The Best Small Town In The Pacific Northwest For A 3-Day Weekend
There is something unmistakably grand about the Pacific Northwest. You have dramatic coastlines dotted with fjords and islands, active volcanoes quietly simmering beneath the surface, and mountain ranges rising as far as the eye can see. You never have to go far in this region to end up somewhere beautiful, and if you have a long weekend to spare, Port Townsend, Washington, is arguably one of the most remarkable picks.
This small town of about 10,000 residents sits on the northeastern tip of the Olympic Peninsula. Scenic inlets and hiking trails are easy to find, while historic forts and lighthouses have excellently preserved the town’s history. Its culinary scene is equally impressive, home to innovative restaurants and quintessential cafes. As you begin to plan your Pacific Northwest travels for the coming year, don’t miss out on what Port Townsend has to offer.
Dining & Shopping
Before you head out to the nearby parks and forests, you’ll definitely want to dedicate some time to exploring Port Townsend’s restaurants and shops! To jumpstart your day, grab breakfast at the Blue Moose Cafe, a beloved American diner that serves all the classics. A few of the dishes on the menu include breakfast burritos, pancakes, French toast, and omelettes. The coffee is also roasted right next door. Afterward, get ready to hit the shops for the perfect souvenir. Travelers interested in more vintage finds will love the Port Townsend Antique Mall, a giant antique store downtown with over 40 vendors to browse. Objects range from the Victorian era to mid-century modern.
The Quimper Mercantile Company is also a town favorite for gift and souvenir shopping, a community-owned store founded in 2012 that sells clothing, home goods, toys, art supplies, and more. If all the shopping is starting to make you hungry, head over to Finistère for dinner, an upscale restaurant known for its thoughtful dishes like squash risotto, duck breast, tagliatelle, and salmon.
Fort Worden Historical State Park
If you head to the northeastern corner of Port Townsend, you’ll find Fort Worden Historical State Park, a 434-acre park best known for the 19th-century Fort Worden. Constructed in the 1890s, this fort was an important part of the Admiralty Outlet’s defenses, working in tandem with Fort Casey on Whidbey Island and Fort Flagler on Marrowstone Island. Due to advancements in naval and aerial weaponry, however, the fort became largely obsolete by World War I, and by World War II, nearly all the guns and armaments had been removed.
Today, visitors can explore the historic gun batteries and other buildings, many of which are open to the public, with tours offered by the Puget Sound Coast Artillery Museum. There are also 12 miles of hiking trails, a beach campground, and picnic areas on-site. The fort is open from 6:30 am until dusk during the summer and 8:00 am until dusk in the winter.
Outdoor Recreation
The area surrounding Port Townsend has plenty to explore via both land and water. If you are a big hiker, make sure to check out the Olympic Discovery Trail, one of the most renowned trails in the area. This trail begins in Port Townsend and stretches 130 miles west until the Pacific Coast town of La Push, popular for hiking, biking, and even horseback riding. The trail meanders through a variety of landscapes, including fields, farms, ravines, and rivers. You probably won’t be able to hike it all during a single weekend, but you can certainly enjoy exploring a segment near Port Townsend!
If you prefer to spend an afternoon on the water instead, check out the excursions offered by Olympic Tours. This local outfitter offers an array of tours on the Admiralty Outlet, giving you the chance to see wildlife like baleen whales, river otters, seals, porpoises, and bioluminescent plankton. Depending on how adventurous you’re feeling, you can pick from either a wildlife cruise on a catamaran or a guided kayaking tour that departs from the neighboring Marrowstone Island.
Memorable Inns & Rentals
Your overnight stay in Port Townsend is almost guaranteed to be a memorable one. The town is filled with historic inns and even light stations where visitors can spend the night. The Adams Pragge House Victorian Bed & Breakfast is a wonderful option for visitors seeking a Victorian-era stay, situated in a home that was built in 1889. Three guest suites lie within the home, each furnished with period-appropriate details. Complimentary coffee and tea are available 24 hours a day, and a gourmet breakfast is served each morning!
If you have ever dreamed of being a lighthouse keeper, you can do so for the weekend at the Point Wilson Light Station. This historic station is available for vacation rentals year-round, offering two restored homes to lodge in. Both homes offer a living room with fantastic views, a formal dining room, a full kitchen, and two full bathrooms. The beach and lighthouse are just steps from the door!
A Weekend Packed With Exploration
There is so much to see in Port Townsend that fitting it all into a single weekend might be the biggest challenge. Hikers won’t have a hard time finding a gorgeous trail nearby, while history fanatics have historic sites like Fort Worden right at their fingertips. And your stay will be perfectly rounded out by one of the unique and historic inns in town! By the end of the weekend, you will have an even greater appreciation for what makes this region such a special place.
