Sunday Drive to Historic Port Townsend

Port Townsend is one of Washington’s most charming coastal towns, known for its Victorian architecture, waterfront views, and rich maritime history.

On this Sunday Drive, we explored historic downtown Port Townsend, local shops, scenic overlooks, and the unique character that makes this town a favorite for visitors and future residents alike. If you’re considering a visit or exploring life in a smaller Washington community, this guide offers a visual and personal look at what makes Port Townsend special.

Port Townsend is a charming seaside town located on the northeast corner of the Olympic Peninsula in Jefferson County. Port Townsend (or “PT”) is about 60 miles away by car from Seattle.

On this visit, we opted to take the Fauntleroy ferry (located in West Seattle) to Southworth driving north to Port Townsend. If you’ve never been to PT, I highly recommend that you plan a visit. We booked a vacation rental with our friends that was on the northeast end of the Olympic Peninsula.

We took this picture of the bald eagle from the back yard of the vacation rental. We also watched osprey, ravens, red tail hawks and barn swallows. And we were lucky to catch the first leg of the Tri-Island regatta around Protection Island.

Why Port Townsend feels so Unique

Port Townsend has a rich history, which can be seen in the beautifully preserved buildings that date back to the late 1800s. The town was originally settled as a trading post and later became a bustling seaport during the Victorian era. You’ll probably notice some folks dressed from that era around town.

The town is home to a vibrant arts community, with numerous galleries and studios showcasing the work of local artists. The town also has a thriving music scene, with several live music venues and festivals throughout the year. Port Townsend is renowned for their Wooden Boat Festival that takes place in September. The Northwest Maritime Center, located on the waterfront, promotes maritime education and offers classes, workshops, and events related to boating and sailing. During our stay, we enjoyed the Saturday farmers market with live music, arts & crafts and plenty of tasty treats for a dinner in, which included a stop to the Key City Fish Company and playing pool at Sirens.

Outdoor enthusiasts will also find plenty to do in Port Townsend. The town is surrounded by natural beauty, with easy access to hiking trails, beaches, and water sports like kayaking and fishing. The nearby Olympic National Park offers stunning vistas and some of the best hiking in the region.

Mariners and Port Townsend

Port Townsend is not just a tourist destination, it hosts a thriving boating community. Part of the reason for our visit was for my neighbor and I to meet our husbands who sailed to one of the marinas in PT for some scheduled maintenance on their boats. Boat Haven Marina is one of the few on the west coast that actually allows mariners to do a lot of DIY work on their boats. Port Townsend has a long-standing reputation for boat building and repair. The town is home to skilled craftsmen, boatyards, and marine services. Boat owners can find expertise in wooden boat restoration, fiberglass repair, and other boat maintenance services.

Overall, Port Townsend is a charming and historic town that offers a range of activities and attractions for visitors of all ages. Port Townsend’s location offers boaters access to breathtaking natural beauty. The surrounding waters of the Salish Sea and the Olympic Mountains provide scenic vistas and opportunities for boating adventures, including wildlife viewing, fishing, and exploring nearby islands.

We took the long way home back to West Seattle via the Port Townsend ferry to Coupville. We headed north towards Deception Pass and then to Anacortes. It was a gorgeous drive to wrap up our enjoyable stay in PT.

Update 2026: Some photos from our recent visit back to Port Townsend via Instagram.

While Port Townsend is a popular destination for visitors, many people are also drawn to the area for its slower pace, strong sense of community, and coastal lifestyle. Buyers exploring smaller Washington towns often look beyond home prices to factors like walkability, local businesses, and quality of life — all of which are easy to experience during a visit like this.

Of course, if you’re thinking of buying or refinancing a home in Port Townsend, or anywhere in Washington state, I am happy to help you!