- by Jodie Vinson
A Victorian Seaport once guarding entrance to the Puget Sound, Port Townsend welcomes guests into the beauty of the Northwest landscape with Fort Warden State Park, splendid marinas, and Victorian Architecture situated on bluffs overlooking a downtown waterfront. To get a true taste of the town visitors should book at stay at one of the defining Victorian Mansions that have been converted into B&B's, but there is a variety of accommodation to suit every guest. Downtown has a variety of locally owned shops and galleries along with nighttime entertainment and dining available at Waterstreet Brewing, Sirens, and the Manresa Castle Hotel. Every Wednesday and Saturday a thriving Farmers Market welcomes locals and visitors alike to peruse the stalls of fresh organic produce and traditional crafts made by local artisans.
No longer needed as a defense to the Puget Sound, Fort Warden has been transformed into a State Park full of hiking trails and untouched wildlife. The facilities of the Fort are now used to promote the artistic endeavors of local and regional artists through festivals and workshops. More hiking opportunities are available throughout the nearby Olympic National Park. There are also plenty of city parks scattered throughout Port Townsend allowing for strolls and spectacular views of the surrounding landscape. North Beach Park along the Strait of Juan de Fuca is a popular destination for boat watching and beach combing, ideally at sunset. Another good place to watch the boats is at Union Wharf downtown. Visitors will find a reconstructed dock with informational plaques on the surrounding wildlife. More natural and marine life history is on display at the Marine Science Center and Natural History Museum. Guests should take advantage of Port Townsend's surrounding waters where recreational opportunities abound, from scuba diving to fishing. Rent a kayak to explore the shoreline of Admiralty Inlet and Port Townsend Bay or launch your own boat from Boat Haven or Point Wilson. Charter a wildlife cruise and go whale watching in the waters of the Strait.
The town's cultural life centers around the many events and festivals that draw artists, musicians and other visitors to the thriving community on the peninsula. The natural landscape and old structures of Fort Worden welcome many of these guests to conferences and workshops hosted by Centrum, including the annual Writers Conference, fiddle, jazz, and blues festivals. The town also holds an annual film festival, and movie lovers can enjoy an outdoor movie at the Wheel-in Drive-in theatre during the summer months. One of Port Townsend's most defining events is the Rhody Festival. The town's unique landscape is covered with wild Rhodendendrum, and the flower is celebrated with parades and even a coronation of a Rhody Queen. The Victorian festival recognizes the town's identity as a Victorian Seaport with guided historical walking tours of homes, a Victorian fashion show, dinners, concerts, historical reenactments and demonstrations. Port Townsend's history can be accessed year round at the Jefferson County Historical Museum. Another favorite event is the Kinetic Sculpture Race. Visitors won't want to miss the unique site of human powered vehicles navigating the streets and surrounding waters of Port Townsend. The maritime life of the town is commemorated with the Wooden Boat Festival. Each year 200 boats are on display, with many experts and tradesmen on hand to converse with about the vessels or swap stories of aquatic adventures.
PUGET SOUND MAGAZINE DESTINATION SCORE CARD
PORT TOWNSEND, WASHINGTON
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ACTIVITY |
SCORE |
COMMENTS |
Shopping Variety |
A |
Dozens of boutiques, galleries, and specialty food shops |
Dining Diversity |
A |
|
Places to Stay |
A |
|
Night Life |
B |
|
Spa Services |
A |
|
Historic Charm |
A |
|
Antique Hunting |
A |
|
Biking |
A |
|
Kayaking & Sailing |
A |
|
Hiking & Nature Walks |
A |
|
Public Beach Access |
A |
|
Yacht Friendly |
A |
New marina at north end of Town, and full services at south end of town |
RV Friendly |
A |
|
Camping |
B |
|
Fishing |
A |
|
Scenic Drive |
B |
|
Wild Life Watching |
B |
|
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