Major city · United States
Port Washington
Spend a day in Port Washington for the lakefront, historic houses and marina; add a night if you want a relaxed beach evening.
Port Washington is a small lakeside town on Lake Michigan with a historic pebble house visitor centre, a lighthouse walk, a marina and a handful of eateries. It is easily reached by car from Milwaukee or Sheboygan and can be explored on foot. One full day covers the main sights; a second night lets you enjoy the beach at sunset and avoid rush‑hour traffic.
More
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- USD
- Best months
- Jun–Sep
- avoid Dec–Feb (cold, lake may be icy)
- Airport
- MKE
- Nights
- 1
Not a trip line yet
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.
Entry rules depend on your passport. Full visa guide
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 Washington911 ▾
- 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 Washington, 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 Washington is a low‑crime small town; typical US safety cautions apply – keep an eye on personal belongings on the beach and follow traffic…
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.
- AirportMKE Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport (About 45 km (28 mi) (30 min) south via I‑43).MKE Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport (About 28 mi (45 km) (30 min) south via I‑43).
- Getting aroundThe town is walkable; park on street or in the downtown lot and stroll to the lighthouse, marina and historic houses.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- CoffeeCoffee at a café$2–$4
- Street or quick mealSandwich at Dockside Deli$8–$12
- Budget bedPort Hotel double room, a night, per roomUS$180
- Mid-range bedPort Hotel double room, a night, per roomUS$200
- High-end bedPort Hotel double room, a night, per roomUS$250
A day, not counting the bed: Budget US$80 · Mid US$150 · High US$220
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
- MKE Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport (About 45 km (28 mi) (30 min) south via I‑43)MKE Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport (About 28 mi (45 km) (30 min) south via I‑43)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Avoid
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
Feb
Avoid
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
Mar
not flagged
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
Apr
not flagged
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
May
not flagged
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
Jun
Best
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
Jul
Best
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
Aug
Best
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
Sep
Best
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
Oct
not flagged
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
Nov
not flagged
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
Dec
Avoid
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
Best: Jun–Sep. Avoid: Dec–Feb. Month by month →
Warmest Jul (28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)), coolest Jan (−6°C (21°F)21°F (−6°C) low), wettest May (10 rain days), driest Feb (7). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Port Washington: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
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Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
−6°C (21°F)21°F (−6°C)
8 rd
Feb
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
−5°C (23°F)23°F (−5°C)
7 rd
Mar
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
−1°C (30°F)30°F (−1°C)
9 rd
Apr
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
9 rd
May
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
10 rd
Jun
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
9 rd
Jul
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
8 rd
Aug
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
8 rd
Sep
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
9 rd
Oct
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
9 rd
Nov
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
9 rd
Dec
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
−4°C (25°F)25°F (−4°C)
9 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 town is walkable; park on street or in the downtown lot and stroll to the lighthouse, marina and historic houses. No public transit needed.
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Grafton
goDoor to door: ≈30 min round trip
Drive north on Highway 32, about 10 km (6.2 mi) (15 min)Drive north on Highway 32, about 6.2 mi (10 km) (15 min)
Small historic downtown, good for a quick coffee stop.
Sheboygan
goDoor to door: ≈1 h total
Drive north on I‑43, exit 140, about 30 km (19 mi) (35 min)Drive north on I‑43, exit 140, about 19 mi (30 km) (35 min)
Larger lakefront with beaches and a riverwalk.
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.
The Port Hotel Restaurant and Inn
Ten rooms in a renovated 1902 hotel; $200 per night; central downtown location.
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
- $80–$120 excl. bed
- Mid
- $120–$180 excl. bed
Trip budget
| Port Hotel double room1 × 1 night × US$200 | US$200 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 1 day × US$150 | US$300 |
| Car rental (mid‑size, 1 day)2 × US$60 · Check rates; insurance extra. | US$120 |
| Marina slip reservation (full season)2 × US$150 · Season runs 1 Apr–1 Nov. | US$300 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | US$92 |
| Trip total≈ US$506 per person per day, bed included | US$1,012 |
Includes breakfast.
2026 estimate in USD; flights and car rental excluded.
Prices of common things
| Coffee at a café | $2–$4 |
| Sandwich at Dockside Deli | $8–$12 |
| Parking on street (2 h) | $5–$8 |
| Marina slip (day) | $15–$25 |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Lighthouse path can be slippery when wet – wear sturdy shoes.
- Limited wheelchair access at the Port Hotel and some historic sites.
Emergency numbers
- Police, fire, ambulance
- 911
Pocket card
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Port WashingtonPort Washington
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
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To this address, pleaseTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police, fire, ambulance911
Embassy
US citizens need no visa for short visits; contact the US Department of State for travel alerts.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Milwaukee → Port Washington (car rental): ≈45 km (28 mi), about $45–$60 for a day (check rates)≈28 mi (45 km), about $45–$60 for a day (check rates)
Say or show
- Excuse me / Sorry — Excuse me / Sorry (Excuse me)
- Thank you — Thank you (Thank you)
- How much is it? — How much is it? (How much is it?)
- Where is the restroom? — Where is the restroom? (Where is the restroom?)
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 Washington. 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: Jun–Sep · avoid Dec–Feb (cold, lake may be icy) · month by month →
- 1 airport and 1 area to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 2 bands
- 2 day-trips, door to door
- 2 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Add a bike‑rental option for the waterfront loop.
- Create a weekend‑stay package with The Port Hotel and a sunset beach dinner.
Sources
Ask about Port Washington
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