Recently, four of my best friends and myself visited Port Angeles on a girls vacation in July. The weather was unusually pretty and warm with not a drop of rain! We loved the spectacular views of the Olympic Mountains and really enjoyed the 45 minute drive up to Hurricane Ridge. We dined at Bella Italia, a local restaurant and shopped the downtown areas. Port Angeles' people were friendly and helpful to us. I think that I can speak for my friends when I say that it was worth the trip!

To all you "Twilight” fans. Don't waste your time. There is nothing here or in Forks. None of the movie was filmed in this area, all was shot in B.C. Canada. As for the towns on the Olympic peninsula, I have been to more exciting places in the middle of Nebraska. Everything is more expensive than it should be and there are very few choices for food and lodging. This is a good place for back country hikers but offers very little for the average vacation traveler. I was bored most of the time and could not believe how slow service was in restaurants. Over all Port Angeles and the surrounding area are fine for hikers but not worth the trip for most travelers. No shopping, few restaurants, no night life, not much to do but hike back country trails.

I was in the olympic peninsula for 4 days. I traveled alone. But I would suggest if you go hiking, dont go by yourself! I am from KC missouri and its not the woods of missouri thats for sure! There is cougars , elk in the forest and rarely bears but very dangerous by yourself. I am lucky thats for sure. But... the scenery is breathtaking. I hiked the beaches of lapush, 2nd beach, cape flattery (don;t miss this one)! I also Kayaked the strait fo juan de fuca with a guide (Adventures in Kayaking is the best guide ever!) I rented a car from Enterprise, if you go to the city of portangeles website you can get 15% off if you print off the coupon. The city of port angeles is where I stayed at super 8 motel as I only intended to sleep and I was out from dawn til dusk however those who want more- I would look into staying at the olympic lodge. Make sure you take a passport or birth certificate if you want to take a ferry to Victoria (canada)- all the locals suggest not missing the hot spot of Victoria- in which I wish I could have gone. So I am making a trip back out there next year. I am a twilight fan and I went on a self tour, thru Forks washington. It was neat seeing all the places based from the book and must visit Dazzled by Twilight store - you will see it on your left as you drive in to Forks. The visitor center has Bellas truck outside and inside you can get the scoop on where all the locations of the movie on a map. However Dazzled by twilight offers van tours but I suggest doing it on your own and taking your time. It was Awesome!