20 Things To Do In Port Angeles

Port Angeles looks out across to Victoria on Vancouver Island in Canada. Across the water is the Big White North and the impressive Olympic National Park to the south. Port Angeles is a popular base for exploring the picturesque Olympic National Park, and the city has more to offer than just respite after a long day.

There are fun things to do in Port Angeles, from whale watching to wineries and museums to trailheads. Of course, don’t miss exploring Olympic National Park but it’s also worth ticking some of these things to do in Port Angeles off your list.

Port Angeles, Washington State

20 Things To Do In Port Angeles

1- Walk Or Bike Ediz Hook Spit

Whether you choose to bike or walk along Ediz Hook you will be able to take in the wonderful views that surround Port Angeles.

On a clear day you will be able to see the Olympic Mountains poking out behind the skyline, it’s a beautiful area to spend some time.

The three-mile crescent-shaped spit provides protection and shelter from the Strait of Juan de Fuca.

You can rent bikes or electric bikes nearby if you’d rather take in the views on two wheels.

Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife like bird’s seals and maybe even orca if you are lucky.

Ediz Hook Spit is at Port Angeles, WA 98363.

2- Meet The Denizens Of Feiro Marine Life Center

If you are travelling to Port Angeles with kids then you will definitely want to head to the Feiro Marine Life Center. 

It’s a relatively small marine center but its packed full of fun things to see and do.

The marine center is on the waterfront and there are several aquarium environments to explore as well as touch-tanks for a more interactive experience.

You can expect to see everything from sea cucumbers to starfish, hermit crabs and more.

The species that can be found in the center reflect the marine biology of the Strait of Juan de Fuca.

Feiro Marine Life Center is at 315 N Lincoln St, Port Angeles, WA 98362.

3- Hang Out On Hollywood Beach

Hollywood Beach is at the north end of Lincoln Street right in the heart of Port Angeles.

If you are searching for somewhere to relax for a few hours then Hollywood Beach is the perfect place. 

Sitting on the beach you can watch as the ferries come and go.

It is also an excellent place to launch kayaks or paddle boards.

The Olympic Discovery Trail is adjacent to the beach so you can walk, run and bike while taking in the beach and ocean views.

4- Explore Downtown

Spending some time just wandering around downtown Port Angeles is always a good idea.

There’s so much to see and do and it’s a great way to feel acquainted with the surrounding areas as you can see the mountains, Vancouver Island and the water.

There are plenty of places to eat and drink after a day of exploring either Port Angeles or the nearby Olympic National Park.

Much of the city dates back to the 1880s and this historic architecture can be seen throughout the downtown.

5- Go Kayaking

With such beautiful landscapes and nature surrounding Port Angeles there’s no wonder that it’s an excellent spot for kayaking.

One of the best kayaking trips you can take is a sunrise tour of the Strait of Juan de Fuca with Elevate Outdoors.

Start at the Port Angeles Sail and Paddle Park on Ediz Hook and set out to explore the area.

You will not only get to enjoy paddling but also learn about the history of one of the deepest harbors in the USA.

You may even be lucky enough to spot some local wildlife like seals!

6- Visit The Port Angeles Fine Arts Center

Paying a visit to the Port Angeles Fine Arts Center is well worth it for anyone interested in different art mediums.

This fine art center is a gallery, arts center and sculpture park.

They blend creativity and natural surroundings to connect people with art, nature and science.

There’s an excellent markers market at Port Angeles Fine Arts Center where you can purchase everything from art pieces to homemade soaps.

They also offer an array of programs including kids’ workshops, art festivals and a self-guided art class.

With rotating exhibitions, Port Angeles Fine Arts Center is also a lovely spot for frequent visitors to discover something new.

Port Angeles Fine Arts Center is at 1203 E Lauridsen Blvd, Port Angeles, WA 98362.

7- Explore The Salt Creek Recreation Area

The 200-acre Salt Creek Recreation Area is a great outdoor spot in Port Angeles with a large waterfront area. 

