11 Most Beautiful Small Towns In The Pacific Northwest You Should Visit
The Pacific Northwest (PNW), a long-time settled region from the shores to the mountains in the western north-south stretch of the US, is a dreamland for every type of traveler. From wine country to coffee-growing islands and pristine stretches of sand under the headlining of state-park-topped cliffs, it cannot be any more picture-perfect. From hiking, biking, kayaking, and whale watching in Puget Sound, you can island hop, trek the wilder rainforest, and camp on the Olympic Peninsula. Get excited to discover the PNW treasure trove of small towns steeped in local history with big, beautiful hearts amid natural scenery on a postcard-like vacation or getaway of your dreams. From Oregon through Washington, these towns welcome and astound hundreds of thousands of new world travelers and fans who once fell in love with the PNW on a road trip along the coastal strip and its deeper reaches.
Albany, Oregon
Just 70 miles south of Portland, this charming Oregon town on the scenic Willamette River bursts with feel-good vibes for the entire family to have a good time. From cozy cafes to beautiful art galleries with local works and the Willamette Valley's best restaurants, it is a mecca of fun and relaxation to bond over second-to-none sights. Albany boasts one of the best farmers' markets in the whole area and a Historical District with even the most avid architects in awe over buildings from 1840 to the 1920s.
Come for the river views and architecture galore, or take a romantic trip with a hot air balloon ride and see the glory from above. Visit with your family for the pumpkin carving season to catch a ride along the whimsical Trolley of Terror at Halloween, and come back for the Northwest Art and Air Festival. The beautiful town of Albany is full of old-timey charms, like its pride and joy for all ages, the historic carousel. Visit the museum with a workshop to see how volunteers hand carve all these unique creatures and take a stroll down the river paths before an outdoor concert at the park.
Ashland, Oregon
Ashland, Oregon's most prominent theater destination, is a must-visit for art and culture fans in a small-town atmosphere with an air of history. Host to the world-renowned Oregon Shakespeare Festival, the ambient town in southern Oregon delights all with more than just eleven annual play productions on three stages from February through October. In the embrace of Lithia Park and North Mountain Park, it is a joy for all outdoorsy types. Start each morning in the beautiful downtown area, where you can stay cultured with these high-quality theatrical pieces and venture outdoors in between on nature strolls like the White Rabbit Trail.
Find this and more, like at the Oregon Cabaret Theater or the New Plays Festival, as well as ponds and gardens just north of California with the best views of Siskiyou Mountain Park. The Cascade and Siskiyou mountain ranges converge just around the corner, while the nearby Crater Lake National Park invites recreation seekers and sightseers to its unique lake for unforgettable family experiences. Explore the award-winning galleries paralleling an exciting culinary scene and visit the wine-growing region's rich vineyards for strolls, tastings, and your favorite bottles at great prices.
Astoria, Oregon
This small town shines with historic beauty like no other, along with a vibrant vibe through attractions for all ages overlooking the Columbia River. Browse the town for intriguing marvels with mesmerizing sights at each corner, like the river's peaking views amid the old-timey sights. From quaint shops to hiking trails and Astoria's underground tunnels, you can enjoy endless strolls of modern and historic character. Fort Stevens State Park calls for warm-weather hikes this summer, turning vibrant through the fall as the spectacular Bradley State Scenic View offers second-to-none views.
Escape the city for Astoria, created through culture, human-made beauty, and natural makeup, to wake up to a downtown coffee run and see which trail catches your eye, like the multiple ones leading to the water. Trod in the footsteps of the great explorers through Lewis and Clark National Historical Park and catch sight of the meticulously preserved, beautiful Flavel House Museum of the 1886 Queen Anne home. Enjoy scenic picnics in the picturesque Oregon country at the mouth of the Columbia River, and take a day trip to Long Beach with sea sights and engagements for all.
Bainbridge Island, Washington
A getaway for nature and coffee lovers alike sounds pretty alluring, right? Enjoy your next great escape from Seattle to a small town famed as a coffee paradise. Take a stroll through the 150-acre Bloedel Reserve, a year-round beautiful garden and lush forest preserve for leisurely strolls, recreation, or simple relaxation in serene Mother Nature's hands. Visit Heyday Farm with your family for 25 acres of roaming the sustainable family farm with over a century-old house like back in the day, and join a community dinner Thursday or Friday night.
