8 Coziest Towns to Visit on the Pacific Northwest in 2024
The Pacific Northwest scores big on natural beauty and attractions. It features one of the world's longest fjord coastlines and is dotted by numerous picturesque bays, islands, and mountains. This vast, awe-inspiring region is start-studded with a delightful cornucopia of cozy towns, some of which are among the most beautiful in the world. From Sequim, Washington, the “Lavender Capital of North America,” — to Pendleton, Oregon — which serves as the headquarters for Umatilla National Forest, discover below the 8 cozy towns to visit in the Pacific Northwest.
Sequim, Washington
Sequim reclines along the furious Dungeness River near the base of the Olympic Mountains. Lavender’s soothing fragrance is among the most recognizable, and Sequim, known as the “Lavender Capital of North America,” — is no less calming. There are numerous accommodation options to work with here, including Dungeness Bay Cottages, located right across the bay. A vacationer will not want to miss the experience of being in a hot tub in a cottage while inhaling beautiful mountain views. First-time visitors will enjoy strolling through Sequim’s walkable downtown area and popping into locally owned-shops and restaurants. Pacific Pantry has outdoor seating and provides kick-ass pizzas, while Salty Girls is a low-key oyster eatery where patrons order and pay through the website via a bar code. Dandelion Botanical Company, which should not be missed either, offers a delightful range of products, including books, oils, tinctures, and herbs. Then there is Troll Haven, known for its quirky carvings of trolls, dragons, and other mythical creatures.
Walla Walla, Washington
Walla Walla was platted in the years before the outbreak of the Civil War and, hence, is among the oldest cities in the Evergreen State. It had its start as a busy gold rush town — going on to become the largest city in what was then called the Washington Territory. Wheat farming soon replaced gold mining and the town got a new moniker: “The Bread Basket of the World.” Today, however, Walla Walla is known for its wines. Expect, therefore, to enjoy the heavenly flavors of a well-crafted cabernet sauvignon. Drop your luggage at the historic Marcus Whitman Hotel, Eastern Washington's premier luxury hotel, whose guest list includes notable names such as Louis Armstrong and President Dwight Eisenhower. From here, work your way to the Fort Walla Walla Museum and glimpse into the town’s rich heritage. Finally, with its fantastic selection of reds, whites, and rosés, Seven Hills Winery provides an experience that is hard to beat. It is housed in the historic Whitehouse-Crawford building.
Astoria, Oregon
Once a fur-trading post, Astoria is today among the best cozy towns to visit in the Pacific Northwest. This Oregon charmer has served as the setting of several movies, including Into the Wild, which stars celebrities such as Vince Vaughn, Kristen Stewart, and Hal Holbrook. There is a big dose of Victorian architecture here, and a first-time visitor will enjoy ambling through Astoria’s downtown area and appreciating one of its greatest allures. The John Jacob Astor Hotel, for example, opened its doors in 1924 and is one of the tallest buildings on the Oregon Coast. Astoria Brewing Company serves delicious Draft root beer, while Bridgewater Bistro, with seats overlooking the largest river in the Pacific Northwest, is another exceptional culinary option worth checking out. The Maritime Museum, located on the historic waterfront, displays one of the most extensive collections of nautical artifacts on the West Coast. It was the first nationally accredited maritime museum in the western United States.
Port Townsend, Washington
From its fashion vibes to its astounding architecture to its vibrant nightlife, Paris is among the most beautiful cities in the world. But no need to cross the Atlantic. Port Townsend is called The Paris of the Northwest — and nicknames don’t just fall from the sky. A cute little town of just about 10,000 residents, Port Townsend, is mostly known for its eye-catching Victorian architecture, although its coastal landscape also leaves first-time visitors completely blown away. The whimsical Olympic Peninsula, where Port Townsend is located, is an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise. Tour the historic Fort Worden State Park, once a large fortification system constructed in the late 19th century to protect the Puget Sound area from outside attack. Drop your luggage at the iconic Palace Hotel, a 3-minute walk from the Port Townsend ferry terminal. If looking for a place to just sit and inhale this town’s beauty, the Historic Fire Bell Tower, the last remaining wooden fire bell tower in the entire country, is not to be missed.
