The city was initially settled in 1825 by Wooster Harrison. It started as a small town at the mouth of Sauk Creek. When it was first settled, the city was known as Wisconsin City and then Washington City. As the natural port became more important, the name changed to Port Washington. A fire destroyed half of the town on February 19, 1899. After the fire restoration efforts made the town the most extensive collection of pre-Civil War buildings in Wisconsin.
When is the Best Time to Visit Port Washington, Wisconsin?
The best time of the year to visit Port Washington is between May and September. Plan your trip during this time of year to take advantage of the beautiful weather. The busiest months for tourism in the area are May to July. If you want to explore the area but avoid the crowds, consider a trip at the end of the year. Due to its northern location, tourism drops quite a bit as the weather turns cold in November.
Spring is typically dry in town, but you will want a light jacket as the temperatures are still on the chilly side. Summer is the perfect time to visit because the sun is abundant and the air is comfortable. Keep a light jacket handy for the occasional shower. Fall sees the temperatures begin to dip. It is not uncommon to see a stray snowstorm during this time of year. Winter is the coldest time of year in town. It is perfect for cold weather travelers looking for a good deal on a hotel.
Below is a chart of the current pricing seasonality of hotels and motels in Port Washington, WI:
Port Washington, WI: Prices by Star Rating Class
Below are 3 charts illustrating avg. nightly cost trends by star rating class in Port Washington, WI. Browse these charts to calculate the best months to stay in Port Washington for your upcoming travels.
Where are the Luxury Hotel Options in Port Washington, WI?
4 Star Average Prices: $99.00
Waterfront luxury welcomes you to Port Washington. The Harborview is on the shores of Lake Michigan next to the marina. Step out of the hotel and enjoy unique shops as well as a chartered boat ride. The property offers complimentary parking. Pack your swimsuit for a relaxing dip in the pool or hot tub. The fitness center features cardio machines as well as dumbbells. Enjoy a casual dinner with a view at The Beacon Restaurant and Bar.
Another luxury option in the area is The Port Hotel. The indulgent property welcomes you to step back in time as you enter the restored 1902 property. Enjoy a private fireplace that adds a touch of romance and relaxation to your room from your pillow top bed. The Inn only has ten rooms, so you enjoy a quaint taste of luxury. A chef made breakfast is included in your stay and delivered to your room. Stay connected during your visit with a high-speed internet connection.
What are Affordable Hotel Options in Port Washington, WI?
3 Star Average Prices: $125.61
Finding an affordable hotel in Port Washington is easy year-round. If you are looking to stay close to the Port Washington Marina, the Country Inn & Suites is a good option, especially in the fall and winter. The hotel is a short seven minute drive from the marina. Don't forget your bathing suit as there is an indoor pool on the property. Grab a complimentary warm cookie with some coffee before you enjoy a new favorite book or continue a series at the read and return library. Wi-Fi is available throughout the property.
For golf fans looking to stay close to a beautiful course, the Motel 6 in Saukville welcomes you. The property offers complimentary local phone calls and Wi-Fi. Enjoy a complimentary cup of coffee before your morning tee time. Catch up with your favorite cable show after your game with the expanded cable package.
2 Star Average Prices: $122.47
Are There any Best Discounts in Port Washington, WI?
For the best discounts in the area, you need to travel just outside of Port Washington. One hotel with many different options is the Comfort Inn & Suites in Grafton. The hotel is only 11 minutes outside of Port Washington. It offers discounts for AAA and AARP members. Members of the military, as well as the state government, also enjoy special rates. The amenities include daily hot breakfast and Wi-Fi throughout the property. Enjoy the heated indoor pool after a long day of exploring Port Washington. The rooms include refrigerators and microwaves, as well as comfortable beds.
Enjoy the beauty of Port Washington with a short drive from nearby Milwaukee. Military veterans with proper ID and their families enjoy a special discount at the Hyatt Place Milwaukee West. The property also offers government and AAA rates. Get ready for a day of sightseeing with a trip to the fitness center. Explore the area and make your next meal reservations over the complimentary Wi-Fi in your spacious room.
What are the Best Value Options in Port Washington, WI?
The area around Port Washington offers several options to help stretch your vacation budget. If you are traveling with your family or a group of friends, try the Townplace Suites Milwaukee Grafton. It is located just under six miles from Port Washington in nearby Grafton. The pet-friendly property offers complimentary Wi-Fi and express checkout. Each room has a kitchen area with a refrigerator and stove that allows you to stretch your food budget. Relax with a dip in the pool before bed or keep your workouts in the fitness center.
If you plan to split your time between Port Washington and Milwaukee, consider a unique value option. The County Clare Irish Inn and Pub is just over 24 miles from Port Washington. There are only 29 rooms in the hotel. Visitors choose between snug and standard rooms. Each room includes breakfast and parking. Enjoy the original works of Irish art as you relax or before you head downstairs for dinner. The rooms include a whirlpool bathtub and separate shower as well as pillowtop beds. Wireless high-speed internet allows you to stay connected while on vacation.
What Top Destinations are in Port Washington, WI?
After a good night's sleep, Port Washington offers several fun and exciting locations to check out. If you enjoy fishing, head for the marina, and join in on a charter fishing trip. You can also rent paddle boats at Newport Shores for a fun and relaxing day on the water.
