Photos courtesy of Port Washington Tourism Council
Port Washington, Wisconsin, is reminiscent of an East Coast seaside village, a harbor town that offers a beautiful breakwater out to one of the city’s two lighthouses. It boasts a number of popular restaurants, shops, galleries, and a walkable downtown.
In addition to the beautiful marina, the coastline around Port Washington offers beaches and clay bluffs ranging from 80 feet to 130 feet in height. Hiking trails overlook Lake Michigan, and winding paths, wooden boardwalks, and bridges lure visitors down to the lake. Only 30 minutes north of Milwaukee, Port Washington provides its visitors with a small-town feel while also featuring all the activities that travelers are interested in.
The downtown sits lakeside and offers unique dining and shopping opportunities, many housed in historic storefronts. Featuring almost a dozen pre-Civil War buildings, and another 25 buildings built from 1865 through the 1950s, the downtown area is a mix of history and new development.
There are numerous pubs, including a winery and brewpub. The restaurants are all locally owned and very different in their offerings. Whether you are in the mood for a brewpub, barbecue, Mexican, Italian, deli, supper-club fare, or even fresh farm-to-table, you’ll find an option of your liking.
Saturdays also feature a very popular lakeside beer garden, with food and music. Numerous specialty food and retail shops feature everything from fish to popcorn to chocolate to a farm market. There are two popular outdoor gear stores in town, along with unique shops and boutiques—even a surf shop! Plus, if you are here on a Saturday, you can pick up some fresh food at the downtown Farmers Market. And if you want to stay downtown, we have two hotels, one right on the harbor!
All of the outdoor recreational opportunities are exceptional. Boaters love the certified Clean Marina, and Port Washington boasts one of the largest charter fishing fleets on Lake Michigan in Wisconsin. Bike, bird, run, or hike on nearby trails. One of the trails is a free, paved recreational trail called the Ozaukee County Interurban Trail. Paddleboard and kayak enthusiasts, even surfers, love launching from South Beach.
Plan your getaway with our Visitor’s Guide for hotels, bed-and-breakfasts, shopping, events, farmers markets, lakefront festivals, and more. Once you are here, make sure to stop by the historic Pebble House Visitor Center for more information. And don’t forget your camera; there are breathtaking views everywhere you look.
For more information, go to the visitportwashington.com website, or call 800-719-4881.
