Small town with old world authenticity

Port Townsend is the kind of place that marries old and new effortlessly. The red brick buildings lining the downtown waterfront have a Victorian flair. One may start to wonder if they are on Water Street or Baker Street as it was described by Sir Arthor Conan Doyle in those many volumes of Sherlock Homes stories. There is, however, something present in Port Townsend that is quintessentially Pacific Northwest. It is a small town on the water with festivals, vibrant townies and art abounding around every corner.

This port town on the eastern edge of the Olympic Peninsula once aspired to be a regional center on the level of Seattle or Vancouver and for good reason – in 1887, it was Puget Sound’s sole U.S. Customs port of entry. Those big city dreams never materialized due to poorly timed recessions that stopped the railroad from reaching Port Townsend. The town’s big city dreams wilted in the early 1900s.

Today, Port Townsend’s renaissance is fully consummate, and its very mention evokes wooden boats, historic buildings, music, film, art and proximity to nature.

A bluff on one side and Port Townsend Bay on the other hem in Port Townsend’s remarkable downtown district. Its architecture is a visual feast, with abundant 19th and early 20th century buildings that landed the entire downtown district on the National Register of Historic Places in 1976. Two- and three-story Victorians with high-arched windows and elaborate trim play host to restaurants, independent bookstores, wine shops, art galleries, music venues and more.

The downtown area is fit for a day or weekend of exploring, with shops to see by day and music and entertainment by night. Downtown Port Townsend also hosts a busy schedule of summer festivals; one such can’t miss event is the Northwest Maritime Center’s annual Wooden Boat Festival, happening September 5–7, 2025.

This inspiring and educational festival features more than 300 boats including tall ships, modern wooden boats, racing schooners and more. Additionally, the festival hosts a schedule of presentations, exhibitors, live music, and delicious food, beer and wine.

After dining on local shellfish, stroll through downtown and past the end of Water Street to the public pedestrian pier at the eastern end of town. Visitors will find pockets of natural beach and the Northwest Maritime Center, which is a hub for marine craftspeople in the area. Here, visitors can see kayaks being built, wooden boats under repair, and sail makers plying their trade. Don’t miss the trail along the beach, which starts at the end of Hudson Street and looks out toward Mt. Baker and the Cascades.

Some unfortunate tourists don’t make it to the area called “Uptown.” Venture north from Water Street a few blocks to the top of the hill and you’ll find another lively retail district with a bakery, pub and a few restaurants, as well as the Port Townsend Farmers Market. More information on the Port Townsend Farmers Market can be found on page 37.

A car is not essential when visiting Port Townsend. Visitors can simply walk onto the Coupeville Ferry from Whidbey Island and arrive in town. However, a car allows easy access to nearby Fort Worden and Fort Townsend Historical State Parks. Both forts were constructed in the 1800s.

In addition to exploring the historic buildings and the lighthouse at Fort Worden, don’t miss the Centrum Foundation, a cultural gathering place with art and music classes, workshops, performances and much more.

Port Townsend greets tourists with glimpses into a colorful history delivered with small-town panache.

For more information, visit enjoypt.com.