Port Townsend Day Trips

So much to do in this Olympic Peninsula paradise. Depending on how much time you have, you'll find the Olympic Peninsula is a wellspring of outdoor experiences and easy day trips, while in town you'll find a great deal of history and culture to keep you busy. What to do in Port Townsend is never a problem, just finding the time to do it all!

Be sure to check out our Event Calendar for up-to-date activities. See Recreation Businesses in PT and Boat Charters and Local Business Directory for resources.

Here are a few places to go and activities to do in and around Port Townsend. Activities are broken down according to the time required (including travel).

1-2 hours
Art Galleries - Port Townsend prides herself in creative individuals. Visit some of the art galleries in town to get a taste of the talented residents.
Jefferson County Historical Museum - Celebrate Port Townsend's history with displays on the Jefferson County's early settlers, native inhabitants, the Victorian era and more at our local museum.
Restaurants - Hungry? A wide variety of dining options await from the wonderful restaurants in town. Mexican, Asian, Pacific Northwest Cuisine or the ever popular burger & fries; whatever you crave, you are sure to fine it in PT. Maybe even top it off with a delicious ice cream cone. Ummm, yummy!
Shopping - Water Street, the Uptown District and the Boat Haven area south of town are loaded with quaint shops. Whether you're browsing or buying, you'll find staff friendly and helpful.
Wooden Boat Foundation 380 Jefferson Street Port Townsend, WA 98368 360-385-3628 Visit the Cupola House for current programs and their nautical gift shop, stroll the docks and enjoy the views over Admiralty Straits. If you have more time you can have lunch at one of the restaurants in historic Hudson Point.
Walking Tours A great way to get up close to Uptown and Downtown Port Townsend.
2-4 hours
Bicycling - If you don't have your own bike, consider renting one for a spin through town, out to Fort Worden or along the Larry Scott Memorial Trail.
Boat Charters - Choose between whale watching, wildlife tours, rowing and sailing -fine ways to enjoy the seeing our Victorian Seaport from the water or just "muck about in boats".
City Parks - Our beautiful city parks are the perfect setting for a picnic or walk. From the beach at Chetzemoka Park you can walk all the way to Fort Worden or Point Hudson.
Fort Worden - Visit the Puget Sound Coast Artillery Museum for military history with an emphasis on Harbor Defenses of the Puget Sound. Then go to the end of Officer's Row, and you'll find the Commanding Officer's Quarters. Late Victorian period furnishings provide a unique glimpse into the life of an officer and his family. Both museums are open daily during the summer and Saturday and Sunday throughout the rest of the year. Be sure to visit the Point Wilson Lighthouse which is open for tours every Wednesday from 1pm to 4pm.
Marine Science Center - Get up close to the marine world with a chance to touch sealife. Newly renovated and expanded, the Port Townsend Marine Science Center offers education, boat tours, summer campout and exhibits throughout the year. The new Natural History Exhibit is open for public exhibit every Thursday through Sunday (year round) from Noon till 4 PM with public interpretive programs at 2:30 PM daily.
Walking Tours - A walk through the uptown and downtown Historic Districts is always enjoyable. 60 to 90 minutes long and a wealth of entertaining information to both visitors and long-time residents. Admission to the Rothchild House is included in the uptown tour. Tours through the downtown historic district will now include admission to the JCHS Museum. Both tours begin at 2:00 p.m. on Saturdays through September. Additional Sunday uptown tours start at noon. The Rothschild House, at corner of Franklin and Taylor Streets, is the starting point for the uptown walks; downtown tours begin in the Museum's lobby on the 2nd floor of the Kuhn Building at Water and Polk Streets. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children 12 and under. Reservations are not required.
4-6 hours
Whale Watching & Wildlife Cruises - A four whale watch only, departing at 10:00 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.
Olympic Discovery Trail - Though a portion of this trail is in Port Townsend, you can head west and walk or bike the Olympic Discovery Trail through Clallam County and it makes a great day trip.
Beachcombing - With miles and miles of beach to explore, this is one of my favorite pastimes. Even if you prefer to find a quiet spot to read a good book or just listen to the waves, the beach is wonderful all year long.
Golf - Beautifully manicured lawns, idyllic settings and a great game of golf seems like a well deserved treat for the golf enthusiast.
Kayaking - Our city looks completely different from the water. Rent a kayak and get some exercise while enjoying a new perspective of PT.
Drive up Mt Walker - Enjoy one of the incredible vistas available in the Olympic Mountains. Easily accessible from Highway 101, near Quilcene.
Wine Tasting - Sample our local Port Townsend wines!
All day - 8+ hours
Whale Watching & Wildlife Cruises - An eight hour trip to the San Juan Islands. The trip includes a tour of the San Juan islands, a 21⁄2 hour layover in the town of Friday Harbor for lunch and browsing, and a one hour narrated wildlife stop with the orcas.
Victoria - Drive to Port Angeles to take the ferry to Victoria, B.C. for a visit to this beautiful city. NOTE: If you are planning to make a daytrip to Victoria you need to have a picture I.D. and copy of your birth certificate or a passport to enter Canada. This applies to adults and children.
Boating - Obviously Port Townsend is home to many boat enthusiasts. Enjoy Puget Sound while you look for orcas.
Dungeness River Center - Visit the Dungeness River Center and take in some birdwatching.
Hiking/Trails - Natural beauty all around and two grand resources, the Olympic National Park and the Olympic National Forest within an easy drive. You'll find many trails, whether you are after mountain vistas or a sublime walk through the rainforest, this area is magnificent.
Recreation Passes of the Northwest - You'll need a NW Forest Pass to recreate at any of the Olympic Peninsula area trailheads. Which pass you need depends on how long you'll be staying or how often you'll making trips, but you can figure that out here. These work in Washington and Oregon. TheWashington and Oregon Recreation Pass is the full deal for all places, including USDA Forest Service, National Park, Bureau of Land Management, Corp of Engineer and WA & OR State Parks. Daily passes are between $2 and $10. All passes are available to purchase online or at local stores like Sport Townsend and Swain's General Store.
Two Days - 48 hours +
San Juan Islands - Spend a long weekend kayaking and sightseeing at the San Juan Islands. Take Puget Sound Express for an overnight stay.
Victoria - Drive to Port Angeles to take the ferry to Victoria, B.C. for a visit to this beautiful city. Choose between the Coho Ferry or Victoria Express and plan to spend the night so you can see the gardens or museums. NOTE: If you are planning to make a daytrip to Victoria you need to have a picture I.D. and copy of your birth certificate or a passport to enter Canada. This applies to adults and children.
Washington Trails Association - This is an excellent resource for a backpacking trip in the Olympic Mountains.
Boat Charters - Whale watching, wildlife tours, and sailing charters around the San Juans, Port Townsend and the Inside Passage.

City Parks County Parks State/National Parks Day Trips

Hiking/Trails Bicycling Horseback Riding Tennis

Boating/Sailing Whale/Wildlife Fish/Shellfishing Kayaking

Swimming/Diving Dogs Birdwatching Golf