All maritime museums to visit in Washington state

Set sail on a journey through maritime history at 19 maritime museums in Washington state. These museums showcase the history of seafaring, shipbuilding, and naval exploration.

Are you fascinated by the sea and maritime history? These are the top maritime museums in Washington state

  1. Center For Wooden Boats1

    Center For Wooden Boats

     Seattle, WA
    The Center for Wooden Boats (CWB) is a unique museum located in Seattle, dedicated to preserving and documenting the maritime history of the Pacific Northwest area of the United States. It offers a deep dive into the rich maritime history of the region, making it an interesting destination for tourists interested in history and maritime culture.
  2. USS Turner Joy2

    USS Turner Joy

     Bremerton, WA
    The USS Turner Joy (DD-951) is a significant part of the United States Navy's history. Commissioned in 1959, this Forrest Sherman-class destroyer served its entire career in the Pacific. It played a crucial role in the Vietnam War and was one of the main ships involved in the Gulf of Tonkin incident. Today, it stands as a museum ship in Bremerton, Washington, offering visitors a glimpse into its storied past.
  3. Uss Turner Joy3

    Uss Turner Joy

     Bremerton, WA
    One of the most notable events in the USS Turner Joy's history is its involvement in the Gulf of Tonkin incident in 1964. This event marked a significant turning point in the Vietnam War, leading to the United States' official entry into the conflict. Visitors to the museum ship can learn more about this pivotal event and the role the USS Turner Joy played in it.
  4. Admiralty Head Lighthouse4

    Admiralty Head Lighthouse

     Coupeville, WA
    The Admiralty Head Lighthouse is a significant landmark located on Whidbey Island. This island is situated to the east of the Strait of Juan de Fuca and to the north of Puget Sound. It is part of Island County in the state of Washington, USA. This location offers visitors a chance to explore the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest and learn about the region's maritime history.
  5. Mukilteo Lighthouse5

    Mukilteo Lighthouse

     Mukilteo, WA
    The Mukilteo Lighthouse is a significant landmark located on the shore of Possession Sound in Mukilteo, Snohomish County, Washington, USA. Managed by the American Coast Guard, this lighthouse is part of the Mukilteo Lighthouse Park and is open to the public. It's a unique destination for those interested in maritime history and coastal architecture.
  6. Point No Point Lighthouse6

    Point No Point Lighthouse

     Hansville, WA
    Point No Point Light is an active navigational aid located on the northeastern tip of the Kitsap Peninsula, on the west side of Puget Sound. It is situated near the small community of Hansville, in Kitsap County, Washington. This lighthouse plays a crucial role in guiding vessels through the waters of Puget Sound.
  7. New Dungeness Lighthouse7

    New Dungeness Lighthouse

     Sequim, WA
    The New Dungeness Lighthouse is a functioning lighthouse located on the Dungeness Spit in the Dungeness National Wildlife Refuge near Sequim, Clallam County, in Washington. It serves as an aid to navigation on the Strait of Juan de Fuca. This historic lighthouse has been in continuous operation since 1857, making it a significant part of the region's maritime history.
  8. Maritime Heritage Center & W.T. Preston8

    Maritime Heritage Center & W.T. Preston

     Anacortes, WA
    Today, the W. T. Preston serves as the centerpiece of the Snagboat Heritage Center in Anacortes, Washington. Recognized for its historical significance, the vessel was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1989. Visitors to the center can learn about the important role snagboats played in maintaining the region's waterways and get a close-up look at this remarkable vessel.
  9. Northwest Seaport Maritime Heritage Center9

    Northwest Seaport Maritime Heritage Center

     Seattle, WA
    The Northwest Seaport Maritime Heritage Center is a nonprofit organization located in Seattle, Washington. The center is dedicated to preserving and interpreting the maritime heritage of Puget Sound and the Northwest Coast. It offers educational programs and experiences to the public, helping to foster an understanding and appreciation of the region's rich maritime history.
  10. Museum of History and Industry10

