Port Townsend Washington Tourism

Port Townsend sits at the tip of its own peninsula north of the Kitsap and faces east across Puget Sound toward Whidbey Island. Port Townsend is worth the effort no matter which direction you go to get there. It can be reached by ferry from Whidbey, over the Hood Canal Floating Bridge from the Kitsap Peninsula, or by State 20 from U.S. 101.

History thrives in Port Townsend, nicknamed the City of Dreams. This turn-of-the-century seaport had a rich beginning. The dreams of the early plans include many fine Victorian architectural designs and three state parks. The tall masts of the sailing vessels from around the world that once ruled the seas and made Port Townsend their Northwest Capital in 1854 are gone, but the sea wind remains. That wind provides visitors the opportunity to sail, fly kites and keeps the rainfall at a low level.

Visitors can enjoy the many arts and craft and antique shops, and two performance centers. One is located at Fort Worden, a fort that never fired a shot in anger. It is now a state park containing 80 campsites, picnic areas and miles of trails.

The Commanding Officer’s Quarters is one of Fort Worden’s finest buildings. It was completed in April 1904. Located at the head of Officers Row, the Commanding Officer’s Quarters overlooks Admiralty Inlet, with Mt. Baker and the Cascades in the background. Late Victorian and Edwardian furnishings provide a unique glimpse into the life of a U.S. Army colonel and his family in the first decade of the 20th century.

Other features include a historical walking tour, beach walking, a tour of the industrial backbone Port Townsend Paper Corporation, the Marine Science Center, the Rhododendron Festival held in May, a Wooden Boat Festival in September and the Jefferson County Fair.

Port Townsend Beach