Family-Friendly Things to Do

We love our younger guests and if the sounds of giggles and excitement mean anything, they love us too! The Bishop Victorian Hotel is in Port Townsend’s Downtown Historic District on the Quimper Peninsula where the Straits of Juan De Fuca blend into the famous Puget Sound. With lots of local spaces for kids to explore, we're perfect for weekend breaks or full-fledged family holidays.

Escape to the sea to get your pirate on!

Go Whale Watching with Puget Sound Express and see some amazing Pacific Northwest wildlife!

Rent a kayak at PT Paddlesports and explore Port Townsend Bay and nearby waters.

Learn about wooden boats at the Northwest Maritime Center. Visit the Chandlery and get your PIRATE on!

Visit the Port Townsend Boat Haven where shipwrights and sailmakers ply their trades on REALLY big boats, ships and schooners. Some of them bound for Alaska fishing...

Get in touch (literally!) with the curious sea creatures at the Port Townsend Marine Science Center. Check for feeding times of the Giant Pacific Octopus. There is even an orca skeleton, too!

Keep your eye out for lively sea otters! (They are known to cross the street, but don't often use the crosswalks!) Watch along the water's edge for these furry, playful critters.

Hit the Trails

Explore beaches, bunkers and trails at Historic Fort Worden. You get pick up a trail map in the Bishop Lobby before heading out.

Go bird watching at Kah Tai Lagoon and Nature Preserve. Be sure to bring a camera or your cell phone to snap some great pics!

Rent a bike at The Broken Spoke and pedal along the Larry Scott Memorial Trail. You might want to pack a snack and bring water!

About 40 minutes west of Port Townsend is the famous Hurricane Ridge. You can drive to the summit for breathtaking views of the Olympic Mountains and National Forest. Closed seasonally.

Old Fort Townsend is a great location for a picnic, some picture taking and exploring along the shore. It is located just about 4 miles outside of Port Townsend and easily accessible.

Picturesque Mount Townsend is a hiker's dream! The 4 trails leading to the top offer rhododendrons in spring, wildflowers and berries in summer, and fall colors in, well, fall.

Histories and Mysteries

Step back in time at the Jefferson County Historical Museum and view regional artifacts. They offer tours on Saturdays and Sundays!

Vintage planes buffs can fly into the Port Townsend Aero Museum at Jefferson County Municipal International Airport.

Drop in at the Coastal Artillery Museum and then visit the Commanding Officer's Quarters at Historic Fort Worden.

Hidden among the shrubby vines and overgrown ferns you can uncover the secrets of Memory's Vault at Fort Worden. Memory's Vault is a work of art created through the efforts of several individuals.

Emelie Rothschild kept the family possessions in such detail that The Rothschild House Museum is a true step back into time, showing in detail how life was lived in the late 19th century.

Pets Are Family

Bring your furry family member; no matter the size, weight, or breed. Well-behaved dogs are welcome throughout the hotel. We have a dog-friendly suite ready for your pooch and we offer a dog-approved, no-fuss check-in (and often a scratch behind the ear!) Plus, we have got all the goodies you need to keep your pet pampered, in case a favorite toy or a dog bowl got left at home. To review pet policies, look at the bottom of the page and click on policies.

Explore our Dog Friendly Town

Port Townsend has plenty of dog-friendly attractions, including restaurants with outdoor dog-friendly seating, hikes along the beach, or fenced off-leash areas in parks such as Chetzemoka City Park.

Plan your trip to Port Townsend with your pet in mind. Ask us about dog-walkers, dog-sitters and pooch pamperers in the area.

Walk the Parks, Preserves and Trails

Ferry: Pets must be kept in cars or on a leash on other car deck for most ferries. Some ferries allow you to take your animal outside to the upper decks, but they may prohibit them from entering the cabin. It's best to call ahead if you have any doubts.

Port Townsend is a Family- and Dog-friendly Town