9 Most Eccentric Towns in Washington

Welcome to Washington, where coastlines draw the eye, mountains define the horizon, and seafood plays a central role in local culture. Scattered across the state are quirky landmarks and peculiar sights that many travelers overlook. These places offer a different way to experience the state, highlighting traditions, local history, and unexpected attractions. Travelers willing to venture beyond the familiar will find small towns that form the distinctive culture of this beautiful state.

Forks

The town where the Twilight series was set, Forks is a cultural touchstone with themed props and lively festivals. Pick up branded merchandise year-round at Forever Twilight in Forks, or visit during the annual Forever Twilight in Forks Festival held each September. After exploring vampire-related stops, take time to explore the area around Olympic National Park. Forks serves as a gateway to the Hoh Rain Forest, one of the best remaining examples of temperate rainforest in the United States. The Hoh is known for abundant wildlife and towering trees, including Sitka spruce, bigleaf maple, western red cedar, and Douglas fir.

Poulsbo

Poulsbo features Scandinavian-style architecture alongside European-inspired bakeries and specialty shops. The town reflects its Norwegian heritage, which you'll notice in its festivals, storefronts, and local traditions. Stop at Sluys Poulsbo Bakery for breads, pastries, donuts, and desserts made from scratch. Afterward, explore works by local artists at the Verksted Gallery, then visit Poulsbo’s Fish Park, where birdlife and fish-themed sculptures line the walking paths. End the day with a stroll along Liberty Bay, watching reflections of waterfront buildings ripple across the water.

Toppenish

Toppenish encourages visitors to slow down and take in its artistic legacy. Known as the “Town of Murals,” it features more than 75 hand-painted murals depicting scenes tied to regional history. Walk through town to view artwork illustrating tribal heritage, railroad expansion, and early ranching life. Learn more about the area’s rail past at the Northern Pacific Railway Museum, where historic train cars offer a look at travel in the early 20th century. Nearby, the American Hop Museum traces the region’s hop-growing legacy through vintage equipment, photographs, and brewing-related exhibits.

Zillah

Zillah offers experiences that appeal to fans of tea, wine, and roadside curiosities. The town sits within Yakima Valley wine country and includes vineyards alongside playful landmarks. One of the most recognizable stops is the Teapot Dome Service Station, a former gas station now serving as a visitor center and local attraction. Continue to Purple Lane to sample wines and explore lavender fields at J Bell Cellars & Lavender. For coffee, stop at Bella Brew before following the Rattlesnake Hills Wine Trail to additional tasting rooms throughout the area.

Sequim

Sequim sits in the rain shadow of the Olympic Mountains and receives more sunshine than many surrounding communities. The town anchors the Sequim-Dungeness Valley and plays host to the Sequim Lavender Weekend each July. During the event, visitors can tour farms, pick lavender, watch essential oil distillation demonstrations, and take part in wreath-making classes. Purple Haze Lavender Farm operates seasonally and offers lavender-flavored treats. Nearby, Olympic Game Farm allows visitors to drive through habitats housing bison, yaks, llamas, bears, and other wildlife.

Prosser

Located along the Yakima River, Prosser blends outdoor interest with local culture. Brewminatti serves as a combined cafe and music venue, offering coffee, beer, wine, meals, and live performances. The Princess Theatre, built in 1919, hosts shows in a Spanish Mission-style setting. Known as “The Birthplace of the Washington Wine Industry,” Prosser is home to more than 30 wineries, including Martinez & Martinez, which celebrates Mexican-American heritage. Each September, the Great Prosser Balloon Rally brings hot-air balloons into the sky above town.

Leavenworth

Leavenworth stands out for its Bavarian-style village design, complete with European-inspired buildings, restaurants, and shops set against the Cascade Mountains. Visitors can feed reindeer at the Leavenworth Reindeer Farm or explore the extensive collection at the Leavenworth Nutcracker Museum. Seasonal festivals and themed events fill the calendar throughout the year. A visit often ends at Icicle Brewing Company, where guests can sample beers, enjoy Bavarian pretzels, and try chocolate truffles while taking in the town’s atmosphere.

Port Townsend

Port Townsend combines preserved Victorian architecture with a strong arts presence and maritime history. Begin at Fort Worden Historical State Park, once a coastal artillery base and now a venue for festivals, workshops, and gatherings. Walk between historic buildings while overlooking Puget Sound and visiting sites such as the Port Townsend Marine Science Center. The town also serves as a departure point for whale-watching trips in the Salish Sea. Tours operated by Puget Sound Express may encounter humpback whales, orcas, gray whales, sea lions, bald eagles, harbor seals, and tufted puffins.

Coupeville

Coupeville, one of Washington’s oldest towns, reflects its origins as a settlement of sea captains and farmers. Admiralty Head Lighthouse, rebuilt in 1903, offers exhibits focused on maritime navigation and island life. Inside, displays include Fresnel lenses and household artifacts from earlier eras. The Price Sculpture Forest blends outdoor art with forest trails, placing sculptures among mature trees and rhododendrons. Visitors often stop for photos near driftwood sculptures before heading downtown for scones and lemonade at Lavender Wind’s shop.

Towns Defined by Character

Travelers seeking places shaped by local traditions and unexpected details will find plenty to explore in Washington. These towns highlight storytelling, art, agriculture, and geography in ways that feel distinctive. Literary landmarks, lavender festivals, Bavarian architecture, historic murals, and car-free access points all contribute to experiences that will root deep in memory. Together, they offer a rewarding way to see Washington through communities that value their history without living in the past.