, the Port Townsend Marine Science Center is a non-profit educational organization whose mission is to inspire conservation of the Salish Sea. We provide 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 in Port Townsend, Wash., we offer two public exhibits: the Museum and the Aquarium. See more..
4.5 Port Townsend Farmers Market (92 reviews)
- A cultural experience.
Monday: Farmers Markets

Port Townsend is all about local, sustainable and organic. All of that and more unite at the farmers' market. The local farmers produce some amazing food. There are also some prepared food venders with amazing products. A few crafters round out the experience. This is an all out street fair with something for everyone. Smoking and pets are not allowed. Otherwise, there is something for everyone. See more..
4.5 Jefferson Museum of Art & History (88 reviews)
- Wonderful Museum
Monday: Spent < 1 hour Art Museums • History Museums

Jefferson Museum of Art & History is located in Port Townsend's historic 1892 City Hall building. Visit our website for more information on our exhibitions and programs. See more..
4.5 Fort Townsend State Park (76 reviews)
- I’ll be back!
State Parks

We only stayed long enough for my dog & me to walk downhill to the beach. It was the hike to the right of the amphitheater. It was a wide well kept trail with beauty on each side. It has a great view of Port Townsend bay. At the bottom of the trail was a picnic table. There wasn’t anyone around when I walked this trail. Before we went back to the truck, we walked around the Friends barn. We are here for 5 more days so now I know I must return. They hand out a nice trail map when you get there. See more..
4.5 Port Townsend Ferry Terminal (74 reviews)
- Very organized but buy tickets before travel.
Monday: 6:30 AM - 8:00 PM Ferries

We had no idea what we were doing. When we went to check it out, there were no more openings for the day. We went back to our room & bought a ticket for the next day. When we returned, I found out that our ticket was one way & that we needed to quickly get a return ticket back. One of the staff took me on to their computer & showed me what was available. Whew! So make sure you have a return ticket when you go. We just wanted a day trip so it all worked out fine.. It was great just to drive on the ferry, stay in the truck with our dog & enjoy a wonderful day. There are so many state parks to enjoy. It was a wonderful day! We are so glad we did it! See more..
4.5 Port Townsend Aero Museum (63 reviews)
- Great Surprise in Port Townsend area
Monday: Speciality Museums

The Port Townsend Aero Museum located outside of Port Townsend is a labor of love by a retired United Airlines pilot. It was built from the ground up, and is an outstanding small air museum. the aircraft restorations are first rate, and the museum has an extensive educational component that works with at-risk kids. I was very pleasantly surprised at the quality, variety and extent of the collection and the facility. Great stop in the PT area, expecially with kids. See more..
4.5 Port Townsend Brewing (52 reviews)
- Great beer. Great service, plus Miles Davis.
Monday: 12:00 PM - 7:00 PM Breweries

We are a beer touring couple from PA. Our bar is pretty high. We've done VT, Asheville, Grand Rapids. Sometimes you find an awesome unassuming place that still feels like a neighborhood bar, but has great beer. Fun music, great service. THANKS! See more..
4.5 Port Townsend Antique Mall (45 reviews)
- must visit and fun place
Monday: 10:30 AM - 5:30 PM Antique Shops

15,000 sq. ft. of inventory featuring antiques and collectibles from over 40 of the finest Antique dealers on the Olympic Peninsula. See more..
4.5 Larry Scott Memorial Trail (42 reviews)
- A great trail for walking and biking
Spent More than 3 hours Biking Trails • Equestrian Trails • Jogging Paths & Tracks

We walked from the Port Townsend boat dock down to the 2.5 mile marker and back. But you could go much further, a total of 7.5 miles one way. The trail is very well marked and maintained. Much of it is wide gravel or even paving. There was good tree cover most of the way after leaving the harbor area. You could also start from the other end at the Milo Curry trailhead off Discovery Road near the Four Corners. Go left at the Shell station. See more..
4.5 The Rothschild House (39 reviews)
- Beautifuly preserved Civil war era home
Monday: 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Speciality Museums

Step through the kitchen door of the Rothschild House and step back to the 1800's. Located at the corner of Jefferson and Taylor Streets in uptown Port Townsend, the Rothschild House has been left as the family remembered it from its early years. As such, it is a surprisingly accurate reflection of our culture 100 years ago. The children's room looks like the children have just stepped out for a few minutes. The parlor waits for visiting callers. Outside, the roses of earlier generations still bloom; the herbs still rise in the springtime. Jefferson County Historical Society offers walking tours of Port Townsend's historic uptown. This tour, covering the "Moral High Ground," the genteel district up on the bluff in this once-notorious seaport, starts from the Rothschild House every Sunday at 2 pm, June through September. Please call ahead to ensure your reservation. The Rothschild House is managed by Jefferson County Historical Society. The JCHS staffs the house, while Washington State Parks provides maintenance and oversight. See more..
4.5 Port Townsend Visitor Center (32 reviews)
- Visitor Center!!
Monday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Visitor Centers

After departing the ferry, we decided to go exploring in the town. Just happened to pass by the Visitors Center and decided to stop in for information. We are glad we stopped because the gentleman at the desk told us so much about the area. When you are traveling and trying to see EVERYTHING, it's great to have a local's knowledge. Several restaurants were suggested and various routes to Olympic National Park were discussed with attractions described to us. Restrooms were very clean!!! Please stop here and be enlightened while on your travels!!! See more..
4.5 Centrum (30 reviews)
- Centrum is one of best things in area
Theaters

