25 Best Small Towns in Washington
Sure, you’ve heard of Washington’s national parks, and maybe even the Columbia River Gorge, but we’re sure there are towns on this list that are still under the radar. Each of these destinations makes for a great weekend trip by itself or a fantastic addition to any adventure you already have planned.
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Olympic Peninsula
Port Townsend
Port Townsend is a Victorian-themed town located on the edge of the Strait of Juan de Fuca and the Puget Sound. While in town, explore Fort Worden or treat yourself at Soak on the Sound. If you’re heading to the North Cascades after your visit, take the ferry to Whidbey Island and drive the Cascade Loop next, or explore the Olympic National Park inland.
Fort Worden
Where to eat:
Enjoy tasty seafood with a great view.
Visit to enjoy a great burger – we particularly enjoy their outdoor seating on the sidewalk.
Where to stay:
This option is spendy, but fun because you get to stay within Fort Worden State Park. Choose between one- and six-bedroom rentals.
The beach next to the Fort Worden Housing
This hotel has a great location downtown and it keeps with the town’s Victorian theme, with modern touches.
The Palace Hotel is a beautiful historic hotel located two blocks from the ferry downtown. Every room is furnished with different antiques, and the only downside is that there is no elevator.
Forks
Brought to fame with the Twilight series, Forks is still rocking the Twilight theme. However, we love it because of what’s nearby. It’s the closest town to the Hoh Rainforest, Olympic National Park beaches, and is overall a great pit stop if you’re driving the Highway 101 loop. You’ll find everything you should see and do along the way in this blog.
Where to eat:
Sully’s is your loveable drive-in, serving fresh burgers, fries, onion rings, and shakes.
Arrive soon after they open to snag a bite here. They sell out quickly!
Where to stay:
Located in town, this is a great affordable place to stay and its pet-friendly.
Miller Tree Inn Bed and Breakfast
We’re a big fan of bed and breakfasts, and this one is no different. You’ll start your day with full tummies and enjoy the friendly atmosphere here.
Kitsap Peninsula
Poulsbo
Poulsbo is located on the Kitsap Peninsula – between the Olympic Peninsula and Seattle. It’s known as “Little Norway”, with a Norwegian-themed downtown. While in town, browse the antique and boutique shops, rent kayaks, or tour an alpaca farm!
Where to eat:
Expect a line here, but that’s a great sign. This stop isn’t to be missed.
You’ll find great vegetarian and gluten free options here – everyone raves about the rice bowls!
Come for tasty burgers and seafood, and stay for a great view of the marina.
Where to stay:
This hotel is a five-minute drive from downtown Poulsbo and the waterfront. On clear days, some rooms have views of Mount Rainier!
Poulsbo Inn & Suites
This is a more affordable two-star hotel with a great location in downtown. The building is older, but reviews mention that it’s kept spotlessly clean.
Port Gamble
Port Gamble is a tiny, New England-style town. There isn’t a ton here in town, but there are enough shops and restaurants to keep you entertained for a weekend. Go mountain biking or visit for their annual Ghost Conference or Country Christmas events. If you’re visiting between spring and fall, we think doing a bioluminescent kayaking tour is a must!
Port Gamble Ghost Tour
Where to eat:
Port Gamble General Store & Cafe
Stop in for breakfast, lunch, or ice cream. Everything is delicious!
Visit to find an array of baked goods and sandwiches. Not only will you eat well here, but you can also grab a few specialty pieces of meat and cheese to go.
Where to stay:
Choose between one- and three-bedroom homes with great views of the bay in downtown Port Gamble.
Port Ludlow
Arrive in Port Ludlow after going on this waterfall tour. While in town, relax at the marina and enjoy a slower pace of life. Nearby you’ll find 30 miles of hiking trails, and kayak, paddleboard, and boat rentals.
Where to eat:
Named after our favorite dish – try the Molcajete here! It’s like fajitas, but better.
Where to stay:
We love the views of the marina here, and every room comes with a jetted tub and fireplace.
