Port Townsend is a city in Jefferson County, Washington. It has a population of 10,148 as of the 2020 census. There are a variety of places to visit in this town. Some of them include Fort Worden Historical State Park, Chetzemoka Park, Union Wharf, and Jefferson Museum of Art and History.
Fort Worden Historical State Park
Located on a bluff above Puget Sound, Fort Worden Historical State Park is a multi-use park that offers over four hundred acres of waterfront. The park features a full-service conference center, hiking trails, and hookup campsites. The park also has meeting rooms and a dining facility.
There are many ways to enjoy Fort Worden, and the park features ADA trails for wheelchairs, walkers, and strollers. An ADA trail is an asphalt path that is 100% accessible and meets American with Disabilities Act requirements. The trail is a thirty-minute loop that features stunning views of the Strait of Juan de Fuca, as well as seasonal flowers. The park is open Tuesday-Sunday.
Fort Worden is also home to several great picnic and day-use areas. There are breathtaking views of Artillery Hill, the Straights of Juan de Fuca, and Mt. Baker, and dozens of interpretive trails and a lighthouse. Visitors can also stop by the Cable House Canteen for hot breakfast entrees and sundries.
Fort Worden is also a popular destination for RV travelers. It was constructed in 1898 and was the headquarters for the Harbor Defense of Puget Sound. Its location on the water made it ideal for maritime operations. The park also houses an educational center and a marine biologist center.
Fort Worden is home to a variety of activities, including conference rooms, classes, and campgrounds. The park has over four miles of trails and two miles of shoreline for hiking, biking, and exploring.
Chetzemoka Park
This landscaped park offers access to the beach, picnic areas, and a bandstand. The park also has scenic views. Visitors can spend time here with their family or enjoy a picnic. The park is also home to many native birds and animals.
Located on the waterfront, Chetzemoka Park features views of the Admiralty Inlet and gorgeous gardens. There is also a walking trail that leads to the beach. The park is host to various events, including Shakespeare in the Park, which takes place on select weekends in August. The park is also home to the Northwind Arts Center, a gallery that features the work of local artists. The gallery also features poetry readings, concerts, and other events.
If you’d like to see the whales while you’re here, visit the Port Townsend Marine Science Center. This place features a mini aquarium and many local fish and invertebrates. There’s even a fully articulated orca whale skeleton on display.
The Aldrich’s Market is another must-see in Port Townsend. It is a historic institution that was established in 1895. You can purchase fresh local produce, a variety of premade panini, and snacks.
Fort Townsend State Historical Park is located a few miles south of the city. This park was once a military post and has six miles of hiking trails that run through forests, around former military buildings, and along a bluff overlooking the beach. The park also offers camping and has a birding program.
Port Townsend is known for its Victorian homes. The city was once a hub for the Pacific Northwest railroad. Despite this, many Victorian buildings are said to be haunted. Some residents even have reported seeing full apparitions in the nighttime streets.
Union Wharf
Last Wednesday, a cruise ship called the American Spirit docked at Union Wharf in Port Townsend. Unfortunately, vandals cut one half of the bow line and returned to cut three more dock lines. Fortunately, the ship was unharmed and the pier was closed.
The city of Port Townsend bought part of Union Wharf from Jefferson County. The wharf was constructed around 1867, 22 years before the state was formed. In its early years, the wharf was used for fish processing, fish warehousing, housing for pilots and as a Women’s Christian Temperance Union Hostess House.
Jefferson Museum of Art and History
The Jefferson Museum of Art and History is a local history museum in a 19th-century courthouse building. It also houses the original jail and fire hall. The museum features a rotating exhibition of local history. It is open daily to the public, and admission is free.
Visitors can explore the museum’s collection of Northwest Coast Indian artifacts, maritime memorabilia, and local art. There are also rotating exhibits of local artists. In addition, the museum offers a digital theater where visitors can view historical photographs from the museum’s collection. The museum also offers seasonal passes to other museums in the area.
The Jefferson Museum of Art and History reopens Friday after a year’s closure. The museum will feature new artwork, exhibits, and programs, and will offer a variety of family-friendly activities. It is located across the street from the Port Townsend Public Library. Visitors can also enjoy a tour of the museum’s 1892 historic City Hall. The tour is conducted on flat ground and is not recommended for those with mobility issues. To book a tour, visit Viator.
The city’s city hall sat on a busy wharf-filled street in 1893. It is made of brick, stone, and wood frames. It was built during a period when Port Townsend was the first seaport on the West Coast. The building is an impressive testament to the optimism that characterized the city during the taming of the wild and rugged coast.
Silver Water Cafe
If you’re looking for a great place to eat in Port Townsend, Washington, the Silver Water Cafe is one of the best choices. The restaurant has a unique atmosphere, and the food is made with fresh local ingredients. It also has a great wine selection and a fun, friendly staff.
The city itself is a unique mix of Victorian-era cottages and sprawling gardens. It also has a thriving downtown, which has dozens of art galleries, boutiques, restaurants, and other fun spots. It’s a great place to spend the day, or bring the entire family for a vacation.
A trip to Port Townsend’s winery is also a great idea. It’s located in a restored downtown building and has a brand new vintage wine bar. Visitors can taste the local wines and see the production process. The winery also hosts tasting events throughout the year.
As the oldest city in Washington, Port Townsend once was a bustling port. Victorian buildings were constructed in anticipation of a railroad boom. When the railroad didn’t come, however, the town went into a period of decline. Many residents were unwilling to sell their properties, but kept the buildings and renovated them to make them more appealing to tourists. As a result, many historic buildings have been renovated and are now museums and galleries.