The Best Small Towns in Washington to Chill Out
Washington's Pacific Northwest vibe is perfect for a few days of respite. There is sure to be something to pique your interest, whether you discover serenity in the forests and mountains, relaxing spots along the shore, simpler times with a touch of Victorian splendor, or quiet escapes just a ferry ride away. From the lavender-scented calm of Sequim to the artistic riverfront charm of La Conner and the nostalgic, Victorian grace of Port Townsend, these towns prove that Washington is made for chilling out.
La Conner
La Conner, Washington, is situated in the Skagit Valley on the Swinomish Channel, offering a perfect balance of rural peace and quiet, along with laid-back coastal charm. Often voted the most perfect Washington State getaway, nothing ever feels rushed or urgent in this lovely small town. Art lovers will discover inspired art pieces while strolling through La Conner's Sculpture Tour. The public art collection changes each year and offers an excellent way to discover the waterfront and the works on loan by Northwest sculptors. The Museum of Northwest Art is also designed for exploration, allowing you to discover works from across the Northwest in a peaceful and engaging way. At the Seam is the museum's permanent collection, which spans many artistic identities, encompassing varied trends and cultures.
Grab a coffee and relax at Raven’s Cup Art Gallery, where the combo café and art gallery offers a laid-back atmosphere to discover unique work by La Conner and northwestern Indigenous artists. Browse their gift shop's collection of global finds for inspired pieces to add to your collection. Afterward, one can spend the night at Hotel Planter, a historic inn offering first-class accommodation and plenty of character. Located in downtown La Conner, the inn’s peaceful courtyard is made for quiet contemplation, while the interiors are filled with quirky country inn charm. Experience the simple joys of an old-timey soda fountain at O'Neil's, located within the hotel, where tourists can enjoy a sweet treat or throwback-style classics, including hot dogs, pizza, and handcrafted sandwiches.
Chelan
Located on a tranquil lake in the foothills of the Cascade Mountains, Chelan is a peaceful town with crisp, clean air and an easygoing pace, making it an ideal spot for unwinding. This is the idyllic location to explore the serene trails along the river or in the Chelan Ranger District. A stay at the Deep Water Inn keeps you close to everything in the heart of Historic Downtown Chelan, including the one-mile Riverwalk Park Loop Trail. Find a spot to enjoy the views with a picnic lunch from the inn’s Brunch Box.
The Echo Ridge Trail System is about 1.5 miles from town, where you can explore nearly 25 miles of trails all year round. From Nordic skiing and snowshoeing in the winter to hiking and mountain biking from spring through fall, the trails offer experiences for people of all activity levels to take in the picturesque views of Lake Chelan. Before heading back to the inn, take a tour of the Lake Chelan Winery to discover the world of wine-making and details about the vineyard's regional growing conditions. Sample wines in their cozy tasting room, and then visit their cheese and wine shop to take home a tasty Chelan souvenir.
Friday Harbor
Even the name Friday Harbor conjures up visions of relaxing weekends away. A scenic ferry ride takes you to the San Juan Islands, where the laid-back vibe of a portside town is balanced with historic charm for the perfect getaway to chase your stress away. Friday Harbor is a great destination for food and wine enthusiasts seeking unique experiences that are free of pretension. A focus on fresh, high-quality food and drink at spots like San Juan Brewing Company offers relaxing afternoons, complete with sampling flights, chatting over drinks, and dining on exceptionally prepared pub-style cuisine.
Duck Soup’s cabin in the woods offers an eclectic menu featuring creative cocktails, flavorful wines, and a sumptuous menu inspired by local farms and the sea. Gorgeous meals are served in casual, comfortable booths that are just bougie enough to feel like you are treating yourself to something special, but with rustic touches like a fieldstone fireplace to keep things cozy.