Paradise Heights is a bed and breakfast located ten minutes south of Port Ludlow. It’s a small, family-owned and operated place with great views of the Hood Canal.
Hoodsport
This is our favorite town on the Hood Canal. Book lodging on the water for great views or head to Lake Cushman to kayak or hike.
Where to eat:
Eat here for a delicious, fancy-feeling meal, with a classic down-to-earth Pacific Northwest atmosphere. We ate here after a hike and fit right in!
Neither of us drink coffee, but that’s okay because this place serves milkshakes and sandwiches, too!
This stop is a fifteen-minute drive north of Hoodsport. Make reservations if you’re visiting in the summer months, and dress accordingly – all seating is outdoors. However, they have heaters and blankets for guests.
Where to stay:
We love the views of the Hood Canal from this porch and the wall-to-wall windows inside. This spot is the perfect couple’s getaway!
Stay here to be closer to Lake Cushman. As a bonus, this home provides inflatable kayaks and bikes!
Seabeck
Seabeck is one of the most beautiful, underrated towns in Washington. Visit Scenic Beach State Park for walks on a beach overlooking views of the Olympic Mountains, or hike to a treehouse at Guillemot Cove.
Where to eat:
There aren’t many restaurants in the area, but this is a solid option. They offer Filipino food with large portions and dishes like lumpia, orange chicken, Mongolian beef, and more.
Where to stay:
Camp at Scenic Beach State Park
This is a gem of Washington State Park campgrounds. Visit during spring or fall to get a first come, first served campsite.
We love how this one-bedroom home is styled – modern but with exposed beams and that classic Pacific Northwest design. The big bonus about staying here, though? They provide two kayaks and a canoe! It has one bedroom and sleeps up to four.
This two-bedroom home sleeps up to six. It has beach access right off its large deck, and it’s pet-friendly.
This is the perfect forest retreat for six. It’s warm, inviting, and has a hot tub.
The Coast
Long Beach
Long Beach holds a special place in both of our hearts. Zach’s family grew up camping at Cape Disappointment while Meghann visited her grandparents' home here every summer. Visiting Marsh’s Free Museum is an absolute must, as well as the Cape Disappointment Lighthouse.
Where to eat:
Have a fire on the beach
This is not a restaurant, but if you bring your own firewood and stay away from the dunes, you can have a fire on the beach and roast your own dinner (as long as there is no burn ban in the area). This is one of our favorite activities to do every summer.
You can drive on the beach, but stay off the soft sand to avoid getting stuck and follow the 25-mph speed limit. If you’re not comfortable driving on the beach, that’s alright, too. There’s parking near the beach entrances and you can walk to the beach from there.
This is the best spot to grab breakfast in town – the menu is extensive!
Stop here for ice cream!
Where to stay:
Located right next to the main entrance to the beach, you can’t beat this location for the price.
We love how close this hotel sits to the ocean – the views are beautiful, and it comes with access to a sauna!
Sou’westerner Historic Lodge and Vintage Trailer Resort
This is Long Beach’s most unique lodging. You’ll have the option to choose between lodge suites, cabins, or vintage trailers. They also have a reservable sauna on site.
Cape Disappointment Lighthouse Keeper’s Residence
You can rent the lighthouse keeper’s home, located right next to the lighthouse! It’s on a large cliff, so it’s a great spot to view king tides, although it can be very windy.
North Cascades
Winthrop
Winthrop is one of our all-time favorite towns in Washington. It has great weather year-round and is full of outdoor activities. In the winter you can visit during the hot air balloon festival or try your hand at cross-country skiing or fat biking, and in the summer you can visit the North Cascades National Park.
Where to eat:
Get the pulled pork. You're welcome.
Come early or risk their famous cinnamon rolls being sold out.
This is Washington’s oldest saloon. It’s in a great location – in the middle of downtown – and you can visit to find a great menu for any time of the day and prime rib on weekends.
