7 Most Beautiful Small Towns in Washington to Visit in 2024
Washington is nicknamed "The Evergreen State" thanks to its plentiful evergreen forests and natural landscape. Additionally, it's a hub for innovation and coffee, as Amazon and Starbucks both have their origins here. Interestingly, this state boasts the most coffee shops per capita nationwide, offering the finest cafes to jumpstart your journey and fuel your adventure. This article will uncover the seven most beautiful small towns in Washington. Poulsbo
This charming little town is called Little Norway after a Norwegian immigrant first settled in the area and observed a landscape that reminded him of his home country. One of the most prominent attractions in Poulsbo is the Liberty Bay Waterfront Park, which offers stunning views of the marina, filled with as many boats as the eye can see. A two-minute walk away lies the Poulsbo Heritage Museum, one of three city museums in town offering hands-on exhibitions related to Poulsbo's extensive and storied maritime history. Other points of interest in the area include the Poulsbohemian Coffeehouse, Premier Meat Pies, and The Brass Kraken Pub, a bayside establishment featuring mouth-watering seafood and incredible views.
Mount Vernon
This quaint town is situated along the banks of the picturesque Skagit River and has formed its identity around the natural topography in the area. One of many prominent attractions in the area is the Skagit River Walk Park, home to numerous events throughout the year, including music performances, farmers markets, or simply a getaway for residents to enjoy a relaxing walk by the water. Alternatively, Little Mountain Park lies a short eight-minute drive away, providing a calendar-worthy panoramic vista from the observation deck. To fill your tummy and taste the local cuisine, The Skagit Table, Riverside Cafe, and Mr. T's Family Cafe are all excellent choices for a delicious meal.
Winthrop
Winthrop is the perfect getaway town to escape the outside noise of cities and clear your mind. With more than seven parks and hiking trails to discover, outdoor enthusiasts can rejoice through a plethora of options to satisfy their love for nature while getting some fresh, crisp air. Additionally, Winthrop is home to the Shafer Historical Museum, a reconstructed 1920s village that educates locals and tourists about the history and life in the Methow Valley. Another bonus of visiting Winthrop is its proximity to Pearrygin Lake State Park, a 1,200-acre area with dazzling views of nearby lakes and mountains. For your lodging needs, the Methow River Lodge and Cabins is a three-star hotel with spacious, wallet-friendly accommodations in wooden cabins.
North Bend
Just a short half-hour drive from Seattle, North Bend offers some of the most spectacular views in the state of Washington. Kickstart your trip with a visit to the Twin Falls Natural Area and see the majestic 135-foot waterfall cascading down rocky cliffs. And if you're up for a challenge, climb Putrid Pete's Peak—the hike takes 4 hours and 25 minutes to trek and serves as a soothing retreat to enjoy a moment of tranquility at 2,906 feet above sea level. Other peaks in the area include the Mr. Si Trailhead, Mount Si, and Little Si Peak. For your culinary delights, the South Fork North Bend and North Bend Bar & Grill are among the town's most popular choices, serving authentic American dishes in cozy lodge settings.
Friday Harbor
Located on the beautiful San Juan Island, Friday Harbor's story began as a modest agricultural, commercial area—and while it still plays a minor role, the town has evolved, hosting more than ten art galleries and museums, including the Friday Harbor Gallery, Waterwork Gallery, and the Arctic Raven Gallery. The latter showcases Indigenous artwork, including masks, carved wood, and sculptures. However, the biggest game in town is the San Juan Islands Museum of Art, where you can attend educational seminars and see many unique rotating exhibits. To break a sweat and feel the cool breeze of the Pacific waters, tour the San Juan Island National Historical Park, a beloved 2,141-acre conservation area laden with hiking trails, beaches, and wildlife. While there are many tourist attractions here, the Fourth of July Beach, South Beach, and Cattle Point Lighthouse rank among the best places to explore.
Kennewick
This relatively unknown town played a crucial role in the Manhattan Project, harboring a top-secret government facility dedicated to research. Beyond that, it flaunts a gorgeous landscape morphed through powerful Ice Age floods. Moreover, Kennewickis is also where remains of The Kennewick Man were discovered, one of the most critical and pivotal human skeletons in the history of the United States, sparking a fierce anthropological debate and legal repatriation battle. Aside from its fascinating history, Kennewick harbors scenic parks and tourist attractions near the waters of the Columbia River, with Columbia Park, Clover Island Lighthouse, and Sacajawea Historical State Park topping the list. For family-friendly venues, drop by the Gesa Carousel of Dreams amusement center and the Max Air Trampoline Park.
Port Townsend
Ranked among the most beautiful historic towns in the northern US earlier this year and one of the best towns for retirement on the Pacific Coast, Port Townsend flaunts magnificent Victorian architecture, a vibrant arts scene, and plenty of shops in its downtown core to visit. Start your trip near the ferry terminal, where you can see and choose from 11 art galleries, all within walking distance—among them, the JCHS Museum of Art & History is both a museum and an art gallery, showcasing rotating interdisciplinary exhibitions throughout the year in a 19th-century historic courthouse. Since this town sits by the waters of Port Townsend Bay, it harbors the beautiful 145-year-old Point Wilson Lighthouse, listed on the National Register of Historic Places. To get a nice view while being able to sit down and grab a bite, consider visiting Better Living Through Coffee, a premier cafe with an outside patio, granting spectacular shore views.
In conclusion, Washington offers a wide array of beautiful towns, supplying access to diverse attractions, natural parks, and captivating historical museums to explore. Whether you're seeking to roam the great outdoors and fill your lungs with Evergreen State's fresh air or journey back in time at the many historic sites, these towns offer a unique experience for everyone.
