Top 10 Best Small Towns to Visit in Washington State
There are some little communities in Washington that are deserving of a weekend visit or a long-term move. The Cascade Mountains and Puget Sound are home to ... read more...these smaller towns, towns, and cities. They are bordered by attractive downtown areas and are seen from vibrant lavender fields. These small towns highlight Washington's greatest characteristics by displaying expansive, breathtaking landscapes free of crowds. Scroll down to explore some of the best small towns in Washington.
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Sequim, which is pronounced "skwim," is one of the Olympic Peninsula's many picturesque sites. This seaside town, which is close to both Port Townsend and Port Angeles, holds an annual Lavender Festival in July. Sequim's preferred title, The Lavender Capital of North America, is due to its festival and the surrounding fields of blooming flowers.
Sequim has sunny weather, which is a key factor in the success of its lavender production. Sequim, which is located in the Olympic Rain Shadow and only receives 16 inches of rain on an average year, has earned the moniker "Sunny Sequim." Another factor drawing visitors to the town and its surroundings is the pleasant weather. Sequim not only has a lot of sunshine, but also a lot of excellent coffee places, including the Hurricane Coffee Co. Boutique shops, lavender farms, and artisan businesses are among Sequim's other unique shopping options.
All the activities to do in Sequim have a beautiful backdrop given by the Olympic Mountains and the ocean waters nearby. The magnificent New Dungeness Lighthouse is located on the Strait of Juan de Fuca's shores, just a short drive to the north. Along the shore, dining, sightseeing, and housing are available at the John Wayne Marina on Sequim Bay to the east. The Olympic National Park entrance is located south of Sequim, where the Hoh Rainforest and Hurricane Ridge are located.
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Although it’s a small city with a population of about 2,000, there’s no shortage of activities in Leavenworth that include outdoor activities, food, and celebrations. Leavenworth is one of the most well-liked small towns in the entire state of Washington thanks to its innovative culture.
Leavenworth, with its Bavarian-style architecture, was built beneath the rugged Cascade Mountain peaks, and it is picture-perfect at any time of the year. Additionally, the lively neighborhood's food and shopping options, such as the bratwurst-serving München House or the athletics Der Sportsman, both have a distinct Bavarian flare.
It's a very different sight to view in the winter when the town is covered in millions upon millions of Christmas lights as part of their annual Christmas Lighting Festival. Another adventure-filled city is Leavenworth. Mountain biking, hiking, fishing, rock climbing, and skiing are all popular activities that can be enjoyed in the mountains that give Leavenworth its Alps-inspired backdrop. Additionally, close-by outdoor activity areas like the Alpine Lakes Wilderness offer must-visit hiking locations right outside Leavenworth's back door.
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Gig Harbor, which is located on the same-named bay and is only 12 miles northwest of Tacoma, is perhaps the most picturesque town in all of the US. Its historic downtown waterfront is key for much of that beautiful beauty. There are many shops, galleries, and restaurants along the waterfront for visitors to enjoy.
Kopachuck State Park and Skansie Brothers City Park are two significant places of the many picturesque locations in Gig Harbor. The Harbor History Museum offers a breathtaking view of Mount Rainier as well as exhibits about the city's industrious roots. Simply strolling around the streets and taking in the landscape is definitely worth the trip to Gig Harbor, as there are so many shops to explore and natural spots to admire. Plan to spend at least a little time leisurely exploring the waterfront. Visit the Finholm View Climb in the back of the harbor for some more elevation while exploring.
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A significant stop on Washington's North Cascades Scenic Loop Byway is the small mountain town of Winthrop. It has a distinctly Western look similar to Leavenworth's Bavarian streets, with a community that enjoys welcoming guests.
All year round, Winthrop serves as a base camp for leisure activities. Other fantastic outdoor destinations like Pearrygin Lake State Park and North Cascades National Park are surrounded by the nearby Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest. For outdoor adventures like backcountry skiing, mountain biking, horseback riding, and camping, the town has acquired quite a reputation. The renowned Methow Trails, 120 miles of groomed cross-country skiing routes, are also located in Winthrop. Excellent chances for Cascade Mountain sightseeing are provided by all of Winthrop's activities and attractions. The town's assortment of neighborhood restaurants, like the Rocking Horse Bakery, all have a distinctly Old West atmosphere that encourages memorable meals to go along with your outdoor adventures.
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One of the main cities in the San Juan Islands is Friday Harbor, which is located in far northwest Washington. The second-largest island in the archipelago, San Juan Island, is where it is located. With enough attractions in its small geographic area, this picturesque coastal town and its neighboring island can accommodate any type of vacation. There are numerous chances from Friday Harbor to take ferries to other adjacent islands.