A short trip to nearby Grafton makes any golfer's heart sing. The Fire Ridge Golf Club is an 18-hole public golf course. The property features a two-story clubhouse. There is a practice center with 30 grass stations and target greens and flags. If you need to work on your short game or bunkers, there is a chipping area, as well as a practice bunker. Did you forget something at home? Stop by the pro shop to pick up anything you need before you tee off. Stay hydrated and fueled up throughout the game with the on-course food and beverage service.
History fans bring your camera as you explore the Port Washington Lighthouse. Initially built in 1860, the United States Coast Guard Light Station is now a museum. You can explore it from May through October. Closed-toe shoes are required to visit the property. General admission costs $4 for adults and $1 for children. Visitors over the age of six are allowed to climb the lighthouse. Bring your camera to capture the breathtaking view after you climb the ladder.
If you need an indoor activity, check out the Port Exploreum. This interactive location is open five days a week, year-round. It is not open on Tuesday and Wednesday. General admission for adults is $5, and children are $2. Children under four are free. While you are in the museum, explore the area's rich historical and maritime past. One popular attraction is the Lake Michigan table on the first floor. It shows maps of the day's weather over the lake. Touch the map and track two popular boats while learning about the weather.
Port Washington, Wisconsin is a beautiful northern port city. Its natural port attracts all kinds of businesses and tourists to the area. Enjoy a taste of Midwestern hospitality while exploring seaside areas that remind you of New England. Take some time to learn about the area's rich history dating back to before the Civil War. Even in cold weather, there is plenty to do, or you can take a short drive into nearby Milwaukee.
As you pack for your trip to Port Washington, remember to bring comfortable closed-toe walking shoes. Much of the area is perfect for walking while exploring unique stores and locations. The closed-toe shoes are required if you want to visit the lighthouse. Don't forget to bring your camera, extra memory cards, and extra batteries. The waterfront is a beautiful area for pictures year-round. Jackets are a must year-round as even in the comfortable summer months, the temperatures at night might dip below what some find comfortable without a coat.
FAQs about hotels in Port Washington
Verified reviews of the city: Port Washington, WI
Below are reviews of the city of Port Washington, WI from an actual visitor's perspective.
"Charming shops"
Score
5.0 / 5
Charming shops, fascinating history of Lake Michigan, great place to
walk.
Ann B., from 09-Aug-2026
"Adorable and had beautiful views"
Score
5.0 / 5
Adorable and had beautiful views! Stayed for a wedding that was less than a five minute walk away. I loved all the little shops
Alexandra M., from 24-May-2026
"Easy to walking "
Score
5.0 / 5
Robert E., from 10-Dec-2025
"Excellent View"
Score
5.0 / 5
Rortary Park, shops and restaurants around within walking distance. The boats and waterview were excellent.
Leann W., from 05-Sep-2025
"Great Town"
Score
4.0 / 5
We loved the town with the shops and we even saw a car show!
Mark O., from 18-Aug-2025
"Very Nice Downtown!"
Score
5.0 / 5
Downtown area is really nice to walk and shop.
Willa L., from 02-Jul-2025
"."
Score
5.0 / 5
Great fishing. Easy to get to fishing port.
Kathleen L., from 19-Jun-2025
"Nice little town with a great marina!"
Score
5.0 / 5
The marina is great. Nice "little" town.
Patrick A., from 15-Jun-2025
"Charming Town "
Score
4.0 / 5
Port Washington has lots of charm. We were pleasantly surprised by how much we fell in love with the lakeside community.
John W., from 29-May-2025
"Nice City"
Score
4.0 / 5
Nice city
Betty M., from 16-Oct-2024
"Like a Hallmark Picture!"
Score
5.0 / 5
Quaint and friendly. Picture out of Hallmark!!
Larry V., from 15-Dec-2023
"Quaint town, beautiful view of lake and churches!"
Score
5.0 / 5
Quaint shops and town. Friendly people. The restaurants were great. Loved the beautiful views of the lake and the churches. Something for all ages to enjoy in this town.
Sharon M., from 24-Oct-2023
"Quaint City & Gorgeous Waterfront"
Score
4.0 / 5
Quaint city. Safe. Responsive EMS. Gorgeous waterfront.
Ruann L., from 20-Oct-2023
"A Very Cute Town!"
Score
4.0 / 5
A very cute town - had no idea!
Mary D., from 26-Sep-2023
"Beautiful Marina Area"
Score
5.0 / 5
The marina is beautiful and has great walking and sitting areas.
Betty D., from 18-Apr-2023
"Lake Michigan & Sir James Pub"
Score
4.0 / 5
We visited downtown, Lake Michigan and Sir James Pub! Lovely people.
Benjamim G., from 27-Mar-2023
"Memories Ballroom"
Score
4.0 / 5
Memories Ballroom was very beautiful.
Mary H., from 24-Jan-2023
"Unique Gift Shops"
Score
5.0 / 5
All the nice little gift shops with unique items.
Jon F., from 11-Aug-2022
"Lake Michigan"
Score
5.0 / 5
The lake is right here and it's a nice small beautiful town!! Everyone in town is smiling and happy and I love it here!! You can rent charter boats for fishing on lake Michigan and hopefully in the near future maybe a boat tour for those who just want to feel the wind and waves.
Candace J., from 07-Jul-2022
The average traveler rating of the city of Port Washington, WI shown above is
4.6 out of 5 based on 19 reviews