9 Most Unconventional Towns In Washington

The beautiful state of Washington is well-known for its famous Seattle skyline, featuring the iconic Space Needle. Outside of the big-name cities, however, you will also find charming and unique towns across the Evergreen State. From a Western-themed town to a Bavarian-style village and everything in between, Washington has hidden treasures waiting for you to explore. Get ready to discover the exciting adventures waiting for you in these nine unconventional towns spread across Washington.

Leavenworth

Take one look around the town of Leavenworth, and you’ll think you have been transported to Bavaria in southeast Germany. The quaint village looks picture-perfect year-round, but it is especially impressive from Thanksgiving through February when the town sparkles with half a million holiday lights. Sitting in the breathtaking Cascade Mountains, Leavenworth looks straight out of a holiday movie with its horse-drawn carriage rides, ice sculptures, and singing carolers. After strolling through the town for a stop at the Leavenworth Sausage Garten, lace up your hiking boots with a visit to the Icicle Gorge Trail for unbelievable mountain views. If you prefer to spend the holiday season at home, plan a fall trip to Leavenworth for Oktoberfest, where you can feast on beer, pretzels, handmade corndogs, and more.

Puyallup

Just over 30 miles south of Seattle, you’ll find the agricultural hub of Puyallup. Located in a valley at the foot of Mount Rainier, Puyallup started as a hop farm, and today, it has grown into a popular spot for tourists as it is home to two of the state’s top events. For more than 90 years, the town has hosted the annual Daffodil Festival, featuring the Grand Floral Parade and a special Princess Tea for the kids. The town also hosts one of the country’s largest fairs, the 21-day Washington State Fair that runs in September. The much-anticipated event draws more than a million visitors per year and features rides, animals, booths, and indulgent deep-fried foods.

Winthrop

Grab your cowboy boots and head to Winthrop, a little slice of the old West in Washington! This unique, rustic town is home to fewer than 500 people and will make you feel like you’ve stepped back in time to the 1800s. No trip to Winthrop is complete without a trip to the Shafer Historical Museum, where you can learn about life in the Methow Valley during the late 1800s and early 1900s. Stroll down Riverside Avenue to stop into a number of charming shops, like Aspen Grove, where you’ll find kitchen items and locally made goods that are perfect for souvenirs. As you explore the town, take a moment to look at the sky. You just might see hot air balloons floating overhead!

Poulsbo

Less than 50 miles outside of Tacoma sits Poulsbo, also known as “Little Norway.” Founded in the 1880s, Poulsbo gives you a taste of Scandinavia in the Pacific Northwest. A trip to the Poulsbo Maritime Museum showcases the rich maritime history of Poulsbo and North Kitsap through imaginative exhibits and interactive displays. History buffs will also enjoy stopping by the Martinson Cabin, which was built in the late 1800s and shows visitors a look at what life was like for Poulsbo’s early pioneers. Situated on the Kitsap Peninsula, head to the Olympic Outdoor Center to spend your day kayaking or canoeing before coming back to downtown Poulsbo for dinner at the Green Light Diner, complete with a vintage soda fountain.

Walla Walla

If you love relaxing with a glass of wine after a long day, the town of Walla Walla is calling your name! Known as the unofficial wine capital of Washington, Walla Walla is home to more than 130 wineries and tasting rooms across 2,900 acres. With so many options available, it’s only a matter of time until you find your new favorite bottle. In May, plan a trip to the town for the annual Balloon Stampede, where hot air balloons take to the skies for a spectacular show. Don’t miss the Nite Glow Spectacular, where you can watch the balloons light up in the night sky while you enjoy snacks from local food trucks.

Gig Harbor

When it comes to boating in Washington, Gig Harbor stands out from all the other cities. This quaint maritime village is on Gig Harbor Bay in Puget Sound and is known for its boat-building history. One of the best ways to enjoy the water is by heading out on the Gig Harbor Gondola for a unique boating experience. After a long day spent outside, enjoy a relaxing visit to the Heritage Distilling Co, which has won more awards than any craft distillery in the country. The waterfront tasting room is open seven days a week and features whiskeys, vodkas, and more.

Sequim

Much of the Pacific Northwest is known for its rainy climate, but when you’re in the mood for some sun, head to Sequim! Since the town is on the northeast side of the Olympic Mountains, it’s shielded from most of the rain that hits other parts of the state, making it one of the driest places in Washington. Aside from the sun, what draws visitors to Sequim is the annual Lavender Weekend in July. At the largest lavender celebration in North America, you can visit local lavender farms, shop for gifts made from locally sourced lavender, and listen to live music while enjoying international cuisines.

Forks

Fans of the Twilight book and movie series know that the story was set in Forks, but this charming town is not at all fictional! While you won’t see any vampires or werewolves on your visit, you can find a Twilight map at the town’s chamber of commerce and stop by the Rainforest Arts Center to see props from the movie. As the rainiest town in the contiguous part of the US, Forks is home to lush rainforests, so pack an umbrella and rain boots as you head out exploring. You can also enjoy a free Forks Logging and Mill Tour, where you’ll learn about modern forest practices and what it is like to work in the woods.

Port Townsend

Nicknamed the “City of Dreams,” Port Townsend is on the Port Townsend Bay and is known for its well-preserved Victorian buildings that line the streets. Each September, Port Townsend comes alive with the Wooden Boat Festival, a celebration of maritime heritage. Visitors can connect with wooden boat enthusiasts, participate in sailing workshops, and step aboard replicas of Captain George Vancouver’s historic 1792 boats for a glimpse into the seafaring past. Even young children can get involved in the fun with the Bumblebee sailboat rides designed for kids from ages two to five. The town also has a vibrant arts scene, with art gallery walks held on the first Saturday of each month in the historic downtown area.

Plan Your Next Washington Adventure

When you want to see some of the Evergreen State’s best sites, skip the major cities and get off the beaten path instead. From sipping on some of the finest wines in the region in Walla Walla to getting a taste of Scandinavian culture in Poulsbo, you can enjoy a quick weekend trip away or a longer vacation from everyday life when you take the time to explore Washington. Now it’s time to plan which of these unconventional towns you’ll visit first!