Learning about the favorite bean over some tasteful relaxation at the Pegasus Coffee House, while the Highside Distillery and Eagle Harbor Wine Company attract a string of nationwide followers for a caffeine kick in a remote location. Head to L'Atelier TR's with your kids for some delightful chocolate and candy crafted by real chocolatiers that delight the eyes almost as much as the tastebuds. Dine your hearts out at the Streamliner Diner, Italianesque fare at Bruciato, or The Marketplace at Pleasant Beach, an all-inclusive place to hang out by the sands between its coffeehouse, delicatessen, and taproom.
Coupeville, Washington
Coupeville, a distinct second state's oldest town, shines brightly with historic beauty like no other, amicably preserved as part of Ebey's Landing National Historical Reserve. Sightsee many of its very first buildings and stroll the historic waterfront in the footsteps of pioneers since its settlement in the 1850s. The bustling 19th-century architecture galore downtown is alluring and filled with art galleries, wine-tasting rooms, stores, and seafood restaurants.
Start each morning at the serene waterfront view and end here on a high note with a striking sunset overlooking the waters while munching on some locally grown Penn Cove mussels. Its historic red wharf with the peaceful Penn Cove view is a mind-soothing, easy-on-the-eye sight that will imprint in memory over many relaxing evenings in a close group. Discover all that is in store for you in this scenically charged town with nearby attractions, hiking trails, and ocean vistas. From the Admiralty Head Lighthouse to the nearby state parks of Fort Ebey and Fort Casey, Coupeville is also a perfect jumping-off point for exploring Whidbey Island.
Friday Harbor, Washington
Friday Harbor, the strikingly remote town that emanates peacefulness from every pore on San Juan Island's eastern shore, is the commercial and cultural hub for the islands and its most picturesque town, complete with the beautiful storefronts along Spring Street. Set on the largest of the archipelago's magical cluster of islands in the Pacific, Friday Harbor offers a slower pace and scenery-induced relaxation vibes. Fall in love with the island lifestyle here between Vancouver Island and northern Washington, with scenery that does wonders for soothing the soul. Sip beer over a friendly chat at the San Juan Island Brewing Co. while watching bald eagles fly overhead and wildlife frolic in the depths as your city stress melts away.
The idyllic Salish Sea waterfront offers gorgeous scenery and amazing wildlife, with quality pursuits just steps away. From art galleries and museums like the incredible San Juan Islands Museum of Art to shopping and dining, everything is within a 15- to 20-minute radius, including whale watching and sea kayaking. Head to the renowned Lime Kiln Point State Park for whale-watching like never before and see the British and American army camps from the Pig War. Friday Harbor is hands-down the most relaxing town around, with miles of alluring shoreline for beach crawlers, relaxation, and fun in the salty mist, and San Juan Vineyard for island-made wines. Craving wild adventurers? Explore all the other island treasures, like the San Juan Islands National Historical Park.
Gig Harbor, Washington
The small town on the vast shores of Puget Sound is a mecca of outdoor water activities like no other. From gondola tours with the best sea views to lounging along the pristine beaches and waterside resorts, nothing is off the table in Gig Harbor! Take a stroll through the history-steeped downtown area, with fun places for all along the impeccable architecture and the peaking, glistening bay views. Head for a family meal at Green House and Tides Tavern for drinks, followed by a stroll along the refined waterfront for culture on the bay.
Set base in a small town of under 12,500 and enjoy the whole treasure chest of the Olympic Peninsula at your doorstep with all its natural gems. The endless stretches of pristine sand will hold you captive with toe digging and a whole set of activities before nights on the town. Find nature steps away in the surrounding landscape for all-level hikes through the fresh-scented evergreens and pines, mixed with the sea breeze, against the astounding natural backdrop of none other than Mt. Rainier.
Langley, Washington
Langley, the town with a spectacular natural backdrop, is a quick 45-minute ride north of Seattle—easily the best getaway to the unreplicable Whidbey Island, with scenic views in every direction. Immerse yourself in some beauty on a simple downtown stroll or take the tip-to-tip drive from the Deception Pass and take a ferry back to the mainland, and you've got yourself an ideal PNW day.