Where to stay:
These cabins book far out in advance, but they have a great, walkable location downtown and have private hot tubs.
This hotel is our go-to spot when visiting. It’s a short walk from town (use the Spring Creek Bridge) and has reasonable rates.
This is Winthrop’s fanciest lodging option. It’s located in the hills above town and the views are magnificent.
Glacier
Glacier is a tiny town at the base of the Mount Baker Highway. It’s so beautiful we’ve made a road trip guide for it. If you have the chance, visit during summer for incredible hiking opportunities, or winter to ski at the Mount Baker Ski Resort.
Where to eat:
These guys have a small menu of homemade pastries, breakfast burritos, quiches, and sandwiches with an excellent outdoor seating area.
Rifugio’s Country Italian Cuisine
Come for great food and service – just save room for dessert! Reservations are encouraged.
Where to stay:
Stay here for close access to hiking trails and the ski lodge. Lodging is dormitory style, with women’s, men’s, and family sleeping areas. Breakfast and dinner are served on weekends, too.
You’ll find plenty of cabin rentals in the area, but this is our favorite for a couple’s getaway. We love that it comes with a BBQ, fireplace, and hot tub.
Bellingham
This is the largest town on this list, but Bellingham does have that small town feel. Wander downtown to find farmer’s markets, boardwalks along the waterfront, and boutique shops. Visit between spring and fall to take a bioluminescent kayaking tour, too!
Where to eat:
Eat here for great burgers and milkshakes so good they made it on our list of best milkshakes in Washington!
Whether you want a good beer or good food, this is your place!
Treat yourself to some Peruvian food. They have tons of vegetarian and gluten free options.
Where to stay:
You’ll love everything about staying here. It has a great location near the waterfront, walking trails, and shops downtown.
This is a quiet bed and breakfast located next to the Sehome Hill Arboretum, which has forested walking trails and a viewing tower.
Skagit Valley
Edison
This is the tiniest of towns on our list. Edison is less than 400 acres and home to fewer than 250 people. If you drive south on the Chuckanut Drive from Bellingham you’ll find yourself in Bow, just a few minutes outside of Edison. Once you’re there, park and walk around town to find art galleries (our favorite is The Lucky Dumpster), smell the salty air, and enjoy a slower pace of life. Many stores only take cash here.
Where to eat:
Great atmosphere, views, and outdoor seating.
Arrive hungry – they serve big portions!
We’ve never eaten here because the line is always out the door. The seasonal menu changes often and looks incredible though!
Where to stay in the area:
Located just south of Edison, in Bow, this one-bedroom cottage sits among fields. It’s the perfect place to slow down.
This two-bedroom home sleeps eight and is located on Samish Island – a hidden Pacific Northwest paradise. Bring kayaks to launch from the backyard and if you’re lucky, like we were, you’ll get to see whales off the end of this peninsula. While you’re here, enjoy sunsets with 180 degrees of unobstructed views of the bay, San Juan Islands, and Mount Baker.
Also located on Samish Island, this two-bedroom home has views of Padilla Bay overlooking Guemes Island. The cottage is everything you would hope for, including a stone facade and fireplace, a wood interior, and beautiful gardens.
La Conner
La Conner is a small town located on the Swinomish Channel. The downtown area is small, with a few restaurants, antique shops, and beautiful waterfront views. Nearby, you can kayak to Goat Island to see fort remnants, visit the nearby tulip fields in spring, or take a walk through Pioneer Park.
Where to eat:
Come for the views, but stay for the fish and chips and clam chowder!
This is the type of place you run into by happenstance. It’s located off Memorial Highway as you’re heading into town, and the reviews rave about every dish.
Where to stay:
Located in downtown on the waterfront, this lodge is quaint, cozy, and in a great walkable location.
This is an older, boutique hotel, although it’s clean and well-kept. Choose between rooms with water or courtyard garden views.
We love any hotel that provides a great breakfast! The rooms themselves have fireplaces and soaking tubs, and the suites have balconies overlooking the garden.
