Port Townsend Travel Guide

Trek Zone

City

Facts and practical information

Port Townsend, located in the Washington region of the United States, is a charming city that offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, historical significance, and artistic flair. Nestled on the northeastern tip of the Olympic Peninsula, this picturesque town is surrounded by breathtaking views of the Puget Sound and the snow-capped Olympic Mountains.

One of the main attractions in Port Townsend is its well-preserved Victorian architecture. Strolling through the city's streets feels like stepping back in time, as the ornate buildings transport visitors to the late 19th century. The downtown area, with its brick-paved streets and quaint storefronts, is a delight to explore. Don't miss the stunning Jefferson County Courthouse, an architectural gem that dominates the skyline.

For history enthusiasts, Port Townsend offers a wealth of cultural and historical sites. The Port Townsend Marine Science Center provides an opportunity to learn about the region's diverse marine life, while the Jefferson Museum of Art & History showcases the city's rich heritage through its exhibits and artifacts. The Point Wilson Lighthouse, standing tall on the entrance to Admiralty Inlet, is another must-visit landmark that offers breathtaking panoramic views.

Nature lovers will find themselves in paradise in Port Townsend. The city is surrounded by beautiful state parks and hiking trails, perfect for outdoor adventures. Fort Worden State Park, a former military base, now offers stunning beaches, camping grounds, and miles of hiking and biking trails. The park is also home to the Port Townsend Marine Science Center and hosts various cultural events throughout the year.

Art and culture thrive in Port Townsend, making it a haven for artists and creative minds. The city hosts numerous art galleries, showcasing a diverse range of works from local and international artists. The annual Port Townsend Film Festival attracts film buffs from around the world, while the Key City Public Theatre offers captivating performances in an intimate setting.

Alternative names: Population: 9.3 thous.Area: 9.46 mi²Elevation: 20 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 48°6'54"N, 122°45'25"W

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WashingtonUnited States

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Port Townsend Top Attractions

Port Townsend Attractions - What to See and Explore

Port Townsend offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Puget Sound Coast Artillery Museum, Fort Worden, St. Paul's Episcopal Church, Port Townsend Aero Museum. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Museum • Military museum
Puget Sound Coast Artillery Museum
Puget Sound Coast Artillery Museum is a military museum located at Fort Worden State Park on Puget Sound, in the State of Washington. The museum occupies part of Building 201, a former barracks at Fort Worden.
Park
Fort Worden
Fort Worden Historical State Park is located in Port Townsend, Washington, on 433 acres originally known as Fort Worden, a United States Army Coast Artillery Corps base constructed to protect Puget Sound from invasion by sea.
Church
St. Paul's Episcopal Church
The St. Paul's Episcopal Church is a Gothic Revival church in Port Townsend, Washington. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1970.

Specialty museum • Museum
Port Townsend Aero Museum
Port Townsend Aero Museum is an aviation museum located at Jefferson County International Airport in Port Townsend, Washington.
Romanesque revival architecture
United States Post Office – Port Townsend Main
United States Post Office – Port Townsend Main is a Richardsonian Romanesque building completed in 1893 on a bluff above Port Townsend's waterfront. It was intended to serve as a Federal building that would include a customhouse serving Port Townsend's incipient role in world trade.
Museum • History museum
Rothschild House
The Rothschild House is a house in Port Townsend, Washington. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1970. It is included in Port Townsend Historic District which was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1977. It was built by D. C. H. Rothschild.
48°8'12"N • 122°45'47"W
Port Townsend Marine Science Center
Science museum • Museum • Aquarium
Lighthouse
Marrowstone Point Light
The Marrowstone Point Light is an active navigational aid overlooking Admiralty Inlet at the northern tip of Marrowstone Island, Jefferson County, Washington, in the United States.
Neighbourhood
Port Townsend Historic District
The Port Townsend Historic District is a National Historic Landmark District encompassing a significant portion of the waterfront and downtown area of Port Townsend, Washington. This area has many well-preserved late 19th-century buildings, owing to a building boom and crash in the 1880s.
48°6'60"N • 122°45'47"W
Port Townsend First Baptist Church
Church
48°4'6"N • 122°49'1"W
Wheel-In Motor Movie
Concerts and shows • Cinema • Theater
48°6'58"N • 122°45'11"W
American Legion
Memorial
Romanesque revival architecture • Romanesque architecture
Jefferson County Washington
The Jefferson County Courthouse in Port Townsend, Washington was built in 1892. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1973. It was designed by architect W.A. Ritchie and is Romanesque Revival in style.
48°6'50"N • 122°45'36"W
Capt. Enoch S. Fowler House
The Capt. Enoch S. Fowler House is a house in Port Townsend, Washington. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1970. It is included in Port Townsend Historic District which was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1977.
48°6'58"N • 122°45'7"W
Northwest Maritime Center
Nature and wildlife • Park • Science museum

Day trips

Port Townsend – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of Port Townsend, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Snohomish County Centennial Trail (Snohomish), Mukilteo Light (Mukilteo), Admiralty Head Light (Coupeville).

34 milesSE
Hiking, Trail, Hiking trail
Snohomish County Centennial Trail, Snohomish
The Snohomish County Centennial Trail is a 30-mile-long rail trail in Snohomish County, Washington, connecting the cities of Snohomish, Lake Stevens, and Arlington to Skagit County along the corridor of Washington State Route 9.
24 milesSE
Boat or ferry, Piers and boardwalks, Lighthouse
Mukilteo Light, Mukilteo
The Mukilteo Light is an operational navigation aid located on the east side of Possession Sound at Mukilteo, Snohomish County, Washington, in the United States. It is owned and operated by the City of Mukilteo as part of Mukilteo Lighthouse Park.
4.7 miNE
Lighthouse, Vernacular architecture
Admiralty Head Light, Coupeville
The Admiralty Head Light is a deactivated aid to navigation located on Whidbey Island near Coupeville, Island County, Washington, on the grounds of Fort Casey State Park. The restored lighthouse overlooks Admiralty Inlet.
29 milesN
Music venue
The Business, Anacortes
The Business is an independent record store, music distribution company and concert venue located on Commercial Avenue in Anacortes, Skagit County, Washington, United States. It formerly also housed a book store, a photography studio, a café-bistro, a recording studio and a record label.
21 milesN
Trail, Beach, Bridge
Deception Pass Bridge, Oak Harbor
Deception Pass Bridge is the common name for two, two-lane bridges on Washington State Route 20 connecting Whidbey Island in Island County, to Fidalgo Island in Skagit County, in the U.S. state of Washington.

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Best Time To Visit Port Townsend

Learn when is the best time to travel to Port Townsend weather-wise and what to expect in each season.

Popularity among visitors

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May, June, July and August are the busiest months in this location. Many people also choose to visit in September.

Average temperatures in °F

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The highest air temperature is in June, July and August. While the coldest is in January.

Monthly rainfall in inches

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The lowest rainfall is recorded in July and August. Most of it rains in November and December.

Length of day in hours

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We can expect the longest days in June, while the shortest in December.

Sunrise

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are the top attractions to visit in Port Townsend?

The top attractions to visit in Port Townsend are:

What is the best time to visit Port Townsend?

May, June, July and August are the busiest months in this location. Many people also choose to visit in September. The highest air temperature is in June, July and August. While the coldest is in January.