Three Days of Fall Fun in Port Angeles, Washington
Plan an autumn getaway to Port Angeles on Washington’s beautiful Olympic Peninsula.
We’ve compiled a full list of fall activities, things to do and events for when the leaves start to change color and the weather cools. Follow our three day itinerary for Port Angeles to make the most of your fall visit to the Olympic Peninsula.
Looking for lodging in Port Angeles? Check availability to stay at many waterfront and downtown hotels, motels, B&Bs and vacation rentals.
Day 1
Peaceful Morning Strolls in Port Angeles
A slow morning walk along the waterfront and the City Pier in the Port Angeles Waterfront District (in downtown) is an ideal way to start your day. Watch for sea otters swimming in the calm water from Hollywood Beach and fishermen casting from the edge of the pier. Climb the stairs up to the pier lookout tower for mountain, sea and Victoria, British Columbia Canada views.
Stop for a mocha at Silver Lining Cafe in the Port Angeles Harbor to watch the Coho Ferry depart for its first departure of the day to the charming city of Victoria, B.C. Canada
A Tiny Breakfast Cafe with Big Portions
Fuel up for the day ahead with breakfast or an early lunch at First Street Haven. Since 1976, this small cafe tucked in between storefronts in downtown has been serving some of the best breakfasts in Port Angeles. Try one of their seasonal Benedicts utilizing fall flavors and in-season ingredients – including fresh Dungeness crab! – with one of their famously large and gooey cinnamon rolls.
Pedal in Port Angeles All Day Long
Pick up the pocket-sized Port Angeles Bike Map and start exploring all of the biking and cycling opportunities in and around Port Angeles. Start with renting an e-bike from Discover E-Bike and buzz out to Ediz Hook – part of the 135+ mile Olympic Discovery Trail (ODT) – for superb city, sea & Olympic mountain views. Continue towards the Elwha River Valley for river vistas and to ride over the scenic Elwha River bridge, head to the dirt trails along the OAT (Olympic Adventure Trail) for easy off-pavement rides, Lake Crescent’s Spruce Railroad Trail, or stay along the waterfront towards Morse Creek – a creekside wildlife habitat area – and continue to pedal past quaint farms towards Sequim. Don’t forget to cruise around Port Angeles to see art and history. Follow the Outdoor Art Trail or the Ol’ History Trail by bike or on foot using the Port Angeles Bike Map.
Grab an Early Casual Dinner in Downtown Port Angeles
Several casual eateries offer good grub after a day of biking in Port Angeles. Nextdoor Gastropub is always a popular place for craft cocktails, 10 rotating taps of beer (available by the pint or stein!) and an extensive wine list. Monster-sized burgers are available with a choice of beef or try an elk patty. Their Blackened Fish Tacos are a popular must-try menu item too. The Rail, located in downtown across from the Port Angeles Visitor Center, has big burgers, eclectic cocktails, adult slushees, and their own craft brewed beer (Barhop Brewing owns this restaurant).
For dessert, get a swirl of mixed berry or a double scoop cone of cookies & cream at Welly’s Real Fruit Ice Cream in the Port Angeles Wharf — their New Zealand style ice cream is a game changer. They offer dairy-free ice cream for those with allergies too. Speaking of games, head to the video arcade next door in the Wharf to play new and classic arcade games before hitting hay for the evening.
Day 2
Wake Up to Whales and Sea Lions
Wake up with a sunrise sea kayak tour from Hollywood Beach in the calm, protected waters around the Port Angeles Harbor. Elevate Outdoors offers harbor kayaking tours or you can launch your own kayak from Hollywood Beach or from one of several beaches on Ediz Hook. On the way, grab coffee at the Waterfront Coffee Bar at Field Hall — the water views are breathtaking. While you’re there, check out the full schedule for the latest concerts, live music, art and theatre performances at Field Arts & Events Hall.
Board one of the whale watching boat tours by Puget Sound Express from the Port Angeles Wharf (available May through mid-October) for an opportunity to see a variety of whales – orcas, humpbacks, grays, minke and more. If you’re lucky, try watching for whales from land along the Whale Trail. Start at the City Pier and work your way west towards the Pacific Ocean.
Follow your morning paddle with an early lunch at New Day Eatery. From pimento mac and cheese to a spiced smoked salmon frittata and buttermilk biscuit benny’s, their menu satisfies foodies of all kinds — meat lovers, vegans, and gluten-free’ers. Save room for a salty chocolate chip cookie, a slice of peanut butter chocolate cake, or a real fruit smoothie. A large selection of gluten-free and vegan baked goods are available and they serve breakfast all day.
Tour an Underground Larger than Seattle’s in Port Angeles
Discover history buried below your feet with the Underground Heritage Tours departing from the Port Angeles Visitor Center every Saturday. Get spooked because this underground is said to be haunted.
