The Pacific Northwest's Best Small Towns For A Weekend Escape
Nature has garnished the Pacific Northwest landscape with ice-clad peaks, lush forests, and glittering cascades, making it among the most beautiful regions in America. Featuring a cornucopia of charming small towns, this underrated region of the nation can serve as a fantastic venue for a weekend retreat. From Sequim, Washington; best known as the “Lavender Capital of North America” — to Lewiston, Idaho — the gateway to Hells Canyon, discover below the Pacific Northwest’s best small towns for a weekend retreat.
Sequim, Washington
Sequim is a dainty town of just about 8,500 located along the Dungeness River near the base of the Olympic Mountains. Known for lush and vast lavender fields akin to the Valensole plateau in France, Sequim is deservedly called the “Lavender Capital of North America.” A first-time visitor will want to stay at the dog-friendly Dungeness Bay Cottages, whose clean and cozy cottages open out to sumptuous waterfront views. USA Today named Sequim the best northwestern small town in 2017, and a stroll through the walkable downtown area, punctuated by a historic grain elevator, will quickly reveal the town’s aesthetic appeal. Those into herbs and essential oils will want to include Dandelion Botanical Company in the itinerary. For something unique and off-the-road, Troll Haven, with its quirky carvings of trolls, dragons, and other mythical creatures, should be a must-do. Then, there is Carrie Blake Park, which features a spectacular botanical garden and a pond with Canada geese.
Astoria, Oregon
Founded in 1811, Astoria is Oregon’s oldest city. It sweetly blends echoes of the Old World with dazzling modern touches and dashes. While a first-time visitor has many accommodation options to choose from, Norblad Hotel is conveniently located in the heart of downtown Astoria, ensuring almost everything is within walking distance. Alternatively, Astoria Riverwalk Inn overlooks the Port of Astoria marina and provides heart-melting waterfront views. Portway Tavern has been a staple of the town since 1925 and is rumored to be haunted by the ghost of its founder. If you are wondering why Astoria gets wild accolades, spend a slow afternoon ambling through the incredibly picturesque Astoria Riverwalk, where a lovely trail runs alongside the Columbia River for more than six tasty miles.
Winthrop, Washington
An old town made new, Winthrop is a cute little town of less than 1,000 residents that effortlessly punches above its weight. To kickstart a weekend adventure, Old Schoolhouse Brewery overlooks the Chewuch River and is known to provide kick-ass meals in an enticing environment. The Shafer Museum preserves the history of the Methow Valley and will be of particular delight to any history enthusiast. While not in town, a drive to Diablo Lake is incredibly scenic and if possible — should be squeezed into an itinerary. Preserved to resemble the 1850s Wild West, a visit to this quaint Washington charmer is like a journey back in time. Just make a reservation at the Hotel Rio Vista (it is right in town), whose cozy rooms come with a little deck that overlooks the river.
Port Townsend, Washington
A small but buzzy little town of about 10,000 residents, Port Townsend, is mostly known for its eye-catching Victorian architecture and beautiful coastal landscape. Also, the fact Port Townsend is in the Olympic Peninsula makes it a famous destination for fun outdoor activities, including boating and fishing. Tour the historic Fort Worden State Park, which served as the backdrop for the movie An Officer and a Gentleman. Spend the night at the owner-run Palace Hotel, a historic landmark located close to the water and in the heart of the historic district. For perspective, Port Townsend is the only Pacific Northwest town that made it to Budget Travel’s list of Coolest Small Towns in 2023. If you are looking for a place to just sit and appreciate this town’s much-acclaimed beauty, the Historic Fire Bell Tower, built in 1890, is not to be missed. If a fan of Victorian-style architecture, the Ann Starrett Victorian Mansion could be the most elaborate and exquisite.
