8 Slow-Paced Towns to Visit in Washington
Affectionately given the nickname, “The Evergreen State,” Washington arguably has some of the most gorgeous places to relax in the country. Lying within its forests and mountains, and bordering coastlines and national parks, are several laid-back towns where residents embrace a different way of life. In need of a moment to disconnect from the stressors of daily life? The residents of these eight towns await you with open arms, ready to share their natural beauty and history with their visitors.
Poulsbo
Poulsbo, nicknamed “Little Norway,” is a town of around 13,000 residents on the Kitsap Peninsula. With a rich arts scene, travelers can appreciate a variety of art events, such as studio tours, art walks, and book festivals, or step into one of its many galleries, like Front Street Gallery and Carrie Goller Gallery. Throughout the year, the town celebrates its Viking heritage through events such as a Lutefisk and Meatball Dinner, Viking Fest, and Julefest and Holiday Bazaar. Kitsap Memorial Park is a nice place to go hiking, biking, or boating, lying along the Hood Canal Shoreline with a beautiful view of the Olympic Mountain range.
Roslyn
Beautiful Alpine lakes wilderness area in Washington, USA.
Roslyn is located near the Cascade Mountains, making it a convenient basecamp for exploring the Alpine Lakes Wilderness Area—which is home to over 700 lakes and mountain ponds, 615 miles of trails, and 47 trailheads. The town also features a designated National Historic District, preserving many original buildings and remnants of its mining history, including old mine shafts and coal sheds. Visitors can further learn about the town’s history by visiting the Rosylyn Historic Museum, which contains more artifacts related to its coal mining days and other important memorabilia from its early days.
Gig Harbor
A big view of the harbor in Gig Harbor, Washington.
Gig Harbor feels like a postcard come to life, set along Puget Sound with views of Mount Rainier in the background. Visitors are often found kayaking or boating along the bay, or booking a tour with one of the town’s cruise companies, such as Destiny Cruises. To learn about the peninsula’s history and heritage, visitors can stop by the Harbor History Museum, which has 7,000 square feet of exhibits to explore. Shoppers will enjoy popping into the many boutiques in Uptown Gig Harbor, while 7 Seas Brewing and Wet Coast Brewing have beer gardens and tasting rooms for enjoying a local craft beer.
Neah Bay
Looking out to the rocky coast from a cave in Cape Flattery, Neah Bay, Washington, USA.
Neah Bay is located on the northwesternmost tip of the United States and part of the Makah Reservation, an indigenous group that has resided in the area for nearly four millennia. Travelers can learn more about this tribal past by visiting the Makah Museum, which tells the story of the Makah before European contact and shares artifacts from the Ozette archeological site. Those up for an adventurous day can visit Shi Shi Beach, which requires a rainforest hike and beach walk to reach the isolated beach. Hobuck Beach is an alternative for those looking for a beach with easier access. Regarding culinary options, The Warmhouse Restaurant has one of the best views in town, right on the waterfront, offering locally caught seafood.
Port Angeles
A boat anchored on the calm waters of the Puget Sound as the early morning sun rays warm the cloud ridden sky at Port Angeles, Washington.
Port Angeles is the perfect stop for nature enthusiasts, sitting right at the edge of one of the country’s largest national parks. Just a 15-minute drive away, Olympic National Park contains nearly a million acres of pure wilderness, glacier-capped mountains, 70 miles of coastline, and ancient temperate rainforests. The town’s extensive event calendar is another good reason to visit, with its Winter Ice Village starting on November 22nd, which features a festive, outdoor skating rink. Additionally, with plenty of slopes nearby, many travelers flock to the Hurricane Ridge Ski Area, located within Olympic National Park with a summit elevation of 5,240 feet.
Snohomish
Lying along the Snohomish River, Snohomish is a small town with a population of roughly 10,200 residents, perhaps most notably known for its downtown historic district. The town’s classic American main street often provokes a sense of nostalgia in visitors, with many homes dating back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries and featuring Queen Anne Victorian, Gothic Revival, Beaux Arts, and Italianate styles, among other varieties. During November and December, a number of festive events will get visitors into the holiday spirit, including a Holiday Tree Lighting, Winterfest, and Winter Solstice Walk. For a cozy escape from the cold, Double Barrel Wine Bar has an inviting atmosphere, where a sommelier and chef pair fine wines and dishes for an exquisite experience.
Cashmere
Cashmere, WA Countryside.
Cashmere, a town of 3,300, sits in the heart of Washington’s orchard and wine country, making it an ideal spot to enjoy fresh fruit or a delicious apple pastry. Visitors don’t have to go far to find a fruit stand or farmers market. Every Sunday, from May through October, Cashmere has a community farmers market, with Leavenworth, Lake Chelan, and Wenatchee hosting markets as well. These spots offer fresh produce, honey, cheeses, meats, and locally made crafts. Aplets & Cotlets Candy Kitchen also offers daily tours that lead visitors through the fruit and nut confection-making process. The Wenatchee River that runs through town is also well-known for its white water, making it a great place to white water raft down the rapids.
Blaine
Blaine sits in northwest Washington along Semiahmoo Bay, with the Canadian town of Douglas bordering it to the north. The Semiahoo Spit Loop is one of the most popular places to go for a walk or a jog, winding along the gorgeous coastline of the Semiahmoo Peninsula, about two and a half miles in total. On Saturday, November 30th, the town will have its annual Holiday Harbor Lights Festival, which will offer caroling, free mini train and horse-drawn carriage rides, a holiday craft Bazaar, and a tree lighting. In downtown Blaine, visitors can go souvenir shopping or Christmas present shopping in one of the local boutiques, which sell antiques, flowers, and gifts. Barnyard Coffee Roasters is a great spot for a coffee break, offering beans sourced from countries around the world.
Final Thoughts
Whether you are seeking history, adventure, or a quiet place to unwind, Washington's small towns have a little bit of everything. From cozy cafes in Blaine to breathtaking natural landscapes in Neah Bay and Port Angeles, these towns provide the perfect getaway for anyone and everyone in need of some relaxation. Set out on your next adventure and let Washington's hidden gems show you how easy it is to disconnect and embrace the Pacific Northwest’s beauty!
