Overview
Port Angeles is the largest city on the Olympic Peninsula of Washington state. It's a great place to start for a trip to Hurricane Ridge and the rest of Olympic National Park. Outdoor sports like kayaking, biking or hiking are very popular, while the quaint shops attract shoppers downtown and the expansive waterfront provides relaxation. Beautiful Pacific beaches are nearby, and the lavender fields and berry farms between Port Angeles and Sequim beckon all summer.
As the nearest towns to the west are over 55 mi away, this article covers listings as far west as Joyce on State Route 112 towards Neah Bay.
10 sights · 7 things to do · 10 places to eat · 5 bars & cafés · 13 places to stay
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about Port Angeles
Feiro Marine Life Center
Museum featuring touch tanks and aquariums featuring Pacific and local marine wildlife (even barnacles and plankton!)
Olympic Coast Discovery Center
A small museum, operated by NOAA, on the Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary off the western shore of the Olympic Peninsula. Includes exhibits on whales, submersibles, shipwrecks and conservation.
Hurricane Ridge
Follow the 17 mi road through the forest and up 5000 ft to the ridge that overlooks the rest of the Olympic Mountains, the most dramatic alpine views you can find in the park without mountain climbing. The historic visit…
Salt Creek Recreation Area
A waterside park with a large campground and RV park. It's on the former site of Camp Hayden, a World War II military base, with some facilities dug into the hillside still intact. Tongue Point, the rocky outcropping to …
City Pier
This pier is the main outdoor civic space for downtown, with a covered stage at the base used for small outdoor concerts. Climb the lookout tower at the end of the pier for a full view of the inner harbor and the waterfr…
Elwha Klallam Museum
The Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe displays cultural and historical artifacts in this old Carnegie Library building.
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: Jun–Sep. Summer highs reach about 70°F; winter lows dip to about 33°F. Wettest: Dec and Nov.
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- FRD Friday Harbor Airport, Friday Harbor — 34 mi away. Directions
- ESD Orcas Island Airport, Eastsound — 48 mi away. Directions
- SEA Seattle–Tacoma International Airport, Seattle — 70 mi away (major hub). Directions
US Highway 101 (US-101) is the main road traversing Port Angeles, which loops around the Olympic Peninsula. The nearest major towns are Forks, 1 hour to the west, and Sequim, 30 minutes to the east.
Full “Get in” guide ↓Budget & where to stay
- Places to stay listed here: about $40–$175 a night (typical $75), from 15 listed prices.
- Typical meal: about $12 per person at listed restaurants.
- Estimated daily budget per person (room, two meals, local transport and an activity): budget ~$70, mid-range ~$130, comfortable ~$300.
Options are grouped as Budget, Mid-range, Splurge in the Sleep guide ↓.
Sample 3-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning City Pier, Feiro Marine Life Center, Olympic Coast Discovery Center
- Lunch Kokopelli Grill
- Afternoon Port Angeles Heritage Underground Tour, Elwha Klallam Museum
- Dinner Michael's
- Evening Next Door Gastropub
Day 2
- Morning Hurricane Ridge, Hurricane Hill Trail, Elwha Valley
- Lunch 929 Woodfire Grill
- Afternoon Lake Crescent, Salt Creek Recreation Area
- Dinner Sabai Thai
- Evening Harbinger Winery
Day 3
- Morning Port Angeles Fine Arts Center, Olympic National Park Visitor Center
- Lunch Buena Luz Bakery
- Afternoon Peninsula Golf Club, Foothills Trails
- Dinner Yodelin Broth Company
- Evening Bar N9NE
Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.
Food for you
Being on the water means delectable seafood! Look for salmon, clams, and the sweet and soft Dungeness crabs.
The downtown has been gentrifying enough that some ethnic restaurants, especially Asian, can be found.
Cuisine (tap to filter)
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Photos
Map
Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.
Understand
Port Angeles is on the northern edge of the Olympic Peninsula, along the Strait of Juan de Fuca. It is closer to Victoria, British Columbia than it is to any other city except Sequim, if you can get across the water. It is the county seat of Clallam County. The population is around 50,000, including nearby settlements and tribal communities.
Like much of Washington, the development of the city revolves around nature. Pitted between the Olympic National Park and the Strait of Juan de Fuca, Port Angeles is the gateway for outdoor adventure, with roads leading to breathtaking lakes, stunning vistas, and the towering Olympics.
Port Angeles Harbor is the first deep protected water for ships heading from the open ocean towards the major Puget Sound ports. In the harbor, massive cargo ships wait for local pilots to take over navigation from captains.
