Port Townsend is one of those rare locations that is a 12-month destination with mild winters and gorgeous summers. There are plenty of options for adventure outside all year round, including enjoying the ocean, viewing beautiful scenery, and exploring the fantastic trails spread throughout the city. Check out some of these locations on your next visit to this amazing destination.

It’s impossible to visit Port Townsend without getting amazing views of the ocean. Visit Point Hudson to stroll along the beach and soak in views of the Straits of Juan de Fuca. Or, visit the Point Wilson Lighthouse at Fort Worden and learn about the maritime and Port Townsend history of the lighthouse, then explore the beach below the bluffs at the Fort.

If you’d like to experience Port Townsend through its trails, there are a couple of options that will give you the most comprehensive experience of the town.

The čičməhán Trail (Cheech-ma-han) highlights areas of indigenous importance in Port Townsend.  Explore the trail by foot, bike or car! The trail is made up of way points you can explore around town one at a time, and it’s a fantastic way to explore not only the community’s history, but the town in general.

Another popular trail is the Larry Scott Trail, which is the starting point for the Olympic Discovery Trail. Beginning at the picturesque working waterfront known as Boat Haven, the trail explores the areas around Port Townsend and it works its way across the Peninsula as the trail connects with trailheads further west.

Outside of town is another beautiful location for exploring, the Ludlow Falls Trail. It’s a fantastic, year-round trail perfect for a quick stop either coming in or leaving Port Townsend. Follow the trail for a quick there and back walk to a beautiful overlook of the falls.  The trail is only .6 miles so perfect for a quick walk about.

If you’d like to explore the city on wheels, there are great local options for bike rentals in town. The ReCyclery has a fantastic fleet of bikes and each rental comes with a helmet and bike lock. Also, if you’re only in town for the weekend, you can still return bikes on Sunday or Monday when the shop is closed, the staff will coordinate drop off with you. There are endless bike lanes threaded throughout the rider-friendly which will keep you connected to where you want to be!

To get great views of the area from the water, consider booking a trip with Olympic Kayak Tours. The tours offer unguided and guided options with an experienced naturalist. It’s a truly unique way to experience the beauty of the area.

No matter what your preferred exploration method, Port Townsend has an experience for everyone! Visit Enjoypt.com to get helpful tips on planning your next dream getaway!

Is Port Townsend pet friendly? Absolutely! PT is a popular destination for travelers with furry friends. You’ll often find a full bowl of water outside of shops and restaurants, and a friendly face offering your four-legged friend a treat.

 Food & Drink

In the summer and fall months, when it is warm enough, there are a variety of restaurants and eating establishments with outside patio areas that are pet friendly.

• The Bayview 360-385-1461
• Blue Moose Café 360-385-7339
• Cellar Door 360-385-6959
• Courtyard Café 360-379-3355
• The Cup 360-379-9059
• Doc’s Marina Grill 360-344-3627
• Dogs-a-Foot 206-327-5688
• Hacienda Tizapan 360-344-2409
• Nifty Fifty Soda Fountain 360-385-1931
• The Old Whiskey Mill 360-385-4422
• Quench 360-385-1055
• TommyKnocker’s 360-344-2519
• Uptown Pub 360-385-1530

Accommodations

• An Inn Between 360-379-8125
• Aladdin Inn 360-385-3747
• Arcadia Historic Inn 360-385-1992
• A Wolve’s Den 360-531-4508
• The Bishop Hotel 360-302-6984
• Cabins at Treefrog Woods 360-379-0906
• Chevy Chase Beach Cabins 360-385-1270
• Harborside Inn 360-385-7909
• Palace Hotel 360-385-0773
• Port Townsend Inn 360-385-2211
• The Swan Hotel 360-385-6122
• Takaki House 360-385-9784
• The Tides Inn 360-3850595
• The Waterstreet Hotel 360-385-5467

Leash Laws

Dogs are allowed in all Port Townsend City Parks, and pets are allowed in most Washington State Parks. However, pets must be under control at all times. Dogs are to be on a leach no more than eight feet long. Owners are responsible for cleaning up after their pets. Pets are not permitted on designated swimming beaches.