There is a lot to discover at Friday Harbor off the water, including the Whale Museum and the San Juan Islands Museum of Art. Tourists frequently visit the boutique boutiques on Friday Harbor's Spring Street shopping district. On San Juan Island, don't miss Lime Kiln Point State Park and San Juan Island National Historical Park. These beautiful locations not only exhibit unique historical views, but also the natural settings that characterize island life. Whale viewing and bicycle touring on the San Juan Islands Scenic Byway are other popular tourist activities.
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The largest city on the Long Beach Peninsula is called Long Beach, and it is located in southern Washington. The peninsula is bordered to the north and south by the Columbia River, Willapa Bay, and the Pacific Ocean. This setting, which is bordered by water, provides many opportunities for vacation pleasure, particularly along the peninsulae more than the 25-mile beach.
Long Beach provides a traditional beach vacation. Pacific Way, the main street through the town, is lined with a number of family-friendly shops such as bakeries, candy stores, and novelty museums. But one of the best things to do in Long Beach is still to enjoy the beach. There are many beach accesses that line the beachfront and provide plenty of space for parking. Spend some time exploring the half-mile boardwalk trail that meanders across the grassy dunes in Long Beach. This path runs parallel to the paved Discovery Trail, an 8.5-mile route that leads south to Cape Disappointment State Park in the trail of Lewis and Clark.
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Port Townsend, located at the northernmost point of the Olympic Peninsula, is about 40 miles across Puget Sound from Seattle. Regarding art, history, and natural beauty, this lovely coastal town has quite a reputation. When you combine the picturesque stores with the waterfront views, Port Townsend's aesthetics stand alone as a great reason to visit.
Two National Landmark Historic Districts may be found in Port Townsend, and many of the city's buildings still feature the original Victorian craftsmanship from the late 19th century. The city's port and ancient streets serve as venues for a variety of cultural events. The Shipwrights' Regatta in February, the Port Townsend Film Festival in September, and the weekly Farmers Market held every Saturday from April through December are noteworthy events. The region offers a variety of chances for outdoor recreation in addition to the nearly weekly cultural attractions. Cycling along the coast, boating and fishing in Port Townsend Bay, and camping next to Fort Worden State Park are all popular activities in this city. A great base camp for visiting the nearby Olympic National Park is Port Townsend.
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In the heart of the Skagit Valley in far-northwest Washington, the waterfront community of La Conner is a popular tourist destination. The town has the ideal blend of community, natural beauty, and easy access to outdoor sports. It also has a number of tourist attractions.
Both the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival and the La Conner Daffodil Festival draw large numbers each spring from all around the world. Numerous painters and artists are drawn to these vibrant festivities as they try to capture the various shades of La Conner that bloom all over the area. Other enjoyable activities in La Conner include taking in the sea-salt scenery of the area's Skagit Bay or Swinomish Channel or taking a break from your day to sketch the Rainbow Bridge, the town's most notable architectural icon. La Conner also welcomes nearby adventures on Puget Sound. It takes less than ten minutes to get to Fidalgo Island, where Deception Pass State Park connects to southern Whidbey Island. One of Washington's top state parks, Deception Pass is also one of its most popular.
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With its abundance of fresh seafood options, 18 miles of spotless beaches, and numerous lovely lighthouses along the water, Westport symbolizes Washington's classic ocean town. The city serves as the southern gate for the tourist-friendly Grays Harbor and the rest of the Pacific Ocean and is located at the point of the peninsula, 70 miles west of Olympia.
Due to its proximity to the Pacific, the area offers a wide range of enjoyable activities on and off the sea. Any trip to Westport has a nautical tone, whether it involves organized fishing excursions, all-day beach picnics, or taking in some of the state's greatest surfing. Grays Harbor Lighthouse, the main attraction of Westport, is the tallest lighthouse in Washington, standing at 107 feet. Visitors can enjoy a visitor center, guided tours, and the ideal location to take in the Pacific Ocean surroundings at the lighthouse facility.
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Northwest Washington's Kitsap Peninsula is home to the small town of Poulsbo. The city is often referred to as "Little Norway" because of its numerous Scandanivan influences and traditions, and it is located on the Liberty Bay shore.
Despite its population of just over 10,000, Poulsbo’s allure is vast. Travelers come to the smallest city in Kitsap County to enjoy the historical convergence of Nordic and Native American cultures. But they can easily wind up spending hours sampling the delicious local fare, strolling down winding walking trails, or trying their luck at the Suquamish Clearwater Casino. Thousands of visitors still pass by the "Velkommen til Poulsbo" sign today as they head off on weekend getaways. The ancient Norwegian neighborhood is a popular attraction for tourists from Seattle and other places. This pedestrian-friendly district along the lake is lined with bookshops, eateries, and boutiques, many of which have a Scandinavian flair that dates back to the late 1800s when Norwegian settlers came to the shore.