Puget Sound Islands
Coupeville
This is Washington’s second oldest town and there is something for everyone to enjoy. Take a walk through the Price Sculpture Forest, rent kayaks from the Wharf Dog Paddle and Pantry, or take in the views from Ebey’s Landing. In the evening, head to one of the few surviving drive-in theaters at the Blue Fox.
Where to eat:
As the name implies, you’re going to enjoy great seafood here!
Come here for pizza, but don’t neglect to check out their menu of sides!
Where to stay:
Captain Whidbey is a Pacific Northwest gem. It offers 30 cabins and rooms on 6 acres of waterfront property, a lagoon, and a private dock that offers sail and seaplane access.
Located one block away from the water on Main Street, this inn has a great walkable location, water views, and simple, but comfortable rooms.
Vashon Island
Vashon Island is only accessible via ferry from West Seattle, Southworth, or Point Defiance in Tacoma. Visit to go tide pooling at KVI Beach to find crabs near the bridge to the beach, take a seasonal tour of the Point Robinson Lighthouse, visit Oscar, or try your luck whale watching from the Whale Trail there.
Where to eat:
Zach loves shawarma sandwiches, while Meghann opts for a lamb or chicken plate with grilled veggies, rice, and hummus. If that’s not enough for your group, get the dolma or baklava, too.
Camp Colvos is Zach’s favorite pizza in the greater Seattle area, and this location on Vashon Island is their original location. We love their pet-friendly outdoor fire pit and patio.
Where to stay:
Suites vary in size, with rooms accommodating up to four people. The rooms are modern and beautiful, but we especially appreciate the outdoor gathering spaces here. You’ll find swinging chairs, an outdoor fireplace, and a large covered patio.
This farmhouse feels like a cottage, with beautiful gardens, an outdoor fire pit, a hot tub, and a sauna. It has two bedrooms and sleeps up to five.
The Keeper’s Quarters at Point Robinson Lighthouse
This is the most unique lodging on this list. Stay at the Point Robinson Lighthouse keeper’s quarters and enjoy breathtaking views of Mount Rainier and the Puget Sound.
Friday Harbor
Located on the infamous San Juan Island, Friday Harbor is a ferry ride away from Anacortes, WA and Sidney, on Vancouver Island, CA. If you’ll be traveling with a car, reserve your spot on the ferry in advance as soon as possible. It’s also possible to walk on the ferry and explore town by foot.
While you’re on the island, go whale watching, take a bioluminescent kayaking tour, or explore the shops downtown.
Where to eat:
This is the perfect lunch or dinner spot. They’re great at accommodating dietary restrictions.
It’s busy during the summer season, but oh so good. This is the perfect breakfast spot – we love the benny bar!
Where to stay:
Tucker House Inn & Harrison House Suites
This is an 18-unit historic bed and breakfast. It’s pet-friendly, offering gourmet breakfasts with lodging varying from single rooms to full cottages.
Located on five acres right outside Friday Harbor, this property is beautiful. There are goats and llamas on site, and it’s a bed and breakfast!
Located a 20-minute drive from Friday Harbor, these cabins overlook Mitchell Bay. They offer moorage for a small fee, and paddle boards, kayaks, canoes, and bikes for complimentary use.
Bainbridge Island
If you’re visiting Seattle for a short stint, walk on the ferry to Bainbridge Island for a slice of Pacific Northwest Island life. From the ferry terminal, take a left and wander down Winslow Way to explore shops and restaurants.
Where to eat:
You’ll find tons of colorful poke bowls here, with all the seafood you can imagine.
Reviews here rave about everything, especially the sconenuts – a donut/scone combination!
Where to stay:
The Eagle Harbor Inn sits a few blocks off the main street – making an easy stay here possible even if you walk onto the ferry. They offer hotel rooms, suites, and townhomes so you’re sure to find accommodations to fit your needs.
