9 Off-The-Grid Washington Towns To Visit In 2025
Spanning over 71,000 square miles, Washington is a massive state, roughly twice the size of Portugal! As a result, it is no surprise that towns are hidden away in some of the state’s wildest corners. Situated among islands, within valleys, and atop mountains, many of Washington’s small towns have a completely different feel from its urban centers. These small towns offer a wide range of outdoor activities, from mountain biking along canyon rims and kayaking through winding channels to picking lavender in Washington’s farmland. If you are looking for an experience that goes beyond the usual, these nine off-the-grid Washington towns are worth the detour in 2025.
Coupeville
Just an hour and a half from Seattle, Coupeville on Whidbey Island feels worlds away from the city. The town has plenty of parks where visitors can relax and enjoy the waterfront, such as Captain Coupe Park, which features picnic tables, grills, a floating dock, and boat trailer parking. For scenic views of Penn Cove, Coupeville Park is another great option, spanning about 3.8 acres along the coastline.
To sample Coupeville’s renowned Penn Cove Mussels, travelers can stop by Front Street Grill, a waterfront restaurant in town. Just a block from the shoreline, Anchorage Inn Bed and Breakfast offers a cozy overnight stay, with six uniquely furnished rooms.
Langley
After visiting Coupeville, visitors can drive about half an hour south on Whidbey Island to find the charming town of Langley. In the summer, tourists can head over to Goss Lake, just west of downtown Langley, where they can kayak, paddleboard, and swim. Lone Lake, although it does not allow swimming, is another scenic destination for kayaking, sailing, waterskiing, tubing, and other water recreation.
Those hoping to hike should make sure to add the Putney Woods Trails to their itinerary. This trail network stretches 15 miles, passing through over 600 acres of forest. On the first Saturday of the month, Langley celebrates its local art scene with a weekly Saturday Art Walk, which takes place from 5 to 7 pm each evening.
La Conner
Travelers will find that La Conner has a special romantic energy about it. Start your exploration of the town by taking a stroll along the La Conner Marina, where you can view vintage, classic, and modern boats. Those who enjoy kayaking can paddle their way through the Swinomish Channel, home to wildlife like seals, otters, and great blue herons. On a rainy day, consider stopping in Seaport Books, a local bookstore that specializes in Pacific Northwest topics and authors. Afterwards, unwind with their book at the Wild Iris Inn, a boutique inn that serves an elegant, two-course breakfast each morning.
Winthrop
Winthrop is a mountain town for all seasons, offering outdoor adventures year-round. As the weather begins to warm, take advantage of the mountain terrain by mountain biking at Pipestone Canyon, a moderate to difficult mountain biking trail network that winds along the rim of the scenic canyon. In the summer, kayakers, canoers, and boaters can head over to Patterson Lake, which also doubles as a favorite spot for swimming. If you prefer an afternoon of golfing, consider visiting Bear Creek Golf Course, a nine-hole course set in the Methow Valley. To conclude a busy day, tourists can refuel at Jupiter, a counter-service restaurant that serves coffee, pastries, breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Friday Harbor
Friday Harbor, a small town on the eastern shores of San Juan Island, is the perfect small town for whale watching. Travelers can sign up for a whale watching tour with agencies such as Western Prince Whale Watching, which gives visitors the chance to see killer whales, humpback whales, and minke whales, depending on the time of year. Tourists can also kayak the coast with Discovery Sea Kayaks, which offers half-day, full-day, and multi-day excursions.
If you are hungry after a day on the water, grab dinner at one of Friday Harbor’s highly rated restaurants, such as Jima Sushi, a traditional Japanese restaurant, or Downriggers, a waterfront restaurant that specializes in seafood.
Republic
Home to about 1,000 residents in northern Washington, Republic is one of the best towns in Washington to completely disconnect. Families can get a hands-on look at local agriculture at The Goat Patrol & Petting Zoo, a working goat farm with over 40 goats that welcomes visitors by appointment. Those wanting to go horseback riding can sign up for a trail ride at K Diamond K Guest Ranch, a 1,600-acre ranch with miles of horseback trails.
For hikers, the Ferry County Rail Trail begins in Republic and stretches 26 miles north, offering opportunities to spot wildlife such as osprey, bald eagles, brown bears, and deer. In the evenings, stop by Republic Brewing Company, which frequently hosts live music, bingo, and other entertaining events that guests can enjoy alongside a craft beer.
Roslyn
Designated a National Historic District in the 1970s, Roslyn has held on to its Old West character. Travelers can learn about the town’s coal mining roots at the Roslyn Historical Museum, located in the heart of its historic downtown. The Roslyn Cemetery, established around 1886, offers a trip into the past with its many 19th-century graves. Another landmark is the Roslyn Theater, housed in an early 20th-century building and still serving as the community’s movie theater. For a relaxing drink, stop by the Brick Saloon, a tavern dating back to 1889 and one of the town’s most iconic establishments.
Port Townsend
Ranked as the Coolest Small Town in 2023 by Budget Travel, Port Townsend is a quirky seaport town with a lively arts scene. Throughout the year, Centrum puts on a variety of concerts, workshops, and plays, with upcoming activities including ukulele workshops, chamber music concerts, and fiddling festivals.
To learn about the area’s history and appreciate regional art exhibits, travelers should make sure to spend a morning at the Jefferson Museum of Art and History. The Art Walk, which takes place each Saturday from 5 to 8 pm, is another great way to explore the local art scene. Book collectors, meanwhile, will love the William James Bookseller, which sells used, rare, and out-of-print books to the public.
Sequim
Affectionately known as the Lavender Capital of America, many farms in the Sequim area open to visitors in the summer for U-pick lavender experiences. From May through September, visit B & B Family Farm, home to around 14,000 lavender plants representing 16 different varieties. Another seasonal stop is In Bloom Lavender Farms, in operation since 1995 and considered one of the oldest lavender farms in the United States.
From May 3rd through October 25th, the Sequim Farmers Market takes over Sequim Civic Center Plaza on Saturdays, featuring more than 65 local vendors. For a cozy night away, guests can lodge at the Dungeness Barn House, set in a 1926 building and offering amenities like a complimentary breakfast, a private beach, and gardens.
While Washington’s cities offer endless excitement, there is something to be said about the smaller towns, particularly those in more secluded settings. Towns like Friday Harbor, for example, offer travelers the rare opportunity to go whale watching, while destinations like Roslyn allow visitors to travel back in time to the state’s old western past. As you plan your 2025 travels, consider venturing off the beaten path to discover the wildest corners of Washington.
