7 Friendliest Towns to Visit in The Pacific Northwest in 2024
There's no shortage of natural beauty in the Pacific Northwest that few areas in the US can compete with in terms of natural diversity. And while it may be rugged, wild, and dramatic, from the Oregon coastline's Haystack Rock to Washington's state parks and the peaking Mt. Rainier, it is also friendly with misty beaches, wooded mountains, wildlife islands, and seas of flowers.
It is also home to some of the best stargazing night skies in the entire country, and the charming towns with an infectious spirit for adventures extend their warmest welcome as perfect hosts to explore. Historically friendly in Lewiston, the Nimiipuu, also known as the Nez Perce Tribe, were integral to helping the explorers Lewis and Clark.
Cannon Beach, Oregon
Cannon Beach is among Oregon’s most popular towns, thanks to its crystal-perfect sand, a family-friendly environment, and the premier attraction, Haystack Rock. Vistors can mill around the protruding 235-foot-tall monolith, one of the world's tallest intertidal structures, with puffins overhead diving for the fish that literally jumps out of the waters. Wildlife lovers will love spotting elk wandering down the hillside for a drink, so grab one yourself at the Sleepy Monk and savor the best latte on the coast. From long beach strolls to a full-day adventure at Ecola State Park, there are many more swoon-worthy photo ops and pleasure spots to relax.
The down-to-earth Ecola Seafood Restaurant & Market/Cannon Beach Seafood draws visitors with a diner-style feel and wild-caught specialties, like steamed crabs and shrimp platters. Nestled up against the bluffs at John Yeon State Natural Site, Chapman Beach, just north, is a serene place to relax, with only the intrusion of the sea while letting your eyes rest on the scenic Bird Rocks. The Wayfarer Restaurant and Lounge is an iconic salmon cannery theme establishment serving American seafood and breakfast in a stylish, woodsy spot, right by the legendary Pelican Brewing, an airy craft brewpub with brewery tours, rotating taps, gourmet pub fare, and a patio.
Gig Harbor, Washington
Surrounded by parks, like McCormick Forest Park, Gig Harbor is a charming maritime village exuding peace and solitude near Puget Sound. Overlooking the nearby Mount Rainier, this picturesque “getaway” offers every cultural and outdoor recreation pursuit imaginable from the historic harbor. Full of locally owned hotels, waterfront taverns, and cozy wine bars, the Gig Harbor waterfront is peppered with galleries and boutiques. From the Waterfront History Walk to kayaking and boat tours, the Harbor History Museum displays local maritime history and a one-room schoolhouse.
Nestled along Henderson Bay, this beautiful town knees deep in the water offers adventure and beautiful scenery for every taste, no matter the weather. Home to the popular Narrows Park and the spectacular Tacoma Narrows Bridge, Purdy Sand Spit is a scenic lookout right on the highway between the waters. The 98-acre Sehmel Homestead Park is packed for family fun, like a playground and various athletic fields. For a lovely stroll, Rosendale Gardens offers over 15 acres of formal gardens, while Chalet in the Woods is a themed gift shop. Next to Devoted Kiss Cafe, the scenic creekfront park is lively with sand volleyball, BMX park, art, and more.
Lewiston, Idaho
Famously the gateway to Hells Canyon, the deepest in the US, Lewiston, once home to sternwheelers that transported miners in the canyon, offers a range of experiences for every taste and age. Located in the Lewis Clark Valley, the area where the Clearwater and Snake rivers meet, abounds in fresh air recreation beyond the jet boat thrills in the deep-river gorge. Its rich cultural life is intertwined with the flourishing wine scene; the terroir and climate of the valley resemble Burgundy and Bordeaux in the Rhone region of France. Whether you're in to explore the rugged beauty of Hells Canyon on a rafting tour or a history lesson at the Lewis and Clark Discovery Center at Hells Gate State Park, the Jack O’Connor Center features the hunter's tales and taxidermy from around the world. The historic downtown, with a tree-lined Main Street, offers eclectic shops and dining.
Trace the footsteps of the famous expedition of the early 1800s on the Lewis and Clark National Historical Trail, extending across the eastern and western borders of Idaho. The Nez Perce National Historical Park preserves the heritage and traditions of the Nimiipuu, also known as the Nez Perce Tribe, who were integral to helping the explorers. Don't miss the early beginnings at the ancient Indigenous American villages with wildlife and rock petroglyphs from 4,500 years ago. Nearby, the white-sand beaches of the two rivers offer different vibes to relax and play in the water, including paddleboarding, kayaking, and steelhead fishing, while the paved trails along the water are perfect for walking, jogging, and biking to see what wonders the next bend in the river holds.
