This “City of Dreams” is a Victorian Seaport with Lavender Farms, Beaches, and Wooden Boat Festivals

Port Townsend, Washington

This tiny Victorian seaport on Washington’s Olympic Peninsula is legit the coolest place in the state. Imagine walking an entire street of Victorian building, watching whales from the beach, and hopping between historic forts and quirky shops all in one day. You need to get here before everyone else figures out what they’re missing.

The Railroad Never Came but the Buildings Stayed

Port Townsend nearly became the biggest harbor on the West Coast in the 1870s through the 1890s. Investors built grand Victorian buildings, betting the railroad would make the town its terminus.

The railroad never came, and the town’s dreams of becoming the “New York of the West” fell flat. This economic slump ended up preserving all those beautiful Victorian buildings, creating the historic gem we see today.

Chief Chetzemoka Kept the Peace Between Cultures

Before Victorian mansions appeared, the S’Klallam people made this area their home. Chief Chetzemoka helped keep peace between settlers and native peoples in the mid-1800s.

The town honors him with Chetzemoka Park, a waterfront space where the chief once lived. The S’Klallam people still influence local culture through their art, stories, and yearly tribal celebrations.

Victorian Buildings Make Up a National Landmark

Port Townsend earned National Historic Landmark District status in 1977 thanks to its amazing Victorian buildings. Local businessmen sparked a major building boom in the late 1880s while planning a rail link to Portland. When the economy crashed, these architectural treasures stayed intact.

Today, the historic district includes about 700 homes and 60 commercial and civic buildings. You can take walking tours from the Jefferson Museum of Art and History to learn about gems like the 1892 Courthouse with its 125-foot bell tower.

Wooden Boat Festival Started with Salt Water Hippies

North America’s largest wooden boat festival happens right here in Port Townsend. What started as a “wild idea” among “salt water hippies” in 1978 now draws boat lovers from everywhere.

Each September, Northwest Maritime hosts the world’s second-largest Wooden Boat Festival in Port Townsend, attracting thousands for a three-day celebration of wooden boats and maritime culture. The festival features 300 boats on land and water, over 100 presentations, dozens of exhibitors, live music, and local food, beer, and wine.

Artists Got Official Support in 2020

The town’s artistic community got official recognition when the Washington State Arts Commission named Port Townsend a Creative District on May 6, 2020, providing resources, grants, and support for the local cultural economy.

The district connects Downtown, Uptown, and Fort Worden, forming an artistic corridor across the Quimper Peninsula. With hundreds of working artists in town, the district supports visual, literary, performing, culinary, and maker arts. This status has funded art markers, wayfinding projects, and events that give local artists better job opportunities.

Fort Worden Went from Military Base to Arts Center

Once a military base built to protect Puget Sound, Fort Worden’s 434 acres now blend history, arts, and natural beauty. The fort has transformed into a cultural center while keeping its historic character. You can explore old military bunkers and enjoy great views of the Salish Sea.

The property houses organizations like Centrum, Port Townsend School of Woodworking, and the Coast Artillery Museum. There are miles of hiking trails leading to beaches perfect for tidepooling. You can even stay overnight in the historic officer’s quarters.

Film Festival Brings Sundance by the Sea

Often nicknamed “Sundance by the sea” for its great films and warm hospitality, this film festival has become a highlight on the indie film calendar. Now in its 25th year, the festival brings about 2,000 viewers, over 30 filmmakers, and more than 60 films to town for four days.

The walkable historic district hosts filmmaker parades, free outdoor movies, workshops, and Q&A sessions. Filmmakers arrive in classic cars while locals dress as movie characters. The small-town setting creates genuine connections between creators and audiences.

No Chain Stores in These Historic Buildings

Shopping in Port Townsend means discovering one-of-a-kind stores that showcase local creativity. You’ll find independent bookshops where local authors give readings and workshops where artisans craft world-famous kayaks.

The absence of chain stores makes every purchase special, with nearly all businesses locally owned. Many shops operate from original 19th-century buildings, adding historic charm to your shopping trip. Uptown’s Victorian mansions house vintage clothing stores, while downtown offers galleries filled with local art, pottery, and jewelry.

Olympic National Park Sits Just Next Door

Port Townsend’s location makes it perfect for exploring the natural wonders of the Olympic Peninsula. You’re just a short drive from Olympic National Park and its diverse landscapes. Head west to walk through the Hoh Rain Forest with its moss-covered trees, or drive south to Hurricane Ridge for mountain views and wildflower meadows.

The peninsula’s coastline features dramatic sea stacks at Ruby Beach and Rialto Beach. Closer to town, you can visit Dungeness National Wildlife Refuge with its 5.5-mile sand spit – the longest natural sand spit in the country.

Boat Builders Rule the Waterfront

The working waterfront keeps Port Townsend’s seafaring traditions alive. The Northwest Maritime Center offers classes in boat building and navigation while preserving traditional skills. At the Wooden Boat Chandlery, shipwrights practice centuries-old techniques. Point Hudson Marina provides shelter for sailboats, fishing vessels, and historic schooners.

The yearly Race to Alaska challenges sailors to travel hundreds of miles without motors. The Marine Science Center teaches visitors about local sea life through hands-on exhibits, connecting people to the water that shapes this coastal community.

Restaurants That Have Fed Locals Since 1885

Some Port Townsend restaurants have been around for decades, serving food in buildings with stories to tell. The Belmont Hotel Restaurant dates back to 1889, offering meals in a space with original Victorian woodwork. Waterfront Pizza has made hand-tossed pies since 1970 in the old telegraph office.

The Silverwater Café operates in the 1910 Elks Lodge building, focusing on local seafood for decades. Better Living Through Coffee has been a waterfront fixture since the early 1970s, while the Fountain Café has served Mediterranean-inspired dishes from a narrow Tyler Street storefront since 1975.

Rain Shadow Makes This Town Drier Than Seattle

Port Townsend has surprisingly pleasant weather compared to most of the Pacific Northwest. It sits in the rainshadow of the Olympic Mountains, getting only 19 inches of rain yearly, less than half of Seattle’s total. So if you want a break from all of those rainy days, you already know where your next destination should be.

Two Ferry Routes Take You to This Hidden Gem

Getting to Port Townsend is part of the fun, with several scenic routes available. Most people take the Edmonds-Kingston ferry route.

Operated by Washington State Ferries, it connects Edmonds to Kingston, offering a 20-minute ferry ride with scenic views of Puget Sound, the Olympic Mountains, and potentially orcas.

Another option is the Coupeville-Port Townsend ferry, a 35-minute sailing with views of Admiralty Inlet where you might spot whales. Drivers from Seattle can go around Puget Sound and cross the Hood Canal Floating Bridge.

The closest airport is Jefferson County International Airport, located about four miles southwest of the city. Once in town, you can park and walk to most attractions in the compact historic districts.