24 Awesome Things To Do In Port Angeles With Kids

Port Angeles, a scenic city on the northern edge of Washington’s Olympic Peninsula, is a perfect basecamp for exploring Olympic National Park. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway from Seattle or just a day trip packed with adventure, there are plenty of family-friendly hikes, beaches, and scenic viewpoints to explore.

For a longer excursion, you can continue south on Highway 101 towards Hood Canal and explore its many family friendly attractions which is another awesome getaway from Seattle.

In this guide, I’ve rounded up 24 of the best things to do near Port Angeles with kids, grouped by location to make planning easier. We have covered many of these spots on a day trip or long weekend getaway to Port Angeles and on trips to Olympic National Park. Heads up! Many of these spots require a National Park Pass, so be sure to grab one before your visit.

Ready to start your adventure? Let’s dive in!

Map of Things To Do Near Port Angeles

Things To Do In Port Crescent Area 

(West of Port Angeles)

1. Salt Creek Recreation area

Salt Creek is a196-acre park located 15 miles west of Port Angeles. It is a must-visit for tidepooling, camping, and exploring WWII bunkers. Kids will love searching for colorful sea stars, crabs, and anemones in the tidepools at Tongue Point, a popular bird and whale-watching site. The park offers camping, RV spots, and day-use areas with stunning water views.

The beauty of Tongue Point and Salt Creek is unique and mesmerizing. Salt Creek is our best attraction near Port Angeles. If your kids love tidepooling and you are looking for an option closer home, Rosario Beach at Deception Pass State Park is a good one.

2. Striped Peak Trailhead

This 5-mile, 850-ft elevation gain hike starts from Salt Creek Recreation Area, offering forested trails with scenic water views. Families with young kids can hike up to 1 mile to reach a picturesque cove.

3. Crescent beach

Located next to Salt Creek, this private sandy beach is great for kayaking, paddleboarding, and even surfing. Day-use fees apply, or you can camp, RV, or rent a cabin for an overnight stay. We saw surfers dotting the waves when we visited in March. Even if you don’t stop by the beach, just driving by will provide stunning views of the Olympic landscape. 

Things To Do In Elwha River Valley Area 

(South and west of Port Angeles)

4. Madison Falls

Located just 10 miles from Port Angeles, Madison Falls is a quick 0.2-mile paved trail leading to a beautiful waterfall. Wheelchair and stroller-friendly, this short walk is an excellent stop for families looking for an easy nature escape. Nearby, the Elwha River offers a tranquil setting for relaxation and exploration. This hike reminded me of Rocky Brook Falls in Hood Canal.

5. Elwha River

The Elwha River is home to the largest dam removal project in history, aimed at restoring the region’s natural ecosystem. The Glines Canyon Dam Spillway Overlook offers a glimpse of the dam’s remnants and spectacular views. However, due to flood damage, much of the Elwha area beyond Madison Falls Trailhead remains inaccessible.

For scenic river access, visit the Elwha River Observation Area or Elwha Beach, where the river meets the ocean.

Things To Do Near Port Angeles Downtown Area

6. Hurricane Ridge

If you’re looking to be surrounded by the majestic peaks of Olympic National Park, Hurricane Ridge is your perfect destination. Sitting at approximately 5,000 feet in elevation, this breathtaking viewpoint is just a 30-minute drive (18 miles) south of Port Angeles.

In summer, the ridge offers easy, scenic hikes with sweeping views of the Olympic Mountains, the Strait of Juan de Fuca, and Port Angeles. Some excellent kid-friendly trails include Cirque Rim, Big Meadow, High Ridge, and Hurricane Hill.

In winter, the landscape transforms into a snow-covered wonderland, making it a fantastic spot for snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and other winter sports. Before visiting, be sure to check current road conditions and seasonal hours here.

7. Ediz Hook Spit

Ediz Hook is a 3-mile-long sand spit stretching into the Strait of Juan de Fuca, offering stunning contrasts between its two sides. On one side, you’ll find a calm harbor with views of Port Angeles and the Olympic Mountains, while the other faces the open strait, where you can see crashing waves and distant views of Victoria, B.C.

There are beaches on both sides, but the harbor side tends to be calmer and safer for young kids. The entire road is driveable, except for the final stretch, which is restricted due to a Coast Guard station. While the beginning of Ediz Hook has a slightly industrial feel due to nearby mills, the farther you go, the more peaceful and scenic it becomes.

