8 Towns in Washington That Transport You to the Past

Since some of the world’s leading tech companies call the Evergreen State of Washington home, it’s easy to view this state as one that focuses more on the future. But if you know where to go, you can find fascinating glimpses into Washington’s past. From coastal hamlets that keep classic fishing and maritime traditions alive to old-school mountain towns that maintain their Old West character (or, in one specific town, a Bavarian-style atmosphere), Washington has a rich cultural heritage that extends far beyond online retail and video games.

Whether seeking out relaxing beaches, exhilarating ski slopes, or simply charming small towns, find all of these and more across Washington State. To begin your journey, check out these eight towns in Washington that transport you to the past.

Coupeville

Located on Whidbey Island, about 58 miles northwest of Seattle, Coupeville holds the honor of being Washington’s second-oldest town on record, and its interesting history stretches back even further. At the Island County Historical Museum, explore the region as it existed when the Lower Skagit Indigenous people established their communities here and trace the evolution of Coupeville through multiple waves of immigration in the 19th and 20th centuries. In addition, this is the location of the Alexander Blockhouse, an 1850s fort that white settlers originally used for military purposes, then repurposed to support the region’s growing farming sector.

The Alexander Blockhouse is merely one of multiple landmarks and features that are part of Ebey's Landing National Historical Reserve, which includes Coupeville. To experience more of Coupeville's natural beauty, the Robert Y. Pratt Preserve has hiking trails that lead to stunning beaches and spectacular Olympic Peninsula views. For those visiting during the summer months, hike to the Jacob & Sarah Ebey House for an intimate look at life on the island during the early days of white settlement in the 1850s. And no matter when you are visiting, the Victorian-style Anchorage Inn is great for a historic stay in town, as is Captain Whidbey for a 1907 lodge with rustic chic rooms and cabins.

Port Townsend

Situated on the Quimper Peninsula, an arm of the larger Olympic Peninsula that’s about 56 miles northwest of Seattle, Port Townsend is chock full of elaborate and intricate Victorian architecture that serves as a potent reminder of how long this town has lasted. For a deeper journey into Port Townsend’s past, take the čičməhán Trail (or Chetzemoka Trail) to experience the intersection of the Indigenous Jamestown S'Klallam Tribe and the European settlers who began to arrive in the 19th century. Key highlights include Chetzemoka Park, a public space and monument that honors the S’Klallam leader Chetzemoka who played a critical role in leading the city in its early days, the Northwest Maritime Center for a deep dive into Coast Salish canoe culture as well as interactive sailing classes, and Fort Worden State Historical Park for a former tribal campsite that later became a critical US military fort (and is now a park with some of the area’s best beaches).

For even more scenic throwbacks, head south to Fort Townsend Historical State Park to explore another former military base that has somehow entirely returned to nature with its stunning array of forest trails and beaches. Once you are ready to settle down, head to the Old Consulate Inn for a beautiful Victorian bed-and-breakfast that's stood in town for over 130 years.

Sequim

With its remarkably sunny days and (relatively) dry weather, you can see and feel why Sequim has long been a favorite destination on the Olympic Peninsula. Located about 67 miles northwest of Seattle, Sequim began attracting European settlers in the 1850s, and it then developed into a vital agricultural community. It’s now considered the Lavender Capital of North America, and local farms like B&B Family Farm, Fleurish Lavender, and Jardin du Soleil have lavender fields open for picking, along with scrumptious lavender personal care products worth picking up.

For a different side of Sequim’s agricultural life, make an appointment to visit Happy Valley Alpaca Ranch and its famous furry residents, and check out Dungeness Meadow Farm and Graysmarsh Farm for fresh berries and sweet treats made with their produce. To complete your Sequim adventure, book a caboose at the railroad-themed Olympic Railway Inn.

Leavenworth

These days, the village of Leavenworth is best known for its Bavarian-style architecture and atmosphere. But long before this town became a tourist hotspot, this town (that is about 97 north of Yakima and 120 miles east of Seattle) was once a much more hardscrabble logging town. At the Greater Leavenworth Museum, walk through Leavenworth’s transformation over the years and dig deeper into the backstories of the Upper Wenatchee Valley. Meanwhile, for a quirkier view of what Leavenworth has to offer today, the Nutcracker Museum is an exceptionally fun and kid-friendly space to check out the world’s largest collection of nutcrackers.

For those visiting Leavenworth during winter, make your own history on snow with options for alpine and Nordic skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, fat tire biking, and even ski jumping. During the summer, trails like Icicle Ridge and Snow Lakes are open for hiking and provide exceptional Cascade Mountain scenery and, in the case of Snow Lakes, stunning views of the 8,368-foot-tall McClellan Peak. No matter when you visit, get ready to encounter great performances and interactive arts education programs at the Icicle Center for the Arts, and consider drinking locally crafted masterpieces at Doghaus Brewery (for beer) and Rocky Pond Estate Winery. And for a slice of European Alpine life in the Cascades, book a stay at the Bavarian Lodge.