History
The surroundings were inhabited predominantly by the Indian tribes of Klallam and Makah in an area of abundant natural resources, coniferous forests and deep blue sea that sustain prolific wildlife.
The first non-native sighting of the peninsula was made by explorer Juan Perez in 1774. The first sailing along the Strait of Juan de Fuca was recorded by Captain Charles Barkley, who named the water body after Ioannis Phokas, the Greek explorer striving to seek the Strait of Anián, which legend has it is actually this same water passage. The harbor was then named "The Port of Our Lady of the Angels" by Spanish explorer Francisco Eliza in 1791 as it provides a haven from the rough seas of the strait.
Port Angeles' prime location attracted aspiring businessmen to set afoot and develop the land further, and it was incorporated in 1861. Intended to be the main port of entry for imported goods into Washington Territory, it was the second city fully plotted by the federal government after Washington, D.C., earning the city a nickname "Second National City". Alongside the federal government, entrepreneurs tried their luck by erecting timber businesses, a fisherman wharf, and commercial industries for incoming settlements. Through the 1900s, as the sawmills closed one-by-one, the increasing prominence of the Olympics as a destination for natural beauty brought new opportunities.
Climate
Like the rest of western Washington, most of the rain falls in fall and winter before tapering off in spring into gloriously sunny summers. However, the amount of rain the city gets is one of the lowest in the peninsula at 25 in thanks to the Olympic rain shadow; Forks, a town 60 mi west of Port Angeles, gets more than thrice the amount of annual rainfall!
Though snow is a rare occurrence, it is more susceptible than Seattle due to its unique topography: frigid cold air that occasionally blows from Canada slams into the Olympics above Port Angeles, often times keeping the low temperature longer than other areas of the peninsula. Winter temperatures rarely fall below freezing except during the above situation.
Thanks to the moderating ocean effect, summers are comfortably warm, with high temperatures usually no higher than the 70s °F (about 26°C). Consequently, it is a preferred destination during the late summer, when people are looking for a cooler climate.
Visitor information
Get in
By car
US Highway 101 (US-101) is the main road traversing Port Angeles, which loops around the Olympic Peninsula. The nearest major towns are Forks, 1 hour to the west, and Sequim, 30 minutes to the east.
From Seattle or points north the drive is about 2 hours, using a ferry from Edmonds to Kingston and then continuing to State Route 104 before merging with US-101.
From Tacoma, take Interstate 5, exit to State Route 16 (across the Tacoma Narrows Bridge) through the Kitsap Peninsula, before merging with the US-101 portion that goes along the Hood Canal.
From Olympia or points south, get off I-5 at US-101 and follow the highway through Shelton, Brinnon and the Hood Canal.
By plane
The William R Fairchild International Airport (CLM) is on the west side of the city. The airport is used primarily for charter and general aviation purposes.
The nearest airports for commercial flights are:
- Victoria International Airport (YYJ) in Sidney, BC, 17 mi north of Victoria. Be sure to have the proper travel documents to cross the border between Canada and the United States.
- Seattle Tacoma International Airport (SEA) south of Seattle in the city of Sea-Tac.
See the other modes of transportation below for traveling into Port Angeles from either Seattle or Victoria.
By ferry
Port Angeles has a direct ferry to Victoria, BC on Canada's Vancouver Island.
Go Black Ball Ferry Line (MV Coho)
Is a passenger and vehicle ferry running between Port Angeles and Victoria, British Columbia across the Strait of Juan de Fuca. Crossing time is 90 minutes. Service runs all year except for an annual refit for one week in winter time. In the winter, this ferry runs 2 sailings a day and in the summer up to 4 sailings per day each way are scheduled.
One can also get to the roads towards Port Angeles after using the Washington State Ferries that dock at Port Townsend or Kingston.
*Port Townsend from Coupeville on Whidbey Island. *Kingston from Edmonds (WA-104/WA-3). Follow WA-104 from the ferry terminal up towards the Hood Canal Bridge via Port Gamble. From there continue towards US-101.
By boat
Go Port Angeles Boat Haven
Nestled in the nook of Ediz Hook and a direct route from Victoria. It is a perfect stop over for boaters plying the waters of the Strait of Juan de Fuca and Puget Sound.
By bus
Go Gateway Transit Center
The main bus station for Clallam Transit and Olympic Bus Lines. Buses travel along US-101 between Forks, Port Angeles and Sequim.
- Operates routes including:
- Route 10 from Joyce & Lyre River Makes local stops in and out of town.
- Route 14 from Forks. Makes local stops in and out of town. Transfer available at US 101/SR 113 junction in Sappho for travel on Route 16 to and from Neah Bay.