Poulsbo, Washington
Quaint but known to brim with lots of hidden gems, Poulsbo is another Pacific Northwest charmer perfect for a weekend escape. It is known as Washington’s “Little Norway” and features nice, Scandinavian-themed murals. The best way to kickstart a trip is to book a table that overlooks the ocean at Poulsbohemian Coffeehouse, one of the most sought-after coffee shops around the hood. Pick a nice gift at Nordiska, a Nordic-inspired boutique that sells all things Scandinavian. Poulsbo boasts several outdoor venues, including Muriel Iverson Williams Waterfront Park, framed by Liberty Bay and the austere grandeur of the Olympic Mountains. This park provides awesome waterfront views. One will enjoy watching boats and locking eyes with sea lions. Not far from town, the U.S. Naval Undersea Museum is one of the 10 Navy museums that the Naval History & Heritage Command operates. Visitors often enjoy learning how dolphins and sea lions have been used in military activity. For a comfortable place to stay, Poulsbo Inn & Suites is just a 15-minute walk from Historic Downtown Poulsbo.
Pendleton, Oregon
To sample what Pendleton offers, book a room at The Pendleton House Historic Inn, conveniently located two blocks from the center of town. Once a stop along the Oregon Trail, Pendleton served as a transit point in what many consider the largest mass migrations of people in American history. This town sits on the Umatilla River, adjacent to the Umatilla Indian Reservation. Umatilla National Forest, home to bighorn sheep, black bears, and mountain goats, is in the backyard of the town. The McKay Reservoir, which impounds the waters of McKay Creek, is even closer. Within the town, the Pendleton Riverwalk, which follows the south bank of the Umatilla River, features a paved trail and provides fantastic views of the city. Then again, Pendleton is home to many buildings dating back more than a century, including Rainbow Cafe, Oregon’s oldest tavern. Plus, residents often look forward to the Pendleton Round-Up, reputed to be among the ten largest rodeos in the world. Finally, no one should miss the Pendleton Underground Tour, which whisks visitors through a secret underground city.
Snohomish, Washington
Any vacationer will be tempted to visit Snohomish; they just want to know why it is called the Antique Capital of the Northwest. More than 350 antique dealers sell their wares in town, many of them housed at the Star Center Antique Mall, which features five levels of specialty antique shops. A special find here is the Collectors Reference Bookstore, one of America’s largest collections of antique reference books. If hunger pangs begin to set in, the Oxford Saloon, built at the turn of the 20th century, offers a broad range of delicious menu items. It is also rumored to be among the most haunted venues in Washington State. While one may not experience a paranormal event, their Ghost Burgers are anything but ordinary. Other outdoor sites include the Lord Hill Regional Park, which features a glittering lake, ponds, and lots of scenic trails. To enjoy what Snohomish offers, one will want to set base at the Countryman Inn, a convenient 4-minute walk from the center of Snohomish.
Lewiston, Idaho
Lewiston is the jumping-off point to Hells Canyon, home to the deepest river gorge in North America. The trip to Hells Canyon National Recreation Area, a rugged wilderness only accessible by jet boat or raft, must be part of a first-time visitor’s itinerary. At the Clearwater Canyon Cellars, named Pacific Northwest Winery of the Year in 2020, a slow evening can be spent sipping a tongue-tingling Carmenère amid views that will be difficult to get out of the mind. To dabble in some fascinating history and travel back in time, the Nez Perce County Historical Society & Museum packs a punch and is often worth checking out. A first-time visitor here will even learn how members of the Nez Perce Native American tribe once saved the Lewis and Clark Expedition team from dying of hunger. For a clean and comfortable place to lay one's head for the night, look no further than Hampton Inn Lewiston, especially for lovely views of the Clearwater and Snake Rivers.
The Takeaway
Seas of evergreen trees, in all their regal splendor, lush meadows, pretty beaches, and jaw-dropping peaks — combine to curate one of the most tasty landscapes in the entire world. This is not Switzerland but the Pacific Northwest. For those who want to declutter the mind amid some of nature’s most heartwarming sceneries, a weekend escape to the Pacific Northwest will work like a charm. If looking for small-town getaways, some of the finest venues in the Pacific Northwest include Sequim, Washinton; Astoria, Oregon, and Winthrop, Washington. Considering what the Pacific Northwest offers, there is no need to spend a fortune in Santorini, Greece — other than a warm Mediterranean climate.
