These 9 Towns In Washington Were Ranked Among US Favorites In 2024

Flip-flops pad down the charm-soaked streets. The beach is straight ahead, all fringed with sugar-white sand. A soft breeze, sometimes laced with the aroma of fresh oysters, rustles through the downtown area, caressing your face and sweeping your hair. On the left side are beautiful red-brick buildings, some of which have been standing since when Abraham Lincoln was president of the United States. There is a museum that gives an interesting glimpse into the history and culture of the town and a park with wooded trails and panoramic views. If you were dropped in Washington, you would find many towns that speak to these features. Discover below 9 such towns in the Evergreen State.

Coupeville

Coupeville is a pretty town with many parks, trails, and tasty restaurants. It has a historic downtown, which often feels frozen in time. It should not come as a surprise. Coupeville is the second-oldest town in Washington and was originally known as the Port of Sea Captains. There is a Whale Trail Site here, down at the Coupeville Wharf, where one can enjoy a close-up view of gray whales and orcas. Wander through the Price Sculpture Forest, a nice, wooded space peppered with sculpture art — or head over to Fort Ebey State Park, especially to soak up spectacular views of the bluffs and the bay. Time for lunch? Front Street Grill serves mouth-watering mussels in a breezy waterfront setting.

Gig Harbor

Gig Harbor is a quaint town with many trees, a beautiful bridge, and lovely waterfront views. Expect a gorgeous downtown, where a first-time visitor will enjoy a mid-morning stroll amid awesome views of Tahoma, as Mount Rainer is often called. We are talking about the highest volcanic peak in the lower 48. The nautical charm here is off the charts, with sweeping views of the sound swaying the eyes. Enjoy some action at the Waterfront History Walk and Narrows Park, visit the Harbor History Museum, ride the Gig Harbor Gondola — or eat fish on a waterside patio at the iconic Tides Tavern.

Poulsbo

Poulsbo is a sweet little town just across the water from Seattle. It has a Scandinavian-inspired downtown speckled with tasty restaurants and cute, locally owned shops. Hit it off at the Sluys Poulsbo Bakery, a fabulous, family-run establishment on Front Street. It is loved for its top-tier pastries, donuts, and cinnamon rolls. Next is the dog-friendly Liberty Bay Waterfront Park, a fun spot to just kick back and relax. Alternatively, Poulsbo's Fish Park, with its trails and boardwalks, is perfect to hit in the morning when often less crowded. Avid shoppers will get a blast exploring venues such as Liberty Bay Books on Front Street, Boehm's Chocolates, Nordiska (for adorable Scandinavian-themed decor) — and Central Market.

Sequim

Sequim — known as the “Lavender Capital of North America” — rests along the fast-flowing Dungeness River near the base of the Olympic Mountains. Think of beautiful flowers, awe-inspiring mountain views, and access to Olympic National Park, a dramatic setting for several outdoor activities, including hiking and fishing. A hearty breakfast at the centrally located Oak Table Cafe, a family-owned bistro loved for its warm cottage feel, should set the pace for one’s adventure. The exquisite Railroad Bridge Park should be up next, with its nice little bridge, tranquil setting, and scenic trails. You can launch out to nearby Lake Crescent, a glacial mountain lake that offers trout fishing — or Hurricane Ridge for heart-melting vistas and panoramic trails.

Walla Walla

Walla Walla was platted before the Civil War and hence, it is one of the oldest towns in the State of Washington. Once a dusty, gold rush town — Walla Walla is today mostly known for its exceptional red wines. Think of delicious Cabernet Sauvignons and Merlots. You can sip an evening away at venues such as House of Smith Wines, Seven Hills Winery (housed in a 1904 woodworking mill), and the dog-friendly Spring Valley Vineyard on Rose Street. Step back in time at the Fort Walla Walla Museum before spending the night at the historic Marcus Whitman Hotel, whose guest list has names such as Louis Armstrong and Dwight Eisenhower.

Port Townsend

The area around Port Townsend, with all the greenery and parks, is beyond beautiful, like a scene from a Hollywood movie based on a quaint, lovely setting. You will enjoy strolling down the beach and into the downtown area, perusing cute local shops and popping inside some of them. There is Abracadabra on the aptly named Water Street, with its puzzles and books; The Chandlery, with its artistic stickers; and World's End, an apparel store with pirate-themed clothing. The appeal of Waterfront Pizza is right there in the name — although also loved for its homey atmosphere. There's the bay and the beach, meaning nautical charm and lovely views. The cream of the crop, however, is Fort Worden Historical State Park, a captivating mix of natural beauty and rich history. It is nestled on the picturesque shores of Puget Sound amid spectacular views, serene beaches, and handsomely-maintained trails.

Anacortes

Anacortes is a cute, family-oriented town surrounded by beautiful scenery. It sits on Fidalgo Island, one of the most visited in the United States. Visitors on the island rave about panoramic views of the Skagit Valley, crystal-clear lakes, and beaches that are pretty and pristine. You can explore the shops on Commercial Avenue, hit up the Tommy Thompson Trail all the way to March Point, or hop on a whale-watching tour to get a close-up view of one of the world's most powerful predators. For freshly caught seafood, including finely cooked shrimp, the aptly named Shrimp Shack is what any local will recommend. Deception Pass State Park, with its stomach-churning bridge, is a heartbeat away.

Snohomish

It is good to know what you are getting yourself into because Snohomish bills itself as the Antique Capital of the Northwest. Fortunately, it lives up to that catchy moniker. It is a joy to chance on a town with 30 antique dealers. Snohomish, however, has more than 350 antique dealers. Looking for specific spots? Wander through the Star Center Antique Mall, a massive 5-floor space with just about every knick-knack. There is the Collectors Reference Bookstore as well, home to one of the largest collections of antique reference books on the planet. If you are looking for tasty food in old-timey settings, head over to the iconic Oxford Saloon. The history of the eatery goes back more than a century — and nothing short of checkered. Alternatively, sniff some fresh air at the Lord Hill Regional Park, a wild park with lovely trails and breathtaking scenery.

Leavenworth

Rounding off this list is Leavenworth, a quaint, dainty town that steals the show with its Bavarian architecture. Everything looks sweet here and melodious. No wonder German Poet Johann Wolfgang Goethe observed that "architecture is frozen music." Expect Alpine-style storefronts, melt-in-the-mouth pretzels, and mountain charm. From rafting on the Wenatchee River, indulging in Oktoberfest festivities, ambling through charm-soaked streets, and exploring the town via an e-bike tour, a first-time visitor here has several options to work with. PostHotel Leavenworth, with its saltwater hydrotherapy pools, is peak luxury and class. Grab some filling breakfast at Argonaut Coffee & Biscuits before exploring the lakes or the aptly named Enchantment Park.

Anyone seeking to explore Washington State will want to start with Seattle. The surrounding scenery is unmatched for its beauty; a stroll along the Shilshole Bay Marina, as the evening wind blows, is often a nice, enjoyable adventure. Fortunately, many little Seattles dot the state of Washington, most of which are slower and quainter. From Coupeville to Bellevue, the options travel the whole gamut.