13 Prettiest Towns In the Pacific Northwest
The Pacific Northwest is often called Cascadia, a nod to the Cascade Range and the region's "falling waters," from rain-soaked forests to rushing rivers. The region is home to some magnificent landscapes; you’ve got ocean views along the Washington and Oregon coasts, inland mountainscapes that soar toward the sky, and old-growth forests stretching out beneath them. The PNW is overflowing with beauty, and so are the towns tucked throughout it, whether you’re wandering through storybook streets in Leavenworth or soaking up salty sea views in Cannon Beach. Each one has its own little quirks and can't-miss charms, but a few really stand out as instant eye-catchers.
Leavenworth, WA
Leavenworth is a charming town in Washington, bursting with vibrant colors. Once a bustling logging community, it’s now celebrated for its charming alpine-style architecture and strong German influence. Nestled amidst the beautiful Cascade mountains, this Bavarian-inspired village offers perfect spots to capture stunning photos and take in breathtaking views. The town is wonderfully walkable, filled with inviting breweries, cozy restaurants, charming cafes, and fascinating museums, all ready to welcome you. With a variety of activities and festivals happening almost all year round, there’s always something exciting to enjoy in Leavenworth!
Cannon Beach, OR
This charming coastal town along Oregon's beautiful coast is sure to leave you in awe. With stunning ocean vistas and a breathtaking beach, Cannon Beach is just a scenic hour and a half drive from Portland, making it an ideal spot for a relaxing weekend getaway or a memorable vacation. The town warmly celebrates its vibrant arts community and picturesque scenery. Plus, it offers a delightful variety of restaurants featuring Pacific Northwest specialties and a wide range of outdoor activities like bird watching, whale watching, and hiking. Cannon Beach truly is a wonderful place to explore and enjoy.
Sun Valley, ID
Once known for its hiking, biking, skiing, and fly fishing, Sun Valley is so much more than just outdoor adventures. It’s a lively town filled with arts and culture, bustling with innovation, and hosting a variety of events and festivals that welcome both locals and visitors with open arms. Surrounded by the breathtaking Smoky Mountain range and vibrant fields full of colorful flowers, the scenery is simply breathtaking. During the holiday season, this charming town transforms into a magical winter wonderland, creating the perfect setting for a peaceful and beautiful getaway any time of the year.
Port Townsend, WA
This charming Victorian seaport community beautifully combines history and arts, capturing the hearts of many visitors. With its rich maritime heritage and stunning scenic views, Port Townsend isn't just a gateway to Washington’s Olympic Peninsula and National Park—it's a delightful destination in its own right. You'll find charming historic buildings that stand out against the gorgeous shoreline, creating a lovely visual contrast. Plus, there's always something happening, with plenty of activities scheduled nearly every day. Whether you're seeking adventure, romance, or some fun with the family, Port Townsend is a wonderful place to relax and explore!
Florence, OR
A bridge, a beach, and a lighthouse… What more could you want? The seaside community of Florence has it all; and more! This beautiful town is the ideal spot to make new memories with friends and family; whether it be hiking, fishing, horseback riding, or exploring the Heceta Lighthouse, Florence has you covered. Furthermore, the town has various events and festivals year-round; from its Annual Wiener Dog Race to its Annual Rhododendron Festival, there is a little something for everyone. However, if you prefer to take it easy, the uncrowded beach is only minutes away, where you can bathe in the sun and wash your worries away in the sea.
Winthrop, WA
This old western town is bursting at the seams with charm! From the antique boardwalks and buildings to the numerous boutiques and restaurants, this town will transport you back to the wild west. With the Okanogan National Forest just footsteps away, this tiny town is a nature enthusiast’s dream destination! But before you go, be sure to plan your visit ahead of time to attend their breathtakingly beautiful Balloon Roundup or one of their other exciting festivals.
