The Best Small Towns in The Pacific Northwest for a Weekend Retreat

The Pacific Northwest ranks among the most charismatic regions in the United States for its cultural, historical, and natural diversity. Travelers can enjoy the serene sea breeze from the natural harbor of Anacortes, Washington, the unique dunes and neverending beaches of Florence, Oregon, the cultural vibrancy of Sun Valley, Idaho, and more. There is something to exceed the expectations of any prospective traveler on this list of the top small towns in the Pacific Northwest for a weekend retreat.

Driggs, Idaho

Driggs, Idaho, is one of the most underappreciated small-town getaways for outdoor enthusiasts in the Pacific Northwest. Its renown is due to its proximity to Grand Teton National Park, which is stretching into Idaho from neighboring Wyoming. Any traveler visiting Driggs will be immediately struck by the impressive Grand Teton range in the background of the quaint community, and best experienced from the Teton Canyon Overview Observation Site near the Grand Targhee Resort. Aside from the various mountain ranges and peaks for avid hikers, there are also fantastic kayaking and canoeing opportunities along the Big Eddy River. For family-friendly accommodations, many choose to stay at the centrally-located Teton Valley Cabins; the enthusiastic outdoor traveler, however, should check in at the Teton Valley Lodge.

Anacortes, Washington

Anacortes is a headline attraction of the famed San Juan Islands on Washington's North Pacific coast. The most recognizable image of this vibrant town is the view of its natural harbor, bordered on both sides by the natural landscapes of Cap Sante Park and Seafarers Memorial Park. Complementing the harbor are fantastic restaurants and boutiques like the charismatic Mad Hatter's Ice Cream Shop, the beautiful architecture and elaborate regional history of the Anacortes Museum, and the famous sandwiches of the GERE-a-DELI. Opposite the downtown harbor and across the peninsula is the fantastic escape of Washington Park, where rocky coastlines line calm ocean waters, best experienced from the neighboring Ship Harbor Inn.

Cannon Beach, Oregon

Cannon Beach, Oregon, provides one of the most scenic and charismatic beaches in the United States. Cannon Beach is famous for its combination of wide, sweeping sand beaches with dramatic Haystack Rock formations. Travelers wishing to access these unique geographic features should make sure to visit the beach at low tide for the most exciting in shallow sea exploration. To experience the town's fantastic seaside scenery with more seclusion, explore the John Yeon State Natural Site by following the Indian Beach Trail towards the Ecola Point Viewpoint and the sands of Crescent Beach. Land's End at Cannon Beach is the most suitable accommodation for easy access to the unique Cannon Beach; Ecola Creek Lodge is the ideal option for a more secluded getaway aside from the greenery of Les Shirley Park.

Sandpoint, Idaho

Sandpoint, Idaho, is a rare combination of Idaho's beautifully barren, mountainous terrain with a waterside view. Sandpoint is at the mouth of the Pend Oreille River and Lake Pend Oreille, with dramatic views of the surrounding landscape accessible from the popular Sandpoint City Beach Park and the Trailhead for Pend d'Oreille Bay Trail. Long Bridge also highlights the fantastic panoramic views while crossing the Pend Oreille River. To combine a thorough regional history with the area's famed natural scenery, visit Lakeview Park for strolls through picnicking areas and storied monuments. Talus Rock Retreat offers unique and impressive accommodation, and The Lodge at Sandpoint has an amazing waterside view.

Snoqualmie, Washington

Snoqualmie, Washington, provides an idyllic small-town refuge within Washington's charismatic rainforest. The heart of this community is found outside the Northwest Railway Museum, where the Snoqualmie River falls past the scenic Sandy Cove Park. This is also the activity center, marked by the favorite Snoqualmie Falls Brewery and the Buckshot Honey Restaurant. More popular than the town's downtown is the natural diversity that surrounds it: the dramatic Snoqualmie Falls, the circular Borst Lake, the fishing opportunities at Three Forks Natural Area, and the impressive backdrop of Mount Si. To enjoy the optimal proximity to these natural attractions, stay at the Salish Lodge & Spa.

Florence, Oregon

Florence combines the most unique of Oregon's natural features with top-quality amenities and activities. Within the town center, most travelers explore the Siuslaw River in the Exploding Whale Memorial Park and enjoy the fantastic food at Novelli's Crab and Seafood. But Florence's unique appeal is evident in its natural diversity, like in its Sand Master Park, where visitors can sandboard on the dunes of the South Jetty Sand Access. Continuing north along the coastline reveals not only long and winding sand beaches but also the one-of-a-kind Sea Lion Caves, a wildlife preserve and natural observatory for marine life of all kinds near the picturesque Heceta Head Lighthouse. Visitors who want to experience these natural wonders unique to Oregon should stay at the Mercer Lake Resort housed in the neighboring Siuslaw National Forest.

Stehekin, Washington

Stehekin is the self-proclaimed heart of the northern Cascades mountain range. Amid the diverse wilderness of the Lake Chelan National Recreation Area, Stehekin provides a phenomenal variety of outdoor activities as a lakeside getaway destination. It's popular to hike from the Harlequin Campground towards the Rainbow Falls Trailhead, ending at the quaint Buckner Orchard, or the Purple Creek Trail up Purple Mountain, beginning from the Purple Point Campground. To unwind from outdoor adventures, visit the peaceful Stehekin Pastry Company bakery, gather local foods and crafts at The Garden, and retreat to the convenient Stehekin Lake Cabin or the secluded Stehekin Creekside Cabin.

Sun Valley, Idaho

Sun Valley is an ideal getaway destination outside of Ketchum, Idaho. It's especially popular in the winter when skiing and snowboarding peak on the nearby Bald Mountain. Less appreciated, however, are the panoramic views atop the mountain in the spring and summer, accessible to ambitious hikers. To enjoy this natural scenery from the valley below, walk Carol's Trailhead, which follows Trail Creek Path. Visitors should also note the significant cultural energy in Sun Valley's downtown area, prominent in the live music of the Sun Valley Pavilion, in the endearing architecture of the Opera House movie theatre, and expressed in the Sun Valley Museum of Art. The Sun Valley Resort offers the most suitable stay for travelers wanting a central location and an immersive experience.

Discover the Charm of the Pacific Northwest

The Pacific Northwest is an essential destination for travelers searching for more than standard cultural and natural character. Visitors can visit the marvels of the rainforest in Stehekin, Washington, traverse the majestic mountains of Grand Teton National Park in Driggs, Idaho, walk Florence, Oregon's long beaches, and much more. There's always more to explore in these small towns in the Pacific Northwest.