The Best Small Towns in Washington for a Weekend Retreat
In the far corner of the Pacific Northwest, one will find the incredible state of Washington. The area is known for its cozy weather, fantastic coffee culture, and unbelievable scenery. Dense forests line the edges of rocky seashores, and the Cascade Mountain Range stretches through this vast and wild state. The region is home to several volcanos, such as Mount Rainier, the highest peak in the lower 48 states. It's one of the three national parks in Washington next to the rainforests of Olympic National Park and the majestic peaks of North Cascades National Park.
Along the rocky coasts, the biodiversity is unreal, and people from around the world travel to Puget Sound just to see Killer Whales. The state also has the most extensive ferry system in the country. The small towns in Washington are truly magnificent. Discover the best small towns to visit in Washington for a weekend retreat.
Friday Harbor
Friday Harbor is a darling seaport town that's considered the gateway to the San Juan Islands. As soon as you get off the ferry landing, it's incredibly easy to get around on foot. Quaint little shops line the waterfront, and friendly locals are there to welcome you in. There's a breathtaking seascape and marine life around the harbor. You will likely hear stories about how three pods of Southern Resident Orcas reside around the San Juan Islands and efforts underway to protect them from going extinct. A great place to learn about the iconic Killer Whales of the Pacific Northwest is at the Whale Museum in town. A short drive from there is Lime Kiln Point State Park, one of the best places in the world to see Orcas in the wild. A memorable place to snap a family photo is near the historic Lime Kiln Lighthouse, which still provides navigation for ships in the Haro Strait.
The Friday Harbor Grand Bed and Breakfast is an idyllic place to stay in Friday Harbor. It was originally built for Friday Harbor's first judge. The rooms have lovely porches with views of Mount Baker, a perfect place to have coffee in the morning.
Port Townsend
Port Townsend is a cozy Victorian seaport town with a rich history and a colorful art scene. Olympic Nationa Park is about 50 miles west of town, while Puget Sound is about 40 miles to the northeast. With that said, the outdoor community here is unreal, with gorgeous hiking trails and sea kayaking opportunities nearby.
While in town, it's hard not to notice the local history. Port Townsend has over 300 Victorian-style homes. There are two National Historic Landmark Districts and several fascinating museums to visit. Jefferson Museum of Art and History is one of them. It features rotating exhibits showcasing local artists. It also explores the region's history and how the port played a role in the town's development. You can also learn about the Indigenous presence here and how prior to Western settlement, the land belonged to the S'Klallam people.
For a historic and authentic local experience, the Starrett House Inn is a wonderful place to stay in Port Townsend. It's an old Victorian home built in the late 18th century in a Gothic and Stick architectural style. It offers rooms for overnight stays or group retreats and is located in Historic Uptown. It's within walking distance to shops, restaurants, and galleries.
Leavenworth
Nestled in the high peaks of the Cascade mountains, Leavenworth is a unique town that attracts millions of visitors a year. The Bavarian village is full of adorable shops and restaurants that offer authentic German cuisine. There are also plenty of watering holes and pubs where you can grab a pint with friends and sample the local beer. For entertainment, there are annual festivals such as Maifest and the Christmas Lighting Festival. A good place to visit is the Leavenworth Nutcracker Museum, where one can see over 9,000 nutcrackers made in over 50 countries. Next, you can head to the Greater Leavenworth Museum to learn about the region's history and how the area was originally home to the Yakama, Chinook, and Wenatchi Tribes. Settlers arrived here during the lumber and fur trade.
A great place to stay in Leavenworth is the Bavarian Lodge. It has a cozy feel and picturesque mountain views. It's conveniently located downtown, so you can easily get around by foot. But if you feel like staying in for the night, there's a small pub in the lodge where you can sample beer after a fun day with family and friends.
Gig Harbor
Surrounded by nature and water, Gig Harbor is a great getaway town about 45 miles south of Seattle near Puget Sound, with incredible views of Mount Rainier. Lumbering and boat building are two industries that helped develop this historic fishermen village, which visitors can learn about at the Harbor History Museum. One will find that the maritime culture here is still alive and well, and many festivals celebrate it during the year. The annual Blessing of the Fleet at the Maritime Gig Festival is great fun, with plenty of booths, live music, and a lively parade. Another interesting site nearby is the Eddon Boat Park. It is a classic example of a family-operated boatyard. The historic boatyard building has been restored and now houses the Gig Harbor Boatshop, which offers shipwright building classes to the public to keep the maritime heritage alive.
To experience the true fishermen's village feel in this town, an excellent place to stay is the Waterfront Inn. It's a historic fisherman's home that now accommodates travelers. The inn is right on the water, and there are free kayaks you can take out to watch the sunrise or sunset.
