A fantastic destination for lovers of the great outdoors, Port Angeles is brilliant for travellers eager to discover the many wonders of the Olympic Peninsula. Popular with nature lovers and romantic couples in search of a tranquil escape, Port Angeles features a range of cosy B&Bs to suite a whole host of budgets. Our pick of the best places to stay in Port Angeles includes small, intimate properties with heaps of character and spell-binding views of the Strait of Juan de Fuca and the Olympic Mountains.

Active holidaymakers will adore exploring the Olympic National Park, which boasts almost a million acres of forests, rivers and lakes. Try hiking or cycling along the nature trails which wind their way through the Park or take long, scenic beach strolls. Out on the Strait of Juan de Fuca, there’s scuba diving, fishing and boat trips to marvel at more than 400 miles of Pacific coastline — and to spot huge whales! Hop across to British Columbia by ferry for an amble around Victoria, on Vancouver Island, which has a very interesting history. Winter visitors can ski, sledge or snowshoe on picturesque Hurricane Ridge, too.

Port Angeles itself has a vibrant downtown and waterfront area, with lovely boutiques, art galleries, bookshops and a farmers’ market to sample. Take a city tour to see murals and sculptures dotted around town, download a free walking tour map, or sign up for one of the Underground Heritage Tours. The Museum at the Carnegie is well worth visiting for a sense of the region’s past, as is the Elwha Klallam Heritage Centre, detailing the history of one of the Olympic Peninsula’s Native American villages. Excellent annual events include Juan de Fuca Arts Festival, the Forest Storytelling Festival, and the Tribal Canoe Journeys — this is an area rich in Native American culture, and significant efforts are being made to preserve it.

Don’t miss the chance to visit lavender fields brimming with rows of fragrant herbs, or to catch all manner of exciting events in and around Port Angeles, as part of the annual programme of arts, music and theatre. The best places to stay in Port Angeles are little hideaways with heaps of local recommendations, so speak to them about the latest activities and events!