Wine aficionados can book a private wine tasting experience at Madrone Cellars. Historical farm buildings set against Land Bank-preserved land offer an idyllic spot to discuss wine with the owners and sample current vintages. For a finishing touch, one can spend the night at the retro-redesigned classic motel, Earth Box Inn & Spa. Book a spa massage and indulge in a state of complete relaxation.
Snoqualmie
A short drive from Seattle, Snoqualmie’s lovely setting in the foothills of the Cascade Mountains is perfect for a leisurely day trip to shake off a week of worries. Your first stop has to be the short, paved hike to Snoqualmie Falls. The sight of the water tumbling over the 268-foot-high granite cliffs is just a mile's walk from historic downtown Snoqualmie. Complete your falls experience with drinks and lunch at the Restaurant & Terrace Bar at Salish Lodge.
From there, slow the pace with a peaceful walk or bike ride along the Snoqualmie Valley Trail, which winds through forests, meadows, and river scenery. The Northwest Railway Museum offers a charming change of pace, where you can explore the historic Snoqualmie Depot and even book a scenic heritage train ride through the valley. Meanwhile, the Art Gallery of SnoValley is an artist-run space featuring a diverse range of media and works by local creatives, with original pieces available for purchase that include jewelry, art glass, woodwork, ceramics, and sculpture.
Sequim
Located on the Olympic Peninsula near the Dungeness River, the small town of Sequim found its fame as the Lavender Capital of North America. Considering lavender’s calming effects, there is no doubt you will find a tranquil spot to chill out in Sequim. With one of America's highest concentrations of lavender farms in one area, a visit to Sequim calls for a farm tour. There are over a dozen farms offering various experiences, including u-pick adventures in the fragrant summer fields. Visit B&B Family Farms, where you can sample lavender-infused delights like chocolate, ice cream, and lemonade. Sequim’s annual Lavender Festival in July allows you to enjoy the full lavender experience with live music, food, and hundreds of vendors.
Explore the serene nature trails through the picturesque Olympic National Forest. Sequim serves as the entry point to the Dungeness and Gray Wolf Trails, where you can spend a day exploring the magnificent landscape. Meanwhile, Sequim Museum & Arts’ historical and art exhibits tell two sides of the Sequim story. The historical side includes the Manis Mastodon exhibit and the Jamestown S’Klallam Longhouse, which explore the ancient lands and culture of the area. The other side of the story showcases the work of local and visiting artists across varying media.
Port Townsend
If you find the sight of Victorian-era buildings relaxing, this historic seaport is calling your name. Port Townsend’s quaint architecture and setting on the Quimper Peninsula allow you to slow down to a Victorian pace. Port Townsend is a bookworm’s paradise with a surprising number of bookshops and libraries for a small town. William James Bookseller specializes in used, rare, and out-of-print books displayed on wooden shelves featuring titles across diverse categories. You can pre-search titles online or enjoy discovering collectible finds in person. Just a few doors down is Imprint Bookshop, a town landmark for over 50 years. The warm, inviting boutique has an impressive selection of titles and a strong sense of community where everyone is welcome.
Carry on your Victorian experience at Cafe Tenby. The modern tea house celebrates the flavors of loose-leaf tea and the comfort it brings to its guests. Book a reservation to join in the age-old tradition of high tea, complete with elegant finger sandwiches and scones with clotted cream and jam. Book a stay in one of the town's many historic inns or bed and breakfasts. The Old Consulate Inn is a 135-year-old beauty that maintains the quaint lifestyle of the Victorian era. The inn is true to its roots with not a single TV in sight, yet it keeps you connected with Wi-Fi and EV chargers if you need them. The character-filled rooms come with a three-course gourmet breakfast and lovely views of the sound and mountains.
Chill Out In Washington’s Small Towns
Everyone could use a little rest every now and then. When you are at the end of your proverbial rope, these best small towns in Washington offer idyllic locations to recharge. Whether you want a simple day trip close to Seattle, are up for a weekend island adventure, or can spread things out and visit more than just one town, Washington towns know how to help weary urbanites chillax.
