The Resort at Port Ludlow

The Resort at Port Ludlow sits on the shore of Ludlow Bay on the Olympic Peninsula's east side, a pleasant 30- to 40-minute drive from Port Townsend and the Hood Canal bridge. It is the kind of place where you stay put: a waterfront inn with a marina, golf courses, walking trails, a spa and restaurants, all set among tall evergreens with views of the water and, on clear days, the Cascades. For travelers arriving from Seattle by ferry and road, it makes a relaxed first or last night, with a feel more like a lodge than a hotel and plenty to do without going far.

The inn and surrounding accommodations offer a variety of rooms, from standard rooms to suites and larger units with kitchens, many with water views. The resort's character is quiet and low-key, with a focus on golf and the outdoors, and a pace that suits couples and families looking to unwind. Check the current room types and what is included, such as breakfast, parking and amenity fees, since resort properties often have extras.

Activities include golf on the courses, boating from the marina, kayaking on the bay, biking and hiking on the resort's trail network. The beaches along the bay are good for walking and beachcombing, with chances to see herons, eagles and seals. A spa and fitness facility are traditionally available, and the on-site restaurants serve Northwest dishes with views over the bay. Check seasonal hours before you go.

For sightseeing, Port Townsend, Fort Worden and the Victorian downtown are about 30 minutes away, while the Hood Canal bridge leads west toward Sequim and Port Angeles. Seattle is accessible via the Kingston ferry or a drive around Hood Canal. This location makes the resort a decent midpoint if you are traveling a loop around the northern peninsula, and a base for visitors who want quiet evenings rather than a busy town.

Plan ahead in summer, when golf and waterfront rooms are in demand, and winter can bring special rates and a peaceful, misty atmosphere. If you want nightlife or a walkable town, Port Townsend is a better base, but if you prefer a self-contained resort, Port Ludlow is a good choice. Bring layers, as bay breezes can be cool even in July, and consider booking dinner reservations for weekends.

Visitors without golf clubs will still find plenty to do, from kayaking and cycling to simply sitting on a deck with binoculars watching herons, eagles and passing boats. Bring layers for cool evenings and a book for slow mornings.