You’ll need a vehicle to reach this forested cabin on the northern end of the island. It’s the perfect combination of a woodsy cabin and a coastal cottage. It has a hot tub, one bedroom, and sleeps up to four.
Central Cascades
Stehekin
After one visit to Stehekin, it’s our favorite place in Washington. To reach the town, you can catch a ferry from Chelan, backpack there – either on the Chelan Lakeshore Trail or the harder Stehekin Valley Trail –, or arrive by seaplane.
Once there, rent bikes or kayaks, camp, take a tour of the valley, or just enjoy being unplugged in one of the most beautiful settings.
Where to eat:
We’d heard about this bakery before our arrival and figured everyone raved about it because they had a captive audience, but that is not the case. It’s incredible. Be sure to take a treat for your ride back to Chelan, too!
The North Cascades Lodge at Stehekin
Open seasonally between spring and fall. It’s located right off the ferry dock with a great view of the water. The outdoor seating here is incredible.
Make reservations in advance, and if you’re without transportation, book a shuttle there as well.
Where to stay:
The North Cascades Lodge at Stehekin
This lodge has an ideal location in town. It’s right next to where the ferry drops off, so it’s convenient and has beautiful views of Lake Chelan. They have various types of lodging including rooms, cabins, and a lake house.
Located 30 minutes into the Stehekin Valley, this is as peaceful as Stehekin can get. They offer rides, guided tours, and meals as well.
Offering pickup from the ferry, this ranch offers meals and guided tours for an additional fee.
Rent bikes near the ferry dock to reach these cabins. They’re located next to the bakery, two miles from the ferry dock.
These cabin hosts offer to pick you up from the ferry dock and lend you a car for the duration of your stay.
Leavenworth
Of course, this list wouldn’t be complete without mentioning Leavenworth. It’s everyone’s favorite Bavarian-themed town in Washington. It's known for its Village of Lights during the holiday season, and the hiking scene in the nearby Enchantments during the summer months.
Where to eat:
This is an excellent spot for breakfast. The breakfast burritos and tacos are our favorites!
We love this versatile menu featuring soups, rice bowls, salads, and burgers. This is a place that can make everyone happy.
Where to stay:
This is the most luxurious lodging option in Leavenworth. They’re located downtown, with views of the Waterfront Park, and offer spa services for an additional fee.
This is our go-to hotel in Leavenworth. It’s located across from the main street in Leavenworth, so it’s very walkable, and it includes parking (parking downtown is a hassle).
These hostels have two locations in Leavenworth – a downtown location with private rooms and shared or private baths, and a riverside location with private cabins.
Duvall
Duvall is located on Highway 203, and all the towns along this route are worthy of being on this list. Duvall, Fall City, and Snoqualmie are our favorites here. Check out the town's events before your visit, visit Remlinger Farms, hike to Cherry Creek Falls, or tour a llama farm!
Where to eat:
This Guatemalan restaurant is as colorful as it is delicious. Try the fish tacos or empanadas with a horchata drink.
Located on the southern end of Highway 203 in Snoqualmie, this is your classic drive-in burger joint.
Where to stay:
Chateau Farhner Bed & Breakfast
Hidden on the outskirts of town, you can expect a beautiful, forested property with gardens and European flare.
Mount Rainier
Ashford
Of the towns surrounding Mount Rainier, Ashford is the closest to Seattle – just an hour and a half away. It’s a great place to stay because it’s near the Longmire entrance, and it's the only entrance to the park that remains open year-round.
The town is small, with a handful of restaurants, and activities. While you’re there, drive up to the Paradise Visitor Center following day one of our Mount Rainier itinerary to see tons of waterfalls, wildflower meadows, and mountain views. For entertainment in town, reserve the cannibal hot tub at Paradise Village, try the rail cycle, or visit Northwest Trek.
Plummer Peak
Where to eat:
Nothing is better than a homely meal after a hike. Everything is amazing here and they sell sacked lunches and pies, too!
Wildberry is a seasonal restaurant owned by Sherpas from Nepal. You can expect a menu full of great burgers with a few Himalayan specialties.
