7 Most Adorable Small Towns in the Pacific Northwest to Visit in 2024
Covering Washington and Oregon, as well as parts of Alaska, Idaho, British Columbia, and Yukon in Canada, the Pacific Northwest is incredibly diverse. Offering quick access from Seattle and Portland and extending straight up from California, the small towns with extraordinary views appear even cuter. Anacortes nestles atop Deception Pass State Park, an ancient forest on the saltwater shores of Puget Sound. With no definitive boundary per se, the PNW is a sensually evoking "experience" between the crashing Pacific and the soaring Cascades.
These seven towns flaunt eye-catching quirks and attractions that captivate visitors, like historic lighthouses, cliffside beaches, and historic hearts. Ilwaco is the northern gateway into the world-famous Cape Disappointment State Park, while Jacksonville, part of southern Oregon's wine country, thrives with viticulture tourism. So find the hidden gems like Ocean Shores and Seabrook, or follow the popular Hobbit Trail in Florence, home to dunes, while Joseph tops Wallowa Lake and the list for mountain escapes in Oregon.
Anacortes, Washington
Are you lured by the heights of the mountains or the hypnotizing ocean scape? Nestled amid the beating Pacific waves with amazing views of the Cascades on Fidalgo Island, you don't have to choose! The coastal, art-ridden Anacortes offers the diversity of the region, a remote vibe, and easy access from Seattle. From the sandy beach strip to a number of marinas and a regional airport, visitors can take a sail from Anchor Cove Marina and let the little ones have their own piece of fun at the John Storvik Playground. There is not a moment to waste between the high-quality restaurants, galleries, and interesting landmarks like Seafarers Memorial Park. After charging up Mount Erie Summit Trail, check out Pelican Bay Books and Coffeehouse, which have thousands of rotating titles.
To the west, Washington Park encompasses 220 acres, including camping, a boat launch, day-use picnic sites, and a scenic loop trail. The daunting view of Burrows Island Marine State Park beguiles the most avid explorers, including its circa 1906 Burrows Island Lighthouse. Descend to the serene Sunset Beach, set against the woodland with plenty of shaded spots to relax or explore, set off in a kayak, or enjoy fishing. From a variety of coastal trails to circling Little Cranberry Lake, the casual feel at Secret Cove serves seafood with a side of scenery. And if you're "starving" for more, cross the two-lane Deception Pass Bridge, the most photographed bridge in Washington, on State Route 20 to Whidbey Island!
Florence, Oregon
Flaunting a historic Old Town district, Florence is equally adorable and rugged in the surroundings of wild vistas, like the nation’s largest sea cave, packed with sea lions. From the rolling Pacific waves to the Oregon Dunes, this attractive town, nestled along the Siuslaw River, is widely known as "Oregon's Coastal Playground." Attracting sandboarders and vacationing families from all over, Florence can be relaxing or exciting but always sensory-charged. Whether you're in for the thrilling Sandland Adventures, beachcombing, or horseback riding along the sandy miles, grab a treat at BJ's Ice Cream Parlor this summer and enjoy seafood for dinner. The historic Siuslaw River Bridge is an ornate drawbridge from 1936, while Darlingtonia State Natural Site frames the town, protecting a bog with the native cobra lily, a rare carnivorous plant that eats insects.
Just an hour west of Eugene along the central coast, the next adventure is just around the corner, like the iconic Heceta Head Lighthouse, 13 miles north. Florence is the state's darling getaway to explore, indulge, and unwind, including riverfront, ocean views, and lakeside accommodations for every comfort level. Choose one overlooking the scenic North Jetty Beach or the popular Harbor Vista County Campground & Park for a budget stay. A morning fry-up at the Little Brown Hen Cafe, like pancakes, eggs, sandwiches, and fried chicken served homestyle, will get you fired up for the shaded Hobbit Trail, straight from "Middle Earth" and right in town. While the landscape of Singing Pines Park is only a whistle in the wind, this grassy dog park is a beloved spot along the water by the visiting and local two- and four-legged pairs of best friends.
Ilwaco, Washington
Ilwaco, the gateway town on Cape Disappointment, just beneath the infamous Long Beach area, offers access to the sprawling peninsula with scenic ocean views, lakes, and old-growth forests. The defining 1,882-acre state park at the mouth of the Columbia River features iconic PNW attractions, including beaches, campsites, and two lighthouses, like the quaint namesake at the southern tip on a steep, picturesque bluff against the sweeping Pacific. Visitors can enjoy minute access to the North Head Light via hiking or biking Discovery Trail or a quick walk from the parking lot along N Head Lighthouse Rd. The next adventure and impressive views are just around the corner, so amble around the Port of Ilwaco Marina or charter a fishing trip for another perspective of the cute town drenched in wilderness.
Nestled in a tight embrace with Baker Bay, Ilwaco is not just an occasional coastal town but a vibrant South Shore Washington community just north of Oregon. The revitalized downtown hosts the popular Friday art walks through August, while the Saturday Market offers farm-fresh produce through September. Home to a thriving art scene with galleries and the Columbia Pacific Heritage Museum, the Wallicut River RV and Campground Resort make for a woodsy retreat with easy access to it all. Tangled within coastal trails, the popular Beard's Hollow Trailhead offers shade and water views, while the over 17,000-acre Willapa National Wildlife Refuge features tidelands trails and temperate rainforests, a protected habitat with amazing wildlife and migrating birds that transport you to Amazonia.
