Territory capital · United States
Port Townsend
Give it 1–2 nights on a road trip, not a dedicated trip: walk downtown and Uptown in half a day, Fort Worden in the other half.
Port Townsend sits at the northeast tip of the Olympic Peninsula, where the Strait of Juan de Fuca meets Puget Sound. It is a small waterfront town (population about 9,100) known for Victorian-era buildings, a working marina and an arts calendar. Most travellers reach it by car in about two hours from Olympia or one hour from Port Angeles, and use it as a stop on an Olympic Peninsula loop rather than a destination on its own.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- USD
- Best months
- May–Sep
- avoid Nov–Feb (wet, short days)
- Airports
- SEA · CLM
- Nights
- 1–2
Rules in force · 7Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs …Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but ta…
- North America ↗Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs your passport even on a day trip; rental cars need the company's written permission to cross, and most US and Canadian rental insurance stops at the Mexican border.
- North America ↗Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but taking any amount across the US, Canadian or Mexican border is a federal crime — including edibles and vapes.
- North America ↗The busiest US and Canadian national parks need timed-entry, campsite or lodge reservations in summer; release dates are months ahead.
- United States ↗Check whether you need an ESTA (Visa Waiver Program) or a visa on the official CBP and State Department sites; apply only through esta.cbp.dhs.gov, not third-party sites, and allow time before you book.
- United States ↗Several popular national parks use timed-entry or vehicle reservations in peak season; check each park's page on nps.gov and book on recreation.gov before fixing your dates.
- United States ↗Medical care is very expensive for visitors; buy travel insurance with high medical cover before you fly.
- United States ↗Tipping is expected: about 15–20% at sit-down restaurants and bars, and a tip for taxis, hotel staff and guides.
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Port Townsend911 ▾
- Police, fire, ambulance911
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Port Townsend, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the US dollar (USD, $).United States-wide
- SIM or eSIMAT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile cover the country; prepaid SIMs at their stores and Walmart/Target (passport required), or an eSIM before you fly.United States-wide
- Tap waterTap water is drinkable nearly everywhere; boil or treat water from streams in parks.United States-wide
- TippingSit-down restaurant: 18–22% of the pre-tax bill.United States-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets A/B. US/Canada (A/B): fits · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 120 V: UK and AU 230 V-only devices need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.United States-wide
- SafetyPort Townsend is a low-crime small town; the real risks are wet roads, wind on the water and winter darkness.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsFree public toilets are scarce in big cities; use cafés, department stores, libraries, stations.United States-wide
- Emergency numbers911 police, fire, ambulance
- Sundays & holidaysFederal holidays close offices, banks and post offices; national parks stay open.United States-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportSEA Seattle–Tacoma International (Dungeness Line bus to Port Townsend; or ferry plus bus via Bainbridge or Kingston).
- Getting aroundThe centre is compact and gridded: Downtown along Water and Washington Streets, Uptown uphill to the northwest, Fort Worden about a mile north.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- Coffee$3–6
- Sit-down mealSit-down dinner mainTipping 18–22% expected.$18–35
- Street or quick mealPizza slice$5–8
- SIM or eSIM, a weekeSIM or data SIM, about a week$10–25
- Museum or sight ticketMuseum entry (Rothschild House or Jefferson Museum)$6 adults, $5 seniors, $1 children
- Budget bedHostel or budget room, a night, per personUS$45
- Mid-range bedInn or hotel double room, a night, per roomUS$190
- High-end bedInn or hotel double room, a night, per roomUS$380
A day, not counting the bed: Budget US$80 · Mid US$150 · High US$260
Prices in local money; change the currency in the header to see yours next to them. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- SEA Seattle–Tacoma International (Dungeness Line bus to Port Townsend; or ferry plus bus via Bainbridge or Kingston) · CLM William R. Fairchild International (Port Angeles) (check: small regional airport with limited service; about 1 h by car)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Avoid
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
Feb
Avoid
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
Mar
not flagged
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
Apr
not flagged
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
May
Best
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
Jun
Best
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
Jul
Best
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
Aug
Best
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
Sep
Best
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
Oct
not flagged
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
Nov
Avoid
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
Dec
Avoid
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
Best: May–Sep. Avoid: Nov–Feb. Month by month →
Warmest Jul (21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)), coolest Jan (2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C) low), wettest Nov (17 rain days), driest Jul (5). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Port Townsend: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
16 rd
Feb
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
13 rd
Mar
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
15 rd
Apr
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
12 rd
May
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
10 rd
Jun
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
8 rd
Jul
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
5 rd
Aug
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
5 rd
Sep
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
7 rd
Oct
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
13 rd
Nov
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
17 rd
Dec
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
17 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
The centre is compact and gridded: Downtown along Water and Washington Streets, Uptown uphill to the northwest, Fort Worden about a mile north. Walk between Downtown and Uptown in 5–10 minutes. Jefferson Transit runs local routes (Route 2 to Fort Worden, Route 11A/11B looping Uptown and Downtown) with a $1.50 day pass; no service on Sundays or holidays. Bikes can be rented at two shops in town. Rideshare apps have historically not operated here — check current availability and book a local taxi if not.