Explore our Native Heritage
Visit the Elwha-Klallam Museum at the Carnegie to gaze at 2,000 year old artifacts from the ancient Tse-whit-zen village, c’ix’íc’n, found near Ediz Hook – this is the largest excavation in Washington State. The epic Elwha River dam removal project is also documented in a compelling exhibit curated by the Burke Museum of Seattle. The museum is open by appointment only, which is like your own private tour!
Tidepool Indoors or Out
Gaze at a giant Pacific octopus and “local only” sea life at the Feiro Marine Life Center located on the Port Angeles waterfront – this hands-on aquarium has a “touch tank” where you can interact with docile sea creatures found right here in the Salish Sea. Take your tidepooling downshore to Freshwater Bay and Salt Creek Recreation Area. And be sure to look up for nesting Bald Eagles at Salt Creek.
An Easy Locally-Sourced Seafood Dinner
The Port Angeles Waterfront District has a number of restaurants specializing in fresh seafood. The Fish & Crab Shack in downtown on the Port Angeles boardwalk serves up Fish PoBoys, Shrimp and Chips and seasonal whole Dungeness Crabs served in the shell whole. The jambalaya is a must-try at Hook Line & Pub and the open-air patio is a perfect people watching spot. Right next door is Kokopelli Grill (the sister restaurant to Hook Line & Pub) with southern-inspired seafood dishes along with PNW classics like Smoked Salmon Fettucine, scallops, and the fresh catch of the day. Tasty steaks and gourmet burgers are available for the non-seafood lover. Grab a table upstairs in the bar for Strait of Juan de Fuca and ferry views. Moby Duck Chowder & Seafood has stellar views in a casual setting — savour Dungeness Crab Rolls, Prawn and Chips and Crab Mac and Cheese, or you can also crack your own whole Dungeness Crab here!
Reservations Only
Plan ahead and make a dinner reservation at the popular restaurant Bella Italia. Whether you love excellent Italian food or your a fan of Twilight (or both!), Bella Italia has been around since 1996 serving some of the best Italian fare on the Peninsula. Try the Manicotti, fresh Pan Seared Halibut or traditional Spaghetti with homemade marinara and monster-sized meatballs. For Twilight and Mushroom Ravioli fans, order the “Bella” to reminisce over Edward and Bella’s first date, and save room for their housemade Tiramisu. The wine selection is impressively large (over 400 wines) and award-winning. Try their own Bella Italia Sangiovese.
Day 3
A Lodge-like Coffeehouse & Sasquatch-sized Donuts
The Great Northern Coffee Bar’s very Pacific Northwest-y vibe will make you feel all warm and cozy like you’re in a far off woodsy lodge. And they know how to make a really good cup of coffee and the breakfast burritos are a must-order item. If you have a sweet tooth, head down the street to Sasquatch Bakery for fresh donuts. Show up early because they always sell out fast.
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Go urban adventuring through the downtown Port Angeles Waterfront District for some of the region’s best shopping. From stylish clothing boutiques, galleries and book stores to unique gifts, antiques, accessories, toys and games, Port Angeles has a variety of shops worth spending some time perusing. Popular shops include MOSS, Moxie, Belle’s, Kindred Collective, Alley Cat Boutique, Anime Kat, Odyssey Bookshop, and more. Look for weekend shopping events and mark your calendar for the Second Saturday Art Walk. Check out the Uptown Arts District ,which is comprised of a number of artsy organizations and events. Walk through the five-acre Webster Wood’s outdoor sculpture park adjacent to the Port Angeles Fine Arts Center for a free nature-meets-art experience.
Olympic National Park Picnics
Pack a picnic and head out to the Olympic National Park for a hike to a waterfall, a lake or choose a trail from the tippy top of Hurricane Ridge — your hiking options are endless. Stop by Little Devil’s Lunchbox to pick up enormous burritos, tacos, or delectable (and spicy!) BBQ sandwiches like The Devil’s Pork to keep you fueled for the day.
Craft Beer Havens, Bourbon or Wine with a View
End your time in Port Angeles with a time honored craft beverage. There are a number of notable craft breweries in Port Angeles for beer aficionados. Start with Angeles Brewing Supplies and Taproom, then make your way to Barhop Brewing (we recommend an artisan pizza with your beer) and then on to Mighty Pine Brewing. Bourbon West pours high-end whiskey flights and makes mean cocktails. Stick around for live music and free pool. Oenophiles will appreciate the number of notable wineries in Port Angeles. Harbinger Winery opened the Harbinger Wine Bar (their second location), which is perched above downtown overlooking the Strait of Juan de Fuca. The original Harbinger Winery is located near the Olympic Adventure Trail (the OAT), so it’s an ideal stop on your way back from recreating in the forest or on the Strait. PNWonderland Wine’s cheery bright pink interior, waterfront view patio, and frequent bottle release parties will keep you happy. Stop in for their Thirsty Thursday event every week.
