Aquariums
Port Townsend Marine Science Center
📍 502 Harbor Defense Way, Port Townsend, WA 98368🕐 Hours
| Monday | 11 AM–4 PM |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | Closed |
| Wednesday | Closed |
| Thursday | Closed |
| Friday | 11 AM–4 PM |
| Saturday | 11 AM–4 PM |
| Sunday | 11 AM–4 PM |
About Port Townsend Marine Science Center
Port Townsend Marine Science Center is an aquarium in Port Townsend, WA. Features a complete orca skeleton as a centerpiece exhibit, providing visitors with an up-close look at one of the Pacific Northwest's most iconic marine mammals. Rated 4.6 out of 5 stars by 516 visitors.
Quick Facts
- Type
- Nature Center
- Best For
- Children and families
- Highlights
- Touch tanks, tide pools, orca skeleton, marine life education
- Admission
- $7 adults, $5 kids, under 5 free
- Features
- Knowledgeable staff, beach access, public facilities
💡 Did You Know?
- Features a complete orca skeleton as a centerpiece exhibit, providing visitors with an up-close look at one of the Pacific Northwest's most iconic marine mammals
- Offers interactive touch tanks and tide pool exploration experiences, allowing hands-on learning with live sea creatures rather than observation-only exhibits
- Includes a pro-tip strategy for visitor experience: timing visits at low tide to maximize sea glass hunting on the adjacent beach, integrating outdoor beach exploration with indoor marine education
- Maintains knowledgeable volunteer and docent staff (mentioned 11 and 6 times respectively in reviews) dedicated to marine life education across multiple age groups
💬 What Visitors Say
- Visit at low tide to maximize sea glass hunting on the beach and get the most out of the outdoor tide pool exploration experience
- Plan for 1-2 hours to explore the center; it's a small learning center rather than a large aquarium, so set realistic expectations for visit duration
- Take advantage of the knowledgeable volunteers and staff by asking questions during your visit—they're noted as friendly and can enhance your understanding of local marine life
- Bring the whole family with confidence—children get free admission if 5 years and younger, and the touch tanks and tide pool exploration are specifically designed for hands-on learning
- Combine your visit with the adjacent public beach amenities including port restrooms and picnic benches to make a full outing without additional costs
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