Summers in Washington are meant to be spent on the water. And with the Puget Sound serving as the backyard to so many coastal towns in Washington, there are plenty of places to spend the days kayaking, paddleboarding, fishing, or just relaxing on the beach.
These incredible coastal towns around Washington range from small fishing towns where the maritime heritage is on full display to towns in protected harbors where you can spend the days on the water without having to worry about the wind and surf.
So this summer, pack up the car and head out to one of these incredible coastal towns in Washington.
Gig Harbor
Gig Harbor is a small maritime paradise just minutes from the hustle and bustle that is Tacoma and the rest of the I-5 corridor. The town’s namesake harbor has a narrow entrance protected by a natural spit that keeps the water calm no matter what is happening around the rest of the sound.
Gig Harbor’s small downtown is full of quaint shops, restaurants, and docks perfect for walking to check ou the boats that are traveling through town. The city’s historic boatshop is an incredible place to check out. There, you can see wooden boats under restoration or even rent old boats for puttering around the bay.
Bainbridge Island
Bainbridge Island, because of its quick ferry service across the sound to Seattle, serves as a bedroom community for folks looking to get away from the business of the big city. That doesn’t mean that it isn’t worth a visit though as the town has a wonderful downtown that is perfect for spending a weekend afternoon.
With numerous ferry crossings per day between Seattle and Bainbridge, it makes it easy to hop aboard so you don’t have to worry about driving all the way around the sound and dealing with I-5 traffic twice.
Keep an eye out for whales as you cross the sound, as they are frequently spotted from the ferries.
Port Townsend
Port Townsend has a rich maritime history, as seen from the gigantic boatyard and numerous businesses that serve the boatbuilders who call this area home.
In the late 1800s, it was speculated that Port Townsend would be the commercial hub of Puget Sound, and many of the historic, Victorian-style downtown buildings were constructed with an eye on the future. While that prediction fizzled out, the buildings still stand today and lend a regal flair to this picture-perfect town.
Port Angeles
Located on the northern side of the Olympic Peninsula, Port Angeles has long been overlooked as a tourist destination, but that is quickly changing. With its location on the doorstep of Olympic National Park, convenient access to the waters of the Strait of Juan de Fuca, and a growing agricultural community in nearby Sequim, there is a lot to love about this coastal town.
One of my favorite things to do when we visit Port Angeles is to spend a day exploring the park and then, the next day, hop on the ferry to head across the strait to nearby Victoria, British Columbia. With three round-trip sailings per day, it is easy to hop on in the morning, spend a day in Victoria, and then grab the evening ferry back to Port Angeles.
Bellingham
Bellingham was long an overlooked city on the northern edge of Washington, but in recent years, that has changed in a big way. Folks looking to escape the business of Seattle quickly realized that Bellingham’s location between Puget Sound and nearby Mt. Baker, along with the city’s incredible parks, quaint downtown area, and cozy neighborhoods, made it an ideal destination.
Even though the population of the town has exploded it is still very worth the visit to spend a day shucking oysters at Taylor Shellfish Farms, hiking up Oyster Dome in the Chuckanuts, or spending the day exploring the coastline by kayak.
Coupeville
Coupeville is a cozy coastal town on the inside waters of Whidbey Island. Despite being less than a 2-hour drive from downtown Seattle, this charming town feels like it is a world away.
With numerous art shops, coastal-inspired eateries, and plenty of places to take in the sights, it’s no wonder that this area is such a popular getaway.
While you’re there, take a drive over to Fort Casey, where you can check out one of the numerous lighthouses that are located throughout Puget Sound.
Poulsbo
Poulsbo is Washington’s coastal equivalent to the Bavarian-themed mountain town of Leavenworth. This coastal town known as Washington’s Little Norway features Scandinavian-themed buildings and shops and is even the home of the annual Viking Fest, which takes place each year in mid-May.
If you visit make sure to make a stop at the iconic Sluy’s Bakery for one of their maple doughboy donuts or a loaf of fresh bread.
Eastsound
Eastsound, Washington, serves as the primary economic and tourist hub on the horseshoe-shaped Orca Island located within the San Juan Islands. This charming town should only serve as a starting point, though, as the island has so much to do with hiking in nearby Moran State Park, playing in the water on Mountain Lake, kayaking to nearby Sucia Island State Marine Park, or whale watching from any number of coastal viewpoints around the island.
After a day of adventure, head back to town and try to get into the uber-popular Matia Kitchen for one of the best meals you’ll find anywhere in the state.
Anacortes
Anacortes is often a passthrough for many folks hopping on the ferry on their way to the nearby San Juan Islands. This doesn’t mean the town isn’t worth a stop on its own, though!
With a quaint downtown full of cozy diners and ice cream shops, this is a great spot for families to grab a bite to eat before catching the ferry or exploring the area further.
Nearby Deception Pass State Park is a must-visit, with miles of trails and a stunning bridge that spans the narrow pass. Here, you can watch kayakers plan in the surf and even catch the occasional orca passing through.
Long Beach
The only outer coastal town to make the list, Long Beach features just what its name implies: a very long, sandy, flat beach that is perfect for getting away from the crowds and exploring what the ever-changing tides bring in from the Pacific.
The best part is you can drive your car right onto the beach so its easy to find your own spot to call your own.
La Connor
La Connor sits at the southern entrance to the narrow but still navigatable Swinomish Channel. This channel provides a protected passage for boats traveling to and from the San Juan Islands. The town itself is full of businesses and places to stay right along the waterfront, so you can wake up and enjoy your morning coffee while watching the marine traffic pass through town.
The protected waters of this area are a great place to get out kayaking or paddleboarding, as you won’t have to worry about the waves that frequently show up out in Puget Sound. Just watch out for the occasional wake from a passing boat!
