The Best Small Towns in Washington to Chill Out In 2024
The only American State to be named for a president, Washington is a geographically splendid and culturally rich land that forms a vital component of the nation’s Pacific Northwest Region. Filled with stunning mountain beauty, extraordinary ocean views and coastlines, and pretty valleys, lakes, and rivers, the “Evergreen State” is a most spectacular destination for all ages. While such major urban centers like Seattle and Olympia continue to attract much attention, Washington State also has plenty of smaller towns that offer equal amounts of fun, charm, and beauty. So visit Washington in 2024 and its beautiful surroundings across an exploration of these awesome small towns, where chilling out and relaxing are always on hand.
Port Angeles
View of Port Angeles City Pier.
The seat of Clallam County, the beautiful town of Port Angeles, is framed by the majestic Olympic Mountains, which ensure there is always an abundance of stunning views to be appreciated. With a history dating back to the 1790s and a current population of just over 20,000 residents, Port Angeles is a wonderful community in which to immerse oneself in natural wonder and chill out for a vacation.
Known for its warm summer and mild winter temperatures, visiting the town throughout the year is a delight, and the splendor of the Olympic Peninsula never disappoints. Go sailing and swimming along the ocean coastline, while an exploration of such natural landmarks like the Hurricane Ridge (within Olympic National Park) makes for a most photogenic outing. And do not forget about the Strait of Juan de Fuca, near the Canadian border! Meanwhile, even just a scenic drive along State Route 112 is a delight, making Port Angeles a veritable treasure that travelers of all ages can appreciate.
Coupeville
Low tide beach town of Coupeville, Washington.
Coupeville is home to a humble population of nearly 2,000 inhabitants on Whidbey Island. The seat of Island County and on the shores of Penn Cove, Coupeville can trace its history to the 1850s, and it remains a most charming and historically intriguing community, great for a relaxing and chilled-out holiday. Ideal for a weekend getaway, guests can admire the inviting waterfront district and its assortment of restored 19th-century edifices, while excursions to the Forts Ebey and Casey State Parks, respectively, are fantastic ways to encounter living history.
Meanwhile, back in town proper, strolling along the water’s edge or enjoying some downtime on Coupeville’s beach areas is a simple way to unwind and relax. Add in a cute assortment of local restaurants, shops, and other businesses, and Coupeville will be sure to leave a favorable impression on all who visit.
Sequim
Another beautiful Olympic Mountains town, Sequim, sits along the Dungeness River, where a population of just over 8,000 residents call home. Known as the sunniest place in all of Washington State, on average, Sequim receives only 16 inches (400 mm) of rain annually. Add in mild temperatures throughout the year, and experiencing this community truly is delightful whenever one chooses to visit it. Marvel at such beautiful destinations as the Dungeness National Wildlife Refuge and its natural habitat of hundreds of mammal and bird species, while simple strolls along the River never disappoint.
An informative day can be spent at the Sequim Museum & Arts, where the geologic history of the area is highlighted, and excavated fossils can be studied. Add in a charming harbor area, local shops and restaurants, and, of course, loads of sunny days. Chilling out in Sequim makes for a perfect and relaxing holiday.
Walla Walla
View of Walla Walla, a small city in Eastern Washington.
Sharing a name with indigenous peoples, the town of Walla Walla serves as the seat of the same named county. Home to a current population of nearly 34,000 inhabitants and with a history dating to the early 19th century, Walla Walla is a most inviting and charming place to enjoy a chilled-out holiday. Near the border with Oregon, the town is surrounded by the Blue Mountains within the Walla Walla Valley, which makes for a picturesque experience for all. Marvel at stunning, rolling green hills and golden wheat fields while mild winter and hot summer temperatures welcome guests throughout the year.
In addition visitors can explore such historic attractions like Fort Walla Walla (1858) and portions of the famous Oregon Trail, which can create a time travel like feeling to the days of the Old West. Finally wine connoisseurs will definitely appreciate Walla Walla and its surrounding region, where some 120 distinct wineries continue to offer guests some of the tastiest in locally produced alcohols and spirits.
Gig Harbor
Spring day in Gig Harbor, Washington.
Just over 12,000 residents call the scenic town of Gig Harbor home, which is beautifully positioned along a one-mile stretch of Puget Sound. Long home to Indigenous peoples and with a modern foundational history dating to the mid-19th century, Gig Harbor is also known as the “Maritime City” and enjoys close proximity to the Olympic Peninsula and several State Park areas. Enjoy scenic mountain views (including Mount Rainier), go for a boat tour, take in a tasty meal at an assortment of waterfront restaurants, or stroll along the marinas; Gig Harbor is a nice slice of small-town life, ideal just to chill out and relax.
Stevenson
The seat of Skamania County, Stevenson, is an exquisite mountain community within the unique Columbia River Gorge. Home to just under 1,500 residents, the scenic wonder of the famed Columbia River Gorge is on full display in Stevenson, and guests can expect to find extraordinary vistas, mountain peaks, lush green hills, and, of course, the famed Columbia River. Visit such landmarks as the Bridge of the Gods, where you can enjoy hiking, cycling, swimming, and camping.
An afternoon at the Columbia Gorge Interpretive Center Museum is great fun for the entire family, where unique artifacts and other exhibits inform as much as they delight. Finally, if visiting Stevenson, consider staying a night or two at the Skamania Lodge, which creates a most authentic rustic ambiance in an area that covers some 175 acres.
Port Townsend
Port Townsend is on the Quimper Peninsula, and it serves as the seat of Jefferson County. Home to a population of just over 10,000, this charming and scenic community can trace its history back to the 1790s, and it maintains a most welcoming historic character. Spend time at the Port Townsend Historic District and marvel at several restored 19th-century buildings and landmarks, many of which are named on the National Register of Historic Places.
These include the Quimper Inn and the St. Paul’s Episcopal Church (1865), amongst others. Add in a most alluring waterfront area and several cute beach areas, and Port Townsend becomes a most splendid Washington destination to chill out and relax. And with the Cascade Mountains as a natural frame, there is never any shortage of natural beauty to witness when in this beautiful small town.
Relax and Unwind in Washington's Charming Small Towns
Also known as the “Evergreen State,” the northwestern State of Washington is a most beautiful cultural and natural attraction. Forming part of the nation’s Pacific Northwest region, beautiful mountains, lakes, rivers, valleys, and ocean vistas can be enjoyed here, while fascinating American history populates many of its towns. For great spots to chill out and relax while enjoying the comforts of modern life, the small towns of Washington State are genuinely remarkable places to unwind. Whether one is looking for outdoor adventure, historical intrigue, or just a simple place to tune out from the busyness of life, these and other incredible Washington towns await, ready to create very special memories for all ages of visitors.