Republic

Nestled by the Okanagan Highlands, about 123 miles northwest of Spokane and 133 miles (or 213 kilometers) southeast of Kelowna (British Columbia, Canada), Republic might be your best place to discover some Old West spirit in Eastern Washington. Republic began to grow when prospectors found gold at Eureka Gulch in 1896, and the Ferry County Historical Center lets visitors trace this town’s evolution from a get-rich-quick mining town to a slow-paced agricultural haven. At the Stonerose Interpretive Center, it is easy to venture further back in time and discover a wealth of prehistoric fossils and other local geological treasures.

For more adventures outside, take the Golden Tiger Pathway for over five miles of trail for hiking, mountain biking, and running between Republic and Curlew Lake. Curlew Lake State Park is great for fishing, boating, bird-watching, and winter activities. For a rustic Republic getaway, the state park has campsites available for reservation. But if you need a few more creature comforts, Fisherman's Cove Resort has cabins available at the lake, while Northern Inn offers cozy accommodations in town.

Winthrop

Located around 169 miles (or 271 kilometers) southwest of Kelowna and 232 miles northeast of Seattle, Winthrop is a four-season mountain town with an interesting backstory. At Shafer Historical Museum, you can throw back to Winthrop’s early days as a gold mining town in the late 19th century. For more local history, take a short drive to the Methow Valley Interpretive Center for prehistoric fossils and artifacts, a rich collection of mətxʷu (Methow) Indigenous art and cultural treasures, and ongoing community events.

Keep an eye out for more wondrous gems around town, such as the Winthrop National Fish Hatchery for an up-close look at local marine conservation programs, Pearrygin Lake State Park for year-long recreation (like cross-country skiing in winter and boating in summer), and Patterson Mountain for incredibly scenic hiking. If you are down for a longer stay, check into a cozy stay at the Patterson Lake Cabins or the Silverline Lakeside Resort (by Pearrygin Lake).

Chelan

Perched on the eastern shore of Lake Chelan, about 141 miles north of Yakima and 179 miles east of Seattle, the town of Chelan is steeped in rich history, culture, and natural beauty. The Chelan Indigenous people have long called this place home, and the Chelan Museum lets you dive into this local heritage and culture with a wealth of Native American arts, crafts, and vintage tools, as well as a vintage mining cabin and a treasure trove of memorabilia. For a deeper dive into the region’s natural history, the Lake Chelan Museum of Wildlife, Natural History, and Art showcases more of Chelan’s stunning biodiversity.

When you feel like heading out and exploring more of town, head over to Chelan Riverwalk Park and Don Morse Memorial Park to experience the town’s ongoing relationship with the lovely glacier-fed lake that continues to draw visitors here today. For something more exhilarating, try hang gliding with Lake Chelan Flyers and head to Lake Chelan State Park for a host of aquatic activities (including swimming, kayaking, and scuba diving). If you are having a hard time pulling away from the lake, consider staying at Watson’s Harverene Resort for a cozy, family-friendly lodge, or check into Peterson’s Waterfront Resort for condo-style accommodations in town.

Anacortes

Nestled by the Puget Sound, around 80 miles north of Seattle and 95 miles (or 152 kilometers) south of Vancouver (British Columbia), Anacortes often serves as the place where people catch a ferry to the San Juan Islands, but there is much more to explore in this very town. In the 1870s, Anacortes was envisioned as a key railroad hub, but the decision to extend the Northern Pacific Railway to Seattle instead ruined this plan for Anacortes. At the Anacortes Museum, you can track the town’s development since that disappointment. At the Maritime Heritage Center, it's possible to dive deep into Anacortes’ pivot into becoming a key sailing town. Right next to the Maritime Heritage Center sits the historic W.T. Preston steamboat, which was the last steamboat to operate in Puget Sound until it retired in 1981.

For more adventures in the great outdoors, try taking a very short ferry ride to Guemes Island to hike the mountain trail, catch plenty of great island and sea views, explore the pristine coastal wilderness at Peach Preserve, and relax at the beach at Young's Park. For even more exciting excursions, check out the pleasant sights of the Anacortes Community Forest Lands on the south end of town, including the trails leading to the summit of Mt. Erie. To complete your Anacortes experience, book a stay at the elegant yet comfy Majestic Inn and Spa.

Washington: Where Past Lore Meets Present-day Beauty

When you are looking for towns that transport you to the past, Washington has plenty of towns that fit the bill. For a deep dig into the Evergreen State's mining history, towns like Republic and Winthrop let you go back while also impressing with stunning mountain scenery. For those that would rather sail away, Coupeville, Port Townsend, and Anacortes offer amazingly beautiful pairings of great maritime heritage and greater natural beauty along the Puget Sound. No matter where and how you would like to throw back, Washington is picture-perfect for the ultimate journeys through time.