Sandpoint, ID
On the northern tip of Idaho lies the town of Sandpoint. Located on Lake Pend Oreille with the towering Selkirk and Cabinet mountains encompassing the community, Sandpoint is a drop-dead gorgeous spot. During the summertime, Sandpoint becomes a hub for all things arts & culture, including festivals, theatrical performances at the Panida Theatre, and an Arts and Crafts Fair, which showcases a variety of unique gifts sold by local makers. However, when winter strikes, Sandpoint becomes a skiing, snowboarding, snowmobiling, and sleigh riding paradise, making it a truly multifaceted community!
Gig Harbor, WA
Only 45 minutes outside of Seattle, Gig Harbor is the perfect getaway community. Noted as “One of Washington’s prettiest harbor towns'' by Sunset Magazine, this winsome town is known for its incredible waterfront and marina. Lining the streets along the waterfront, there are bistros, cafes, and shops to keep you busy while you admire the harbor views. Adding to the natural beauty of the municipality are views of the Salish Sea and Mount Rainer; must-sees for anyone visiting the area. When planning your trip, keep in mind Gig Harbor's Film and Beer festivals as you will not want to miss out!
Jacksonville, OR
Not to be confused with its Floradian name-twin, this historic town is nestled amongst the Siskiyou Mountain foothills, neighboring the Rogue River Valley. Jacksonville is known for its wine, beauty, and culture. With wine tasting, fabulous vineyards, shopping, arts, restaurants, pubs, and cafes, Jacksonville has a lot to offer. When walking through the town, you can hear live music playing while you take in the beauty of the historic buildings that line the streets. From monthly art walks live summertime concerts, holiday parades, and festivals, there is always something happening in this small town, and you will not want to miss out!
Driggs, ID
Driggs, located in the heart of Idaho’s Teton Valley, captures the hearts of all who visit. This farming town is nestled among the Teton Range and Big Hole Mountains, offering breathtaking views. Its historic-looking buildings combined with the surrounding natural beauty make it difficult to leave. With plenty to do, there's little reason to do so! Visitors can enjoy fly fishing and hiking in the summer, and skiing and snowboarding on the stunning mountains during winter. This small town is truly an ideal destination for nature lovers.
Zillah, WA
Located in the heart of Washington’s beautiful wine country, Zillah is a charming community worth exploring. Just off I-82 in Yakima Valley, this lovely rural town is home to the famous Teapot Dome National Historic Site. Once a bustling gas station, today the site keeps the story of the Teapot Dome reserve debacle alive, with volunteers selling adorable merchandise featuring the giant teapot replica during summer. If that isn’t quite your style, no worries—Zillah boasts over 20 wineries, perfect for wine tasting and relaxation. And if you’re looking for even more options, Zillah has plenty of other fun activities to enjoy during your visit!
Moscow, ID
Among the larger towns on this list, Moscow is a lively town located on the border of Idaho and Washington. This town is lively, with an active art scene, farmers markets, parks, and a botanical garden. To keep you entertained, Moscow offers shopping at both major retailers and boutiques, sporting events, and outdoor recreation, including biking, hiking, sightseeing, and golfing. There’s never a dull moment in Moscow! But before you leave town, a trip to the historic downtown area of Moscow is a must! The streets are lined with historic buildings, making it a dream destination for history buffs.
Rockaway Beach, OR
Situated on the beautiful Oregon Coast, Rockaway Beach welcomes visitors with its breathtaking seven-mile sandy shoreline and the iconic twin rocks silhouetted against the sky. The town’s stunning ocean vistas are perfect for whale-watching, where you might catch a whale breaching. Tall, majestic old-growth trees line the Rockaway Beach boardwalk, adding to the area's natural charm. There’s plenty to enjoy here, including birdwatching, beachcombing, and hiking, along with charming museums that beautifully tell the town’s rich history and heritage.
All these towns, big or small, have so many hidden treasures just waiting to be discovered. Whether that be mountain ranges that encase the town, wonderfully up-kept historic buildings, or ocean views, the beautiful towns of the Pacific Northwest are just waiting to be explored. So keep this in mind when planning your next getaway. The Pacific Northwest has something for everyone!
