While Washington is famous as a destination for sightseeing, natural beauty isn’t the only attraction that the state has to offer. Everywhere in Washington, charming towns are sustained by the fishing, farming and tourism industries. They feature famous old-towns, mouthwatering restaurants and lively festivals. These beautiful small towns lie sprinkled along seasides and tucked amidst mountains.
They provide for sight-seers and art enthusiasts the chance to see art galleries and to window-shop. For some, they’re great places to go for recreation, serving as excellent bases for adventures in the state’s great outdoors. Learn about the most beautiful, quirky small towns in Washington that each have a special attraction along with their own beauty.
Table of Contents
Explore the Most Scenic Small Towns in Washington
1. Leavenworth
Probably the best known small town in the NW to explore, and get the feel of being in Europe. It is a Bavarian themed village, with alpine style buildings, nestled between a gorgeous mountain backdrop and the river. Discover festivals, great food & drinks, wine tastings, shops, etc., to enjoy during your visit. If you’re looking for the best deals on a stay there, then it is now spring. There are festivals all year long check their events schedule. Festival weekends are not recommended if you are looking to avoid crowds. If you’re in the mood for being around a lot, they’ll be very many things on during an events weekend.
2. North Bend
A big fan of David Lynch’s Twin Peaks? North Bend is likely a name that you’re already familiar with. It was filmed at the Twede’s Cafe, (formerly the Double R Diner), 40 minutes east of Seattle in North Bend. Cherry Pie and coffee are just a few of the main dishes in the menu here at the Twin Peaks. But combined with a visit to the town down the street, Snoqualime, where there are even more Twin Peaks. Popular hikes near Seattle are the Mount Si Hike, Little Si Hike and Rattlesnake Ledge which are an entry point to North Bend. Not up for hiking? Hike to community parks for great views of nearby mountains.
3. Anacortes
Anacortes is a seagoon on the shores of Fidalgo Island, WA that is connected to the San Juan Islands by ferry. The people of Anacortes enjoy boating, fishing, whale watching and observing marine life in the summertime and people do go to Anacortes to swim. While the colorfully-stained downtown offers over a dozen restaurants, a weekly farmers market, specialty shops and art galleries, you’d probably be better served visiting them on the following weekend. In addition to the yearly (twice a year in February & September) Shipwreck Fest, the Anacortes Arts Festival and The Oyster Run, Anacortes’s largest motorcycle rally, there are several festivals throughout the year.
4. Ellensburg
It’s a great little community in the heart of Washington, Ellensburg. Well, it has it’s share of old fashioned appeal yet a freshly energized vibe due to it’s historic downtown and it’s abundance of activity from Central Washington University. Strolling through town, you’ll see beautifully preserved buildings that give Ellensburg a timeless feel. The Ellensburg Rodeo also plays a major role here; it’s a huge rodeo and it’s certainly a riot to watch if you aren’t into rodeos, it is a huge community event!
5. Neah Bay
When it comes to having fun by the sea, Neah Bay is right at the top of the world, it could be said, as Washingtonians trust. On the east side, Neah Bay overlooks the Strait of Juan de Fuca, with its rugged coastline; but on the west, the Pacific Ocean beckons with its shores, inviting you in for a surf or a swim.
In Neah Bay, stop by the Makah Tribe museum and cultural center and take a peek at some items dating back 500 years and learn more about the important cultural history on display at replicas of the site. Take a hike along Cape Flattery Trail (1.5-mile hike roundtrip) and experience Cape Flattery as you hike along, on a board walk in a bog.
6. Sequim
Lying in the rain shadow of the Olympic Mountains, Sequim, therefore, is drier and sunnier than nearly every place west of the Cascades, which accounts for its local nickname, “the banana belt. It’s that climate which became part of their town identity, and its rows of lavender stands with it to support its designation as the Lavender Capital of North America! Dungeness Spit stretches more than five miles into the Strait of Juan de Fuca, the longest naturally occurring spit in the United States, and ends at the New Dungeness Lighthouse, built in 1857. Big Game Farm of the Olympics provides an opportunity for people to walk with bison and elk up to car windows.
7. Friday Harbor
Located among the picturesque San Juan Islands of Washington, Friday Harbor is a delightful seaside community. The town’s appeal and its magnificent seaside are combined with an interesting cultural offering making it an attractive tourist destination. Even for its compact size, Friday Harbor has a number of attractions special shops, art galleries, restaurantstips and cafes celebrate the character and creativity of the region.
The town is also a center for eco-tourism activities, that’ll give the visitors a lot of chances to relate with the nature of the near water and nearby islands. This is a very popular place for visitors to go and enjoy outdoor activities such as boating, kayaking, seeing wild animals and whale watching trips.
