Welcome to Port Townsend

Port Townsend (maps) is in eastern Jefferson County on the Olympic Peninsula.  It is a popular destination for visitors because of its historic buildings, mostly in Victorian style, and pleasant ambience.  It has been designated as a Preserve America Community and is listed by the National Trust as a Distinctive Destination.

The city has a long history as a sea port, but it now caters mostly to small vessels such as yachts and ferries.  The Port of Port Townsend web site has information about current activities and services. Landlubbers can enjoy strolling its waterfront and observing the variety of craft using the port.  The Port Townsend Marine Science Center offers exhibits and opportunities to learn more about the marine environment that is so important to this region.

There are many buildings in Port Townsend that are listed on the National Register of Historic Places including the Rothschild House which was built in 1868 by D.C.H. Rothschild who was born in Bavaria in 1824.  Eugene, the last surviving member of the Rothschild family, donated the house to the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission. It opened to the public as a historic site in 1962 and is now maintained by the Jefferson County Historical Society.  The Mount Baker Block Building was built in 1889 and continues to serve as an office building in the downtown area.  The Online Encyclopedia of Washington History has several articles on the history of Port Townsend and its people.  Use the search option for "Port Townsend."

The Rose Theatre opened in 1907 for vaudeville entertainment and evolved into a movie theatre.  It was restored in 1992.  The Port Townsend Film Festival takes place in September.

The city hosts a variety of events throughout the year so that visits are not limited to viewing the architecture and other scenery.  The Community Chorus of Port Townsend offers concerts in the fall and spring.  The Port Townsend Kinetic Skulpture Race is held in October.  The Port Townsend Victorian Seaport and Arts Community is another source of information about events held here.

The Jefferson County Fairgrounds are in Port Townsend and the venue for several events during the year.

The Port Townsend Bicycle Association promotes cycling and is a very good resource for planning trips in and around the city.  Click here for an excellent map of the area showing bike and other routes.  The PT Cyclery is another source of cycling information.  It also offer bike rentals.

Old Fort Townsend State Park is on Port Townsend Bay.  Fort Worden State Park and Conference Center is a multi-use park overlooking Puget Sound.  Both offer camping facilities and other recreational opportunities.  Point Wilson Lighthouse (photo) is in Fort Worden State Park. 

Transportation:

Airports:  Port Angeles International Airport and Seattle-Tacoma International Airport provide commercial passenger services.  The Port Angeles airport is about 51 miles / 82 km by road from Port Townsend. Sea-Tac airport is about 73 miles / 117 km by road and ferry from Port Townsend. Port Townsend Airport provides general aviation services.

Ferries:  Washington State Ferries and the Puget Sound Express provide ferry services to and from Port Townsend.

Public Transit:  Jefferson (County) Transit provides regional bus services from Port Townsend with connections to the Clallam Transit System which operates bus routes throughout Clallam County, and Kitsap Transit, which provides bus services in Kitsap County.

Port Townsend is about 13 miles / 20 km via state route WA20 northwest of its junction with US101 at Discovery Bay.                

These web sites are also good sources of information for planning travel to Port Townsend:  The City of Port Townsend, the Port Townsend City Guide, Enjoy Port Townsend and the Port Townsend Chamber of Commerce. 

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