Port Townsend hasn’t racked up numerous accolades for nothing.

Budget Travel named the city one of the “Top 13 Coolest Small Towns in America” and National Geographic named it one of 24 authentic historic destinations in the world. Settled on April 24, 1851, Port Townsend is one of only three registered Victorian Seaports in the United States. It also is one of the few cities to have two National Historic Landmark Districts.

“We’re very steeped in history, especially maritime history,” Christina Pivarnik, Port Townsend’s marketing director, said.

Hollywood seems to think Port Townsend is a great place too. Several movies have been filmed there, including “The Ring,” “An Officer and a Gentleman,” “Enough,” “Snow Falling on Cedars,” “Farewell to Harry,” “Practical Magic” and “The Caine Mutiny Court-Martial.”

GETTING THERE IS EASY

Port Townsend is an easy trip across the water from Coupeville. Pivarnik recommends people make ferry reservations for the Coupeville-Port Townsend route because the boat can fill up quickly. But even if you don’t have reservations, 50 percent of the vessel is still available on standby.

Ferries run later on Fridays and Saturdays, so folks can spend lots of time checking out the city. The city is easy to walk or bike, making it accessible to many.

HISTORIC SITES

Port Townsend is full of history. The Rothschild House on the corner of Jefferson and Taylor Streets in the uptown district has remained virtually unchanged from 100 years ago. It features original furnishings and decor.

The Jefferson County Courthouse overlooks Port Townsend Bay and the entrance of Admiralty Inlet. It was approved for construction in 1890.

“Our city council chambers are the oldest in use in Washington,” Pivarnik said.

The Port Townsend Post Office and Customs House is now the city’s Federal Building. Built in 1893, it is the oldest federally constructed post office in Washington and is still in use today.

The uptown district is filled with Victorian homes and both the uptown and downtown core of Port Townsend is a National Historic Landmark District.

FESTIVALS GALORE

Port Townsend plays host to the first and largest wooden boat festival in North America. The 36th Wooden Boat Festival runs Sept. 7 to 9, with more than 300 wooden vessels, dozens of indoor and outdoor presentations and demonstrations, and many more activities for the whole family.

Pivarnik said around 30,000 people come from all over the world to attend the Wooden Boat Festival and the event does not disappoint.

“They really do show their unique craftsmanship during the festival,” she said.

The city’s Northwest Maritime Center showcases Port Townsend’s deep maritime heritage and offers educational programs.

The 13th annual Port Townsend Film Festival runs Sept. 21 through 23. Many movies will be shown in various venues in the city, including a few outdoor movies on the recently renovated Taylor Street.

This year’s outdoor movies are “E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial,” “The Empire Strikes Back” and “Tootsie.”

“It should make for a really spectacular outdoor movie festival this year,” Pivarnik said.

Key City Public Theatre is perhaps the most active and vital theater organization on the Olympic Peninsula, hosting performances and workshops year-round that draw audiences from around the region.

Port Townsend also hosts a Gallery Walk the first Saturday of every month from 5:30 to 8 p.m., showcasing local artists’ works.

PARKS & BEACHES

Port Townsend is home to Fort Worden State Park. The 19th-century military fort is located two miles from downtown. The 434-acre park features saltwater beaches, wooded hills, open fields and stunning views of the Olympic and Cascade mountain ranges as well as the Strait of Juan de Fuca.

“It’s got incredible trails for hiking and biking,” Pivarnik said of Fort Worden.

Chetzemoka Park is located between downtown Port Townsend and Fort Worden. It has flower gardens, picnic areas, play equipment and beach and tidelands access. The Cascade Mountains and Whidbey Island can be seen from the park.

Port Townsend also is just miles away from Olympic National Park, which features Pacific Ocean beaches, rainforest valleys, glacier-capped peaks and a variety of plants and animals.

FARMERS MARKETS

Port Townsend’s Saturday Farmers Market was named the Best Large Market in 2011.

The city’s Saturday market features 60 to 70 local vendors selling produce, cheeses, bread and pastries, homemade pickles, fish and salmon sandwiches and cider, to name a few.

“It’s becoming kind of a culinary destination for folks from Seattle,” Will O’Donnell, Jefferson County Farmers Markets director and marketing manager, said.

One regular vendor at the market is “Dented Buoy Pizza.” The mobile wood-fired oven was built out of an old mooring buoy.

“We have quite a few creative folks like that at our market,” O’Donnell said.

The Saturday market draws 1,500 to 2,000 people, including some folks from Whidbey Island.

“We have some regulars that come over every Saturday from Coupeville,” O’Donnell said.

The Saturday Port Townsend Market is from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. until December on Tyler Street in the uptown district. Port Townsend’s Wednesday Market features strictly produce and is from 3 to 6 p.m. on Polk Street. The last Wednesday market is September 26.

DINING & SHOPPING

Port Townsend has lots of great shops and eateries to please everyone.

Shops and restaurants are within walking distance from the ferry, making it easy for folks to check out what the city has to offer. It has become a culinary destination for its wide variety of foods served in its numerous restaurants, many of which use local products.

There also are seven world-class wineries in and near Port Townsend.

“There’s so much fun stuff for people to explore and poke their noses in,” Pivarnik said. “There’s a little something for everybody.”