A performing arts center near Fort Worden. See more..
4.5 Port Townsend Gallery (24 reviews)
- Vacation 2020 Seattle Washington
Spent < 1 hour Art Galleries

Was a beautiful stop full of local artists work. Prices were not bad at all. Had a variety of art, oil, water color, photography, abstract. Small but a nice viewing. See more..
4.5 Propolis Brewing (22 reviews)
- Not a beer drinker....but
Monday: 2:00 PM - 6:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Breweries

Propolis Brewing~Seasonal Herbal Farmhouse Ales. Organic, Local & Wild-crafted. Propolis was established in June of 2012 with the sole intent to produce high-quality handcrafted herbal ales inspired by old world tradition, local resources and the rhythms of nature. Our ales are brewed with various wild-crafted herbs and are seasonally based. Many of our Ales blend several styles and are hard to classify by those that prescribe to the standards. We are primarily inspired by the farmhouse tradition of France and Belgium, as well as old world Ales that no longer exist. We are artists and scientists at heart and we aspire to challenge the norm. For thousands of years beer served as food and medicine; it had anti-septic, anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties. Old world ales were referred to as “gruits” and were created from various malted grains and bittering herbs. Proprietary herbal blends were passed down from generation to generation as was the knowledge of how each herb served to promote health throughout the year. We carefully selected local herbs and botanicals that bitter and flavor our ales. Our herbal blends are developed to harmonize with the spectrum of malt that shifts from light to dark with the sun and the harvest. The term “propolis” comes from two Greek words: “pro,” which means “before,” and “polis,” which means “city.” This ancient term came into being centuries ago when some early Greek student of Nature established the fact that honeybees use propolis to narrow the opening into their “cities,” or hives, to keep out unwelcome intruders. The term “Propolis” is a metaphor...a reference to a time long past. Propolis encourages us to look to our surroundings for inspiration and health. We strive towards managing a sustainable business. We source local and organic ingredients whenever possible and aim to work within the flow of the seasons as to promote others to find rhythm and balance within nature. We hand-craft all of our ales in extremely limit... See more..
4.5 Key City Public Theatre (13 reviews)
- Charming Local Theatre
Theaters
The Hottest Ticket in Town! Key City Public Theatre is the Olympic Peninsula's premier live theatre. Proclaimed "Best Theatre" by The Kitsap Sun, KCPT offers: award winning performances, year around events, musicals, concerts, outdoor theatre and more. See more..
4.5 Gallery 9 (11 reviews)
- Talented artists
Spent < 1 hour Art Galleries

This is a little off the beaten path of other galleries and I loved it. The artwork is great but the jewelry, furniture design and handwoven are also very worth considering. See more..
4.5 Trinity United Methodist Church (10 reviews)
- A Nice Old Church
Churches & Cathedrals

I love old buildings and this one looks like it should be in a vintage movie with someone like Bing Crosby See more..
4.0 Jefferson County Courthouse (38 reviews)
- Historical and government building facility
Monday: 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM Architectural Buildings

A historical courthouse dating back to 1892. See more..
4.0 North Beach Park (25 reviews)
- Nice beach for hunting sea glass
Spent 2-3 hours Scenic Walking Areas

A long stretch of beach with a lot of people searching for "sea glass". Small pieces can easily be found among the rocks washed up on shore. There's a small parking lot on the North end of the beach along with a few porta potties. My family actually parked in a lot further North in the Fort Worden State Park and walked down the beach about 1 mile. See more..
4.0 Port Townsend Vineyards (19 reviews)
- Awesome place
Monday: 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Wineries & Vineyards

Born out of hard work, innovation, and a long term vision for future generations, Port Townsend Vineyards introduced a new line of locally produced wine to the area. This venture was imagined by long-time residents of Port Townsend and was brought to life in collaboration with nationally-respected local winemaker. Numerous family and Port Townsend friends brought their talents to bear in order to create a wine experience that represents the honest hard work, coastal character, persistent curiosity, and caring relationships of the Port Townsend culture. For us, Port Townsend Vineyards represents more than just making great wine. This is about culture. Through persistent curiosity that has us growing some pretty uncommon wine grapes, as well as lasting relationships, because without people, none of this See more..
4.0 Olympic Peninsula Wineries (11 reviews)
- Ollympic Peninsula Wine and Cheese Festival 2015
Wineries & Vineyards

Excellent weekend at 10 wineries and cider orchards. Oustanding views from the many patios at Marrowstone Vineyard; splendid overall experience here and at Harbinger Winery in Port Angeles. Shout out to Cascadia Creamery Glacier Blue cheese! The only disappointment was the Lullaby Winery where staff were rude and the small warehouse dirty and unpleasant. But the other nine locations were well worth the weekend trip. See more..
4.0 Point Wilson Lighthouse (10 reviews)
- A TRUE STORY OF a wannabe RELUCTANT MESSIAH
Spent < 1 hour Lighthouses

It's ABOUT time, LIKE 57 years ago i was there at 13 YEARS OLD in FORT WORDEN, we played in and around the point Wilson LIGHT HOUSE i was looking to HAVE THIS place as my place to come and STAY, for TWO days or so, as ,i WAS just in October there and i seen WORKERS, i ask them what WAS going on, they said THAT the point point Wilson LIGHT HOUSE is going to be a new kind of B&B PALACE TO STAY AND ENJOY, IT'S ABOUT TIME, IF YOU HAVE ANY TIME GO SEE IT LIKE IT WAS, AND NOW, See more..