Fodor's Expert Review Fort Worden State Park

With hiking trails, restored—and rentable—Victorian officers' houses, and pre–World War I-era bunkers, this historic 434-acre park provides myriad outdoor activities along with a step back in time. Built on Point Wilson in 1896 to guard the mouth of Puget Sound, the old fort is now a magical place for both children and adults to explore. A sandy beach leads to the graceful 1913 Point Wilson Lighthouse. Memory's Vault, hidden in the hill above the inlet, features works from local poet Sam Hamill as well as a place to contemplate. Touch tanks at Port Townsend Marine Science Center on the pier offer an up-close look at sea life. The fort also hosts kayaking tours, conferences, camping, an artillery museum, and music festivals in an old military balloon-hangar-turned-performing-arts-pavilion.