The great thing about working from home is the ability to make that “work-from-wherever-I-want.” So, it may surprise you that most people who work from home actually take fewer vacations, and when they do take vacations, they are shorter. While we know rest and recreation are good for our health, sometimes we just can’t cut work off completely. That’s where bleisure travel comes in. Taking your work with you to a vacation spot will encourage you to unplug more often. Bring family and/or coworkers with you, or recharge by yourself. Either way, one of the best local spots to head to on your next bleisure trip is just a bit east, right here in Washington! Check out all these fun things to do in the Port Ludlow area during your bleisure trip.
Walking and Hiking in Port Ludlow and Surrounding Areas
You don’t have to go very far to get a nice walk – there is plenty of beautiful harbor to stroll around right out the front door of The Port Ludlow Resort. It’s one of the many reasons people love to stay there!
Less than two miles down the road is the Port Ludlow Falls Interpretative Trail. It’s a short, .5-mile loop with some incline and stairs. There are interesting trail signs along the way, telling you about the local flora and fauna, as well as history. It can be tricky to find! Some phone maps do not show it. The easiest way to find it is to put the Cove Coffee address into your map – 98 Village Way, Port Ludlow – once in their parking lot, take the roadway by the Kitsap Bank. If you are coming from the east, you will see a sign for the trail; if you are coming from the west, you will see a sign for the Port Ludlow Offices & Administrations. Drive past both of those buildings and park by the wood posts. No parking permit is required. Follow the trail to the left to see the falls from the bottom first.
If you are looking for a more strenuous hike, check out Mount Walker Trail. This 2-mile trek has a 20% incline – though it feels steeper – but rewards you at the top with incredible views. There are vault toilets and a picnic table at the top, so grab an incredibly delicious sandwich from Gear Head Deli in Quilcene on your way and break for lunch when you reach the top. During the fall and winter, the bottom gate to the road is closed. You will have to park there and walk up, adding another half mile to the journey. If the gate is open, you can actually drive to the viewpoint as well. One woman I met on my way down has been doing the hike for over 60 years. Her advice? Lots of water and walking sticks!
On your way back to Port Ludlow, treat yourself to PNW Press in Quilcene. This drive-thru coffee stand has lots of options, including Lotus Energy. I recommend the vanilla matcha latte!
E-Biking in Port Ludlow and Port Townsend
Since the Port Ludlow Resort offers e-bike rentals, it’s easy to just reserve, hop on, and go! You can bike around town or take your bikes to the many nearby trails. One incredible trail that’s not to be missed is the Olympic Discovery Trail. Fans of the Pacific Crest Trail will love this soon-to-be complete 135-mile trail near Port Ludlow, which starts in nearby Port Townsend. As you travel, you will see historic spots, boats, kayaks and more as you travel west on the Strait of Juan De Fuca, with views of Vancouver Island, B.C., Port Angeles Harbor and downtown Port Angeles before turning inland toward the Olympic National Forest.
Also in Port Townsend is the beginning of the Larry Scott Trail. This trail also starts along the shore and plans are in the works to connect these two amazing trails! You can also rent e-bikes at The Broken Spoke in Port Townsend.
Golfing at Port Ludlow and Discovery Bay
If part of your bleisure plans includes golf, check out Port Ludlow Golf Club and Discovery Bay Golf Club. The Port Ludlow Club is just 1.5 miles from the Resort, making it easy to take a break from work to play a round of golf. One of Washington’s top-ranked golf clubs, Port Ludlow, offers 18 holes with water and mountain views. Open to the public, it has rolling fairways, historic logging stumps and abundant wildlife to make it a game you will never forget.
Discovery Bay is about 22 minutes from the Port Ludlow Resort. It’s voted the best dog-friendly golf course in the country because they allow dogs on the green! The front nine holes are part of the original golf course and are the oldest in the country. However, the course has changed a bit since then. They told me that originally, the Chevy Chase Inn across the street was part of the course, and people would start hole one at the Inn and hit their ball across the road onto the green. It’s a beautiful course with a fun history where even the dog is welcome!
Travel Tips to Port Ludlow
These are just a few of the incredible things to do in Port Ludlow during your bleisure trip. Port Ludlow Resort has meeting rooms, private rooms with desks looking onto the harbor, a farm-to-table restaurant and is centrally located, making it the perfect home base for your workcation.
Avoid the traffic with a mid-week or long weekend stay! Those coming Thursday through Monday will find the drive a breeze. Fall and winter travel are also great, as trails and activities are less crowded, and the changing leaves create a beautiful backdrop to your Hood Canal adventure. To learn more about all Jefferson County has to offer, visit the Enjoy the Olympic Peninsula website.
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