Walking Tours of Port Townsend
Uncover History at Every Turn
History comes alive when you walk through it! Join one of our immersive walking tours to explore the fascinating stories of Port Townsend as you stroll its scenic streets.
From hidden murals of the past to the town’s eerie lore, our tours offer a fun, educational, and interactive way to experience local history.
Public tours are offered summer and fall, and private tours are available year-round for small groups, special events, or those looking for a more personalized experience.
To book a private tour year-round, please email programs@jchsmuseum.com
Explore Our Guided Tours
Vanishing Murals
Public Tours offered in June
Explore the “ghost murals” that once lined downtown Port Townsend’s streetscape, many of which are still visible today, advertising everything from shoes to cigars. These visual artifacts offer a vivid window into the town’s bustling late 19th-century and early 20th-century life.
This walking tour highlights a selection of these murals, bringing to life stories of local businesses, historic buildings, and the people behind them. Along the way, you’ll gain insight into early modern advertising as well as Port Townsend’s dramatic 1890s boom and bust.
Join us for a unique perspective on downtown history as we bring these murals to life within their rich historical and cultural context.
2026 Vanishing Murals Dates
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Sat, June 13 - 11:30AM
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Wed, June 24 - 6PM
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Sat, June 27 - 11:30AM
Tour Details
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0.75 miles - approx. 80 minutes
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Flat, ADA-accessible route
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Limited to 12 participants
Pricing
$15 members | $20 non-members
Legends + Lore
Public Tours offered in July + August
Dive into the intriguing history of Port Townsend’s early years, anchored in popular stories of local lore, each paired with historical investigation that reveals how we know what we know - and what may always remain a mystery.
Drawing from some of the more infamous, mysterious, and salacious accounts of the past, this fun and analytical tour through the picturesque downtown district explores how documents, photographs, physical evidence, and stories passed down over time all shape our understanding of the past.
2026 Legend + Lore Dates
Wed. July 1st @ 6PM
Sat. July 4th @ 11:30AM
Wed. July 8th @ 6PM
Sat. July 11th @ 4PM
Tues. July 14th @ 11:30AM
Sat. July 25th @ 11:30AM
Sat. August 1st @ 11:30AM
Wed. August 12th @ 6PM
Sat. August 15th @ 11:30AM
Tues. August 25th @ 6PM
Tour Details
0.75 miles - approx. 80 minutes
Flat, ADA-accessible route, some public seating available
Limited to 12 participants
Pricing
$15 members | $20 non-members
Strange Shadows: Uncanny Tales of PT
Public Tours offered in October
Step into the eerie side of Port Townsend on our newest walking tour, Strange Shadows. From ghostly encounters and unexplained disappearances to UFO sightings and peculiar tales from the sea, this tour delves into the town’s most unsettling stories.
Your journey through downtown will explore unexplained mysteries, chilling local legends, and historical oddities, all culminating in a special interpretive tour of the historic jail spaces inside the 1892 City Hall building. This tour is a crowd favorite, offering the perfect blend of historical research and unsolved mysteries.
Dare to walk with us?
2026 Strange Shadows Dates
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Tues. Oct 27th @ 6:30PM
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Wed. Oct 28th @ 11:30AM
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Thurs. Oct 29th @ 4:30PM
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Fri. Oct 30th @ 4:30PM
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Sat. Oct 31st @ 11:30AM
Tour Details
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0.75 miles - approx. 90 minutes
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Flat, ADA-accessible route, some public seating available
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The final 5 to 10 minutes of the tour take place in the historic jail’s exercise yard. This portion includes two small steps down, approximately 1 to 1.5 inches each, and a doorway with a clearance of about 31 inches. If you have any questions or would like additional information, we’re happy to help.
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Limited to 12 participants
Pricing
$21 members | $28 non-members
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What types of tours does JCHS offer?
JCHS offers a range of guided and self-guided tours. Guided walking tours are offered both publicly and privately throughout the year. History Hikes are seasonal and limited. We also offer a variety of Self-Guided walking tour booklets, which you can enjoy at your own pace.
Are the guided tours seasonal?
Yes, our Public Tours are offered on Saturdays in July and August, as well as select dates in Spring and Fall. However, Private Tours are available year-round by reservation, providing flexibility for groups who want to explore Port Townsend's history any time of the year.
How long are the guided tours?
Each guided tour lasts between 75 - 90 minutes, depending on the tour, and covers a distance of approximately 0.75 miles on flat terrain.
Are the tours ADA accessible?
Yes, all our guided tours are ADA-accessible. The routes are designed to be manageable for those who use wheelchairs or have limited mobility. The tour route is about 0.75 miles, taking roughly 75 - 90 minutes.
How much do tours cost?
Public Tours: Between $15 - $28 per person depending on the tour. Members receive a discounted rate.
Private Tours: $240 per tour for the general public; members receive discounted rates: $180 (Individual, Household, Legacy, and Supporter Members) and $120 (Director Circle Members).
Book a Private Tour for your Group
Reach out to programs@jchsmuseum.com and we’ll help you schedule the best date and time for your group.
Self-Guided Historic Tours
Looking to explore Port Townsend at your own pace?
Whether you’re on a daily walk or visiting and eager to dive into the rich architectural and cultural history of the area, we have self-guided tour options just for you!
You can pick up printed tour booklets for these tours in the Book Shop at the Museum of Art + History or access the digital resources below for your next adventure.
čičməhán Trail
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This trail was developed by the Jamestown S’Klallam Tribe and QUUF’s Native Connections Action Group and honors S’Klallam history in Port Townsend. With 18 stops, this self-guided tour will give you a deeper understanding of the rich cultural legacy of the S’Klallam people and their enduring connection to the land.