Port Townsend: Washington's Victorian Seaport

Port Townsend is well known on the West Coast for its historical architecture that is so well preserved in the buildings that line Water Street and dot the hillside of town. Some of the historical buildings offer accommodations for an interesting trip into the past.

Settled in the 1850's, Port Townsend was the main port of entry into Puget Sound and acquired the title of "Key City". The seaport prospered in the 1880's, when many of its beautiful buildings were built and its population reached a peak of 7,000. In 1890, the town went bust when it failed to become the terminus for the Northern Pacific railroad. Port Townsend's historic Water Street has art galleries, antique shops, gift stores and friendly restaurants.

The uptown business district on Lawrence Street was established during the city's heyday of the 1890's. Most of Port Townsend's Victorian houses are located on the hill overlooking the city and water.
Some of Port Townsend's beautiful old homes have been restored and converted into Bed and Breakfast Inns. The city has gained a reputation as a "Victorian City", so many visitors like to make their stay complete with a stay in one of the restored Victorian homes or hotels.

For a list of Port Townsend hotels, motels B&B's, castles and inns, see the Port Townsend Lodging List

Tours are open to visitors at some of the homes and hotels. Ask the B&B owners or hotel managers.

It is just a short walk from the ferry terminal to the downtown attractions, such as the historical buildings. Check out Phoenix Rising and the Antique Company on Water Street and the Port Townsend Antique Mall.

Port Townsend is Washington's "Victorian City." Elegant mansions, bed and breakfast inns, restored hotels and fine restaurants greet the city's many visitors. This picturesque seaport is located on the northern tip of the Quimper Peninsula, 24 miles north of the Hood Canal Bridge. Quimper Peninsula extends into Admiralty Inlet and the Strait of Juan de Fuca.

Regular Washington State Ferry service connects Port Townsend to the Keystone ferry terminal on Whidbey Island. The ferry terminal is downtown on the waterfront. Check the ferry schedule for crossing times. During weekends and busy summer seasons there is sometimes a wait to get cars onto the ferry, so that it is a good idea to park your car in line. Take a walk around town, while your car is in line.

Puget Sound Express offers passenger ferry service between Port Townsend and the San Juan Islands.

Downtown Port Townsend is a nationally recognized Historical District that proudly shows off its restored collection of brick buildings dating back to the late 1800's. In Port Townsend check out the Tree of Heaven, a gift from the Chinese in the 1800's; Haller Fountain, The Bell Tower and the County Court House. The Rothschild House on Taylor between Jefferson and Franklin Streets is a pre-Victorian house with an immaculate rose garden and restored herb garden. It is one of Washington's smallest state parks, only 50 by 200 feet.

There are 2 marinas for commercial and pleasure boats ­p; the Boat Haven and Point Hudson ­p; which have moorage, launches, restrooms, showers and laundry facilities. Point Hudson Resort & Marina also has accommodations and an RV park.

In Port Townsend there is a waterfront park across from City Hall. Be sure to see the city's newest art project on the old ferry dock: a circular tidal "clock" and covered dock.

LINKS TO: Port Ludlow, Port Hadlock, Quilcene, Brinnon

WEB SITES WITH INFORMATION ON PORT TOWNSEND:

Port Townsend Guide. Excellent links to local and regional information.
Port Townsend. A Port Townsend web server - excellent links to local information.
Port Townsend Chamber. Chamber of Commerce Web Site - a directory of businesses.
Port Townsend Online Directory Guide to Port Townsend (courtesy of www.olypen.com).
On Line Newspaper Port Townsend/Jefferson County Leader - local news.

MAPS OF THE LOCAL AREA including Olympic Peninsula, Puget Sound, Victoria and B.C.

PORT TOWNSEND and businesses
Discovery Bay and businesses
Hood Canal and businesses
Port Townsend Port Hadlock and businesses
Kitsap County and businesses
Port Hadlock Chimacum and businesses
Port Townsend and businesses
Port Ludlow and businesses
Quilcene Brinnon and businesses