9 Storybook Towns In Washington

Perched in the northwestern corner of the continental United States, Washington State abounds in charming towns and magical landscapes that look and feel like storybook dreams. Imagine lush temperate rainforests, magnificent mountains, idyllic winery vineyards, and tranquil island shores, and we’re still just scratching the surface of all that the Evergreen State has to offer. Even beyond the storied streets of Seattle, there’s a whole lot more of Washington awaiting travelers’ discovery, including one town that served as the backdrop for one of the United States’ biggest franchises of fantasy books and movies. If you’re starting to wonder where you can make your own fairytale dreams come true, take a closer look at these nine storybook towns in Washington.

White Salmon

Situated in the Columbia River Gorge, around 66 miles east of Portland (Oregon), White Salmon is a small town surrounded by big, beautiful scenery. While it’s easy to cross the Hood River Bridge to check out all the amazing offerings of Hood River on the Oregon side of the river, the Washington side has the White Salmon River that’s great for fishing, kayaking, and river rafting. In addition, White Salmon places you within easy reach of Columbia Hills Historic State Park, an otherworldly nature preserve with Native American petroglyphs, incredible high desert vistas, and access to the Columbia River for fishing, boating, and windsurfing.

While White Salmon has plenty of opportunities to get out and be active, this is also a lovely town to kick back and relax with a glass of fine wine. More specifically, the nearby AniChe Cellars and Loop de Loop Vintner provide tastings and winery tours by appointment, allowing you to taste the local bounty and take in the incredible views of the vineyards and the gorge. From there, return to town and check into the Inn of the White Salmon for a cozy, comfy, and convenient “base camp” for exploring the Columbia River Gorge region.

Walla Walla

Perched just above the Oregon state line in Eastern Washington, Walla Walla anchors a lively and dynamic wine country region that combines Old West tradition with new and exciting flavors. At the end of August, the Walla Walla Fair & Frontier Days celebration offers everything from live music performances and a rodeo competition to a demolition derby and a town parade outside. No matter when you’re in town, it’s also worth visiting the Fort Walla Walla Museum to walk through history in the Pioneer Village and learn more about the development of the Inland Northwest during the 19th century.

When you’re ready to experience a different side of town, stop at The Walls winery near downtown to taste their fascinating menu of local wines and tasty bites, or do a little field trip (with a designated driver) to Kinhaven to see their vineyard and try their selection of small-batch wines. And for an even more fully immersive wine country experience, try a stay at Yellowhawk Resort, a winery that specializes in sparkling wines and an 84-acre retreat offering all the space you need to stretch out and enjoy the good life at its finest.

Leavenworth

Nestled in the Cascade Range of Central Washington, about 117 miles east of Seattle, Leavenworth is a curiously Bavarian village that makes for the ideal mountain getaway. Every October, the town becomes the epicenter of German-style beer, food, and festivities during Oktoberfest. Yet whenever you’re in Leavenworth, it’s a good idea to visit Icicle Brewing Company for award-winning local beers, and stop at the nearby Chateau Faire Le Pont tasting room to enjoy some delectable local wines.

For something more adventurous outside, head to Tumwater Mountain for hiking, biking, and wintertime snowshoeing in the backcountry. Also try Leavenworth Ski Hill for summertime hiking and mountain biking, as well as alpine skiing and fat biking during the winter season. Year-round, you can enjoy wonderfully appointed ski lodge-style rooms and suites at Bavarian Lodge, along with a perfect location in the heart of town.

Winthrop

Just to the east of the Cascades in the Methow Valley of Northern Washington, around 155 miles east of Bellingham, Winthrop is a perfectly pleasant mountain town with everything you need for an idyllic retreat. Head to Pearrygin Lake State Park and discover a wonderful spot for camping, hiking, bird watching, fishing, and boating. For even more action at the lake, go to Patterson Lake for one of the region’s top fishing lakes (including ice fishing in winter), and it’s perfect for kayaking, paddleboarding, and swimming during the warmer months.

In town, there’s plenty more to see, do, and taste, including Washington’s "oldest legal saloon" at Three Fingered Jack’s, and the gas station that also offers espresso, gourmet chocolate, wine, deli sandwiches, and special gifts at The Winthrop Store. From there, check into Sun Mountain Lodge for year-round fun and games at Patterson Lake, along with luxuriously furnished guestrooms and private cabins.

Friday Harbor

Picture a charming island village with some of North America’s best opportunities for whale watching, then look to the San Juan Islands, and you will find the picture-perfect town of Friday Harbor. Start at The Whale Museum to learn more about the natural environment of the Salish Sea and the whales who call this sea home, and head out to sea with San Juan Outfitters to spot orcas in the wild, along with humpback whales, minke whales, and harbor porpoises. Or, if you prefer exploring on dry land, go to Lime Kiln Point State Park for some of the best whale watching opportunities on shore, along with a rocky beach, the Lime Kiln Lighthouse, and scenic coastal hiking trails.