Issaquah
Known for its historic downtown and art scene, Issaquah is a friendly town to visit with a thriving theatre community. The community rests between the Sammamish Plateau to the north and the "Issaquah Alps" to the south. An interesting fact is the community is the headquarters of Costco. However, the area is most known for the Village Theatre located downtown, which produces the most musical theatre in the Pacific Northwest. There's always a lively show to buy tickets for at the box office.
Lake Sammamish is only 5 miles from downtown and has one of the most extensive freshwater beaches in the Seattle area. It's a great place to kayak or have a picnic, and there are three salmon-bearing creeks here. With that said, a great time of year to visit is in the fall when the salmon runs occur and festivals take place to celebrate their return home. Salmon Days takes place in October with fun events, unique food, and over 200 artisan booths. At Issaquah Creek Bridge, you can watch the salmon run as they swim upstream to spawn. You can also visit the Issaquah Salmon Hatchery, the most visited of the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife hatcheries, which serves as an environmental education center.
For a unique stay, you can travel about 7 miles outside town and spend the night in a tree house. Staying at TreeHouse Point is an experience of a lifetime. The wooden treehouses sit in the trees and have adorable bridges and staircases to get to them.
Whidbey Island
Located in Puget Sound north of Seattle, Whidbey Island is one of the largest offshore islands in the country. Rugged beaches and a hilly landscape surround the town that's buzzing with a vibrant art scene. It's Puget Sound's most prominent artist colony and is home to painters, sculptures, poets, and writers. On your commute out here, a great stop is Deception Pass State Park, one of Washington's most visited parks. It's a great place to go hiking and has excellent tide-pooling along the beaches. Another popular stop is the Deception Pass Bridge. The two-span bridge is known for its beauty and engineering.
An interesting fact is Whidbey Island is home to the Naval Air Station. About 30 miles away in Oak Harbor, you can visit the Pacific Northwest Naval Air Museum. You can learn how the island became wrapped in WWII and the Naval Air Station's role in protecting the Pacific Coast.
Captain Whidbey Inn is a cozy place to stay during your weekend getaway. The historic lodge has rooms and cabins tucked away in old-growth firs. There's a restaurant on-site and a giant fireplace in the main lobby that makes one feel right at home on stormy and rainy nights.
Walla Walla
In southeastern Washington, Walla Walla is a great place to travel off the beaten path. It has become a wine destination with over 120 wineries to indulge in and explore. In fact, Washington is one of the top wine producers in the country. The region has a wide range of soils, which makes it great for growing different varieties of grapes. The downtown area showcases all the different wines with several tasting rooms you can stroll into. There are also interesting shops and excellent restaurants to try as well.
A point of interest is the Whitman Mission National Historic Site, which commemorates the Oregon Trail and Marcus and Narcissa Whitman's role in establishing it. Another notable stop is the Frenchtown Historic Site, which is about 9 miles from town. You can learn about how it's the homeland of the Walla Walla and Cayuse Tribe and how French-Canadian settlers arrived here in the early 1800s. It's the site of the Battle of Walla Walla between the Oregon Mounted Volunteers and several Native American Tribes.
The Eritage Resort is a great place to stay. It has restaurants on site, fireplaces indoors and outdoors, and a heated salt pool to unwind at after a fun day. The resort is located among the rolling hills and vineyards, making for a wonderful weekend escape.
Snoqualmie
If you're looking for a charming Pacific Northwest town surrounded by lush forests and mountains, look no further than the adorable community of Snoqualmie. The town resides in the heart of Washington and is surrounded by magnificent landscape. Many travelers come here to see Snoqualmie Falls, a 270-foot waterfall over granite cliffs. There's an upper and lower observation deck to take in this natural wonder. An interesting fact is it's a hundred feet taller than Niagara Falls. Only a few miles away from there is the Historic Snoqualmie Depot. It's the longest continuously running train depot in Washington. There's a museum where visitors can learn about the history and a railroad-themed bookstore where you can find your next great read.
The Salish Lodge and Spa is a great place to stay in Snoqualmie. It is perched on top of Snoqualmie Falls and right along the pristine Snoqualmie River, and the views are amazing. The property has two restaurants and a spa, making it tempting to stay nestled inside all day.
From the vineyards of Walla Walla to the stormy coastal communities along the Puget Sound, Washington is a magnificent state with captivating scenery. It holds geological wonders like Mount Rainier and fascinating marine life like the iconic Killer Whale. The ferry system is one of the most extensive in the country, and it transports travelers across the Pacific to beautiful places like the San Juan Islands. The landscape is so lush, dense, and green as old-growth trees flourish in the rainy climate. The towns of Washington are gorgeous and make for the perfect weekend retreat.