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Port Angeles
goDoor to door: About 1 h by car
US-101 west by car, or Clallam Transit Route 123 (Strait Shot) / Route 30 to Sequim then Route 8
Gateway to Olympic National Park; pair with a Hurricane Ridge or Lake Crescent day.
Sequim
goDoor to door: About 30–40 min
US-101 west by car, or Clallam Transit Route 30 to Sequim Transit Center
Lavender farms in July and a useful transfer point for buses west.
Whidbey Island (Coupeville)
goDoor to door: About 1 h plus wait
Washington State Ferries from Port Townsend, 35 min, departures about every 1½ h
Reserve a vehicle space on weekends; walk-ons rarely wait.
Forks
overnightDoor to door: About 2.5 h
US-101 west and north by car
Too far for a return day; sleep on the west side.
Aberdeen
overnightDoor to door: About 2 h
US-101 south by car
A 4 h return drive with no direct transit; better as a leg of a coast loop than a day out.
Neah Bay
overnightDoor to door: About 3 h
US-101 and SR-112 west by car
Cape Flattery trail needs a Makah recreation pass; plan a night.
Westport
overnightDoor to door: About 3 h
US-101 south then SR-105 by car
Coastal fishing town; combine with Aberdeen.
Harstine Island
skipDoor to door: About 2 h
Drive south via Shelton and SR-3
No ferry link and little to do without a specific reason; not worth the return drive.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Downtown (Water and Washington Streets)
Walk to the ferry terminal, marina, galleries and most restaurants; the pick for one night without a car.
Uptown
Uphill from downtown, quieter, some hotels and cafés; 5–10 min walk down to the waterfront.
Fort Worden
On-site campground, cottages and houses inside the state park, about 1 mile north of downtown; car or Route 2 bus.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- $70–110 excl. bed
- Mid
- $120–190 excl. bed
- High
- $200+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Inn or hotel double room1 × 1 night × US$190 | US$190 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 1 day × US$150 | US$300 |
| Jefferson Transit day pass2 × US$2 | US$3 |
| Discover Pass, one day (state-park parking)1 × US$10 · check | US$10 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × US$15 | US$30 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | US$53 |
| Trip total≈ US$293 per person per day, bed included | US$586 |
2026 estimate in US dollars; sales tax added at checkout. Flights and car rental excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee | $3–6 |
| Pizza slice | $5–8 |
| Sit-down dinner mainTipping 18–22% expected. | $18–35 |
| Museum entry (Rothschild House or Jefferson Museum) | $6 adults, $5 seniors, $1 children |
| Movie ticket (Rose or Uptown Theater)Matinees about $1 less. | $8–11 |
| Ferry Port Townsend → Coupeville, car and driverWalk-on and bike fares are lower. | check |
| eSIM or data SIM, about a week | $10–25 |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Ferries to Coupeville take cars only with a reservation on busy weekends; walk-ons and bikes usually get on.
- Jefferson Transit has no Sunday or holiday service — plan around it.
- Rideshare apps have not operated in Port Townsend; check current availability and book a taxi or shuttle ahead.
- Winter is wet and dark early; many seasonal businesses cut hours from November.
Emergency numbers
- Police, fire, ambulance
- 911
Pocket card
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Port TownsendPort Townsend
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
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To this address, pleaseTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police, fire, ambulance911
Embassy
No embassies in Port Townsend; nearest consulates are in Seattle (check).
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Jefferson Transit day pass: $1.50; $1.00 seniors 60+, disabled, youth 7–18; free under 7
- Ferry Port Townsend → Coupeville: 35 min, departures about every 1½ h; reserve a vehicle space (check)
- Taxi in town: Book a local taxi; current fares check
US tipping: 18–22% at sit-down restaurants, $1–2 a drink, 15–20% taxis.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Port Townsend. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: May–Sep · avoid Nov–Feb (wet, short days) · month by month →
- 2 airports and 3 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 8 day-trips, door to door
- 4 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contract for SEA: Dungeness Line and ferry-plus-bus timings field-checked, taxi fallback, overnight rung.
- Walking clusters with rescue anchors: Downtown waterfront, Uptown, Fort Worden, Point Hudson.
- Place pages with verified hours and cutoffs (Fort Worden, Rothschild House, Jefferson Museum, Marine Science Center) and eat pages with last orders.
- Ferry and storm fixtures so gates A–D can go green.
Sources
- officialCity of Port Townsend
- officialPort Townsend Visitor Center (Enjoy PT)
- officialWashington State Ferries
- officialJefferson Transit
- officialFort Worden Historical State Park
- officialWashington State Parks — Fort Worden
- secondaryWikivoyage: Port Townsend, revision 5264281 (CC BY-SA 4.0)