8. Port Townsend
It’s no surprise this artsy Victorian town has been named one of the best American holidays spots. Though it’s small, it’s quiet, there’s plenty here to see and do. Plus, many believe that Port Townsend is one of the prettiest Main Streets in America!
9. Poulsbo
The special Scandinavian ambience and lifestyle of the town of Poulsbo with its waterfront lifestyle and its friendly welcome makes it stand out amongst other Waterfront towns. The area has a number of restaurants, cafes and boutique shops as well as a variety of local amenities offering alternative activities for visitors to explore, shop and to unwind to make for a vibrant and dynamic area.
The town has something for all to be enjoyed whether it’s a day trip or a week-long visit and offers cultural landmarks, historic spots and even a sea of natural beauty. Walk around the picturesque harbour and on the boardwalk to some of the local shops, have dinner at local restaurants or enjoy the peaceful view of the harbour.
10. Healdsburg
Whether it’s the city and small town vibe, or the delicious cocktails, wine and superb cuisine, one can’t miss the wine country in Sonoma County, but Healdsburg has it all to offer! The award-winning wineries and farm-to-table eateries, along with walkable town square, featuring tasting rooms and boutiques, all make a wine country photographers dream. Enjoy the Healdsburg as well as a perfect spot for relaxation AND discovery, while outdoor enthusiasts can have the chance to relax with a bike or go kayaking or fishing along the Russian River.
11. Selah, WA
It is no surprise that Selah is only a stone’s throw to Yakima, and that everyone knows each other’s names. Throughout the year, Selah hosts small-town fun—including a Selah Community Days’ parade and a Selah carnival. You don’t get that laidback country vibe without being far away from the busy city, too. Not to mention the scenery rolling hills, fruit orchards stretching as far as the eye can see and beautiful Yakima Valley just in front of you.
12. Bremerton
While not a place you might resort to to go for a beach vacation, Bremerton is a terrific coastal town in Washington that is a short drive from Seattle and provides an opportunity to expand your knowledge of Washington’s naval history. The largest city on Kitsap Peninsula with about 38,000 people, Bremerton is a Navy town.
The Pacific Northwest Naval Museum is in the city as it is also the location of Puget Sound Naval Shipyard. Through the Navy Museum exhibits, you can get up close with the history of the shipyard, and learn about life aboard an aircraft carrier, the USS John Stennis. In Bremerton, take the OLD USS Joy Turner, a retired 40-years old destroyer, for a ride.
13. Chelan
Lake Chelan is over 50 miles behind the sun at the end of the North Cascades and Chelan is the sunny bottom of the lake. The surrounding hills climb orchards and vineyards have made the town a hotpot for wine in the state. The swimming and boating is taken care of at Lake Chelan State Park, while the ferry boat “Lady of the Lake” operates up and down the full length of the lake to the roadless community of Stehekin.
Along the shoreline downtown the Riverwalk Park takes the short, easy trails. Winterfest and the Cruisin Chelan classic car show are both great events for the community that attract locals and lake regulars through the cold of winter and the hot summer months, respectively.
14. Roche Harbor
Friday Harbor is not only smaller than San Juan Island, it’s also just as picturesque as Roche Harbor. It is based on the historic Haro Hotel, and features light white architecture over 100 years old. The most notable structures are from 1886 when the village was a Company Town for Lime Works, owned by John McMillin. Lime debris remains visible around the village parking area, which were left from lime kilns.
15. Langley
Whidbey Island’s southernmost tip is Little Langley. Though it is located only one hour north of Seattle as the crow flies, the small community may as well be a million miles away. The distinctive picturesque waterfront downtown of Langley is like it came right out of a tourist brochure. Like Friday Harbor has, it has restaurants that aren’t affiliated to the foundation, other small shops, and a couple of art galleries. An extraordinary number of galleries, the product of the island’s artistic spirit, have sprung up in Town. Langley is situated at the water, right next door to the sound. An ideal home base for hiking around the southern part of Whidbey Island.
FAQs: Small Towns in Washington
1. What are some popular small towns in Washington?
Popular small towns include Leavenworth, Poulsbo, Winthrop, and La Conner.
2. What is the most scenic small town in Washington?
Many travelers consider Leavenworth one of the most scenic small towns due to its mountain views and Bavarian-inspired architecture.
3. Are Washington’s small towns good for weekend getaways?
Yes, Washington’s small towns offer outdoor recreation, local dining, shopping, and relaxing atmospheres, making them ideal weekend destinations.
4. Which small town in Washington is known for outdoor activities?
Winthrop is well known for hiking, biking, skiing, and other outdoor adventures throughout the year.
5. When is the best time to visit small towns in Washington?
The best time depends on your interests, but spring, summer, and fall are generally popular for pleasant weather and local festivals.
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