Back in town, see how the island’s natural beauty inspires some amazing creativity at the San Juan Islands Museum of Art, including their extensive collection of works by First Nations indigenous artists. Then, make your way to Bird Rock Hotel to experience a cute and cozy boutique inn near the harbor in the heart of Friday Harbor’s historic village.

Vashon Island

Take a short ferry ride from Seattle or Tacoma, and you will reach Vashon Island. This island may be so close to the big city, yet it feels a world away, even when you take in the incredible Puget Sound views from Point Robinson Park, which also has a historic (1885) lighthouse and the iconic Oscar, The Bird King troll sculpture by Thomas Dambo. A short drive west from Point Robinson, Maury Island Marine Park has over a mile of undeveloped shoreline that works quite well for hiking, biking, horseback riding on land, as well as paddling out to sea.

While Vashon offers a lot to do outside, it also provides a full feast for all senses. Head over to Nashi Orchards to tour their beautiful farm (available by reservation) and pick up some bottles of their delicious apple and pear ciders. Try some more tasty ciders at Dragon’s Head Cider Orchard, where you can also bring your own picnic grub and enjoy an al fresco lunch. And when you can use your own private space to stretch out, sip some cider, and simply relax, it’s hard to beat The Lodges on Vashon.

Sequim

Situated on the southern shores of the Strait of Juan de Fuca, around 67 miles northwest of Seattle, Sequim shines bright as one of Washington’s sunniest and driest towns west of the Cascades. Begin exploring the town with an easy walk or bike on the Olympic Discovery Trail por hang around Sequim Bay State Park to stroll the beach and get in the water to do some kayaking, paddleboarding, and even scuba diving. And if you’re an animal lover, you may really love the opportunity to spot native wildlife like Roosevelt elk, black bears, Columbian black tailed deer, and snow-shoed hares at the Dungeness River Nature Center.

Thanks to Sequim’s sunnier Mediterranean climate, this town is the “Lavender Capital of North America,” and B&B Family Farm is happy to welcome visitors to tour their 100% organic farm that grows lavender and makes hand-crafted artisan products like body wash, massage oil, lavender teas, lavender-infused jams, and even lavender chocolates. And for another uniquely Sequim experience, check into the Olympic Railway Inn and stay in your own vintage train car.

Forks

Though other towns may describe themselves as “storybook villages,” the town of Forks on the Olympic Peninsula actually has its own literary and cinematic legacy. Shortly after Stephenie Meyer’s Twilight novels were first published, and especially once they were adapted into five feature films between 2008 and 2012, Forks became a special place for fans to enjoy an immersive experience. Every September, Forks hosts an annual Forever Twilight in Forks Festival featuring actors from the movies, themed parties, community movie nights, and much more. Whenever you’re in town, the Rainforest Arts Center has a permanent collection of Twilight memorabilia available to view.

For even more ethereal scenery and vibes, do a road trip into Olympic National Park to immerse yourself in the region’s natural beauty. More specifically, check out key highlights like the red sand and tall sea stacks at Ruby Beach, the spectacularly lush temperate rainforest at the Hoh Rain Forest, and the park’s tallest mountain at Mount Olympus (with a summit reaching 7,962 feet above sea level). Once you’re ready to return to town, the Woodland Inns await with a perfectly cozy environment that makes for a lovely “home away from home.”

Seabrook

Only about 79 miles west of Olympia, discover one of Washington’s most curiously curated Pacific Coast towns at Seabrook. Founded as a New Urbanist style community in 2004, Seabrook has been carefully planned and designed to have everything you need within reach. This includes the town’s own Seabrook Beach, which has a long stretch of clean and soft sand and ocean waves that roar to shore. Or, if you prefer a wilder expanse of shore, head south to Roosevelt Beach to stretch out, take in the views, and even try some seasonal shellfishing.

When you crave some adventures on dry land, try mountain biking at the Buck Creek Trail, hiking along the Joe Creek Trail, or a simple stroll through Seabrook’s tidy and well-kept central village. Whatever you’re looking to do, and however big or small of a group you’re traveling with, Seabrook has a wide selection of vacation rental homes to suit your needs and ensure that you enjoy your stay in town.

Write Your Own Fairytale Story in These Charming Washington Towns

However you envision your ideal fairytale fantasy getaway, Washington can help you turn the fantasy into reality. Head to Walla Walla for the perfect wine country trip complete with a stay on a working vineyard. Try Leavenworth for a Bavarian-inspired mountain village offering year-round excitement in its great outdoors. Escape to Friday Harbor and soak up some Pacific Northwest style island vibes, and go to Forks to explore the lush, leafy town that brings Twilight lore to life. With these and other exciting options across the Evergreen State, you can go ahead, let your imagination run wild, and create your own storybook-worthy journey.