Paradise Village’s Ukrainian restaurant
This entire menu looks incredible. You’ll have a tough time choosing between pirogies, piroshki, homemade mac and cheese, and borsh, as well as traditional American fare like salmon, burgers, and steak.
Where to stay:
These cabins are beautiful and offer spa access.
We appreciate the variety of lodging options here. They offer more affordable tiny cabins with shared bathrooms, larger cabins, and single rooms.
Greenwater
Greenwater is a quaint little town outside the Sunrise corridor of Rainier National Park and Crystal Mountain Ski Resort. It’s very busy in the winter, but it’s great to visit in the summer months, too. Check out Crystal Mountain’s gondola ride and adventure park, or hike to the Fremont Lookout.
Where to eat:
This is a gift shop, but head to the back of the store to find a small cafe. They have great huckleberry milkshakes!
Where to eat on your way to Greenwater:
Greenwater doesn’t have many restaurants, so these are our favorites if you’re headed that way.
Stop by this unsuspecting food truck in Enumclaw for great eats. Everything is tasty!
This one is farther away from Greenwater, located in Buckley, but it’s worth a mention. It’s a popular drive-in restaurant serving great burgers and shakes.
Where to stay:
This cozy cabin is located on a forested property on the edge of the White River. It has one bedroom and can sleep up to eight. Plus, it comes with a hot tub!
This is a classic A-frame cabin with floor-to-ceiling windows, a fireplace, and a view of the forest. It has three bedrooms and sleeps up to five.
This is a large home with awesome outdoor spaces. Enjoy the river views from the deck, or the outdoor fireplace. It has five bedrooms and sleeps up to ten.
Packwood
Packwood is a convenient town to stay in if you’re interested in visiting Sunrise and Paradise Visitor Centers at Rainier or White Pass Ski Area. Look for the local herd of elk in the meadows while you’re driving into town!
Silver Falls
Where to eat:
Come for a fun menu and snag an outdoor spot near one of the firepits. If you’re lucky, the Ice Cream Airstream onsite will be open during your visit.
Come for awesome burgers and vibes. They have great outdoor seating, but the indoor seating is minimal.
Where to stay:
Hotel Packwood is a fantastic remodeled historic hotel. It’s located downtown within walking distance to Packwood Brewing and other restaurants.
This cabin has a sleek and modern interior with a hot tub and electric vehicle charger – a rarity in this area! It has four bedrooms and sleeps eight.
Columbia River Gorge
Stevenson
Stevenson is our favorite town along the Columbia River Gorge. It’s quaint, the locals are friendly, and it has great views of the Columbia River. While you’re in the area, check out some of the best sights nearby.
Where to eat:
This place lives up to Meghann’s high standards for Mexican food. The quesabirria is delicious!
This is located inside the gas station Tacos Pepe is at. Meghann is a huge fan because they have gluten free pastries!
This is where to eat post-hike. Zach had some of the best fish and chips he’s ever had here!
You’ve got to stop and grab smoked salmon from this shop. It’s as fresh as it gets.
Where to stay:
This is a newly renovated historic hotel and it’s in the perfect location to walk around town. The rooms are smaller, but so well done!
Located on a hill outside of town, this property has awesome views of the Columbia River Gorge. They offer single rooms, family rooms, suites, and pet-friendly lodging.
Eastern Washington
Clarkston
Located on the Washington/Idaho border in southeast Washington, Clarkston, WA, and its neighboring town Lewiston, ID are little oases in the surrounding desert. The reason why you’d visit this area though? Hell’s Canyon. It’s best experienced by river tour, a five-day rafting trip, paddling, or hiking (find a list of sports equipment rental stores here).
Where to eat:
This is a local gem serving traditional American diner food. You can count on having a great meal, any time of day.
Where to stay:
This is a modern, well-designed hotel with river views.
Search the blog for more adventures! Try searching for topics such as “backpacking”, “waterfalls”, or “national parks”.