Port Townsend Historic District
Port Townsend, WA
A Victorian seaport at the tip of the Quimper Peninsula, with brick buildings along the waterfront and mansions on the bluff above. Walk Water Street, then climb to the upper town for harbour views.
Port Townsend was founded on April 24, 1851, and grew quickly as a seaport in the late 19th century; many Victorian buildings date from that time. The historic district was recognized as a registered historic district in 1976 and designated a National Historic Landmark in 1977. The town lies on the Quimper Peninsula in the rain shadow of the Olympic Mountains and receives only about 19 inches (480 mm) of precipitation a year.
Fort Worden State Park, a former military installation, is part of Port Townsend. The town has about 10,000 residents. You can reach it via State Route 20 and by the Port Townsend–Coupeville ferry from Whidbey Island. Plan half a day for the waterfront and the upper town. The Wooden Boat Festival, the film festival and the Kinetic Sculpture Race take place during the year, and it is busier then.
- Nearest town
- Port Townsend, WA
- Category
- History & culture
- GPS
- 48.1170, -122.7604
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually May–September. Still fine, with some compromises, in April and October. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- KM Diamond Point ResortMotorhome stopover8 mi from Port Townsend Historic DistrictMotorhomesElectricityToiletsWaste disposalWi-Fi
- Camano Island State Park CampgroundCampsite13 mi from Port Townsend Historic DistrictTentsCaravansDrinking waterToiletsWaste disposalDogs allowed
- Sequim Bay State Park CampgroundCampsite13 mi from Port Townsend Historic DistrictTentsCaravansDrinking waterShowersToiletsDogs allowed
- John Wayne's Waterfront ResortCampsite14 mi from Port Townsend Historic DistrictTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersDogs allowedWi-Fi
- Dungeness Recreation Area CampgroundCampsite20 mi from Port Townsend Historic DistrictTentsCaravansDrinking waterShowersToiletsDogs allowed
- Thousand Trails La ConnerMotorhome stopover22 mi from Port Townsend Historic DistrictTentsCaravansMotorhomesElectricityWaste disposal
All campsites in Washington · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Port Townsend Historic District?
Port Townsend Historic District is in Port Townsend, WA, at GPS 48.1170, -122.7604. It is about 5 mi from Fort Casey.
Can you camp near Port Townsend Historic District?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Point Hudson Marina & RV Park, about 0 mi away; within 25 mi there are 57 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
What is there to see near Port Townsend Historic District?
Places worth a stop nearby: Deception Pass Bridge (21 mi), Lime Kiln Point State Park (33 mi), Hurricane Ridge (36 mi) and Fremont Troll (37 mi).
When is the best time to visit Port Townsend Historic District?
The most pleasant months are usually May–September. Still fine, with some compromises, in April and October. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)