New England–Style Boutique Inn on Puget Sound Shores

The waters of Ludlow Bay, a protected cove of the Puget Sound, are more tranquil than most, frequented by paddling otters and blue herons that stand guard in its mist. The Resort at Port Ludlow sits on the tree-lined shore, channeling the sound’s calm spirit, and provides access to its streams with a 300-slip marina replete with rentable kayaks, stand-up paddleboards and an electric boat. Nearby, private rooms overlook the gentle bay and a world-class golf course. Although The Resort at Port Ludlow is located far from the eastern seaboard, the 37-room boutique inn is reminiscent of Cape Cod with its colorful cottages, bay windows, rooms with gas fireplaces and oversized jetted tubs. Renowned golf architect Robert Muir Graves designed the onsite Port Ludlow Golf Club, which Esquire called “one of the most beautiful courses in the world.” The course is certified as an Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary, meaning both golfers and white-tailed deer roam the fairways.

The Fireside restaurant provides waterfront dining, highlighting the local farms, fisheries, and foragers from local Chimacum Valley. The restaurant offers indoor fireplace dining or outdoor seating on the veranda which provides views of the marina and Olympic Mountain Range. Diners can also sip on locally sourced beverages with selections from local cideries and an award-winning wine list that features Northwest wines and beyond.

Port Ludlow, Washington: Recreational Community on the Olympic Peninsula

Port Ludlow, a 30-minute ferry ride from Seattle or a 15-minute seaplane excursion, resides along the northwest coast of the Puget Sound’s Main Basin and just 30 minutes from historical seaport Port Townsend. Port Ludlow is home of the Wooden Boat Festival and historic Fort Worden where An Officer and a Gentleman was filmed.

Located about 55 miles from Port Ludlow sits the well-known Olympic National Park. The park is home to the Hoh Rainforest and the mountainous area of Hurricane Ridge. The park provides visitors with unique hiking opportunities from the beach to the snow-capped mountains. Port Ludlow also has nearly 30 miles of maintained trails, including Ludlow Falls which offers an uncomplicated hiking trail toward a roaring water fall. Because of its location in the “rain shadow” of the Olympic Mountains, the area gets much less rain than other parts of the Northwest, making it a popular destination for hikers and bikers.

In addition to recreational activities, Port Ludlow has a various amount of events year-round. Visitors and locals can take in music at The Jazz Festival, Ukulele Festival, and Bluegrass Festival. Guests can also visit art galleries, take a cider tour, or spend time whale watching.