This spot is ideal for:

• Kayaking or paddleboarding, often with harbor seals as your companions.
• Biking or scootering, thanks to its flat, low-traffic road.
• Birdwatching, as the calm waters attract herons, gulls, and other aquatic birds.
• A quiet evening by the water, especially at sunset.

8. Quinn Redlin-Kintner Memorial Park

If you’re traveling with kids—especially toddlers—this small but well-equipped park in downtown Port Angeles is a great place to let them burn off some energy. The playground is well-maintained, and its location near Walgreens is handy for any last-minute snack or supply runs.

What makes this park stand out? Its stunning backdrop! You’ll enjoy fantastic views of Mt. Angeles and the Olympic Mountain range, making this more than just an ordinary park stop.

Things To Do In Lake Crescent Area

(West of Port Angeles)

9. Lake Crescent

Nestled within Olympic National Park, just 18 miles (about a 30-minute drive) from Port Angeles, Lake Crescent is a glacially carved lake renowned for its strikingly clear, deep blue waters. If you’re simply passing by, you can stop at one of the many scenic viewpoints along Highway 101, which hugs the lake’s shoreline. A great option is La Poel, a peaceful stop with lake access, a small beach, and shady spots—perfect for a quick break.

For those looking to immerse themselves in the beauty of the lake, head to Fairholme Campground, North Shore, or East Beach for picnic and beach areas. Kayak, canoe, or paddleboard rentals are available at Lake Crescent Lodge and the Fairholme Store, offering a fantastic way to explore the lake’s breathtaking surroundings.

For adventure seekers, the Devil’s Punchbowl—accessible via the Spruce Railroad Trail—is a popular spot for cliff jumping and swimming.

10. Marymere Falls Hike

The Marymere Falls hike is a kid-friendly, 2-mile roundtrip trail with a moderate 305-foot elevation gain. Starting from the Lake Crescent Lodge area, the well-maintained trail winds through lush forests and over wooden bridges before reaching the spectacular waterfall.

Even with young kids, this hike is manageable—we were able to push a stroller most of the way until the final stretch. The waterfalls are a rewarding sight, and highlights like the tunnel near the trailhead and scenic river crossings add to the adventure. On your way back, take a moment to relax by the lake’s shore at Barnes Point. This hike reminded me a lot of Murhut Falls hike in Hood Canal.

11. Moments in Time Loop Trail

Short on time? The Moments in Time Loop Trail is a 0.7-mile flat trail that’s perfect for families with small children. Starting near Lake Crescent Lodge, this leisurely walk takes you through a peaceful forest with stunning views of the lake. Interpretive signs along the way provide interesting insights into the area’s history and ecology. This trail is also stroller-friendly, making it an easy and enjoyable option for all ages.

12. Devil’s Punchbowl

Located along the Spruce Railroad Trail on Lake Crescent’s northern shore, Devil’s Punchbowl is a picturesque cove perfect for swimming and cliff jumping. A scenic bridge overlooks the cove, offering stunning photo opportunities even if you’re not jumping in. The hike to Devil’s Punchbowl is about 1 mile each way, making for a 2-mile roundtrip on a mostly flat, forested trail—great for kids and casual hikers.

13. Spruce Railroad Trail

This 11-mile paved trail, part of the Olympic Discovery Trail, follows an old railroad grade along Lake Crescent. Ideal for biking, hiking, or a family stroll, the mostly flat terrain makes it accessible for younger kids on bikes or strollers. A popular approach is to bike as far as you’d like and turn around, or hike to Devil’s Punchbowl and back.

14. Lake Sutherland

Located just 10 minutes from Lake Crescent, Lake Sutherland is a smaller but equally picturesque lake surrounded by mountains. While glimpses of it can be seen from Highway 101, public access is limited to a small boat launch. If you’re already heading to Lake Crescent, this might not be a must-stop, but for those looking for a vacation rental with lake access, this area is an excellent option for summer water activities or a quiet winter retreat.

Things To Do In Sol-Duc Valley

(West of Port Angeles)

Sol-Duc valley is in Olympic NAtional Park and ~45mins to 1 hour from Port Angeles. More of a daytrip from Port Angeles, but worth considering if you have not visited here before.