This recreational area is around 16 miles (25 km) west of Port Angeles but its only around 20 minutes’ drive from the city.

This beautiful and rugged park has a wide sandy beach that is the perfect place to look for ocean gems and creatures as the tide pool are exposed when the tide is out.

Kayakers will love this spot as on sunnier days the water becomes unusually warm.

There is also Salt Creek campground right by the recreation area so it’s a great spot for an overnight visit.

Salt Creek Recreation Area is at 3506 Camp Hayden Rd, Port Angeles, WA 98363.

8- Go Whale Watching

Between mid-May and the end of November is the best time to go whale watching in Port Angeles.

Washington and Vancouver Island are well renowned for its whale watching tours and there is no place better to try and spot these magnificent creatures.

Throughout the year humpback, minke, grey whales and orca all migrate to the area.

First up there’s the aforementioned Salt Lake Recreation Area which is part of The Whale Trail.

Along The Whale Trail their vantage points to try and spot whales.

Tongue Point is one such spot in the Salt Lake Recreation Area.

Although you can spot whales from the land by far the best way to see whales is as part of a guided boat tour.

One of the most popular tour companies is Puget Sound Express.

Between May and October there are daily half-day tours that start from downtown.

9- Sip Wine At Harbinger Winery

There is an array of winery in Port Angeles that will welcome you through the doors to try a selection of the best local wines.

Harbinger Winery is an award-winning Olympic Peninsula Winery in Port Angeles.

After a day of exploring Olympic National Park or even a day exploring Port Angeles there’s no better way to unwind than with a wine tasting.

Their wine tastings take place among the barrels so you really get a good feel for the place.

As well as learning about their local house wines you will also be able to learn about the history of wine making in the local area as well as in Washington.

Harbinger Winery 2358 US-101 #2358, Port Angeles, WA 98363.

10- See The Collections At Elwha Klallam Museum

The Elwha Klallam Museum at the Carnegie Library is a wonderful and informative educational facility that allows visitors to learn more about Native Americans and the Elwha Klallam tribe.

This tribe lives close to Port Angeles close to the mouth of the Elwha River.

The Elwha Klallam village dates back to 750 B.C. and was used up until the 1930’s when local mills forced villagers away from the area.

With so much history this museum is a wonderful place to learn more about other cultures and the hardships Native Americans have faced throughout history.

Elwha Klallam Museum is at 205 S Lincoln St, Port Angeles, WA 98362.

11- Take A Black Ball Ferry Ride

Though Port Angeles is an excellent place to visit, its location also means you can easily access the wonderful surroundings in both American and Canadian waters.

Taking a ride on the Black Ball Ferry allows you to easily connect between Victoria, B.C.

and Port Angeles along the Olympic Peninsula.

This ferry service is actually the only year-round passenger boat that allows you to visit Victoria from Port Angeles.

Their 90-minute tour of the Strait of Juan de Fuca allows you to enjoy scenic views and be in with a chance of spotting whales.

Black Ball Ferry Line is at 101 E Railroad Ave, Port Angeles, WA 98362.

12- Take The Elwha Dam Overlook Trailhead

The Elwha Dam Overlook Trailhead allows you to see the site of one of the area’s former dams.

Starting at the Elwha River Restoration Interpretive Center the walk leads you through trees which turn vibrant colours in autumn.

The trail is around 1.8 miles (2.9 km) and it’s an out and back route.

As you progress on the walk you will be able to see how much the river has been shaped over the years.

You may also want to head to the Old Lower Dam Road where there are good views of the river and rapids.

13- Watch The Sunset From Port Angeles City Pier

City Pier is right next to Hollywood Beach in downtown Port Angeles at the end of Lincoln Street and East Railroad Avenue.

One of the best things about this pier is the four-story observation tower that is at the end of the walkway.

From here you can enjoy spectacular views of the surrounding Strait of Juan de Fuca, the Olympic Mountains and events right across to Victoria on Vancouver Island.

