Surrounded by natural beauty, Port Angeles lies in the rain shadow of the Olympic Mountains and enjoys a temperate, fairly dry climate. Spanish explorer Juan Francisco de Eliza landed here in 1791 and bestowed the name "Puerto de Nuestra Senora de Los Angeles," shortened and anglicized the following year by George Vancouver. Because of its strategic deep harbor, in 1862 the small settlement of 10 was designated a Military and Naval Reserve. Historically a fishing and timber center, the city is now a popular tourist destination thanks to its abundance of outdoor recreation areas, and is also gaining attention for its vineyards and wineries.

One of the main attractions here is Olympic National Park, which covers much of the peninsula and encompasses snow-capped mountains, deep rain forests and Pacific beaches. This national treasure offers endless opportunities for outdoor recreation, whether you prefer a peaceful forest hike or the rush of whitewater rafting. Elsewhere on the peninsula, you can bike or hike the Dungeness Scenic Loop to the Dungeness National Wildlife Refuge. Dungeness Spit, the longest natural sand spit in the country, ends at Dungeness Lighthouse, the Northwest's oldest lighthouse, and along the way offers wonderful views of shorebirds, seals, otters, sea lions and other wildlife.

There's plenty of culture here, too, thanks to the city's fine symphony orchestra, light opera company, community theater group and fine arts center. There's great shopping and dining downtown, and something fun is almost always going on, whether it's a jazz festival, boat race or crab feed. Nearby Sequim, an easy drive or bicycle ride away, also offers waterfront dining, shopping and recreation. For a pleasant day trip, head east to Port Townsend, Washington's "Victorian Seaport" with its many Victorian homes and commercial buildings, or take a ferry ride to Victoria, Canada, where historic sites such as Butchart Gardens and the Empress Hotel await.