With Port Townsend’s rich history, lively downtown and romantic scenery, it’s no wonder you’re considering the quaint town for an intimate getaway with your love. Whether it’s Valentine’s Day or *literally* any time of the year, Port Townsend has romance figured out.
From waterside adventures and historic strolls to cider tours and mouthwatering meals, there’s something for everyone to love in PT. Read further for some of our favorite places and spaces to hit on your romantic getaway.
There’s nothing like waking up in Port Townsend. On clear days, early risers can look to the east for stunning pastel views of the sun rising over the mountains.
Adventure seekers can start their morning in Port Townsend with a bike ride or stroll along the waterside. A popular trip is the 7-mile Larry Scott Memorial Trail, a section of the Olympic Discovery Trail which winds southwest from downtown Port Townsend. Make sure to reserve your bike rentals at The Broken Spoke in advance to get access to their limited mountain, road, hybrid, and electric bike options.
On your way back into town, indulge in a late breakfast at the Blue Moose Cafe, a classic American diner beloved by locals and visitors alike. Nestled amid an industrial neighborhood, the cafe offers outstanding breakfast classics including biscuits and gravy, cinnamon french toast and various scrambles and omelets.
Weekend visitors can stop by the Port Townsend Farmers Market (Saturdays from Apr-Dec, 9am-2pm) for a selection of seasonal produce, pasture-raised meat, food and art vendors and more. Located in uptown on the 600 block of Tyler Street, this quiet part of town was originally home to the town’s elite — who crafted a distinct piece of PT with Victorian homes and buildings that still remain intact.
History lovers will enjoy the sights and sounds of Fort Worden State Park, a historic military base located at the northern tip of PT. Feel the cool ocean breeze as you explore the 434-acre park, made up of 12 miles of forested hiking trails, two miles of walkable beaches and expansive grounds where more than 70 of the original 400 military-era structures remain. Stop in for lunch at Reveille at the Commons, a PNW-inspired cafe with grab & go options including soups and sandwiches to take with you on your explorations.
For a truly romantic afternoon, reserve a private, saltwater soaking tub at Soak on the Sound. Saltwater baths are known to be healing and restorative and offer an intimate setting to reconnect with your partner. Housed in a brick building, the bathhouse features copper tubs and intricate turquoise tiling that amplify the experience. Book their Refresh and Reconnect Soak for 2 for $88, which includes a private soak, two beverages of your choice and their signature post-soak skin serum.
Enjoy an early dinner at one of Port Townsend’s many outstanding restaurants. Notable options include Alchemy Bistro and Wine Bar, a sophisticated old-world bistro with Northwest farm-to-table cuisine; Finistère, a cosmopolitan-style setting with American food, including seafood, shellfish and pasta; and Fountain Cafe, an intimate spot with quirky decor and a New American menu.
Afterward, make your way to the marina for a private sunset cruise with Sea Wulff Charters. From the quiet waters of the Salish Sea, you’ll experience unrivaled views of the Olympic Mountains, Cascade Mountains and San Juan Archipelago.
Before you head back to your room for the night, you can enjoy one last piece of Port Townsend with a nightcap at Cellar Door or a sweet treat at Elevated Ice Cream Co.
There are infinite ways to enjoy Port Townsend, but be wary. This town is so enchanting, you may never leave!