The pier is also a wonderful place to catch a sunset.

After the sun goes down you can head to one of the many restaurants that are within a couple of minute’s walk from the pier.

Port Angeles City Pier is at Port Angeles, WA 98362.

14- Enjoy The Tastes At The Dungeness Crab and Seafood Festival

Port Angeles is an excellent destination for seafood lovers as you can eat some of the freshest catches around.

The Dungeness Crab & Seafood Festival is an annual celebration of seafood held in early October.

Admission to the festival is always free and there are tons of things to see, do and of course eat!

As well as an array of the best crab and seafood restaurants and stalls there’s also live music, craft, merchant and food booths and demonstrations from the U.S. Coast Guard Air-Sea Rescue. 

This is a wonderful festival for those who appreciate fantastic seafood but kids and non-seafood lovers will also love this event too.

15- Watch A Show at Port Angeles Community Players

Community Players is a performing arts theatre in downtown Port Angeles.

They put on a variety of performances throughout the year and watching one of their shows is a great way to unwind after a long day and laugh a lot!

They have performed a number of spins on classic productions for example “I Hate Hamlet” and “Dracula: The Musical?” as well as Christmas productions, Shakespeare and spooky dramas.

Port Angeles Community Players 1235 E Lauridsen Blvd, Port Angeles, WA 98362.

16- Go Wine Tasting At Camaraderie Cellars

Camaraderie Cellars is a scenic winery offering their own unique wines and seasonal tastings between May and mid-October.

This winery produces around 3,000 cases and are stocked in shops across North America.

Whether you want to take a wine tour, purchase bottles or buy a glass, Camaraderie Cellars is a lovely and peaceful winery that’s perfect for a sophisticated afternoon or evening escapade.

Camaraderie Cellars is at 334 Benson Rd, Port Angeles, WA 98363.

17- Hike The Peabody Creek Trail

If you are searching for a short but lovely trail close to Port Angeles then look no further than the Peabody Creek Trail.

This 5.2 mile (8.3 km) out-and-back trail takes around 2 hours 30 minutes to complete.

It is a popular place for both hikers and runners and isn’t so popular that it is constantly crowded.

The forest setting is beautifully tranquil and there are lots of small creatures and plants to discover.

18- Visit 9/11 Memorial Waterfront Park

The 9/11 Memorial Waterfront Park is a peaceful place for solitude and reflection.

This Port Angeles park is right by the water and offers expansive views of the Strait of Juan de Fuca.

The park is also the main access point to the Waterfront Trail/Olympic Discovery Trail.

You will find a monument in the park to commemorate those who lost their lives in the September 11, 2001 attacks.

The park is a lovely place to mourn, reflect, and the ocean views and sounds of nature are particularly calming.

9/11 Memorial Waterfront Park is at 811 Caroline St, Port Angeles, WA 98362.

19- Explore Olympic National Park

Many people visiting Port Angeles will choose to use it as a base to discover the stunning Olympic National Park.

Its close proximity to the park means you can be starting a hike or exploring the lake in less than hours’ drive from Port Angeles.

There are so many things to see and do in Olympic National Park here are some of the top recommendations.

You must head to Hurricane Ridge.

It is 17 miles (27 km) from Port Angeles and its one of the easiest places to access stunning mountain scenery in the park.

Whether you visit in summer or in winter this place is utterly jaw dropping.

Another place not to be missed in Olympic National Park is Lake Crescent.

The lake was formed thousands of years ago and reaches depths of 624 feet (190 metres) in certain areas.

There are several hikes in the area including the hike to Marymere Falls and the more challenging Mount Storm King.

You can also check out the Sol Duc Valley in the northwest part of the park.

Here are several trails and you can also take the mile long (1.6 km) trail to Sol Duc Falls overlook.

Olympic National Park has a variety of interesting landscapes to enjoy with a variety of trail systems leading you to stunning waterfalls, vantage points and forests.