Ferries

Ferry travel with dogs is allowed, but they should stay in your car, or on a leash on the car deck if you are a walk-on passenger. Otherwise, they must be kept in pet carriers. On some ferries it is possible to take your animal to the outside upper decks, but they may not be in the cabin at any time. This of course does not apply to a certified service animal.

Dog Parks

A new dog park, “Mountain View Dog Park,” is huge and fabulous. It is one acre surrounded by a new fence, and is located between The ReCyclery and the community pool at 1925 Blaine St. Chetzemoka Park also has a small informal off-leach dog park at the corner of Hudson and Taft streets for a brief romp.

The summer is in full swing and whether you want shade or fun in the sun, Port Townsend has it all! Hybrid events are still occurring, so there are virtual and in person recreational options for your trip. Take a look at the events below to help plan your getaway!

A great option for an outside activity is visiting Wilderbee Farm. You can walk their nature trails, meet their British Soay sheep, picnic or sip mead at the Meadery on weekends. The farm is open Wednesday through Sunday from 12-5pm, and the Meadery is open 12-5 on Saturdays and Sundays. Cut flowers are also available for pick up from July to September. From Wilderbee: Flowers are a source of joy, pure and simple. We grow over seventy certified organic cottage garden ornamentals, herbs, and edibles selected for their aesthetic charm, grace, and whimsy, with a full spectrum of vibrant and delicate hues.

For those that have missed in-person musical events, there is a great concert happening on August 7. Centrum’s Acoustic Blues on the Green is a live outdoor concert at Littlefield Green. From Centrum: There will be ‘pods’ for you and your party to sit in with distance guidelines according to Covid-compliance. Assisted listening devices are available upon request and a sign-language interpreter will be on stage during performance. If there are mobility challenges or other specific needs we can assist with please let us know – come celebrate with us!

Artists include:

• Suzy Thompson and Del Rey with Matt Weiner
• Carl Sonny Leyland
• Ben Hunter
• Cary Morin

If you have any young artist in your life that would like to hone their skills while on vacation, consider the Northwind Art Cover Art: Creating a Painted Cover for Comics, Books or Graphic Novels class with Justin Rueff, August 9-12. In this class you’ll learn all of the skills necessary to make the cover of your novel or comic books stand out! You’ll learn layout, lettering finishing and coloring techniques.

A local favorite event, the Rhody Parade is returning on August 14 in Port Townsend! This year’s theme is “Stop and Smell the Rhodies.” Historically held the 3^rd weekend of May, this year’s festivities were pushed back to August due to state health guidelines surrounding COVID.  There will be more updates for what festivities will be featured closer to the date of the parade. The event first started in 1936 when local businessman Clive Buttermere convinced the Hearst Metrotone News organization to visit Jefferson County and film the rhododendrons in bloom. The local business community organized a Queen competition so a group of young women could be photographed with the rhododendrons. Nominations were made and Myrtle Olsen was voted the  first Rhododendron Queen! After the success of the first nomination in the community, the event became an annual tradition with each year bringing new editions: the boat race, a golf tournament, bed race, trike race,  and Queen’s Ball just to name a few!

For any vinyl aficionados, The Port Townsend Record Show happens on August 21 from 10am-5pm. The event will take place at The American Legion Hall. The show features more than 30 vendors, thousands of LP’s, tapes, CD’s music collectibles and memorabilia. Live DJs will also be spinning records during the event!

Love classic cars? The Kiwanis Classic Car Show is coming back this year at Memorial Field on August 23 at 9 a.m. The event will feature car, trucks and motorcycles-all vintages welcome!

It has been exciting seeing visitors in Port Townsend again this summer and we look forward to seeing our guests frequently in the months to come.