It’s no secret that Washington is home to some amazing small towns. From our Bavarian village, Leavenworth, to our Victorian seaport, Port Townsend, our state is a dream for those who prefer to live at a slower pace. However, some of our coolest small towns remain under the radar. How many of these places have you heard of? Here are some of the downright best small towns to visit in Washington:

1. Carson
Carson, WA, USA
Celeste / Flickr
There's not much to the town of Carson, a scenic little spot on the Columbia River. But between the Carson Hot Springs and the quiet setting, it's the perfect place to relax.
2. Carnation
Carnation, WA 98014, USA
Wikipedia
Originally known as Tolt, Carnation eventually changed its name to honor the Carnation milk products. Its 1,800 residents love to go berry picking and explore the Camlann Medieval Village.
3. Twisp
Twisp, WA 98856, USA
Amanda Jackson Mott / Methow Arts Alliance
Twisp is often overshadowed by the nearly Old West town of Winthrop, but this charming little spot has a character that's all its own. Home to the Methow Valley Famers Market, it's a beautiful day trip destination.
4. Prosser
Prosser, WA 99350, USA
Brian Dewey / Flickr
Unless you're from Central Washington, Prosser might be a bit of a mystery. But this small Benton County city has a lot to offer, from scenic rural views to excellent wineries and an annual balloon festival.

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5. Davenport
Davenport, WA 99122, USA
Andrew Filer / Flickr
Located just 30 minutes from the beautiful Lake Roosevelt, Davenport is one of Eastern Washington's best-kept secrets. It has just enough amenities to appease any visitor: Tasty dining options, shops, Davenport Water Park, and plenty of natural scenery.
6. Newcastle
Newcastle, WA, USA
Rachel Samanyi / Flickr
Can you believe this scenic little city is a mere 13 miles from Seattle? Newcastle is best known for its golf course and urban trails, so it's a nature lover's paradise.
7. Chehalis
Chehalis, WA 98532, USA
Wikipedia
Located in Lewis County, Chehalis is laid back and charming. Its lack of tourist attractions keeps it from getting too crowded, much to the delight of the locals.
8. Metaline Falls
Wikipedia
This tiny community sits near the Idaho border, and it's absolutely breathtaking. But it's so isolated that many Washingtonians don't even know it exists! Metaline Falls is as beautiful as it is secluded.
9. Waitsburg
Waitsburg, WA 99361, USA
Wikipedia
This small city in Walla Walla County happens to be the only city that still operates under its territorial charter. It's also undeniably charming and historic.

There’s so much to see here in Washington, as long as you’re willing to explore. Check out some of our small-town festivals in Washington that you can’t miss!

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Best Small Towns to Visit in Washington

Tori Jane | September 14, 2022

What are some of the best small towns to visit in Washington?  

Washington is an amazing place to live in or visit, and what better ways to enjoy day trips in Washington than by visiting one of its adorable small towns? We have lots of favorite small towns in Washington – some of which are very small, and all of which are worth a trip. Check out the ultra-tiny town of Leavenworth, a gorgeous mountain town with brilliant architecture and postcard-perfect scenery fit for fairy tales. We also love the town of Gig Harbor, which is pretty close to Tacoma and quite possibly the most photogenic small town in the United States. You can’t miss a visit to Elbe, either – a very small town with a thing for trains. 

What are some cool small towns in Washington state?  

Of course, the above list is nowhere near exhaustive; it goes on, for pages and pages, and the ideas are endless. You could definitely embark upon a couple of small-town Washington road trips to explore plenty of them if you find the time to do so (do it!). Other small Washington towns we can’t get enough of include little gems like Winthrop, which is adjacent to the incredible North Cascades Scenic Loop Byway, Port Townsend, on the northeastern tip of the Olympic Peninsula, and Westport, an amazing beach town in Washington 70 miles west of Olympia.  

Where are the best small towns in eastern Washington? 

Eastern Washington is delightful, and much like the rest of the state, there are plenty of wonderful small towns in eastern Washington to add to your bucket list! We love towns like Colville, which was founded in 1882 and features some of the downright best hiking trails in Washington. Another amazing eastern Washington town is Davenport, which is west of Spokane and home to rolling wheat fields and plenty of fun things to do for history geeks. Other towns in eastern Washington you’re sure to love are Metaline Falls, Newport, Republic, and Chewelah.  

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