Shop for unique gifts in one of Washington State's most beautiful coastal towns.
Port Townsend is a stunning Victorian Town in the Olympic Peninsula of Washington State, about a 1.5 hour trip from Seattle, including a ferry ride.
It's charming main street is full of gift shops and boutiques housed in historic 19th century buildings, just steps away from the dramatic waterfront.
This is a town that attracts artists, writers and other creatives, so expect to see some fantastic merchandise.
10 best shops in Port Townsend
1. Conservatory Coastal Home
This chic homewares store is on the main floor of the historic N.D. Hill Building, constructed in 1889. Step inside to see a beautifully curated selection of nautical themed merchandise, including cushions, candles, throw rugs, jewelry, cashmere, luxurious jackets, and bath scents. The store also produces its own hand poured coconut wax candles that it sells at the Port Townsend Farmers Market
Check hours (639 Water Street, Port Townsend).
2. The Green Eyeshade (homewares)
The Green Eyeshade is an adorable store, with shelves bursting with homewares, kitchen goods, cook books, ceramics, handmade jewelry, greeting cards, and bathroom lotions. There's no better place to find a gift!
Check hours (720 Water Street, Port Townsend).
3. Imprint Bookstore
The Imprint Bookstore has been in Port Townsend for 40+ years, with a great selection of bestsellers, and lots of titles by local authors. Despite the smaller size of this store, the owners have done a fantastic job finding the most interesting books. Budding authors can also sign up for writers' workshops.
Check hours (820 Water Street, Port Townsend).
4. What's Cookin!
This kitchen homewares store has every conceivable item for the chef in your life. Find cookbooks, bakeware, cookware, crockery, napkins, glassware, teapots, and more!
Check hours (844 Water Street, Port Townsend).
5. William James Bookseller
Set aside an hour to wander around this large bookstore, selling new, used and out-of-print books. The independent bookstore has been here for 30+ years, in a historic space with a lovely atmosphere, and an incredibly knowledgeable owner. Find a bargain in the used books section, or discover a fascinating new genre in categories, like cooking, gardening, self-help, world history, science, philosophy, occult, photography, architecture, young adult and kids.
Check hours (829 Water Street, Port Townsend).
6. Thuja (gifts)
Thuja is a trendy gift and clothing store, with some really cool merchandise, and an instagram worthy interior. There's gorgeous soaps, lotions, notebooks, bags, jewelry, ceramics, kids' toys and books. Find some truly unique goods here!
Check hours (911 Water Street, Port Townsend).
7. Lawrence Street Provisions
This cosy provisions store is a must-see, tucked away in a less touristy area of Port Townsend in Uptown. It's about a ten minute walk from Port Townsend's downtown area, up the stairs behind Haller Fountain.
Lawrence Street Provisions is a specialty groceries store, selling pasta, wines, cookbooks, vinegars, cheeses, seasonings, spices and cookware. The friendly staff can walk you through their amazing selection! It's also a lovely place to stop for a coffee, with hot soups and sandwiches made by the folks next door at Finistere restaurant, and scrumptious pastries by Sweet Lamb Baking Co. Enjoy the outdoor patio area in summer.
Check hours (1031 Lawrence Street, Port Townsend).
8. Vespertine (adult shop)
Spice up your visit to Port Townsend with a trip to feminine wellness boutique, Vespertine (must be over 18 to enter).
This sensual boutique is styled like a boudoir, with pleasure toys like vibrators, lotions, lip balms, make-up, sleepwear, lounge wear, lingerie, and sex education books. After you pass through the front door, there's an interior wall shielding you from the street, giving you all the privacy you need to peruse this beautiful selection of goods. The whole message here is around body positivity and self discovery, and is apparently a big hit with the locals.
Check hours (914 Water Street, Port Townsend).
9. Commoner boutique
The sophisticated Commoner boutique is a fantastic addition to Port Townsend's fashion scene, with natural fiber clothing made by local designers. The clothing isn't cheap, but you can find classic pieces that will become wardrobe staples.
Check hours (1034 Water Street, Port Townsend).
