Three Days of Fall Fun in Port Townsend, Washington
Plan an autumn getaway to Port Townsend on Washington’s beautiful Olympic Peninsula. Gather the gals for an extended art and
wellness-filled weekend to remember.
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 Townsend to make the most of your fall visit to the Olympic Peninsula.
Looking for lodging in Port Townsend? Check availability to stay at many historic Victorian hotels and motels in Port Townsend.
Check in then treat yourself, and your girl gang, to a much-deserved glass of Sparkling Rosé and an evening of easy listening live jazz at The Bishop Bottle Shop on Thursday evenings. Gather around the outdoor fire pits noshing on small plates of pasta or a cheese charcuterie board before tucking in for a good night’s sleep.
Day 1
Coffee Walks in Port Townsend
Morning strolls start with coffee. Head to Velocity Coffee for a brown sugar cardamom latte or one of their other seasonal specialty coffee drinks. Fill up on one of the locally made Bob’s Bakery bagels or one of their locally made pastries. Saunter along the new breakwater walkway overlooking the marina and soak in the salty air.
Cold Plunge It!
Kick off your weekend of wellness with a quick dunk into 50 degree water from the beach at Maritime Center. Let the cool water rev up your metabolism, strengthen your immune system, and provide a purely natural endorphin rush.
More Saltwater Soaks
Follow your cold plunge with a really warm salt water soak at Soak on the Sound. Make a reservation for a large private salt water hot tub that fits up to five people. Try an infrared sauna session to improve circulation then head to the Himalayan Salt Wall lounge for a round of specialty drinks.
Lunch & Yoga
Take a noon vinyasa yoga class with renowned yoga instructor Karyn Stillwell at the Madrona Mindy Body Institute located at the historic Fort Worden State Park. Improve your flexibility and bring more zen to the rest of your day in Port Townsend. Lunch onsite at The Guardhouse Pub for small bites and bevies in this 1904 former bunkhouse for soldiers who were behaving badly.
A Beachwalk to Point Wilson Lighthouse
Walk off lunch on the sandy beach for 2.5 miles to the historic Point Wilson Lighthouse. Stop in for a free tour over the weekends in the early fall (through September), and make a future plan to stay overnight in one of the two onsite vacation rentals. On a clear day, you’ll see stunning views of Mt. Baker, the San Juan Islands and Vancouver Island from the shore.
Dinner & a Movie
Plan an early dinner at one of Port Townsend’s finer restaurants: Fountain Café for natural lamb tacos and paella; Finistere for oysters on the half shell and seared scallops; or try Admiralty Fine Foods for locally farmed clams. Then, catch a flick at the historic Rose Theatre’s elegant Starlight Room built in 1907. Save room for the popcorn bar!
Day 2
Healthy Eats & Shop for Locally Made Goods in Port Townsend
Head uptown to the Port Townsend Farmers Market for healthy breakfast treats and snacks. Shop from over 90 vendors at this bustling Saturday market and groove to live music.
Whale Watching Tours from Port Townsend
See pods of orcas, humpbacks and gray whales on a whale watching tour with Puget Sound Express, leaving from Port Townsend’s harbor. Take a ride on their comfy boats (with heated cabins) and enjoy the water, whale and wildlife views for a full or half day.
Afternoon High Tea in Port Townsend
High tea is served at Cafe Tenby, a modern tea room, complete with tea sandwiches and scones. Reservations are required.
Retail Therapy Shopping in Downtown Port Townsend
Retail therapy is real (and it works). There are many shops and boutiques to cure whatever ails you and the historic Victorian-era vibes of downtown make shopping more fun. Check out the one-of-a-kind art galleries, antique stores, and chic clothing boutiques. Wander through uptown and pop into Takara’s flagship store for elevated home goods, apothecary items, clothing, fine jewelry and vintage art. Pick up bottles of natural wine from Second Child Studio and ask for a tasting. Find good reads (new and used) at Winter Texts. In downtown, discover Pendragon’s Labyrinth for magical and mysterious art and tchotchkes.
Art Therapy
If it’s the first Saturday of the month, you’re in luck! Numerous galleries and shops are open from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. for the First Saturday Art Walk. Check out all of the art galleries around town anytime of the month like Northwind Art Gallery for rotating exhibits and classes; the Grover Gallery features playful art; and Aurora Loop Gallery’s owner displays her own art as well as featuring new unique exhibitions monthly. Visit the Jefferson Museum of Art & History for permanent history exhibits, the 1892 City Jail, and featured artist exhibitions too.
A Thrilling Cocktail Hour in Port Townsend
The gorgeous Manresa Castle, completed in 1892, has a spooky reputation for being a haunted castle and hotel. Spirits in the lounge are certainly fitting this time of year. Try the Lemon Italian Creme Cake or a Creme Brulee for dessert.
DAY 3
A Farewell Marina Mimosa Brunch
Sunday brunch days are the best way to end your long weekend in Port Townsend. Choose from several waterfront breakfast and brunch spots at one of two marinas in Port Townsend –you’ll love the views from any of these restaurants! Wander the boat yard before breakfast at the popular Blue Moose Cafe. Hudson Point Cafe offers stellar views of the marina with unique menu items like rhubarb waffles. The Marina Cafe, located in the Boat Haven marina, is another delicious option featuring freshly baked blueberry muffins and seasonal menu items.
A Festive Fall Stop Only 15 Minutes from Port Townsend
Before you say goodbye to the Olympic Peninsula, stop at nearby Chimacum’s Finnriver Farm & Cidery for pumpkin patches, seasonal apple cider tours, hard (and soft – no alcohol) cider tastings, live music and more. The annual Olympic Peninsula Apple & Cider Festival happens every October — festivities include harvest dinners, cider brunch, apple harvest day, live music, tastings and more.
