9 Adorable Small Towns In Washington
Washington is located in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States. The state boasts a diverse geography ranging from rainforests, alpine mountains, and coastline along the Pacific Ocean. Most of Washington’s population is drawn to larger urbanized cities along Puget Sound, such as Seattle, Everett, and Tacoma. However, Washington is brimming with charming smaller communities scattered throughout the state. Discover the nine most adorable small towns in Washington.
Leavenworth
Leavenworth is a Bavarian-themed mountain town in the Cascade Mountains. After the decline of the logging industry in the early 1960s, the town reinvented itself to cater to tourism by embracing Bavarian architecture and hosting themed festivals. The Gingerbread Factory in downtown Leavenworth offers an authentic taste of Bavaria. The storefront is delightfully modelled to resemble a gingerbread house, luring visitors in to sample gingerbread cookies, cinnamon rolls, and scones.
Leavenworth Reindeer Farms allows visitors to interact with, hand-feed, and join educational tours to learn about the endangered reindeer that live on the farm. Waterfront Park is on the edge of the Wenatchee River. It is most popular in the summer months when it is used as the site for festivals and events. There are walking trails accessible from the park, which are used in both the summer for hikers and in the winter for cross-country skiers and snowshoers.
Chelan
Chelan sits on the southeastern tip of Lake Chelan and is a year-round hub for outdoor recreational activities. In the summer, Lake Chelan comes alive, drawing in water sports enthusiasts and hosting activities such as boating, paddleboarding, and swimming. Better yet, ride the Lady of the Lake, a historic vessel that was first launched in 1976 and still voyages across the lake to this day, known for accessing even the most remote stops on the lake.
Alternatively, Chelan Riverwalk Park comprises 12 acres along the Chelan River, with many shaded benches and shelters for a scenic picnic with the lake and surrounding mountains in the backdrop. Catch a movie at the historic Ruby Theatre, which delightfully blends modern comfortable seating and digital projection with the original horseshoe balcony from when the theatre was constructed in 1914.
La Conner
La Conner is a popular destination in Washington, situated between Seattle and Vancouver in British Columbia, Canada. Although it is historically known as a fishing village, La Conner boasts a vibrant art scene. La Conner Artists Gallery provides a space for artists to work across various mediums, allowing visitors the opportunity to meet the artist whose work they may be purchasing.
Kukutali Preserve features many short hiking trails with minimal elevation, scenic views, picnic tables, and an accessible beach. Hikers have the option to extend their walk along the Rainbow Bridge and view boats sailing up and down the Swinomish Channel.
Port Townsend
Port Townsend is located on the Olympic Peninsula, a seaside town, rich in maritime history, with an acclaimed culinary scene and outdoor opportunities. Chetzemoka Park grants visitors views of the Cascade Mountains, boasting unique flower gardens, a gazebo, picnic areas, and beach and water access.
Port Townsend Farmers Market is held every Saturday from the first Saturday in April to the third Saturday in December, hosting up to 90 vendors selling an array of seasonal produce, artisan cheese, homemade bread and pastries, and arts and crafts. The Old Whiskey Mill blends Northwest cuisine with American and English pub food. They make everything in-house, which results in fine, elevated pub fare.
Walla Walla
Walla Walla is in southeastern Washington, not far from the border into Oregon, known as a productive wine region, home to 130 wineries comprising almost 3,000 acres of grapes. Seven Hills Winery is downtown Walla Walla’s only winemaking facility, offering visitors tastings, tours, and food pairings.
Combine Art Collective not only sells arts and crafts from regional artists, but also has a gallery which showcases the work of 14 local artists, with periodic guest artists and special events. Bright’s Candies has been a staple in town since 1934, producing gourmet candies and fine chocolates by hand. Visitors can witness metal candy molds and antique popcorn poppers still being used in the shop today.
Winthrop
Winthrop is a mountain town full of authentic Wild West history where the downtown streets are still lined with wooden boardwalks. To learn more about the area’s history, the Shafer Historical Museum has archives to read through, guided tours, and antique tractors and pioneering equipment outside for visitors to observe.
Three-Fingered Jack’s Saloon is a restaurant that occupies one of Washington’s oldest legal saloons, serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner. It offers an authentic experience, complete with swinging saloon doors. Pearrygin Lake State Park spans 1,186 acres and has year-round outdoor recreational opportunities. In the summer, visitors enjoy camping, hiking, and swimming. Whereas in the winter, it is possible to use fat tire bikes, cross-country skis, and snowshoes.
Friday Harbor
Friday Harbor is a historic seaport mere steps away from the ferry landing on San Juan Island. Lime Kiln Point State Park is a 36-acre park that features a still-functioning lighthouse. Visitors can tour the lighthouse, join interpretive programs, and view wildlife. Lime Kiln Point State Park is considered one of the best places in the world to view whales from land.
The San Juan Islands Sculpture Park is a 20-acre park featuring over 150 sculptures that were created by emerging and already established artists. There are several walking trails throughout the park, which lead to the sculptures and interactive exhibits. The Farm at Krystal Acres allows visitors the chance to observe a herd of between 50 and 60 alpacas while learning about the animals themselves and how their fur is used to make knitwear and eco-friendly textiles.
Ellensburg
Ellensburg is an adorable town that blends history with modern charm. The Clymer Museum of Art celebrates the life and work of John Clymer, an Ellensburg native known for historically and artistically documenting the American Frontier. Dick and Jane’s Spot is a unique art studio featuring the works of over 40 Northwest artists on their front lawn, alternating regularly.
Irene Rineheart Riverfront Park is nestled along the Yakima River. It is a suitable place to bring the whole family, regardless of age or levels of activity. Here, you can enjoy a picnic, view birds and other local wildlife, explore hiking and biking trails, or get out on the water for swimming or tubing.
Poulsbo
Poulsbo is a small town on Puget Sound, which is nicknamed “Little Norway,” as the town was founded by a Norwegian immigrant. Visit Sluys Poulsbo Bakery for an authentic taste of the Scandinavian heritage the town is known for. Try their Danish pastries, bread, cakes, and donuts, all made from scratch.
To learn more about the Salish Sea that the town resides on, explore the displays at the SEA Discovery Center. There are many interactive aquarium exhibits, educational programs, and volunteering opportunities. Forest Rock Hills Park enables visitors to the town to easily escape into nature. The park offers unmatched experiences for walkers, hikers, and runners alike.
Washington's Adorable Small Towns
Washington’s bigger cities may provide convenient and modern amenities; however, the real charm of the state belongs to its small towns. From European-style villages to communities nestled among the mountains or seaside villages rich in maritime history, the towns on this list have their own unique culture, history, and character. These are the nine most adorable small towns in Washington.