Jacksonville, Oregon
Jacksonville, a small gem in southern Oregon's wine country, is a getaway to savor and leave every worry behind along the all-season hiking and biking trails. As the gateway to the wine-inspired outdoors along the Applegate Valley Wine Trail, visitors can take it all in at the French Gulch, a historic overlook, under the warm sunshine of the region's unique climate that's favorable for the luscious grape vines. The outside world vanishes just five miles away from the busy Interstate 5 in the peaceful silence of the shaded forest canopy through Jacksonville Woodlands, a preserve. To unwind, Rellik Winery is a real relic just north, known for its great vibe, alpacas, and scenic pond.
Nothing speaks to the big-city folk, hungry for the small-town flavor, like independent shops, wineries, and reputable restaurants, including DANCIN Vineyards just west, pairing what is local and farm fresh with the finest wines. Stop by Parkhurst Wine Cellars for every flavor of delight and the atmosphere during the Britt Music & Arts Festival, the Pacific Northwest’s premier outdoor summer performing arts event. From the venue, it is just a stroll to Beekman House, a museum, and its own blooming arboretum. No wonder Jacksonville is one of "America’s ten coolest small towns!" You won't be remiss in staying at the Wine Country Inn.
Joseph, Oregon
Despite being a notable drive from big cities like Portland or Salem, Joseph is an all-time favorite mountain escape—and no wonder—surrounded by some ravishing PNW sights on the northernmost tip of the resplendent Wallowa Lake. The locals take pride in calling "the US's thirteenth-most beautiful town," according to Travel + Leisure, home. From snowcapped peaks to pastoral greens, make the most of the remaining summer days along the lake, including boating, kayaking, fishing, or cooling dips and swimming after a hike. Joseph Bronze Artwalk is a unique take on history with its seven sculptures of figures from the past, while Joseph City Park features a cool playground, and Joseph Rodeo Grounds hosts annual events.
Peppered with art galleries, like the Josephy Center for Arts and Culture, Main Street is award-winning, thanks to every kind of small business, including cafes, gift shops, and adorable boutiques, like Arrowhead Chocolates, to power up and delight friends back home. Stop by the Wallowology Natural History Discovery Center and Embers Brewhouse after the "Golden Hour" tour with Joseph Branch Railriders, a unique way to explore. Nestled between the town and lake, the Iwetemlaykin State Heritage Site is a wildlife area significant for the Nez Perce tribe, with heritage landmarks and wildlife like cougars, bears, and deer. Sports Corral Inc. will gear up your adventures in every season, all the way along the river to a great lake view.
Ocean Shores, Washington
Jutting out into the Pacific along the North Bay, Ocean Shores defines quaint coastal charm with some of the state's most pristine beaches, perfect for setting up a photoshoot. Just three hours from Seattle, this overlooked gem away from the famously rugged PNW coastline boasts a long sandy strip that beguiles with a cozy feel to explore, spread out, and enjoy the sweeping views without crowds. In the summer, take advantage of the large all-season campground at Ocean City State Park, which is steps from the water and offers warm-weather opportunities like clamming and birding. Beyond swimming, visitors can enjoy oceanfront fires, driving on the beach, horseback riding with Chenois Creek Horse Rentals, and mopeds and e-bikes.
From beachcombing to the bustling downtown—literally, it is just a hop from both Ocean Lake Way and Taurus Blvd. to the beach—this hidden jewel attracts families, road trippers, those seeking romantic seclusion, and solo travelers. The tide pools offer fun clambering around North Jetty, the scenic northern entrance to Grays Harbor, with rocks, a small beach, and romantic ocean views. The Weatherwax Trail provides an easy hike with a huge payoff of quiet peace under the huge ferns. Afterward, the chilly 55-degree waters in the summer make for a refreshing swim, while Oyhut Bay Grill will warm up your soul with succulent seafood. Full of otherworldly vibes, Ocean Shores is also the ultimate jet set to Astoria and the Olympic National Forest.
Seabrook, Washington
This Instagram-worthy community has been stealing the hearts of new locals and visitors ever since its founding in 2004. What gives Seabrook the affectionate title of one of the best beach getaways in the state, you wonder? Modeled after Seaside, Florida, its quaint charm is downright adorable, with sun-dappled cottages and kids riding bikes, akin to "The Truman Show.” From the public Seabrook Beach to the Overlook Park and Elk Creek Trail along the coast, Gnome Forest & Trails leads to the scenic Old Cedar Stump with a fairy tale feel. The sea breeze reaches Market Street, home to the huge Seabrook Adirondack Chair, gear shops, home décor, crafts, and seasonal outfitters.
Enjoy casual dining or savor a bottle of wine after a hike or picnic on a scenic bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean. The scenic promenades and walking trails seamlessly connect the urban and the natural, from hundreds of acres of mountain biking and hiking trails to amenities that elevate every experience, like parks, the Town Hall, a boutique spa, and a central amphitheater. Browse candy shops and family-friendly restaurants ranging from pizza to Mexican at Koko's Restaurant and Tequila Bar. Attracting vacationing families and day trippers alike, it's easy to come on a whim with a new Sea-Tac airport-to-Seabrook shuttle and score a stay in the vacation rental program.
There’s no shortage of naturally beautiful regions in the United States, but the dreamy Cascadia inspires a fairytale feel with wildlife-filled islands, the mountainous Olympic National Park, and the old-growth forests that lie beneath the peaks. Mount Rainier, the highest peak in the region, meets the sky at nearly 14,500 feet. The PNW reveals itself along a wide variety of magnificent landscapes, like the San Juans and Hoh Rainforest.
Appeasing every taste of the outdoors for a sojourn with nature, these towns offer easy access and some of the most beautiful views in the region. Although big cities like Seattle offer access to the iconic wilderness, why drink Starbucks and dream of Cascadia when you could be dining in the oceanfront on seafood in Florence? The secluded beaches and appealing mountain campgrounds also offer some of the nation's best stargazing.