    Museum of History and Industry

     Seattle, WA
    The Museum of History Industry (MOHAI) is a significant historical institution located in the South Lake Union neighborhood of Seattle, Washington. As the largest private heritage organization in the state, it boasts a collection of nearly four million artifacts, photographs, and archival materials. The museum's focus is primarily on the history of Seattle and the greater Puget Sound region, offering visitors a comprehensive look into the area's past.
  11. Washington State History Museum11

    Washington State History Museum

     Tacoma, WA
    The Washington State History Museum is a significant historical institution located in the heart of downtown Tacoma, Washington. It is managed and operated by the Washington State Historical Society, an organization dedicated to preserving and promoting the rich history of the state. The museum is easily accessible and offers a wealth of information and exhibits for visitors interested in learning about the history of Washington State.
  12. Alki Point Light12

    Alki Point Light

     Seattle, WA
    The Alki Point Lighthouse is a significant landmark situated in Elliott Bay, marking the southern entrance to the port of Seattle on Puget Sound. This location in the state of Washington, USA, offers visitors a unique perspective of the region's maritime history and the important role lighthouses played in navigation and safety at sea.
  13. Working Waterfront Maritime Museum13

    Working Waterfront Maritime Museum

     Tacoma, WA
    The Working Waterfront Maritime Museum is a maritime museum situated in Tacoma, Washington, USA. It is located on the Thea Foss Waterway, providing a unique waterfront experience for visitors. The museum is part of the Foss Waterway Seaport, a non-profit organization dedicated to celebrating Tacoma's rich maritime heritage.
  14. United States Naval Undersea Museum14

    United States Naval Undersea Museum

     Keyport, WA
    The United States Naval Undersea Museum, situated in Keyport, Washington, is one of the ten Navy museums under the administration of the Naval History & Heritage Command. This museum offers a unique insight into naval history, undersea technology, and marine science, making it a fascinating destination for those interested in these fields.
  15. Coast Guard Museum Northwest15

    Coast Guard Museum Northwest

     Seattle, WA
    The Coast Guard Museum Northwest is situated on the property of Coast Guard Station Seattle. This location is on the Elliott Bay waterfront, south of Downtown, Seattle, Washington. The museum's location offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore the rich history of the United States Coast Guard in the Pacific Northwest while enjoying the beautiful waterfront views.
  16. Fort Flagler Historical State Park16

    Fort Flagler Historical State Park

     Marrowstone, WA
    Fort Flagler Historical State Park is a significant historical site located in Washington. It is situated 13 kilometers northeast of Port Hadlock in Jefferson County. The park is on the grounds of the former US coastal fort, Fort Flagler, which adds to its historical significance. The park's location offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore the history of the area while enjoying the natural beauty of the surroundings.
  17. Browns Point Lighthouse Park - Points Northeast Historical Society17

    Browns Point Lighthouse Park - Points Northeast Historical Society

     Browns Point, WA
    The Browns Point Lighthouse is a significant landmark situated in Tacoma, at the eastern entrance of Commencement Bay of Puget Sound, in Pierce County, Washington, USA. This location offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore a historic lighthouse while enjoying the scenic beauty of the Puget Sound.
  18. Harbor History Museum18

    Harbor History Museum

     Gig Harbor, WA
    The Harbor History Museum, located in Gig Harbor, Washington, is a regional maritime and history museum. It offers a unique insight into the region's culture and history, making it an interesting destination for those who want to learn more about the area's past.
  19. Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center19

    Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center

     Ilwaco, WA
    Cape Disappointment State Park, previously known as Fort Canby State Park, is a public recreational area situated to the southwest of Ilwaco, Washington. This park is located at the northern headlands where the Columbia River meets the Pacific Ocean. It offers a unique blend of natural beauty and historical significance, making it a fascinating destination for visitors.