- Route 30 from Sequim Makes local stops in and out of town. Jefferson Transit (JT) #8 bus continues from Sequim to Port Townsend in Jefferson County.
- Route 123 Strait Shot from Bainbridge Island ferry terminal. Limited stop service. The "Strait Shot" (#123) runs thrice daily (M-Sa) and twice on Sundays in each direction to and from the Bainbridge Island Ferry Terminal (nearest terminal to Downtown Seattle) with limited stops in Sequim, Jamestown, Discovery Bay, Suquamish Way & SR305, and North Viking P&R in Poulsbo. Travel time from Bainbridge Island ferry terminal is 1 hour 50 minutes to 2 hours.
Place Dungeness Line / Amtrak Thruway (operated by Greyhound Connect)
The Dungeness Line goes from Sea-Tac and Seattle to Port Townsend, Sequim and Port Angeles. The bus goes across the Puget Sound on the Edmonds-Kingston ferry and is the most direct way to travel between Seattle and the Olympic Peninsula by bus. Connections with Amtrak, Greyhound, Sound Transit and other transportation services are in Seattle. Tickets can also be booked through Greyhound.com.
There are no buses to most areas of Olympic National Park. The routes only drop off along the main highway and you will need to hike or arrange other transportation into the park.
By bicycle
The Olympic Discovery Trail passes through Port Angeles, from Port Townsend in the east part of the peninsula to La Push on the Pacific Ocean. The section east of Port Angeles is a well-marked car-free trail, much of which is paved, and easy to traverse on a loaded touring bicycle. West of Port Angeles is the "adventure" part of the trail, for which a cross-country mountain bike is recommended. The trail is non-technical single track, making it an introductory level XC, challenging but doable on a loaded touring bicycle.
Get around
By bus
Public transportation is provided by Clallam Transit. The fare for each bus ride is $1 for adults, $0.50 for youth and seniors with a Regional Reduced Fare Permit card. Routes 20, 22, 24, and 26 serve the city proper while Route 30 serves the US-101 corridor before continuing towards Sequim. The bus does not run on Sundays with the exception of the Strait Shot (#123) route.
By car
Most visitors go to and around the town by car, especially those who would venture far out into the Olympic National Park or anywhere off the US-101 corridor. Parking is generally easy to find, but the downtown area only allows 2 hours of street parking.
Taking a bus from Sea-Tac and renting a car here may cheaper than renting a car at the airport, especially with the 12% airport surcharge and the 100-mile drive. Check the car rental companies' websites for rate differences between the airport, Seattle proper, or Port Angeles. Avis & Budget are next door to the Gateway Bus Transit Center while Enterprise is several blocks east on E 1st St.
See
Travelers tend to trek into the Olympic National Park rather than sightsee the town itself. However, those who would rather stay in town for at least a day or two should not be left unsatisfied.
See City Pier
This pier is the main outdoor civic space for downtown, with a covered stage at the base used for small outdoor concerts. Climb the lookout tower at the end of the pier for a full view of the inner harbor and the waterfront. Take a stroll, or join the people who fish for crabs or shrimp!
- Over a dozen murals across downtown depict stories from the city's history and culture, many with interpretive signage to dig into the context.
Olympic National Park
With the exception of Hurricane Ridge, all attractions are free of charge, with only a short walk needed.
Hurricane Ridge gets crowded in the summer. It feels real silly being stuck at the entrance for an hour or more, watching the Hurricane Ridge Shuttles skip the line to pass you. There isn't much to stop for along the way to the top.
See Hurricane Ridge
Follow the 17 mi road through the forest and up 5000 ft to the ridge that overlooks the rest of the Olympic Mountains, the most dramatic alpine views you can find in the park without mountain climbing. The historic visitor center burned down in 2023; in its place are several temporary facilities for information and gifts while the replacement gets built. From the parking lot are several short (less than 0.5 mi) trails through alpine meadows to additional viewpoints. Also has the only snow area in the mountain range where snowshoeing, skiing, and sledding can be safely done.
See Elwha Valley
The Olympic Peninsula's largest watershed. Prior to the construction of two dams in the early 1900s, it was known for its impressive salmon returns. Today, the dams are gone, and the Elwha River is now one of the largest ecosystem restoration projects in National Park Service history. The Olympic Hot Springs Road and Whiskey Bend Road offer sightseeing opportunities through the valley's lowland and montane forests, as well as access to two picnic areas and a number of hiking trails. Stop to see Madison Creek Falls, a quick walk with superb views of the gushing Elwha River to the falls, with poems in between.
