Weekend in Port Townsend, Wash., one of three ways: on a budget, spending a bit more, or when the getaway calls for a splurge.
Trip tips: Port Townsend is one of only three Victorian seaports in the United States. This charming town is situated on the north end of a large, semi-protected bay on the extreme northeastern end of the Olympic Peninsula and plays host to the annual Wooden Boat Festival (Sept. 5-7). A network of biking and hiking trails intersects the city so people can enjoy miles of natural beauty, grand architecture and historic Water Street. Trip planning: www.ptguide.com.
Getting there: With a rental car, take the Washington State Ferry from Seattle to Bainbridge Island. Or drive north from the Portland, Ore., area along scenic U.S. 101 (info at http://enjoypt.com/find). One-way rates to Seattle and/or Portland from $180 through Sept. 30; United Airlines, seven-day advance.
BUDGET
Stay: Aladdin Motor Inn is located at the edge of downtown with guest rooms overlooking Puget Sound and the marina from where the Port Townsend ferry travels to/from Whidbey Island; from $145. 2333 Washington St. 360-385-3747, www.aladdinmotorinnpt.com.
Eat: The eclectic Fountain Cafe serves an array of flavors for every taste with seasonally changing menus. Foodies can cross a wild boar sloppy Joe off their bucket list. Lunch $9-$11; $14-$20 dinner. 920 Washington St. 360-385-1364.
Experience: On the pier, Port Townsend Marine Science Center is an interactive venue located in Fort Worden State Park. Pop in to see a complete orca whale skeleton hanging from the ceiling. The Marine Exhibit has flora and fauna touch pools and aquariums and a natural history exhibit; $5. www.ptmsc.org. The park also has over two miles of shoreline on Puget Sound and the Strait of Juan de Fuca. Many historic buildings remain at this 19th-century-established military fort; $2 per adult. 532 Battery Way. 360-385-5582, www.parks.wa.gov. Launch a rental kayak from a sandy beach near the Fort Worden State Park Marine Science Center, into the clear waters of Puget Sound. A double sit-on-top kayak is $30 per hour, $15 additional hour. Rates include a mandatory safety orientation; www.ptoutdoors.com.
MODERATE
Stay: The Ravenscroft Inn Bed & Breakfast is ideally located for exploring all of historic Port Townsend. The Admiralty Suite features a king bed, a claw-footed soaking tub, a fireplace and an in-room espresso maker (no TV). Rates $179-$225 per night. 533 Quincy St. 360-205-2147, www.ravenscroftinn.com.
Eat: Get a taste of the Mediterranean at Alchemy Bistro and Wine Bar. Stop in for tapas, lunch or make it a romantic dinner. "Bites" $4-$6; $16-$26 entrees. 842 Washington St. 360-385-5225, http://alchemybistroandwinebar.com.
Experience: Olympic National Park offers a diverse day of exploration with stunning alpine scenery (Deer Park is reached on a winding 18-mile gravel road), ancient forests, meadows of wildflowers, ocean tide pools, rain forests and abundant wildlife (watch for mountain goats). This spectacular park is ideal for a road trip, or for trail hiking. The scenic Peninsula Loop Road, U.S. 101, is 329 miles; $15 per vehicle. www.nps.gov/olym/index.htm.
SPLURGE
Stay: Chevy Chase Beach Cabins offers sweeping views of Discovery Bay and the foothills of the Olympic mountains. The property has a south-facing private sandy beach for clam digging, campfires, and sand dollar collecting. Cabin 4 (of 7) is perched on the cliff above the bay and features a living room, a kitchen and a private deck for sunsets; $260 per night. 3710 S. Discovery Road. 360-385-1270, www.chevychasebeachcabins.com.
Eat: Fins offers outdoor tables overlooking the water with scenic views of the surrounding islands and both the Olympic and Cascade mountain ranges. Fresh seafood is the house specialty. Starters $6-$15; $14-$30 dinner. 1019 Water St. 360-379-3474, www.finscoastal.com.
Experience: A full-day whale-watching cruise on the Glacier Spirit combines orca watching with an on-board marine naturalist, and a tour of the beautiful San Juan Islands — allowing time in the popular town of Friday Harbor for shopping, dining and sightseeing. On board is a hydrophone (to better hear whale song), inside and outside viewing areas, and snack bar; $88.50. 227 Jackson St. 360-385-5288, www.pugetsoundexpress.com.
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