The 9 Most Picturesque Small Towns In Washington

The picturesque state of Washington sits half covered by forests, along with impressive coastlines and some of the highest mountains in the US. The deeply historic Evergreen State comprises a prime destination for nature-hungry tourists and outdoorsmen. With a rich sprinkling of small towns throughout, each with a unique character, you will find a happening scene of attractions, and cultural pursuits, as well as a whole natural world at your feet.

Seek your own picturesque niche from this list to immerse yourself in small-town life through your favorite pursuits during a respite from the city. The addicting wealth of historical discoveries and ventures through nature's wonders will astound you. You will want to choose the next enclave in Washington for another scenic set without waiting for your next vacation.

Coupeville

The picturesque enclave of Coupeville along Skagit Bay is the state's second-oldest town with a historic waterfront. It was first settled in the 1850s and preserved as part of Ebey's Landing National Historical Reserve. Enjoy the endlessly picturesque downtown on a stroll along the many 19th-century buildings. Find them replete with art galleries, wine-tasting rooms, stores, and restaurants with seafood like locally grown Penn Cove mussels.

Head to the picture-perfect waterfront with the strikingly old red wharf amidst the tranquil waters and somber views of Penn Cove. The town is an ideal base for visiting Whidbey Island and exploring the deep blue of the ocean via a boat tour. Sightsee the historic landmarks like the Admiralty Head Lighthouse and enjoy nature hikes along the trails with oceanic vistas, and through state parks like Fort Ebey and Fort Casey.

Gig Harbor

Set under the persistently snow-peaked Mount Rainier, Gig Harbor is bounded by evergreen forests to one side and cobalt blue waters with white rafts to the other. The little town with proud residents who know that it is hard to find a waterfront more picturesque than theirs continues to astound new tourists. This quintessential Washington postcard is a real playground for the outdoorsy types.

Enjoy a morning stroll along the historic waterfront and spend the day relaxing through your favorite recreational pursuits along the shore of Puget Sound. Take an explorative hike along the trails through the lush woods of the surrounding state parks or natural areas, and bring a camera to capture the lovely views wherever you go. Stop by the Harbor History Museum for an insight into this town and the area's maritime past before checking out the modern downtown Gig Harbor.

La Conner

This charmingly historic waterfront town just over an hour north of Seattle is home to only about 900 welcoming residents. The annual tulip festival brings thousands more state-wide tourists for weeks of lovely scenery, exploding colors, and heavenly scents, amidst a galore of food and fun events. Visit LaConner any day for a real small-town appeal under the towering Mount Baker.

Head downtown, replete with hot spots like art galleries, wineries, and independent boutiques amid a renowned culinary scene. La Conner’s cultural wealth includes the Museum of Northwest Art, the Pacific Northwest Quilt & Fiber Arts Museum, and the Skagit County Historical Museum. Enjoy a delightful stroll along the Swinomish Channel, and seek out the picturesque Rainbow Bridge. Stroll across for a memorable selfie with a peaky backdrop on a clear day.

Langley

Langley is an idyllic destination for romantic getaways that is both remote and within close reach. The town atop a bluff on Whidbey Island is blissfully tranquil on a stroll along the streetscape full of scenic views wrapped in the island's natural environment. Find a wealth of antique shops and bookstores behind historic facades with unique storefronts.

Choose to dine at one of the many cafes or eateries serving dishes made with locally grown ingredients. Get active along the miles upon miles of trails through the woods, or kayak with distant views of migrating whales and bald eagles overhead. End the day on a high note over a glass at a local winery and choose a bottle of fantastic wine, grown and corked right in the area.

Port Townsend

Many call Port Townsend one of the prettiest towns in America, set amidst cobalt waters and awe-inspiring mountains. Find the aesthetic streetscape with exquisitely crafted gems from 19th-century Victorian buildings, hosting eclectic shops and quirky artistic and cultural pursuits. Spend an afternoon in maritime history at the Northwest Maritime Center, Pope Marine Park, and Jackson Tidal Park with views of Admiralty Bay and the distant Olympic Mountains.