10. Aldrich's Market
Aldrich's Market is the oldest grocery store in Washington State, operational since 1895. The store is a hub of activity in Uptown Port Townsend, and attracts serious foodies searching for the freshest ingredients not available in regular supermarkets. They stock organic fruit and vegetables, all natural meat and seafood, and specialty foods like pastries, spices, cheese, and breads from local and global producers. Aldrich's even stocks some of its own branded products, like pasta sauces and olive oils.
The wine section is huge, with 700 types of wine from all over the world. Aldrich's is also the perfect place for breakfast, with fresh squeezed orange juice, great coffee and yummy pastries. You can also stop by the deli for lunchtime favorites, like panini sandwiches and deli meats.
Take one flight of stairs to the mezzanine level where there are plenty of tables and chairs to sit back and relax, and an outdoor patio with water views.
Check hours (940 Lawrence Street, Port Townsend).
11. Port Townsend Art Gallery
The Port Townsend Art Gallery is a cooperative gallery owned by local artists, and has been around for over 20 years. The exhibit space is full of artworks from local artists, many drawing inspiration from local landscapes. Best of all, many of the artworks are quite affordable! Don't miss the beautiful sculpture garden at the back of the gallery overlooking the water.
Check hours (715 Water Street, Port Townsend).
12. Port Townsend Antique Mall
The Port Townsend Antique Mall is an unexpected delight, with two floors of fascinating goods from all eras. This place could easily be mistaken for a museum, with high quality items that are certain to generate conversation and inspire curiosity.
A bunch of antique dealers run stalls in this mall, and each section is laid out in a logical fashion, with plenty of space to navigate the different sections like jewelry, books, music, furniture and vintage toys. It's easy to spend an hour here, just taking it all in!
Don't miss the collection of historic bottles and glassware unearthed from Port Townsend's earliest, pioneering days.
Check hours (802 Washington Street, Port Townsend).
13. 1851 Shoppe (gifts)
1851 Shoppe is a classic gifts store and boutique on Water Street, with some lovely Northwest-themed merchandise. Don't miss the Malicious Ladies candles, certain to cause a stir!
Check hours (840 Water Street, Port Townsend.)
14. Spice Tea Exchange
The Spice Tea Exchange is your go to for exotic spices, teas, and handcrafted seasonings. The friendly Spice Masters can provide expert knowledge on which spices to pair with any menu selections you're considering.
Check hours (929 Water Street, Port Townsend).
15. Lively Olive Tasting Bar
Your taste buds are in for a treat at the Lively Olive Tasting Bar, selling extra virgin olive oils and specialty balsamic vinegars. Customers are encouraged to sample these offerings at the tasting bar! The olive oil gift baskets are extremely popular, and perfect for gift giving.
Check hours (929 Water Street, Port Townsend).
16. Northwind Art
Northwind Art has a stunning exhibit space in the historic Waterman and Katz building, with many works by local Port Townsend artists. It's a joint initiative between the Port Townsend School of the Arts, and Northwind Art Center. The spectacular works encompass all mediums, including paintings, photography, prints and drawings. The main gallery is on Water Street, with a smaller gallery on nearby Taylor Street.
Check hours (701 Water Street & 236 Taylor Street, Port Townsend).
17. Bergstroms Antique & Classic Autos
Car enthusiasts are in for a treat at the Bergstroms Antique and Classic Autos showroom, housed in a vintage 1917 garage. There are classic cars from all eras for sale or on consignment here, and the super friendly owner is knowledgeable about car restoration and happy to chat! There's also some vintage car magazines, toys, rare car parts and gas pumps for sale, and other fun memorabilia. Even if you're not a serious car collector, it's fun to walk inside and take a photo beside a car!
Check hours (809 Washington Street, Port Townsend).
18. Earthenworks Gallery
Earthenworks Gallery is for collectors of fine art and crafts, housed inside the historic Planter Building. There are exquisite works from artists all over America, including ceramics, fine woodwork, oils, pastels and watercolors, glass art, and metal art.
Check hours (702 Water Street, Port Townsend).
19. Whistle Stop Toys
This well stocked toy store has everything you need to keep kids entertained, with popular brands like LEGO, Playmobil, Melissa & Doug and Pokemon.
Check hours (1139 Water Street, Port Townsend).
20. Guitar Store
This super cool store sells new and used guitars and gear at competitive prices, and has a fantastic selection of vintage records.
Check hours (1044 Water Street, Port Townsend).
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