This Washington Main Street Feels Like A Movie Set

Port Townsend sits on the Quimper Peninsula on the northeastern tip of the Olympic Peninsula. As a coastal city, the ocean is a key part of its charm, but one notable claim to fame is its central role as a filming location for the 1982 movie An Officer And A Gentleman. Equally cinematic is the city’s downtown core, lined with Victorian buildings standing as a testament to Port Townsend’s 19th-century growth. Walking through the historic downtown and waterfront is a step back in time, with well-preserved buildings retaining their historic beauty.

Victorian Architectural Charm

Captain George Vancouver named the harbor Port Townsend in 1792 as a tribute to his friend, the Marquis of Townshend. The harbor was considered to be a safe gateway into the interior of Puget Sound. The city itself began to emerge in the area surrounding the harbor with the growing community adopting the Port Townsend name in 1851. It came to be known as the "City of Dreams," with the hope that it would become the largest harbor on the West Coast of the United States. It became an important harbor, particularly due to its position as the gateway to Puget Sound, earning it another nickname: "The Key." The seaport grew in prominence with homes and other buildings appearing in an ornate Victorian style. Port Townsend’s late-19th-century boom was fueled by hopes for a major rail link, but the rail effort ultimately collapsed. The local economy was later periodically boosted by the construction of Fort Worden in the early 20th century. Although there was a slight decline in the city, by the 1970s, tourism and a growing retirement community contributed to a renewed spirit in the town.

The Port Townsend Historic District covers much of the waterfront and the downtown commercial district. The 19th-century architecture reflects the era’s prosperity. Today, the city is celebrated as one of the best-preserved 19th-century port cities and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, designated a National Historic Landmark. The historic district spans approximately 200 acres, bounded by Blaine Street to the northwest and Scott and Walker Streets. There are over 700 residences and 60 commercial and civic buildings in the area. Many of the residential buildings are in the Queen Anne style, with commercial buildings standing two to four stories and featuring brick construction with stone trim. The City Hall, built in 1891, and the Jefferson County Courthouse, completed in 1892, are examples of Queen Anne and Romanesque influences. With so many historic buildings, it is easy to lose yourself, and on quiet mornings, you can imagine what these structures were like 150 years ago.

Filmed on Location

Port Townsend was a key location for the 1982 romantic drama An Officer and a Gentleman. In particular, Fort Worden Historical State Park was the primary site for the scenes taking place in the Aviation Officer Candidate School. The filmmakers made extensive use of the barracks and training areas in particular. For the hotel scenes, Tides Inn & Suites on Water Street was used, and one room is still referred to as the "Officer and a Gentleman Suite." A former tavern, now known as the ND Hill Building, located on Water Street, was the setting for a bar fight scene. And the Point Wilson Lighthouse is the backdrop for the beach training scenes.

You can channel your inner Richard Gere and Debra Winger by taking a walking tour of the historic district. Included on the tour are several locations from the movie. Additionally, the tour includes locations from other films shot in Port Townsend, such as The Ring (2002) and Snow Falling on Cedars (1999). There are also plenty of self-directed tours available if you prefer to go out on your own.

For Dining and Shopping

Being a maritime and harbor city means seafood, and there are plenty of options here to try some local fare, often caught that day. Finistère on Lawrence Street offers seafood along with a seasonal menu, while The Old Whiskey Mill on Water Street is a gastropub with an extensive menu. Betta Bar & Seaside Grill, also on Water Street, is a Hawaiian-inspired seafood grill and bar. Tasting rooms and wine bars are plentiful, including Castle and Crown Cellars and Vintage by Port Townsend Vineyards, both located on Water Street. Being in the Pacific Northwest means, of course, embracing coffee culture, and there are plenty of options. One excellent coffee shop that has roots in Seattle is Conduit Coffee, located on Lawrence Street.

One thing you will find in Port Townsend is a healthy abundance of small, locally owned businesses, located on Water Street and beyond. For a good book, journey to William James Bookseller or the Imprint Bookshop, both located on Water Street. For arts and crafts, stop by the Bazaar Girls Yarn Shop & Fibre Emporium on Washington Street, and District Fabric and Diva Yarn, both on Water Street. Aldrich’s Market on Lawrence Street offers custom-roast coffee, baked goods, deli items, international foods, and beer, wine, and spirits.

Port Townsend in Culture and Art

There is plenty to do in Port Townsend. If you’re looking for art and culture, there are options to suit every taste. For live music, including blues, chamber music, jazz, voice works, and more, Centrum Performances take place year-round at Fort Worden State Park. For live theater, Key City Public Theatre has a year-round schedule showcasing original productions. The Port Townsend Creative District showcases galleries and studios throughout the city, emphasising new work by artists and craftpeople. The Jefferson Museum of Art and History, located on Water Street, is a collecting museum with over 500,000 works in various media.

Located at Fort Worden, Copper Canyon Press is a leading poetry publisher. In addition to their publications, they host poetry readings and other poetry events. As a city famous for being in movies, Port Townsend is also rich in film culture. The Port Townsend Film Festival takes place in mid-September and screens dozens of documentary and narrative films across multiple walkable venues.

Hollywood Movies and Beyond

Famous for its starring roles in several movies, Port Townsend has much to offer in terms of culture, dining, and shopping. Its extensive Victorian historical district is a time machine, with hundreds of well-preserved buildings. Late-night or early morning strolls can transport you to a different era, allowing you to soak in the beauty and charm of the historical port and downtown. While visiting here, you can learn about maritime history and find the filming locations of your favorite movie. Port Townsend is a great place to take in the sea air and unwind.