The seaside island town in the middle of Puget Sound provides a very family-friendly setting with idyllic views and pursuits for everyone to enjoy. From homey restaurants to local shops and interesting art galleries, this cultural mecca also has a burgeoning craft beer scene. Visit Langley to sight Orca pods through Saratoga Passage and ring the Whale Bell when you do, or let the little ones have this memorable honor while you take pictures.
Port Townsend, Washington
This town of timeless charm, breathtaking views, and the best local wildlife juts out into the whale-rich waters of Puget Sound. The best opportunities to see orcas are the reason why many descend on Port Townsend and find so much more than they pegged for. The jagged mountains fringing the horizon offer a mesmerizing backdrop while strolling through the architectural downtown, dotted with its iconic collection of ornate Victoriana, a destination in itself. Come now or in the fall for the best warm-weather activities like boating and fishing, as well as farmers' markets and the beautiful Fort Worden State Park with hiking and biking trails.
Capture the enchanting views at each corner of the Victorian grandeur and the scenic peaky vistas that will quickly fill up your phone and give friends back home a reason to drool over your Instagram page. The extraordinary gems, exquisitely crafted back in the 19th century, house a modern-day treasure trove of family attractions, with more buildings in Uptown and friendly locals happy to share a story over a drink. The seaside town invites you to regular events like film festivals and the best holidays spent in the last months of 2023!
Poulsbo, Washington
The Norwegian immigrant-founded town just north of Bainbridge Island on Washington's Kitsap Peninsula offers a trip to Norway right in your backyard, overlooking Liberty Bay. "Little Norway," the charming Pacific Northwest town soaked with heritage vestiges like Viking-themed events amid modern-day culture, is nestled against the saltwater shoreline of Kitsap Memorial State Park. Originally a Suquamish Native American fishing village, it is now a mecca destination for culture vultures and visitors to see Mother Nature at her finest, year-round. Come now for strolls, hikes, and picnics with photoshoots at the charming sunset over the Olympic Mountains and camping under the stars of your life. From boutique shopping to the endless dining options along the picturesque Scandinavian main street, there is always a reason to visit the culturally rich small town of Poulsbo.
With roots deep in watery history, Poulsbo offers a unique and memorable way to discover its heritage for the entire family like the Poulsbo Maritime Museum. Sightsee the mural next to the replica of the pilothouse of the steamship Hyak and venture out to the Martinson Cabin on a nature stroll through Nelson Park for the life of the early Poulbonians, with more pioneering history at the Poulsbo Heritage Museum. The town delights the little nature fans with sea lions frolicking in the bay by the shores of the Muriel Iverson Williams Waterfront Park. See more of these comical creatures, along with other local marine life you can get up close with, at the SEA Discovery Center in historic downtown Poulsbo, open Fridays and Saturdays. Find fantastic Italian fare at Sogno di Vino and head to Tizley's Euro Pub for a taste of Germany.
Walla Walla, Washington
The town with an extraordinary name is a meme getaway into a world of family-friendly fun in the embrace of beautiful nature, with attractions and relaxation for all. Find excitement in wine, culture, and the outdoors, all right here in Walla Walla, home to energetic, like-minded outdoorsy wine aficionados. The small town with big surprises offers plentiful accommodations to settle in and explore, with a perfect restaurant around every corner.
The unique, diverse shopping scene and the tasting rooms at iconic wineries will keep you happily occupied for days, with the outdoors steps away to work it off over epic adventures and unforgettable views. Indulge in over 130 wineries in the area with some 3,000 scenic acres of grapevines for strolls and tastings of the region's most robust, exceptional flavors. Best of all, the whole area is steeped in a refreshingly relaxed, come-as-you-are attitude, from downtown's welcoming vibe to the beaten paths of peaceful nature with all-level hikes and deep-wilderness picnics.
Dive into the astounding world of adventures in the PNW with your family and friends or on a couples' getaway to remember, where each sight is Instagram-worthy but experiencing it is priceless. The scenery that locals get to enjoy every day in the mountains, beaches, and nearby rainforests can be yours for a moment of blissfulness over many exciting adventures. Enjoy the tranquil local feel of markets and vibrant culture, where you will also find the beauty of the annual Skagit Tulip Festival in Eastern Washington's Skagit Valley. Make the PNW your oyster to explore in any season, feasting on locally sourced seafood over the finest of wines while soothing your soul and mind with the scenery that is easy on the eyes.
