Washington's 6 Most Laid-Back Towns For 2025
With over half the state blanketed in forest, 64 named mountain ranges, more than 3,000 miles of shoreline, and over 8,000 lakes, Washington’s landscape could practically be the definition of “relaxing.” Hidden among it all are several laid-back towns where you can set stress aside for a few days and get the rest you need. Village wharfs, wildlife areas, miles of beaches, award-winning wineries, and art museums are just a few of the calming attractions that await. If you have been seeking the chance to unwind and recharge for the weekend, the following six towns are the perfect places for an escape.
Chelan
Chelan is situated along the shores of a 50.5-mile-long lake, giving you no shortage of activities to enjoy on and near the water. If your idea of a relaxing vacation involves boating, look no further than renting a boat from Lake Shores Watercraft and Boat Rentals, which has wake surf boats, bayliners, starcrafts, and pontoons available for the day.
There are also hundreds of miles of hiking trails in the surrounding area! Beebe Springs Wildlife Area, for example, is just minutes away from town and has a variety of unique habitats to explore, including wetland, riparian, and upland shrubsteppe habitats. The wildlife area’s Columbia River, meanwhile, is a popular spot for Steelhead and summer chinook salmon fishing. Finish your afternoon with a glass of wine from one of the region’s renowned vineyards, like Lake Chelan Winery, famous for its barbecue and handcrafted, award-winning wines!
Coupeville
Coupeville, set on Whidbey Island, is a peaceful seaside village that makes the most of its remote setting. Upon arriving in town, travelers can head over to the Coupeville Wharf for a stroll, where they can browse a gift shop, grab a bite at a cafe, have a picnic, or even rent a kayak for an hour or two. You’ll find plenty of cozy seafood restaurants to pop into as well, such as Osprey Fish Co., which serves fish and chips, oysters, fried shrimp, and plenty of other favorites from the sea.
Planning to spend a night in town? The Coupeville Inn is a wonderful option, housed inside a French Mansard-style home, near all kinds of shops and restaurants. Travelers seeking a souvenir to remember their vacation can stop by Penn Cove Gallery, which was established in 1994 as the first cooperative gallery on the island, showcasing work from numerous local artists.
La Conner
La Conner, situated on Washington’s Salish Sea, may be most famous for its tulip bloom, but it still has plenty of other relaxing things to enjoy throughout the rest of the year as well. Plant lovers can spend a while browsing Christianson’s Nursery, a local nursery nearby that sells common and uncommon plants, along with garden accessories, gifts, and antiques.
Kukutali Preserve is another highlight, offering over 83 acres, three islands, and two miles of shoreline that is excellent for a day of hiking. As an interesting fact, it is also the first park in US history to be jointly owned and managed by both a state government and an indigenous tribe! Travelers can finish off their trip with a stop at the Museum of Northwest Art, which showcases pieces made by local artists in the Pacific Northwest and Northwest. The main regions represented in the museum include Alaska, British Columbia, California, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, and Washington.
Port Townsend
With just over 10,000 residents, Port Townsend has the perfect balance between seaside tranquility and relaxing amenities. Travelers can enjoy both the sea and the town’s history at Fort Worden Historical State Park, which overlooks the Admiralty Inlet and is home to forests, beaches, historic gun batteries, and museums. There are several spas in the area to check out as well, such as Soak on the Sound, which has saltwater soaking tubs and saunas where visitors can spend the afternoon.
In the evening, you can head out to catch a play at Key City Public Theatre, an award-winning establishment that has been putting on shows since 1958. Upcoming performances include Misery, Ebenezer Scrooge’s Big Christmas Show, and A Christmas Carol.
Poulsbo
Nicknamed “Little Norway,” Poulsbo is a friendly Norwegian-like town on the Kitsap Peninsula. Travelers wanting to explore the coast can head out to Kitsap Memorial State Park, which is located on Hood Canal and is popular for hiking, biking, camping, boating, and birdwatching. If a day outdoors has worked up an appetite, consider dining at Tizley’s EuroPub, well known for its Swedish Meatballs, Kase Spatzle, English Pub Shepherd's Pie, Goulash, and many other classic dishes. Don’t forget to browse some of the town’s adorable shops as well! Nordiska is a cute one to check out, specializing in all things Scandinavian and Norwegian, including kitchen goods, housewares, and gifts.
Ocean Shores
Located on a six-mile-long peninsula, Ocean Shores is surrounded by sandy shores and fresh waterways. There are several beaches that travelers can stroll or lounge on while in town, including Ocean Shores Beach and North Jetty. Interested in birding? Make sure to travel down to the Oyhut Wildlife Area, which is situated on the peninsula’s southernmost tip and is a crucial nesting habitat for western snowy plover.
All of the peninsula’s waterways are popular for kayaking as well, with waterway launches available in North Bay Park and Chinook Park. If you are looking for a nice place to unwind at the end of the day, Collins Inn & Seaside Cottages will do the trick. This hotel features four in-house suites with amenities like fireplaces, jacuzzis, and coffee machines that are sure to make you feel at home.
Your Relaxing Getaway Is Right Around The Corner
You are deserving of a break this fall, so why not let yourself get away for a few days, even if it is just for a weekend? These six towns will provide you with just the kind of rest you are looking for, whether that includes a day at the beach, lake, or theater! As a bonus, the cultural scene is pretty incredible in many of these towns as well, such as Poulsbo with its Norwegian heritage. All that is left is to choose your dates and step into full relaxation mode!