Poulsbo, Washington
Quaint but known to brim with lots of enticing features, Washington’s “Little Norway” is another cozy town worth visiting in the Pacific Northwest. One’s port of call should be at Poulsbohemian Coffeehouse, especially at a table that overlooks the world’s largest ocean. For some retail therapy, especially a one-of-a-kind memento, Nordiska, a Nordic-inspired boutique that sells all things Scandinavian, should be on one’s to-do list. Sniff some fresh, playful air at the Muriel Iverson Williams Waterfront Park, a lovely plank pathway along the bay that is incredibly pleasant and peaceful. It is not uncommon to lock eyes with sea lions here or catch a glimpse of bald eagles spreading their lordly wings in the Washington sky. A short drive away, the U.S. Naval Undersea Museum is worth every minute. It is one of only 10 Navy museums operated by the Naval History & Heritage Command.
Lewiston, Idaho
The Gem State appears on this list via Lewiston, mostly known as the gateway to Hells Canyon, whose dramatic basalt rock formations draw thousands of visitors to the town every year. Hells Canyon National Recreation Area, another landmark Lewiston attraction, is something completely out of this world. It can only be accessed by jet boat or raft. The town’s climate, especially its warm days and cool nights, helps the region produce delicious wine varieties, including Cabernet Sauvignons, Merlots, and Rieslings. To prove this assertion, however, work your way to Clearwater Canyon Cellars, one of the best wineries in the Pacific Northwest. Relive the dangers and perils of the Lewis and Clark Expedition at the Nez Perce County Historical Society & Museum. In the course of your visit, you will learn that this cozy town is Idaho’s oldest incorporated community and once served as the first territorial capital.
Pendleton, Oregon
Pendleton sits along the Umatilla River, which has its source in the conifer forests of the Blue Mountains. It serves as the headquarters for Umatilla National Forest and hosts Blue Mountain Community College. Many years ago, this cozy Oregon charmer was a dusty stop along the Oregon Trail, known to have facilitated arguably the largest mass migration of people in American history. Umatilla National Forest, on the outside patio of Pendleton, is home to one of the nation's largest herds of Rocky Mountain elk. The McKay Reservoir, which impounds the waters of McKay Creek, is a monumental feat of engineering. It was designed by the Bureau of Reclamation and — according to the Bureau’s design engineer — was to be "the boldest design of all the important dams constructed by the Bureau of Reclamation" up to that point. Enjoy a beautiful stroll along the Pendleton Riverwalk, which follows the south bank of the Umatilla River. Pop inside Rainbow Cafe, Oregon’s oldest tavern — or participate in the Pendleton Round-Up, one of the ten largest rodeos in the world. Then, there is the Pendleton Underground Tour, which no first-time visitor will want to miss.
Snohomish, Washington
Most towns known for antiques are often cool, cozy, and artsy. Snohomish, billed as the Antique Capital of the Northwest — lives up to this general expectation. For perspective, more than 350 antique dealers sell their wares in Snohomish. To know why Snohomish is mostly known for antiques, a first visitor will want to spend some time at the Star Center Antique Mall, a five-floor complex with more than 200 dealers selling a delightful range of artworks, including art glass, vintage toys, memorabilia from several eras, clothes, even star wars. Do not miss the Collectors Reference Bookstore, one of the largest collections of antique reference books in the world. With culinary spots such as the Oxford Saloon, a first-time visitor should not endure any whiff of hunger pangs. Oxford Saloon was built in 1900 and once featured a top-floor brothel operated by “Madam Kathleen,” whose ghost reportedly still roams the haunted halls, wearing a purple dress with purple bows. Take a bite of their Ghost Burgers before exploring outdoor sites such as the Lord Hill Regional Park, which features a glittering lake and lovely trails.
The Takeaway
Granted, it can be rainy and windy, but the Pacific Northwest, with its ice-clad peaks, lush forests, and glittering cascades, rarely gets the hype and attention it deserves. And that is without mentioning the sliver of soft, white sand that fringe its shoreline — the wines (in some towns) — and its other culinary delights: the Salmon candies, the Dungeness crabs, and Oregon berries. Set your base in one of these cozy towns in the Pacific Northwest and explore what this underappreciated region offers.
