Walking Tours of Port Townsend
Uncover History at Every Turn
History comes alive when you walk through it! That’s why we offer a variety of immersive walking tours designed to help you explore the fascinating stories of Port Townsend while strolling through its scenic streets.
Whether you're interested in discovering the hidden murals of the past or delving into the town's eerie lore, our tours provide a fun, educational, and interactive way to connect with local history.
Public Tours are available in the summer months, while Private Tours can be booked year-round, offering a personalized experience perfect for small groups, events, or those seeking a deeper dive into the town’s vibrant past.
Explore Our Guided Tours
Vanishing Murals
Limited Availability: Only 3 Dates in June!
Explore the “ghost murals” that once covered the town, advertising everything from cars to household products. These remnants of a bustling 19th-century Port Townsend provide a window into the town's commercial and artistic history.
Learn about the architecture, businesses, and creative craftsmanship behind these murals and gain a deeper appreciation for the visual legacy that still whispers through the town’s streets.
Legends + Lore
Public Tour Season: Saturdays in July + August
Dive into the intriguing history of Port Townsend’s earlier years, anchored around popular stories of lore, each paired with historical investigation illuminating how we know what we know – and what may always remain a mystery.
Drawing from some of the more infamous, mysterious, and salacious stories of history, this fun and analytical tour through the picturesque downtown district will offer participants a glimpse into how we discern fact from fiction.
Strange Shadows: Uncanny Tales of PT
Limited Availability: Late October + Early November
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.
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 - $24 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.