Do
Parks and beaches
Do Ediz Hook
A spit where visitors can stroll around the beach that overlooks the city on one side and Canada on the other. A spot for birdwatching and beachcombing. It's said that the beach contains some exotic stones and the luckiest can find sea glasses.
Do Salt Creek Recreation Area
A waterside park with a large campground and RV park. It's on the former site of Camp Hayden, a World War II military base, with some facilities dug into the hillside still intact. Tongue Point, the rocky outcropping to the west of the campground, has excellent tide pools during low tide. A short drive to the west are sandy beaches around the ghost town of Port Crescent.
Do Zigzag Path
A set of wooden switchbacks climbing about 50 ft to link downtown to the residential neighborhood above. A boardwalk has existed here in similar forms since the 1890s.
Buy
Port Angeles has a large selection of outdoors gear and equipment, just in case you need something before venturing out into nature around the peninsula.
The farmland between Port Angeles and Sequim to the east is a major lavender growing region, taking full advantage of a Mediterranean-like microclimate in the Olympic rain shadow. The bloom peaks in July, when a variety of boutique farms welcome visitors to tour their operations and purchase anything that they can infuse with the purple flowers.
Eat
Being on the water means delectable seafood! Look for salmon, clams, and the sweet and soft Dungeness crabs.
The downtown has been gentrifying enough that some ethnic restaurants, especially Asian, can be found.
Budget
Eat Buena Luz Bakery (The Good Light)
Fresh baked pastries and bread, grab and go or made to order sandwiches, full coffee and tea service.
Eat Frugals
Drive-thru only American fast food from a local Pacific Northwest chain. Burgers, fries, and milkshakes.
Eat Little Devil's Lunchbox
Fusion of Tex-Mex and Northwest flavors in burritos and sandwiches.
Mid-range
Eat Chestnut Cottage
Breakfast and brunch items with hospitable crew and homey interior.
Eat Tendy's
Authentic Chinese food with family seating available.
Eat Sabai Thai
A local Thai favorite with full fledged original favorite that has the place packed every night! Favorites include curries, Pad Thai and glass noodles.
Eat Kokopelli Grill
Local seafood with southwest taste. Their salmon chowder is said to be the specialty.
Eat Yodelin Broth Company
Vegetarian.
Splurge
Eat 929 Woodfire Grill
Baby back ribs to fillet mignon grilled apple-smoked to perfection. Also serves salmon pasta & seafood platter as well as a small selection of pizza and salads.
Eat Michael's
Array of local seafoods and premium steak cuts in an underground floor.
Drink
Drink Bar N9NE
Extensive selection of drafts, with tapas and steaks for something more substantial. Live stage with engaging events every night.
Drink Next Door Gastropub
Racks of wine, cocktails, ever-changing list of beers and ciders. Burgers, sandwiches and paninis by day. Kid friendly. Live music Sunday afternoons.
Wineries
Drink Camaraderie Cellars
Winery in a secluded neighborhood. Specializes in food wines.
Drink Harbinger Winery
Sweet and slightly less-dry selections of full body wine, some infused with fruity flavors.
Drink Olympic Cellars Winery
Boutique wine with rotating varieties. Concerts every week in summer to perk you up.
Sleep
Group travelers can find a better deal by renting vacation homes around the area. For small groups that want a stay of homey feeling, there are also multiple choices of BnB accommodations.
Budget
Many budget hotels are located downtown, with easy access to restaurants and shops.
Mid-range
Splurge
Go next
Take the Olympic Loop for a scenic drive around the Olympic Peninsula:
- The rest of Olympic National Park, including the Hoh Rain Forest and the wilderness coast.
- Sequim — Port Angeles' next door neighbor, a bit more rural and still offers somewhat of a small-town atmosphere.
- Neah Bay and Cape Flattery — the most northwestern point of the contiguous United States.
- Forks — Stephenie Meyers' Twilight town.
Take the ferry to Canada:
- Victoria, BC — see the British architecture and famous gardens of the provincial capital.
Nearby
Sequim
City / town · 33 listings · 16 mi away
Olympic National Park
Park · 69 listings · 28 mi away
Port Townsend
City / town · 43 listings · 31 mi away
Friday Harbor
City / town · 27 listings · 35 mi away
Ebey's Landing National Historical Reserve
Park · 20 listings · 36 mi away
Coupeville
City / town · 17 listings · 36 mi away
Lopez Island
City / town · 25 listings · 36 mi away
Roche Harbor
City / town · 11 listings · 37 mi away
My experience
Write about your trip here. Notes save automatically in this browser as you type; back them up from My journal.