Head on a nature venture at the nearby Fort Worden State Park with a picnic to set along its skinny stretch of sandy beaches. You can relax at the views of the Sound, kayak, or explore the trails around. The town, fringed by the jagged mountains, juts out into Puget Sound's whale-rich habitat, where local wildlife sightings like orcas are common. Port Townsend is an enchanting destination for its historic collection of ornate, Victorian-style buildings set against a grandiloquent mountainous backdrop.

Poulsbo

The mini-Norway of the US is only missing fjords, but colorful Norwegian architecture and homes along the coastal landscape will transport you to the other continent. Norwegian immigrants settled in this picture-perfect stretch of land, with Scandinavian culture and traditional attractions for tourists' enjoyment today. Seek out the rich heritage through sights and authentic cuisine like smorgasbord open-faced sandwiches or lefse at the Poulsbo Sons of Norway.

Pick up some quality Nordic wares at Nordiska, and stop by the family-owned Sluys' Poulsbo Bakery for the best-baked goods in the region, like fresh bread and pastries. Find "Little Norway," replete with shops, bistros, microbreweries, and pubs along the vibrant waterfront, along with a Scandinavian market. Enjoy the boardwalk alongside Liberty Bay in the morning, day, or night for its most lovely sunsets over the stunning Sound and mountain views.

Sequim

Sequim is a postcard that comes alive from a town surrounded by lavender fields. With more sunny and warm days than most of the Olympic Peninsula, thanks to the western shielding towers of the Olympic Mountains and rainy Washington on the other side, tourists enjoy the outdoors to the max. Wander through the charming streetscape in the morning and head to the fragrant lavender fields or explore the historic lighthouses on a hike.

There is the Dungeness National Wildlife Refuge, while the 120-mile Olympic Discovery Trail is a glorious biking route from Port Townsend to La Push along the Pacific Coast. Snack on Dungeness crab every day and seek out more of the lovely scenery at local art galleries that continue to inspire artists and photographers. Stock up on lavender-infused skin care and scented products, among other themed goods.

Snohomish

Snohomish is the renowned "Antique Capital of the Northwest," but no matter the pursuit of a visit, you will find this small town immensely picturesque. Stroll through the wonderful historic district, on the National Register of Historic Places, with antique shops, specialty stores, restaurants, taverns, music venues, and even spas. Take a refreshing stroll through the Flower World oasis with blooms, farm animals, duck ponds, fruit trees, and more natural scenery.

The nearby Maltby Produce Market is a charming place to mingle among locals and stock up on fresh farm foods like produce, eggs, and apple cider. Bring your kids along to the petting zoo to cuddle with the goats, sheep, lambs, and pigs. Seek a scope of Snohomish from a whole other perspective via an adventure to the sky with the Aerial Balloon Co. You will be at the mercy of a scenic overload above the Cascade and Olympic Mountains, including Mount Baker and Mount Rainier, as well as the panoramic Seattle skyline just south along the Puget Sound.

Stehekin

The tiny Stehekin is set remotely at the headwaters of the 55-mile Lake Chelan. Its atmospheric streetscape and surrounding nature scream "get away from it all." Visit Stehekin on your next getaway into the immensely picturesque North Cascade's Stehekin Valley, with only access by plane, boat, or foot, and the North Cascades, a real paradise for hikers, campers, and backpackers.

Wander around the valley with a picnic to experience real tranquility or lounge by the waters with laidback activities like kayaking. Stehekin is a town to discover at any pace you wish, like the local leisurely way of life. Spend some time at the notable historic landmarks like the Buckner Homestead just outside of town with insights about the valley and scenic strolls through its large apple orchard to pick up some crisp-fresh treats.

Washington is one picturesque state, home to snow-capped peaked, national parks, rivers, bays, and inlets. These endlessly picturesque small towns will inspire you through their sights and refreshing nature away from the city's grit. Enjoy cultural pursuits when you visit Little Norway or have yourself a southern France getaway while wandering through lavender fields.

Each postcard-like streetscape with picture-perfect views each way and the all-encompassing small-town vibe will leave a lifetime of memories. Enjoy nature through the wilderness, mountains, and coastal views, and return downtown for the galore of vibrant attractions behind historic facades and along the picturesque waterfronts.