10 Washington Towns With A Slower Pace Of Life

If you are looking to unwind, the relaxing atmosphere and beautiful natural scenery of the more mellow parts of Washington are unparalleled. Hiking the old-growth forests in Gold Bar or chilling by the seaside in Port Townsend gives you an enormous sense of serenity. Some of these towns line the Puget Sound and the Pacific coast while others rest in quiet valleys east of the Cascades. Either way, the pace eases the moment you arrive. Sometimes we need to ease off a bit to really enjoy life, and these ten Washington towns deliver exactly that.

Westport

Right on the Pacific coast, across the Grays Harbor inlet from Ocean Shores, is the lesser-trafficked town of Westport. This mellow beach town is known for its peaceful, sandy shores. Westport Light State Park has over 1,200 feet of shoreline, making it a great place to take a stroll or fly a kite. At the tip of the Point Chehalis Peninsula is the Westport Viewing Tower, which offers beautiful, panoramic views of the beach, the harbor, and the town. While you take in the scenery, you can also enjoy a picnic at the picnic tables. If you are looking for something a bit more adventurous, you can book a surfing lesson at Bigfoot Surf and venture out into the water.

Gold Bar

On West Highway 2 between Everett and Leavenworth is the town of Gold Bar. It began as a gold prospecting camp, and it remains a quiet find due to the awesome outdoor adventures this secluded location provides. Wallace Falls State Park is known for its hiking trails with gorgeous views of the Wallace River and dazzling waterfalls. Another popular but challenging hike is the Lake Serene and Bridal Veil Falls Trail. You can go horseback riding at Skyland Ranch or river rafting with Alpine Adventures. After a day of enjoying all that this unspoiled natural environment has to offer, you can relax and enjoy a hearty homestyle meal at the Mountain View Diner.

Seabrook

As you drive north on the Hidden Coast Scenic Byway, the Pacific Ocean will be to one side, and the Olympic Rainforest will be to the other, making it one of the most scenic drives in the United States. This will bring you to Seabrook, which is one of the most walkable beachfront communities you will find. The waterfront downtown, beaches, parks, playgrounds, shops, and the Seabrook Saturday Market (which runs Saturdays through the summer) are all easily accessible as you take a leisurely stroll along the pedestrian-friendly streets and trails. And there is live music for free every Friday evening in the summer at Sunset Amphitheater.

Gig Harbor

Across the Salish Sea from Point Defiance is the captivating maritime town of Gig Harbor. As you drive into the town, take exit 10 for Olympic Drive Northwest. This is the more scenic drive into downtown along Soundview Drive. This will take you directly to the waterfront district, where you can meander the streets and enjoy the views of the harbor while you window shop at the unique boutiques like Tickled Pink. You can sip a craft beer as you chill on the waterfront at 7 Seas Brewing. There are guided gondola tours of the area where you can get out on the water and enjoy the scenery with Gig Harbor Gondola. Or if you are looking for a mellow way to learn more about the history of Gig Harbor, then check out the Harbor History Museum.

Port Townsend

Up at the northeastern tip of the Olympic Peninsula, Port Townsend is removed from all the hustle and bustle of urban Washington. During the warmer summer months, this seaside town is usually notably cooler and more comfortable. That makes it the perfect time to take a walk on the beach at Fort Worden Historical State Park. It does require a Discover Pass to park, or you can pay 10 dollars for a day pass. You can wander through old military buildings and then walk along the beautiful beach, dip your toes in the water, or even rent a kayak. Port Townsend also has a wonderful downtown strip that is right by the water. It is the perfect place to stroll and admire the shops, classic buildings, and the surrounding scenery. If you head into Sirens Pub and take the stairs to the second story, you will find a deck with an incredible view where you can enjoy a refreshing beverage and a bite to eat.

Tenino

Old Highway 99 takes you past little farms and forests before you find yourself in Tenino. The sandstone and brick buildings in downtown Tenino make it feel like you have stepped back in time, and the downtown is lined with shops like the Tenino Time Machine that offer antiques alongside modern items. In the summer, you can swim in the Quarry Pool, which is an old sandstone quarry converted into a natural lake and complemented by the more recently constructed wading pool and splash pad. And Wolf Haven International is a sanctuary for wolves that were born in captivity.

Steilacoom

Whether you drive into Steilacoom along the water coming from Tacoma or through the woods coming from Dupont, there is something special about coming upon the waterfront downtown of the town of Steilacoom. The well-preserved buildings from the late 1800s give the downtown such a classic, timeless feeling. If you are looking to indulge your nostalgia, the Bair is a restaurant and soda fountain. You can grab an ice cream cone and then walk a block down to the waterfront Pioneer Orchard Park, where you can watch the ferry as you look out over the sound from the Steilacoom Waterfront Lookout Point.

Sequim

Sequim is a mellow little town off the 101 that boasts gorgeous views of the Olympic Mountains and Sequim Bay. It is considered a "Blue Hole" because it is in the rain shadow of the Olympic Mountains, so they get more sunshine than most of Western Washington. Due to this, they host an annual Sequim Sunshine Festival. You can soak up the sun at the Farmers and Artisans Market, which is held at the Civic Center Plaza every Saturday from May through October. They have an Art Walk downtown on the first Friday of every month to showcase local artists. And the Sequim Museum and Arts has rotating exhibits to explore.

Poulsbo

The heart of this Viking town is located at the Muriel Iverson Williams Waterfront Park, where you can walk along the boardwalk and take in the refreshing views of the marina and the glistening bay. This is adjacent to the little downtown strip where you can peruse the boutiques and mellow galleries. The Scandinavian bakery Sluys is one of the busiest places in Poulsbo for good reason. But for something more low-key, there is the Viking-themed brewery Valholl, where you can sit out on the patio and relax. And on Fridays and Saturdays, there is the small SEA Discovery Center, where you can learn about the wildlife found in the Salish Sea.

Ellensburg

East of the Cascade Mountains is a town where historic pride mingles with modern flair. You can learn about the history of this area at the Kittitas County Historical Museum, which offers permanent exhibits as well as a self-guided walking tour of the town. After a walk around the town, enjoy a refreshing bubble tea at Young T & Tea. On Saturday mornings, May through October, you can see all the local vendors have to offer at the Ellensburg Farmers Market. And on the first Friday of the month, there is a First Friday Art Walk where the artwork of different local artists can be viewed every month.

Washington At Its Most Mellow

Whether you are looking to relax by the sea, hike next to a river, or take in a breath of fresh air in the forest, Washington is the most wonderful place to explore. There is something truly soothing as you walk along the Puget Sound in Poulsbo or trek alongside the ferns under the shade of the towering trees in Gold Bar. It will put your mind at ease as you take your time and unwind in these mellow Washington towns.