8 Loveliest Small Towns to Visit in Washington This Summer
Washington is nicknamed the Evergreen State, perhaps because it knows how to glow in every season. However, there is something spectacular about summer in the small towns of this Pacific Northwest state. From the sunset over its inviting beaches to its rising from the horizon over the mountains, the scenery is always spellbinding. These mesmerizing landscapes set the canvas for tourists to create memorable summer experiences. From Gig Harbor and its stunning beaches to Port Angeles and the nearby Olympic Mountains, these eight Washington towns are some of the loveliest places you can visit this summer.
Coupeville
Coupeville is a charming small town on Whidbey Island of Puget Sound, and if a summer vacation on an island sounds like fun, this town is the place to be. Hiking is naturally one of the best things to do in summer and in Coupeville, the Ebey’s Landing National Historic Reserve along the Salish Sea sets the stage for that. Tourists can hike the 3.5-mile Bluff Loop Trail in the reserve overlooking Puget Sound and then descend from the bluff to roam the beaches.
Next, head to Fort Casey Historical State Park or Fort Ebey State Park to enjoy history alongside adventures. At Fort Casey, visitors can even head to the nearby Admiralty Head Lighthouse, to learn about the beacon or climb to its top for charming views of the area. More history about Coupeville and Whidbey Island is available at the Island County Historical Museum via artifacts and relics such as a vintage telephone switchboard and the island’s first car. Before leaving town, remember to indulge in the seafood temptations at Toby’s Tavern or Front Street Grill.
Long Beach
Long Beach is a town on the Peninsula of the same name in Pacific County that prides itself as home to one of the longest beaches in the world. Summer visitors will enjoy driving along the town's 28-mile-long sandy beach, building sand castles and relaxing on the sands, or surfing and sunbathing in the water. The town’s boardwalk is also lovely as it runs along windswept dunes and features great views of the Pacific Ocean and the North Head Lighthouse.
In addition, Long Beach has neat museums like the World Kite Museum, housing over 1,500 kites sourced globally, and the Cranberry Museum & Gift Shop, where visitors can learn about the town’s cranberry heritage. Eating cranberry ice cream at this museum is a must, and remember to buy trip souvenirs at the gift shop. Afterward, relax at Neptune Movie House and watch thrilling movies with popcorn. If there is still time, visitors are invited to North Beach Tavern or Pickled Fish for live music and exotic dining.
Westport
Westport sits on a peninsula at the entrance of Grays Harbor from the Pacific Ocean, making it a dazzling oceanside town in summer. The town offers plenty of sights and sensational experiences, but visitors can always start with the Westport Marina and embark on boat cruises to explore the bay and ocean. Next, head to the beautiful beach at Twin Harbors State Park for coastal scenery and activities such as sunbathing, picnicking, fishing, and birdwatching.
Westport Light State Park is another incredible park in town to visit as it features a beautiful beach and the 107-foot Grays Harbor Lighthouse, the tallest in Washington State. Meanwhile, history buffs can head to the Westport Maritime Museum for the town’s local history while pizza lovers have the Westport Pizza Company to patronize. Westport is also close to the International Mermaid Museum where visitors can learn about the underwater world and mermaid mythology.
Chelan
Chelan is a quaint, small town on the shores of Lake Chelan that makes for a perfect summer destination. Here, one could spend the entire season at Lake Chelan State Park, boating, fishing, kayaking, canoeing, jet skiing, and parasailing, with views of the neighboring mountains. The park also offers trails, campsites, and a sandy beach for picnics. Lake Chelan Riverwalk Park is another great park in town, featuring a mile-long loop trail, a small beach, and charming views of the Wenatchee River.
Visitors can also grace the Chelan Museum for a trip to the region’s past via exhibits, photography, and artifacts. For something different, head to the historic Ruby Theatre, and don’t forget to taste the pizza at Local Myth Pizza when it's lunchtime.
La Conner
La Conner is a charming town in Skagit County, along the Swinomish Channel where summer visitors will be spoilt with pleasant visual indulgences and exciting activities. Laid-back tourists can start with a stroll along Rainbow Bridge, an arch deck bridge connecting the town to Fidalgo Island. Below the bridge is the Conner Waterfront Park on the banks of the Swinomish Channel, with picnic benches on green areas for relaxation and scenic views.
More adventurous visitors can rent a kayak on the La Conner Marina and paddle on the bay to Goat Island, where a small beach and WWII Fort await exploration. Away from the outdoors, La Conner invites visitors to learn more about the town at the Skagit County Historical Museum and browse through artworks at the Museum of Northwest Art. For the best dining in La Conner with views of the channel, head to the La Conner Waterfront Café.
Port Townsend
Port Townsend is a famous town on the Quimper Peninsula with so much to offer year-round. In summer, the town shines in picturesque waterfront scenery and invites visitors to North Beach Park, to sunbathe, stroll, play on the sands, and admire the magnificent Strait of Juan De Fuca. Fort Worden Historical State Park, the town’s highlight historic attraction, shares a boundary with North Beach and invites visitors to adventures mixed with history. The 433-acre park features the Puget Sound Coast Artillery Museum, abandoned batteries, a sandy shoreline, and trails to explore the military artifacts in the area.
Visitors can relax or enjoy picnics at the scenic Chetzemoka Park, with stunning views of Admiralty Inlet. Don't forget to grab ice cream at Elevated Ice Cream and enjoy pizza downtown at Waterfront Pizza.
Gig Harbor
Gig Harbor is an irresistible town in Pierce County worth a visit every summer. Located on a bay in Puget Sound, this town presents a waterfront downtown offering an exciting walking tour full of scenery and things to see and do. Visitors can begin this tour with a delicious meal at the Gourmet Burger Shop or Tide’s Tarven and then proceed to Skansie Brothers Park to relax in green areas and admire the bay.
Otherwise, embark on a boat cruise to explore the Puget Sound or ride a gondola on the calm bay waters for sightseeing. History buffs can delve into the Harbor History Museum to learn about the town's maritime roots and ancient cultures via artifacts and exhibits. For more adventures, head to Kopachuck State Park, 15 minutes from downtown, to bask in a gorgeous beach on Henderson Bay and catch the sunset with views of the Olympic Mountains.
Port Angeles
Port Angeles is a premier summer destination in Washington due to its location on the northern edge of the Olympic Peninsula and along the shores of Juan De Fuca Strait. Hence, it serves as a gateway to the iconic Olympic National Park, where more than 2 million people come to have fun every year. Encompassing nearly one million acres, this park has all kinds of attractions from ancient fairy-tale-like forests to vast coastlines, waterbodies, mountain trails, waterfalls, and hot springs among others. A few attractions to check out in the park include Hoh Rainforest, Lake Crescent, and Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort.
Besides the park, however, Port Angeles also features plenty of attractions like Hollywood Beach, Port Angeles Fine Arts Center, and Port Angeles Mural Trail. The Elwha Klallam Carnegie Museum is another interesting attraction in town worth visiting as it is home to artifacts and exhibits excavated from a nearby Native American village. To wrap up, be sure to shop for pottery, jewelry, clothing, and many other interesting antiques at the Trading Post Antiques.
Washington boasts some of the most serene and lovely landscapes in the US, thanks partly to the Pacific Ocean that borders it to the west. Summer is the best time to explore this state and capture its beautiful scenery, and its small towns are the perfect places to set base. Beyond their breathtaking views, these towns offer sensational adventures, particularly water sports. History and arts are also abundant in these communities, so there is something for everybody.
