11 Best Small Towns in Washington — From the Mountains to the Coast
The Evergreen State is full of charming spots worth exploring, from Bavarian-inspired enclaves to quaint oceanfront escapes.
Most travelers planning a trip to Washington make a beeline for the state's most popular destinations, like the coffee-loving city of Seattle or the dramatic peaks of Mount Rainier. Still, it's well worth branching out to explore more of this Pacific Northwest location.
Encompassing more than 71,000 square miles of wind- and water-battered coastline, snowcapped mountains, rolling plains, and misty forests, Washington is famous for its natural scenery. Dotting the state are plenty of cute towns and villages offering everything from beautiful architecture to world-class wine. Full of history, culture, and tasty food and drink, these 11 small towns in Washington — all with a population of less than 15,000 — await discovery.
Coupeville
Part of Ebey's Landing National Historical Reserve, Coupeville holds the distinction of being Washington's second-oldest town, settled in the 1850s. The waterfront is especially striking, with its historic red wharf and peaceful view of Penn Cove. Many buildings date from the 19th century and now house art galleries, shops, and seafood restaurants serving local Penn Cove mussels. Coupeville makes a great home base for exploring the trails and attractions of Whidbey Island, including historic landmarks like the Admiralty Head Lighthouse and state parks like Fort Ebey and Fort Casey.
Leavenworth
With its Bavarian-style architecture, mountain views, and taverns doling out steins of German beer and traditional dishes like käsespätzle, you'd be forgiven for mistaking this small town in central Washington for the type of alpine village it's modeled after. Inspired by California's Danish-themed Solvang, this year-round destination is best visited during one of its festive cultural events. That includes Oktoberfest and the winter months, when the town is decked out in Christmas lights and hosts a holiday market and seasonal carnival. Each season also brings its own set of sports to the Cascades, from skiing to whitewater rafting.
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Sequim
Protected from western Washington's perpetual rainfall by the towering Olympic Mountains, Sequim enjoys more sunny days and warm, dry weather than most of the Olympic Peninsula. Visitors can maximize that good weather by hiking to historic lighthouses, trying to spot seals, shorebirds, and bald eagles at Dungeness National Wildlife Refuge, and biking along the 130-mile Olympic Discovery Trail, which runs from Port Townsend to La Push on the Pacific Coast. In summer, wander through the numerous lavender fields — the area bills itself as the Lavender Capital of North America. Celebrate the fragrant blooms at the annual Sequim Lavender Festival in July. In town, you can shop for lavender-themed goods, peruse local art galleries, and eat all the Dungeness crab you can manage.
Port Townsend
The breathtaking views and opportunities to see local wildlife like orcas are reason enough to visit Port Townsend, which juts out into the whale-rich waters of the Puget Sound, with jagged mountains slicing the horizon. The destination's ornate Victorian architecture adds an element of enchantment and grandeur to the scenic backdrop. Many buildings date from the latter half of the 19th century, and the walkable downtown and uptown areas give visitors a prime view of these gems. Along with friendly locals and fun, year-round events like farmers markets and film festivals, outdoor fun abounds in the form of boating, fishing, hiking, and cycling in Fort Worden Historical State Park.
Poulsbo
With colorful houses, Norwegian-style architecture, and coastal landscapes, this spot on Puget Sound lives up to its nickname of Little Norway. Poulsbo boasts actual Scandinavian roots too — it was settled by Norwegian immigrants. Shop for Nordic wares at Nordiska and try the famous bread and baked goods from the family-owned Sluys' Poulsbo Bakery. The walkable waterfront and up-and-coming Arts District make for great strolling.
Gig Harbor
Gig Harbor's picturesque waterfront is quintessential Washington. Stroll along the water to enjoy captivating views of evergreen forests, white boats, and the cobalt waters of Puget Sound with snowy Mount Rainier as the stunning backdrop. Visit the Harbor History Museum for local background or head to nearby Kopachuck State Park for lovely hiking trails. Less than 20 minutes by car from Tacoma, Gig Harbor is an easy afternoon or day trip.
Stehekin
You can't drive to Stehekin, which is home to fewer than 100 residents. The easiest way to get to this remote community in the Stehekin Valley is by ferry from Chelan or other stops along Lake Chelan, though it can also be reached by private plane or on foot. Situated at the headwaters of the 55-mile-long lake, the town serves as a gateway to the North Cascades, making it a paradise for hikers, campers, and backpackers. From lounging by the water to activities like kayaking, you can easily tap in to the laid-back, leisurely way of life here. Be sure to check out the 160-acre Buckner Homestead Historic District four miles outside town for more on how the valley was settled — and some tasty apples from its orchard.
Friday Harbor
There's plenty to love about Friday Harbor, from its idyllic waterfront to the San Juan Island Brewing Company, where you might even spot bald eagles flying overhead from the patio. Located on San Juan Island's eastern shore, Friday Harbor serves as the commercial and cultural hub for the islands, offering gorgeous scenery, amazing wildlife, and a peaceful quality of life. Its charming downtown is full of art galleries, museums, restaurants, and tourism operators offering whale-watching and sea kayaking. A 15- to 20-minute drive gets you anywhere on the island, including the popular whale-watching spot of Lime Kiln Point State Park, the British and American army camps left from the Pig War, and San Juan Vineyard for island-made wines.
Chelan
From its scenic location on the shores of Lake Chelan to its epic water sports and wineries, Chelan can easily become the apple of any visitor's eye. That can be taken quite literally because this agricultural region is famous for its delicious, colorful apple varieties. When you're not savoring this local bounty at restaurants and cider- or wine-tasting rooms, dive into the many outdoor sports available. Lake Chelan is made for boating, swimming, kayaking, and even scuba diving. For land lovers, the surrounding landscapes are dotted with hiking and cycling trails. For a true adventure, hop aboard a boat to the far end of Lake Chelan to visit the North Cascades backcountry.
Winthrop
The Wild West comes to Washington in the town of Winthrop, situated along the North Cascades Scenic Byway. The storefronts on the main drag are designed exactly like those of an old Western town. Slake your thirst at Three Fingered Jack's Saloon and find locally produced artisan goods at stores around town. If you want to stay on for a night or a weekend, Winthrop is a bona fide year-round destination with outdoor recreation. North Cascades National Park and the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest are short drives away and offer hiking, mountain biking, and camping in the summer and cross-country skiing on the famous Methow Trails come winter.
North Bend
Perched on the doorstep of the Cascades, North Bend has a frozen-in-time feel thanks to its many pre-World War II buildings. The town is best known for being the setting of David Lynch's cult-favorite crime series, Twin Peaks. Devoted fans can eat the famous pies at the retro Twede's Cafe or watch the crashing water of the 268-foot Snoqualmie Falls, featured in the show's opening credits. But there's far more to North Bend than its filming locations. Like most small towns in Washington, there's ample opportunity for outdoor adventure, including hiking around Mount Si. The area is also home to several wineries and breweries.
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