If you’re looking to discover the charm of Washington beyond just the Puget Sound, then look no further. The state is home to no shortage of incredible places to visit that range from remote island retreated to wine country havens.
We love exploring Washington, as there is always something new to experience. If we’re looking to relax by the water, there is Gig Harbor or La Conner, but if the mountains are calling our name, then Leavenworth and Winthrop serve as excellent basecamp for the adventures above.
And don’t overlook the Columbia River Gorge as it is chock full of things to do and amazing towns to explore.
So, let’s hit the road and discover these nine enchanting small-town getaways across the state.
Eastsound
Located on Orca Island, Eastsound serves as the commercial and cultural hub of this incredible retreat located smack dab in the middle of the Salish Sea.
The town may not be large, but there is no shortage of things to do with quaint shops to explore, amazing restaurants perfect for a quick bite or a romantic dinner, and, of course, the adventures you can embark on around the rest of Orca Island and the San Juan Islands.
Gig Harbor
Just across the infamous Narrows Bridge from Tacoma is the sleepy waterfront town of Gig Harbor. While the town’s population has really grown in recent years, the downtown waterfront remains as charming as ever.
Here, you can rent a kayak to paddle around the fully protected harbor, walk to the overlook that offers a perfectly framed view of Puget Sound and Mt. Rainier, or grab some dinner with a view at the famous Tides Tavern.
If you’re looking for a unique lodging experience, then book a stay on one of the numerous boats in the town’s harbor. Options here range from ordinary houseboats to classic motor yachts that will leave you feeling like a million bucks.
Leavenworth
If you’re needing an escape to the rugged Washington Cascades but want to sprinkle in a little Bavarian flair, then Leavenworth is just the town for you.
This mountain getaway has fully embraced the Bavarian theme with authentic beer halls, bratwurst stands, and all of the decorations you’d expect to see on a trip to Germany.
The real gems lie just outside of town, though, as Leavenworth sits right at the doorstep of the magical Enchantments wilderness region. Here, you’ll find granite peaks, high alpine lakes, and jaw-dropping color displays when the larch trees change from green to a brilliant golden color.
La Conner
La Conner stands at the entrance of an important passageway that connects the protected waters between Whidbey Island and the mainland to the south and the waters around the San Juan Islands to the north.
This means that a lot of pleasure boaters making the trek between Seattle or Edmonds to the San Juans will pass through this charming town, which always makes it a hive of activity on summer weekends.
The town’s highlight is the boardwalk, which runs right along the water’s edge. It provides access to watch the marine traffic flow by and explore the town’s waterfront shops and restaurants.
Winthrop
Depending on when you visit this small town on the east side of the Cascades, it can have a very different feel.
During the summer months Winthrop is one of the last stops for visitors making their way into North Cascades National Park. With a small collection of breweries, restaurants, and bakeries, Winthrop is the perfect stop before heading into the remote stretches of the park.
If you visit during the winter months, then you’ll find a town that serves as a base camp for some of the best nordic skiing in the country. The Methow Valley is home to miles of groomed trails that run between the towns and is the perfect place to learn how to ski or for professional skiers to knock out some big miles.
White Salmon
Located just across the Columbia River from the popular Oregon town of Hood River, White Salmon is the often-overlooked neighbor that offers up a ton of charm and access to adventure without the crowds.
Sitting on a bluff above the river, the town is the perfect place to take in stunning views of nearby Mt. Hood. Try grabbing a seat on the back patio of Everybody’s Brewing for some of the best views you’ll find anywhere in the state.
If you’re looking for some adventure, check out the nearby Coyote Wall or Dog Mountain for hiking or hit the river for fishing or windsurfing.
Walla Walla
Wine lovers from around the country flock to this eastern Washington town for its wineries, which produce some of the region’s best syrah and cabernet sauvignon.
Walla Walla’s downtown has fully embraced the wine culture and is home to several incredible restaurants that you might expect to find in a major city like Seattle rather than a small farming town in the outer reaches of the state.
Before it was famous for its wine, Walla Walla was known for its famous sweet onions, so don’t forget to pick up a bag to bring home!
Port Townsend
Visitors to Port Townsend are often shocked by the city’s ornate architecture. Its downtown is filled with Victorian-style buildings that can feel out of place in this small town on the western edge of Puget Sound.
Because of its location, it was once considered a prime candidate to be the commercial hub of the region, which attracted no shortage of money. Nowadays, the town is still thriving, but not quite in the way folks envisioned a hundred-plus years ago.
Today, visitors come to explore the town center and the working boatyard, which is home to a range of activities, from commercial fishermen getting their boats ready for the upcoming season to boat builders meticulously maintaining and restoring classing sailing vessels.
Poulsbo
Leavenworth doesn’t get to have all the fun when it comes to European-themed towns in Washington.
The waterfront city of Poulsbo is known as Washington’s Little Norway, and throughout its downtown, you’ll find Norwegian flags and Scandinavian-theme shops.
If you plan a visit during mid-May, you can take part in the town’s annual Viking Fest, which celebrates Norway’s Constitution Day.
Of course, any trip to Poulsbo would not be complete without a visit to its famous bakery, Sluy’s.
