Port Angeles Travel Guide

A comprehensive tour guide for Port Angeles, including the best things to do, where to stay, what to eat and buy, and safety concerns.


Port Angeles is a charming city located in the northwestern part of Washington State, in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States. Built on the edge of the Strait of Juan de Fuca and surrounded by lush forests and stunning mountains, Port Angeles is a perfect destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. Here is a comprehensive guide to Port Angeles, including the best things to do, where to stay, what to eat and buy, and safety concerns.

List of Places to Visit in Port Angeles

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  1. Feiro Marine Life Center: Learn about the fascinating marine life of the Pacific Northwest at this hands-on educational museum.

  2. Port Angeles Fine Arts Center: This art center showcases contemporary art from regional and national artists and offers art classes and workshops.

  3. Makah Cultural and Research Center: Learn about the unique culture and history of the Makah Native American tribe at this museum.

Natural Attractions of Port Angeles: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  1. Olympic National Park: This vast national park offers a wide range of outdoor activities, including hiking, camping, wildlife watching, and kayaking.

  2. Hurricane Ridge: This scenic mountain area offers breathtaking views of the Olympic Mountains and is perfect for hiking, skiing, and snowboarding.

  3. Lake Crescent: This stunning lake is surrounded by lush forests and offers boating, fishing, and swimming opportunities.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Port Angeles

  1. Hoh River Trail: This 18.4-mile trail in Olympic National Park takes you through lush rainforests and along the Hoh River.

  2. Mount Storm King Trail: This challenging 3.8-mile trail in Olympic National Park leads to a stunning panoramic view of Lake Crescent and the surrounding mountains.

  3. Olympic Discovery Trail: This 130-mile trail extends from Port Townsend to the Pacific Ocean and is suitable for hiking, cycling, and horseback riding.

Best Things to Do in Port Angeles: Activities and Tours

  1. Kayaking Tour: Explore the beautiful coastline of the Olympic Peninsula on a guided kayak tour.

  2. Whale Watching Tour: See the majestic whales up close on a guided whale watching tour.

  3. Savor the Olympic Peninsula tour: Taste some of the best local food, wine, and beer on a guided tour of the Olympic Peninsula.

Week-Long Itinerary for Port Angeles

Day Activities
1 Explore the Olympic National Park
2 Visit the Feiro Marine Life Center and Port Angeles Pier
3 Take a kayaking tour or whale watching tour
4 Visit the Makah Cultural and Research Center
5 Trek Hurricane Ridge and Lake Crescent
6 Savor the Olympic Peninsula on a guided food tour
7 Explore the town of Port Angeles

Food and Drink Scene of Port Angeles

Must-Try Dishes

  1. Dungeness Crab: This delicious local crab is a must-try while in Port Angeles.

  2. Rainshadow Sandwich: This gourmet sandwich is made with local organic ingredients and is a favorite among locals.

  3. Blackberry Pie: This sweet and tangy dessert is a popular local treat.

Local Beverages

  1. Olympic Brewing Supplies: This local brewery offers a wide range of craft beers that are perfect for sampling.

  2. Harbinger Winery: This winery produces award-winning wines made from grapes grown in the Olympic Peninsula.

  3. Olympic Cellars Winery: This winery is famous for its locally produced cranberry wine.

Where to Stay in Port Angeles: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  1. Red Lion Hotel Port Angeles: This full-service hotel offers stunning views of the Strait of Juan de Fuca and is centrally located.

  2. Port Angeles Inn: This budget-friendly hotel offers clean and comfortable accommodations and is within walking distance of downtown Port Angeles.

  3. George Washington Inn: This charming bed and breakfast is set in a beautiful location and offers stunning views of the Olympic Mountains.

What to Buy in Port Angeles: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  1. Lavender Products: The Olympic Peninsula is famous for its lavender farms and offers a wide range of lavender products, including essential oils, soaps, and lotions.

  2. Native American Art: The Makah tribe produces beautiful and unique artwork, including carved totem poles, pottery, and woven baskets.

  3. Local Wine and Beer: The Olympic Peninsula is home to several wineries and breweries, and their locally produced wines and beers make great souvenirs.

Local Culture and Customs of Port Angeles

Port Angeles is a friendly and welcoming town, and the locals are proud of their unique history and culture. The Makah tribe has a deep connection to the land and sea and are known for their beautiful artwork and traditional music and dance. Visitors are encouraged to respect their customs and traditions and take part in cultural events and activities whenever possible.

Best Time to Visit Port Angeles

The best time to visit Port Angeles is between April and June or September and October when the weather is mild, and the crowds are smaller. The summer months can be busy and crowded, but they also offer the best weather and a wide range of outdoor activities.

Do’s and Don’ts of Port Angeles

Do:

  1. Do explore the Olympic National Park and take part in outdoor activities.
  2. Do try the local seafood, especially the Dungeness crab.
  3. Do respect the local customs and traditions of the Makah tribe.

Don’t:

  1. Don’t litter or damage the natural environment.
  2. Don’t ignore safety rules and guidelines when taking part in outdoor activities.
  3. Don’t disrespect the local customs and traditions of the Makah tribe.

Safety and Health

Safety in Port Angeles

Port Angeles is a safe and welcoming town, but visitors should take normal precautions to ensure their safety, like keeping valuables out of sight and not leaving belongings unattended.

Health in Port Angeles

Visitors to Port Angeles should ensure they have comprehensive travel insurance and any required vaccinations before traveling. The town has several medical facilities in case of medical emergencies.

Getting to Port Angeles: Transportation Options and Logistics

Port Angeles is easily accessible by car, bus, or ferry. The nearest airports are Seattle-Tacoma International Airport and Victoria International Airport in Canada. Visitors can also take a ferry from Seattle to Bainbridge Island and then drive to Port Angeles.

Airports Near Port Angeles

  1. Seattle-Tacoma International Airport: 124 miles
  2. Victoria International Airport: 71 miles

Bus Stations Near Port Angeles

  1. Clallam Transit: Provides local bus services in and around Port Angeles.
  2. Greyhound Bus: Provides nationwide bus services to and from Port Angeles.

Other Options

  1. Car Rental: Visitors can rent a car from several major car rental agencies.
  2. Ferry: Visitors can take a ferry from Seattle to Bainbridge Island and then drive to Port Angeles.

How to Get Around in Port Angeles

Visitors to Port Angeles can get around by car or local bus services, such as Clallam Transit. Several car rental agencies operate in the town.

Where to Go Next from Port Angeles: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  1. Victoria, British Columbia: Visitors can take a ferry from Port Angeles to Victoria and experience this charming Canadian city.

  2. Sequim, Washington: This nearby town is known for its beautiful lavender farms and offers a range of outdoor activities, including hiking and fishing.

  3. Forks, Washington: This town is the setting of the popular Twilight series of books and movies and offers several tours and activities related to the series.

Conclusion

Port Angeles is a beautiful and welcoming town that offers a wide range of outdoor activities, stunning natural landscapes, unique cultural attractions, and delicious local food and drink. Visitors will quickly fall in love with this Pacific Northwest gem and will want to return again and again.

The MV Coho loading cars for its last trip of the day to Victoria, BC The MV Coho loading cars for its last trip of the day to Victoria, BC Port Angeles & Ediz Hook Port Angeles & Ediz Hook Lake Crescent in spring Lake Crescent in spring link= link= link= link=