COME, STAY WITH US TO EXPERIENCE OUR BEAUTIFUL PARADISE!

A Historic Victorian Seaport

Step out of the fast lane and visit our historic Victorian seaport with only four traffic lights. Leave your watch behind -- since 1892 our little town marks time by the hourly toll of our historic Clock Tower. Bask in our mild climate with less than 20 inches of rainfall a year!

We are two hours from lively Seattle, three hours from quaint Vancouver Island, and four hours from Washington's wild Pacific Coast and the lush Hoh Rain Forest. We are a short ferry ride from pastoral Whidbey Island, the gateway to the San Juan Islands and Vancouver to the north. And in thirty minutes, you may trek deep into the Olympic National Forest. Be enchanted by our snow-capped mountains, pristine ferries, soaring eagles, sun-kissed beaches and wind-swept farms. There are so many things to do and to see that you may want to extend your stay!

Sport Enthusiasts

For the sports-minded, we have endless trails for hiking, walking and biking. On the tip of a peninsula on a peninsula, we are surrounded by waters on three sides, which offer spectacular fishing, sailing and kayaking. You can even try your hand at wooden boat-building, a maritime trade craft that is very much alive. Climb on board a nautical vessel in search of Orca whales. Meander through sea grasses, tromp over worn stones and scramble over driftwood as you explore the grounds of picturesque Point Wilson Lighthouse. Or golf among stunning mountain and Puget Sound vistas.

Other Fun Activities

You do not have to like sports to love Port Townsend. Pack a picnic basket and unwind at one of our city's 20 charming parks. Enjoy an afternoon concert or a drama presentation of Shakespeare in the Park. Stroll along Water Street into our many shops and restaurants. Our little port city is a creative place, offering different and unique merchandise that mirrors the fierce independence and entrepreneurial spirit of our resident artisans. Over 50 area eating establishments satisfy every palate. Dine in a castle, sip tea by the bay, savor fresh-baked goodies, eat hot dogs in a fifties diner or tickle your tongue with hand-made ice cream. If your feet get tired, soak them with Venus in the Haller Fountain. And when you are done, save time for an entertaining respite in a beer garden or pub. Later, catch a movie at our historic Rose Theatre where the popcorn is fresh, the butter is real and every show is personally introduced by a host.

Architecture of Historic Significance

We are proud of our small city's colorful history and its rich heritage. Captain George Vancouver discovered Port Townsend in 1792. It became an official settlement in 1851 and was dubbed the City of Dreams. Port Townsend never lived up to its prospect of becoming the largest harbor on the West Coast; but it did build a vast collection of Victorian mansions and significant historic buildings that are now carefully preserved. Take a living historic walking tour, drive by these sites using a map guide, or time your visit to coincide with our Victorian Days. The City of Port Townsend and Fort Worden are national historic landmarks. Fort Worden State Park and Conference Center is a 434-acre multi-use park with over two miles of saltwater shoreline and a wide variety of services and facilities. The park rests on a high bluff overlooking Puget Sound. Many historic buildings remain at this 19th century military fort.

Events and Festivals

Fort Worden also is the home of Centrum. Centrum is a vibrant center for arts and education that has world class literary, performing and visual art performances. Visitors flock to its events -- jazz, fiddle, country blues, singing and dance programs, just to name a few. Perhaps the hallmark of Port Townsend is our penchant for year-round festivals and juried art shows. We have a literal changing gallery of events such as the Rhododendron Festival, Secret Garden Tour, Wooden Boat Festival, Jefferson County Fair and Kinetic Skulpture Race. Our weekly Farmer's Market is special too.

Check Out these Web Sites

When you come, it's up to you how much or how little that you do. Below is a list of web sites that provides information on activities, events, things to see and calendars for our city of Port Townsend and surrounding areas. Enjoy!

Port Townsend - Keystone Ferry Schedule	Ferry Schedule
City of Port Townsend Government	www.CityofPT.us
City of Port Townsend Tourism	www.EnjoyPT.com
Northwest Maritime Center	www.NWMaritime.org
Olympic Peninsula	www.OlympicPeninsula.org
Port of Port Townsend	www.PortofPT.com
Washington State Tourism	www.ExperienceWashington.com
Port Townsend Area Maps	www.ptguide.com/maps

IMAGINE YOURSELF HERE!

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