Long Beach, Washington
The Long Beach Peninsula, a unique place in the world, may not have "The World's Longest Beach," despite the entrance sign into this small town. Stretching for 28 miles along Washington's southwest coast, it is, in fact, the "World's Longest Peninsular Beach." With beautiful nature all around, nearby, the Columbia River meets the Pacific Ocean, extending northward to the entrance to Gray's Harbor. Right on the beach, visitors can enjoy strolls along the boarwalk and relax with views of the Basalt Monolith.
It connects to the longer Discovery Trail for endless walks and insights into the area with seafaring views. Bold Coffee Art & Framing is a fun place to grab java, while The World Kite Museum & Hall-Fame offers unique exhibits and the opportunity to craft your own kite for a one-of-a-kind souvenir. Dylan's Cottage Bakey & Delkatessen is a perfect stop to stock for a picnic, while the Breakers is an iconic stay in town near the Lewis and Clark Carved Tree landmark. Lost Roo for dinner is just a hop to the adorable Gray Whale Structure for a scenic sunset memento.
Newport, Oregon
Embodying the unconventional spirit of the Oregon Coast, Newport is full of unique attractions, lighthouses, and postcard-like aesthetics for an enriching beachside escape. Nestled between the bottomless Pacific and the vast Yaquina Bay, the Historical Bayfront area is home to one of the state's largest and most photogenic commercial fishing fleets. Its maritime vibes and heritage are perfect for an insightful stroll while mingling with locals during the day or catching the sunset. Nye Beach has been the coast's top natural attraction since the early 1900s and a haven for the arts ever since. Home to two lighthouses, the original at Yaquina Bay and one from the late 1800s, Yaquina Head Lighthouse is the state's tallest active light at 93 feet, just north of town.
This is Newport's cultural district: an eclectic mix of shops, art galleries, chowder houses, and restaurants jostling with fish processing plants and historic buildings, which lends an authentic atmosphere to a working harborfront. The world-class Oregon Coast Aquarium is a passageway into the secret world of the sea through mesmerizing turquoise tunnels and large wall tanks for joyous face-to-face interactions with colorful fish, sharks, and alien-like life. Some 2.5 hours southwest of Portland, this low-key beach town with just enough kitsch, vibrant waterfront attractions, and something for wildlife enthusiasts is also home to the striking art-deco Yaquina Bay Bridge spanning the bay over Highway 101.
Poulsbo, Washington
Poulsbo, the historic Little Norway, is one of the state's favorite escapes on the Kitsap Peninsula, no matter the age or interest of pursuit, as there's something for everyone in the little town, like a growing arts district with galleries, museums, and shops. From Front Street to the waterfront restaurants, a marina, and a waterfront park, take a stroll or relax at a picturesque downtown marina—the boater's home turf. The Fairfield Inn & Suites Poulsbo is stylish and affordable.
Perfect for a weekend getaway of sunny vibes in a family-friendly feel, the town on the Liberty Bay is full of opportunities to stay outdoors, like the Liberty Waterfront Park with an intricate boardwalk, amenities, a garden, and a pavillion. The Fish Park is a small bayfront natural area with walking paths, bird watching, and ecology-themed public art. Should it rain in Washington, Duh, Regal Poulsbo has multiple screens, new release films, and plush seating. Couples enjoy Poulsbo Guest House International and Poulsbo Inn & Suites with great access to shopping and dining.
Puyallup
The underrated city of Puyallup is situated in the dominating shadow of Mount Rainier, the state's highest peak. It is a quick escape from the city, just 10 miles east of Tacoma and about 35 miles south of Seattle. Founded by Ezra Meeker along the beautiful Puget Sound, a hop farmer with a dream of turning the region into an agricultural wonderland, he "planted the seeds" of a growing community. Home to two regional retail centers for shopping and dining and many businesses, environmental stewardship is still in its blood.
To this day, attracting visitors for hops, berries, and flowers, the Puyallup River hugs this LEED gold-designated town since 2009. Puyallup celebrates its farming roots through the Washington State Fair as well as the vibrant Daffodil Festival and Parade, while the seasonal Puyallup Farmers Market pays tribute to the city's agricultural past on a daily basis during the growing and harvest seasons. From the popular Pioneer Park to the lavender-scented Van Lierop Park, the family favorite, Catapult Adventure Park Puyallup offers amusements for kids and the kids at heart.
Exuding friendly vibes, Poulsbo, like your favorite teddy bear, is one of the state's favorite escapes on the Kitsap Peninsula, with its historic Little Norway and a growing arts district with galleries, museums, and shops. Newport's Historical Bayfront area bursts with maritime vibes, heritage, and an eclectic mix of shops, art galleries, chowder houses, and restaurants jostling with fish processing plants and historic buildings in the authentic atmosphere of a working harborfront. In Long Beach, visitors can enjoy java at the fun Bold Coffee Art & Framing and then craft a kite at the unique World Kite Museum & Hall-Fame.
