9 Of The Most Adorable Small Towns In Washington

Washington State is home to many adorable towns, defying the expectations of the famously gloomy Pacific Northwest. Across the more rural parts of the state, travelers will find Norwegian and Bavarian-inspired towns, lavender farms, rolling vineyards, mountain lodges, seaside villages, and hot air balloon festivals, just to name a few of the most charming highlights. If you are in need of a pick-me-up this fall, look no further than these nine adorable Washington communities.

Poulsbo

Nicknamed “Little Norway,” Poulsbo is a Scandinavian-inspired town on Liberty Bay. There are several Nordic festivals to attend throughout the year, such as Viking Fest in May, with road races, food vendors, live music, and carnival games, and Midtsommer Fest in June, featuring traditional events like the maistang (pole raising), folk dancers, street food, and a vibrant market.

Visitors will also enjoy strolling through downtown Poulsbo, popping into shops like Nordiska, a Scandinavian and Nordic shop selling gifts, kitchen goods, and housewares. Those looking for a cozy place to sleep can spend the night at Hotel Scandi, an inn downtown set in a building that dates back over a century, boasting clean, Scandinavian designs.

Leavenworth

After visiting Poulsbo, continue your European trip in Leavenworth, a Bavarian-themed village on the Wenatchee River. Travelers can kick off their visit by checking into the Bavarian Lodge, a cozy mountain accommodation with amenities like private balconies, fireplaces, and patios. Afterward, head over to the Leavenworth Reindeer Farm, where you can interact with and hand-feed the majestic beasts. There are plenty of other quirky attractions in town as well, such as the Leavenworth Nutcracker Museum, which is home to over 9,000 nutcrackers, some of which date back as far as the 12th and 13th centuries.

Sequim

Flower lovers will adore a visit to Sequim, famous for its rolling fields of lavender. In the summer months, visitors can tour some of the town’s quaint lavender farms, pick their own, and learn about the harvesting process. B&B Family Farm is a popular one to visit. It is open from May through September and offers free informational tours of the property.

Those looking for a souvenir can stop by the Cedarbrook Lavender & Herb Farm Gift Shop in downtown Sequim, which sells all kinds of gifts and culinary goods, as well as bath and body products. For a hearty breakfast in Sequim, make sure to grab a bite at Oak Table Cafe, a beautiful spot with a scratch kitchen that serves pancakes, omelets, burgers, and other brunch favorites.

Anacortes

Located along the northern shores of Fidalgo Island, Anacortes is a prime destination for whale watching in Washington. Travelers can sign up for a tour with Island Adventures, which uses high-speed and low-profile vessels, guaranteeing whale sightings on its runs from February through November. Visitors who enjoy kayaking can embark on an excursion with Anacortes Kayak Tours, which offers partial-day, full-day, and multi-day trips around the San Juan Islands. For a meal with a view, consider dining at Anthony's at Cap Sante Marina, a waterfront restaurant at the marina that serves seafood dishes like scallops, mussels, and cod.

Stehekin

Need a weekend to disconnect? Look no further than Stehekin. This town, located in the North Cascades, boasts the motto, “Where No Roads Can Take You,” and can only be reached by foot, air, or water. Situated in the mountains, the town is a great spot for a weekend of hiking, with several trails to check out. Lakeshore Trail is a popular path for both backpackers and day hikers, leaving right from Stehekin and offering plenty of lake views. The Stehekin River Trail is another hiker favorite, stretching for several miles and leading to Weaver Point Campground and a swimming area. If you are not a big fan of camping, you can book a guest room or a private cabin in town at the North Cascades Lodge at Stehekin, located along the shores of Lake Chelan.

Gig Harbor

Gig Harbor, a coastal city on Gig Harbor Bay, has a thriving cultural scene, making it perfect for a weekend of art and music. Travelers can explore pieces by local artists at Ebb Tide Art Gallery, which has been exhibiting works from South Sound artists for more than four decades. Many coffee shops and bars feature live music throughout the week, including Kimball Coffeehouse, which hosts performances every Friday evening and open mic on Thursdays. Visitors hoping to get out on the water can arrange a trip on HOBBES, a sailing charter that provides cruises on Puget Sound.

Prosser

Famous for its hot air balloons and vineyards, there is always something to do in Prosser. In September each year, the town hosts the Great Prosser Balloon Rally, which brings pilots, photographers, and enthusiasts from across the Northwest for a weekend filled with color. Wine lovers can enjoy a tasting at Martinez & Martinez Winery, a family-owned, Mexican-American winery that has a cozy tasting room and occasional live events in a Tuscan-inspired courtyard. To spend the afternoon by the water, head to Crawford River Front Park, a dog-friendly green space that offers walking trails, picnic areas, and access to the Yakima River.

Forks

Twilight fans are likely familiar with the town of Forks, the coastal setting of the famous books and movies. Fans of the series can immerse themselves in the fictional world, starting out at the Forever Twilight in Forks Collection, located in the Rainforest Arts Center. This exhibit displays the world’s largest collection of Twilight memorabilia, including actual props and costumes used on screen. In September, the town hosts the annual Forever Twilight in Forks Festival. Special guests this year include the famed author Stephenie Meyer, along with actors Kellan Lutz and Peter Facinelli from the movies. Even if you are not a fan of Twilight, you can and should still visit Forks for its beautiful natural surroundings. The Olympic National Forest, for example, is just 20 minutes from town, consisting of coastal rainforests, raging rivers, and alpine wildflower meadows.

Coupeville

Few towns offer a more relaxing seaside escape than Coupeville. Located on Central Whidbey Island, this village is filled with cozy boutiques and inns, perfect for a weekend by the sea. The Coupeville Wharf lies in the heart of town, offering kayak rentals, picnic tables, a cafe, and a gift shop for visitors to explore. The Crow's Roost is another great place to grab a gift or souvenir, selling fair trade and locally made jewelry, art, home goods, and more. For your stay in Coupeville, The Anchorage Inn is a Victorian-style property just a block from Penn Cove, with several rooms and suites and complimentary breakfast each day.

Final Thoughts

With summer coming to a close, it is time to get cozy. And what better way to do so than by visiting some of these small towns’ adorable inns, farms, or music-filled coffee houses? Readers are also just in time for seasonal festivals like the Twilight Festival or Great Prosser Balloon Rally! So head out of the city for a weekend and get ready to explore the most charming corners of Washington this year.