Gas Tank Getaways: A Picture Perfect Escape to Port Washington

Picturesque Port Washington offers an easy way to escape, with two beaches — north and south — as well as a marina full of activity.
One great place to take the family for a getaway and enjoy the best of what Port's coastal location has to offer is by heading to Upper Lake Park. Located at the edge of the bluff overlooking north beach, Upper Lake Park has a breathtaking views of Lake Michigan on any day, rain or shine.
The park is also a great place to hang out with a group of friends or have a family break together. The park has a lot of grass space, with plenty of places to set up for some frisbee tossing and other yard games. There's also charcoal grills available for cooking, and possibility playground in the park offers fun ways for kids to climb, run and play while waiting for lunch to be ready. If you don't feel like packing a lunch, downtown Port is a 2-minute drive away with a variety of local eating options.
When you're done eating, head down the stairs from Upper Lake Park to north beach — walk along the sandy shoreline, splash in the waves, build a sandcastle — whatever activity it is you like best on the beach.
Best of all? Besides food to grill or a bite to eat from a local restaurant and the gas to get here, it's free.

Where: Upper Lake Park is located just outside of downtown Port Washington and overlooking the north beach on Lake Michigan. 

When: Open everyday from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.

How much: Free, except the cost of gas and whatever you bring!

Special treat: The Possibility Playground in the park is a great option if you've got kids. Designed from the ground up, this playground is a football field's worth of activities for kids of all ability and mobility levels. Check out all the great features at the playground's website.

More info: The Port Washington Inn is a great place to stay, if you want to make several days out of your visit. Check out their site on the park.