8 Unforgettable Small Towns to Visit in Washington
With its majestic mountains and sweeping coastlines, Washington State embodies the Pacific Northwest's greatest attributes. For a peaceful hideaway surrounded by delightful lakes, rivers, mountains, and state parks capable of sticking to mind, look no further than these eight small towns. In Sequim, tourists can enjoy the fragrant lavender fields or hike the longest natural sand spit in the US; in Leavenworth, there is the appealing Bavarian village aura amidst the backdrop of the Cascade Mountains. Whether you are looking for a quick escape to a quaint seaside town, a long hike along Washington's most beautiful trails, or a pampered weekend of downtown boutique shopping and sampling local cuisine, these towns are sure to deliver an unforgettable visit.
Poulsbo
The small town of Poulsbo on the Kitsap Peninsula showcases the extent of the Norwegian influence in the area. Dubbed "Little Norway," its architecture, food, and shops make it feel like stepping into the Nordic culture. Before European settlement, Poulsbo was inhabited by the Suquamish natives, who have lived in the Liberty Bay region over the past 5,000 years, hunted throughout the Poulsbo forests, and fished in bays and streams. To expand on the local marine biodiversity, one can visit the SEA Discovery Center, which hosts exhibitions, lectures, film screenings, and book discussions throughout the year.
For a taste of Norwegian cuisine, Crimson Cove provides high-quality smoked salmon. If you prefer a sweeter bite, the Sluys Poulsbo is a family-run bakery famous for its donuts and Norwegian sweet bread. To crown your trip in Poulsbo, reserve a ferry ride along the fjord-like waters of Liberty Bay; it will undoubtedly leave a mark in your memory.
Kingston
Kingston is a small town along the shores of Appletree Cove and the Puget Sound. Its port is home to the Washington State Ferry terminal, linking the city to Edmonds and Seattle with a short ferry ride. The port of Kingston also provides a step launch and retrieval system for a kayak or small boat, allowing for scenic canoeing adventures along Puget Sound, with stunning sights of Appletree Cove that will be hard to forget. While in the "Little City by the Sea," one can take a leisurely tour of the town and enjoy the natural beauty of the nearby North Kitsap Heritage Park, which features a lush fern undergrowth with many trails to explore.
Leavenworth
The enchanting Bavarian village of Leavenworth, set against the Cascade Mountains, will transport you to an authentic German haven. Over two million visitors a year come to Leavenworth for festivals and other attractions, especially around Christmas. In late December, the town comes alive, complete with twinkling lights, nutcrackers, and themed hats at gift shops like Kris Kringl and The Wood Shop.
Oktoberfest is another main event around here, with freshly brewed pints and warm, salty pretzels delivering an authentic German experience you will not forget easily. Furthermore, the Cascade Range is an all-year attraction offering scenic trails like the nearby Castle Rock Trailhead or the Freund Canyon Trailhead, perfect for mountain bike action.
Hansville
Hansville enjoys the scenic views of Admiralty Inlet in the northern tip of the Kitsap Peninsula. There is an abundance of wildlife, and the memorable sighting opportunities include whale watching at the right times and lots of bird species. This coastal community takes great pride in its well-kept natural spaces. For example, the Norwegian Point County Park is a small park with lovely water views and is not overrun by the usual crowds you may expect on the Kitsap Peninsula. The adjacent beach is a very quiet spot, perfect to unwind and relax. Local fishermen and guests enjoy catching salmon from the beach while taking in the views and watching the parade of marine traffic.
Port Gamble
Port Gamble is a small port city guarding the strait of its eponymous bay and the near Hood Canal on the northwestern shore of the Kitsap Peninsula. The whole town is a National Historic Landmark that feels like a time capsule from the 19th century. Feel free to stroll its main street between the well-preserved buildings reminiscent of another era. To start your adventure the Port Gamble Historic Museum is the perfect place to start. Described as "Washington's best-kept secret," the museum tells the story and explores the rich history of one of Washington's oldest towns. Coming out from this unforgettable trip back in time, the Olympic Outdoor Center is the perfect spot to rent a kayak or paddleboard to relax on the calm bay waters.
Sequim
The town of Sequim enchants its visitors with lush fields of purple flowers, offering a vacation right out of a storybook. Nicknamed the "Lavender Capital of North America," visitors never want to miss the unforgettable smell of the sweeping lavender fields around Sequim. Other unique and memorable activities include flying high in hot air balloons thanks to Morning Star Balloon Co. organized flights, catching a concert or a play in the Olympic Theatre Arts, or hiking the Dungeness Spit, the longest natural sand spit in the United States. Sequim's successful lavender production is largely due to its sunny weather, which is not typical for the Pacific Northwest. So "Sunny Sequim" is another name for the town.
Coupeville
The idyllic, sheltered shores of Penn Cove provide a wonderful place to make a home. Centered inside Ebey's Landing National Historical Reserve, the town of Coupeville has stood since the 1850s thanks to the gifts nature provided from land and sea. This small town, with its colorful small houses on the creek, seemingly belongs to a Pixar movie. Many of these buildings are still from the 19th century and now house art galleries, wine-tasting rooms, stores, and seafood restaurants that serve Penn Cove mussels grown in the area.
Situated on Whidbey Island, the area surrounding Coupeville is also a great place to explore. One can enjoy hiking trails with breathtaking views of the ocean, state parks like Fort Ebey and Fort Casey, and commemorating historic sites like the Admiralty Head Lighthouse close by.
Port Townsend
The town of Port Townsend is a beautiful Victorian town on the Olympic Peninsula, surrounded by the Port Townsend Bay and the Strait of Juan de Fuca. From its early Native American roots to its Victorian architecture and maritime legacy, Port Townsend is steeped in fascinating history. The town boasts two National Historic Landmark Districts, and many opportunities for outdoor adventure abound, from beaches to Olympic National Park.
For nature lovers and military savvy alike, Fort Worden Historical State Park grants ample green spaces, and the Fort Worden Campsite has a wide display of historical military fortifications, batteries, and artilleries from WWII. This fort, together with the close Fort Townsend, makes for an unforgettable trip back into the World War era.
Washington is home to several remarkable small towns excellent for an unforgettable journey along the wide Puget Sound area steeped between the Olympic Mountains and uncountable port cities. These eight small towns in Washington State showcase some of the region's most beautiful landscapes, delectable cuisine, and provide endless outdoor activities. From the Port Gamble Historic Museum with its story from another time to the ferry ride along the fjord-like waters of Liberty Bay near Poulsbo or the wide array of military equipment of Fort Worden in Port Townsend, these communities are sure to welcome you in and create long-lasting memories.