15. Sol-Duc Falls Hike

One of the most breathtaking waterfalls in Olympic National Park, Sol Duc Falls is reached via a 1.6-mile roundtrip hike with a 200-foot elevation gain. Located about an hour’s drive from Port Angeles and just 10 minutes from Lake Crescent, this easy, family-friendly hike meanders through a lush forest before rewarding visitors with views of the cascading waterfall. With multiple viewpoints and tranquil spots along the Sol Duc River, it’s a must-see for nature lovers.

16. Lover’s Lane Falls Hike

For those looking for a longer adventure, the Lover’s Lane Trail is a 6-mile loop with a 500-foot elevation gain near Sol Duc Falls. Due to its length, this trail may not be ideal for young kids, but it’s a fantastic choice for those seeking a deeper exploration of the area’s dense forests and streams.

17. Ancient Grove Trail

This 0.5-mile flat trail is a short but magical walk through an old-growth forest, suitable for all ages, including toddlers. The green moss-draped trees and views of the Sol Duc River make this a memorable and peaceful stop. Look for the trail sign as you drive along Sol Duc Road from Highway 101.

18. Salmon Cascades

Located along Sol Duc Road, this viewing platform offers an incredible opportunity to witness salmon leaping upstream during their spawning season. The best time to visit is September–October for salmon and March–May for steelhead trout. If you’re visiting Port Angeles during these months, this is a fascinating stop. Closer home, we’ve enjoyed watching the returning salmon at Tumwater Falls and Issaquah hatchery.

19. Sol-Duc Hot Springs Resort

A perfect way to unwind after a day of hiking, Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort features three mineral hot springs pools and one freshwater pool available for both day-use visitors and overnight guests. Nestled among the mountains, the pools provide a relaxing experience, making this a fantastic stop on your Olympic National Park itinerary. You can check for latest availability here.

Things To Do In Sequim

(east of Port Angeles)

Sequim is a charming small town 15 miles / 30 mins drive east of Port Angeles. It is conveniently located on your drive from Seattle to Port Angeles. So adding its top two attractions in this list made sense to me.

Olympic Game Farm is a drive-through farm in Sequim that allows visitors to see and feed animals such as deer, bison, elk, llama, zebra, emu from your car as you drive through the game preserve. I would not recommend visiting as it has come under scrutiny several times. You can read more about it in this Seattle Times article for an informed decision to visit the farm.

20. Dungeness Spit

Dungeness Spit, located within the 756-acre Dungeness National Wildlife Refuge, stretches for 5 miles along the coast and offers stunning views of the Strait of Juan de Fuca. This serene and scenic spot is perfect for a leisurely walk on the sandy beach, birdwatching, or just relaxing by the water.

Kayakers will also enjoy exploring the waters around the spit. Families with young kids can hang out at the beach while adults enjoy a peaceful stroll through nature. There’s even a campground for those looking to stay overnight

If you are choosing between Dungeness Spit and Ediz Hook – Ediz Hook is closer to Port Angeles and convenient if you’re short on time. Dungeness Spit offers a more tranquil, natural setting that is worth the extra drive if you have the time.

21. Lavender Farm

The Sequim-Dungeness Valley is famous for its lavender farms, which are a wonderful family-friendly outing. There are 10-15 farms which are especially popular during peak bloom season, from late June to August, when the fields burst into vibrant purple flowers.

You can stroll through the fields, pick your own lavender, and shop for lavender-based products like essential oils and bath goods. Kids will also love meeting the friendly farm animals, including goats and chickens, making this a fun and relaxing stop for the whole family.

Port Angeles Activities

22. Water activities

Paddle through calm waters on a kayak or stand-up paddleboard (SUP) at Lake Crescent or Ediz Hook. For a more immersive experience, book a sea kayaking tour, where you can paddle alongside marine wildlife, including seals and otters, while taking in breathtaking coastal views.

There are boating or sailing excursions available that take you into the Strait of Juan de Fuca. For the surfers, Crescent Beach is a great local spot for surfing.

23. Winter sports at Hurricane Ridge

In winter, families can enjoy skiing, snowboarding, tubing, and snowshoeing at Hurricane Ridge Ski & Snowboard Area, one of only a few lift-served ski areas in a national park. The area offers beginner-friendly slopes, a tubing hill, and miles of snowshoeing trails with breathtaking views of the Olympic Mountains. Be sure to check weather conditions and road access before heading up, as snow chains are often required.

