Photos courtesy of Port Washington Tourism Council
You are invited to get away to Port Washington! Reminiscent of an East Coast seaside village, Port Washington has been a bustling port since the Civil War and is now a popular tourist destination for shopping, dining, and family-friendly events. One of the crown jewels of Port Washington is the 1935 Breakwater Lighthouse, accessible by a 2,500 foot recently renovated breakwater. This jetty lures visitors all the way to the lighthouse, and the views are particularly stunning at sunrise and sunset.
If you’re up for an adventure, charter a boat for a few hours and get out on Lake Michigan for an incredible fishing adventure. These fishing charters frequently haul in a bounty of king salmon, trout, and more.
Nestled between Milwaukee’s Brown Deer Trail to the south and the Sheboygan Interurban Trail on the north, the Ozaukee Interurban Trail travels right through the middle of Port Washington. This trail is 90% off-road, relatively flat, spacious, and easy to navigate even for families with small kids. The trail takes bikers (plus walkers, hikers, skaters, and even snowshoers and cross country skiers) through protected wetlands and forests, over restored railroad trestles, and across rivers.
There are fun shops and boutiques in Port Washington for you to explore, including specialty food shops, a winery, and a brewpub. Port doesn’t have just the typical, touristy shops. Include a stop into the old fashioned meat market—even if you don’t buy anything, it’s worth it for the smell of it. There are two popular outdoor gear stores in town, numerous specialty retail stores, and even a surf shop (rent your stand up paddle board here)!
And don’t miss the great restaurants that are located in Port Washington. All locally owned with their own unique offerings, each also has their own vibe and traditions. The downtown is compact and walkable, so you can eat lunch overlooking the lake and within minutes be dipping your toes in the water. A variety of cuisines are offered, from gourmet farm-to-table to homemade soups and sandwiches, all while you are surrounded by a 19th-century downtown.
The hotels in Port Washington boast local charm, suitable for either a romantic getaway or a family trip. The Harbor View Hotel is located right on the harbor, and visitors can choose from one of over 90 rooms or suites. The Port Hotel was built in the late 1800’s and still can provide old world charm with modern amenities. There is a Holiday Inn Express located on the north side of town right at the I-43 exit to Port Washington.
And if you want to play outside, there are lakeside parks and trails nearby for hiking, biking, and birding. Remember your binoculars and camera!
Plan your Lake Michigan trip and / or vacation with the Port Washington Visitor’s Guide for hotels, bed and breakfasts, shopping, events, farmers markets, lakefront festivals, and more.
For more information, go to the visitportwashington.com website, or call 800-719-4881.
