Port Townsend, A Victorian Seaside Village for Couples

Port Townsend is Washington’s Victorian Seaport and one of only three in the country and while it may be known for numerous movie locations and the Whidbey Island Ferry, there is so much more than meets the eye in this picturesque seaside village.

When in town you must visit Fort Worden State Park with its many beach walks, bicycle paths and rich history. While there, the port Townsend Marine Science Center is a must stop.

A lovely park is Chetzemoka Park where gorgeous gardens and walking paths beckon to any out door lover and a dog park sits adjacent.

If you like boats, this is the place to be as boat building schools, festivals, museums and boat tours are everywhere. We loved our half day whale watching boat tour with PS Express. The tour was simply fabulous as we watched orcas right off the side of our boat and along the shore in pods. Leaving from Port Townsend in the morning and arriving in time for lunch in Friday Harbor, it gave us a wonderful glimpse into the San Juan Islands and the gentle giants of the sea. The tour was an informative and educational for young and old alike, while relaxing, and a wonderful way to commune with nature in a safe environment. In fact, with nearly three decades of experience leading whale watching tours and access to the best technology available, PS Express offers a whale of a guarantee with a promise to spot the majestic creatures or a refund.

With many quaint hotels and Victorian inns and lodges to choose from we enjoyed our stay at the historic Bishop Victorian Hotel. A comfortable room overlooking the award winning secret Victorian garden was a peaceful respite after a busy seafaring day. We appreciated the complimentary in room breakfast, private sitting room and kitchenette. Kind hospitality and a nice assortment of teas and fresh cookies made us feel welcome and relaxed from the moment we arrived until we departed. It was charming in every regard.

Port Townsend is just the perfect blend of small town atmosphere and something to do for everyone no matter their interest or activity level. The town hosts a 9 hole municipal golf course, artillery museum, brewery, marine touch center, lighthouse, and Washington’s smallest state park in the Rothschild House Museum. These are just a few highlights. You could easily spend a few days and not see everything and I’d recommend at least two days to soak up the natural beauty and history.

With miles of endless hiking trails, boutiques, eateries and water sports, a visitor can stay busy all day or just meander the town and its environs and enjoy the peaceful tranquility and resident deer that parade down the streets as if to greet the visitors.