24. Biking Olympic Discovery Trail

Olympic Discovery Trail is a multi-use trail perfect for biking and walking, stretching over 135 miles across the Olympic Peninsula. The trail runs from Port Townsend in the east to La Push in the west, passing through forests, past rivers, and along coastal bluffs, offering scenic beauty at every turn. There are electric bike ride tours available from Port Angeles.

Families will find many accessible sections with gentle grades, making it suitable for younger kids on bikes or in strollers. Popular segments include the waterfront area in Port Angeles and the stretch near Lake Crescent (Spruce Railroad Trail), where you can ride through tunnels and enjoy stunning lake views.

Seattle to Port Angeles Drive

Port Angeles is located approximately 100 miles west of Seattle, making it an accessible and scenic destination for travelers. The most common way to get from Seattle to Port Angeles is by taking a ferry from Seattle to Bainbridge Island or Edmonds to Kingston, followed by a drive on Highway 101 heading further west toward Port Angeles.

If you’re coming from Tacoma or areas south of Seattle, you can bypass the ferry and take WA-16 directly to Highway 101, which connects you to Port Angeles. This route offers a straightforward drive without the need for a ferry ride.

As you travel north along Highway 101, you’ll pass through the Hood Canal region, a beautiful stretch of coastline with plenty of outdoor activities and scenic spots to explore. If you’re looking to extend your trip, consider taking a detour to Hood Canal. You can explore the region in greater depth with our 3-day Hood Canal itinerary, which is perfect for a long weekend getaway.

Where to Stay in Port Angeles

There are many campgrounds, hotels, rentals, motels, RV parks in this stretch. Any stay option near Port Angeles downtown, or near Port Crescent or around Lake Sutherland will be convenient.

Port Angeles Area Restaurants

There are a variety of restaurants in Port Angeles downtown that will suit most people’s needs. However, as you branch away from the downtown area, your options will be limited. Here are some of our recommended options that we have tried

• Restaurants in Port Angeles and Sequim –  We have tried P. Kokopeli Grill and Alderwood Bistro for wood fired pizza and liked them both. You will find a variety of cuisines at both these small town downtowns.

• Restaurants near Lake Crescent – There are not very many food options as you will be in the Olympic National Park area. Granny’s Cafe and Lake Crescent Lodge Dining Room are your go-to options in the closest vicinity. We always try to grab one meal at Granny’s cafe out of nostalgia as we first visited the cafe in 2013.

• Restaurants near Sol Duc Valley – The restaurant at Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort (if open) is the only option here. Or you can drive back to Hwy 101 Granny’s Cafe and Lake Crescent Lodge Dining Room. 

• Restaurants near Port Crescent –  There is Blackberry Cafe (more popular) and Family Kitchen on Strait of Juan De Fuca Hwy / Hwy 112 are the local options if you’re living in this area which is a few mins away from Port Angeles downtown.

• Restaurants near Sequim –  Sequim downtown offers a wide variety of food options.

Port Angeles Trip Planning

• Weekend road trip – If you’re traveling from Seattle or Tacoma, a weekend or long weekend road trip is the perfect way to explore Port Angeles. We took a long weekend trip to Port Angeles in the spring, and while we experienced a few rainy patches, the weather was generally mild and typical of the Pacific Northwest. Spring offers a peaceful, less crowded time to visit, but you’ll find that summer and fall are equally ideal for exploring the area with their warmer, sunnier days.

• Day trip – Feasible but a Bit Challenging with Kids. We’ve also taken day trips from Seattle to visit local attractions like Dungeness Spit and Lake Crescent during the summer. This was before we had kids, though, and while day trips from Seattle to Port Angeles are certainly possible, they can be a bit more challenging with little ones.

• Best time to visit Port Angeles – Spring, summer and fall.

Final Thoughts

Port Angeles makes for a wonderful getaway from Seattle or Olympia. It is an amazing destination for a long weekend road trip.

Whether you fill it with activities or keep it relaxed, you will be surrounded with amazing views and water bodies everywhere. Take a break from your routine with little effort at this picteresque Pacific Northwest gem.

If you are looking for more inspiration to plan your weekend roadtrip near Seattle, you will like these ideas –

• North Cascades National Park: A true paradise for nature lovers, with family-friendly activities and dramatic mountain views.

• Coeur d’Alene, Idaho: A beautiful lake vacation spot east of Seattle, perfect for relaxation and outdoor fun.

• Vancouver, B.C.: A family-friendly favorite, offering cultural experiences and stunning scenery just a short drive from Seattle.