Visit These 12 Incredible Charming Small Towns in Washington, One for Each Month of the Year

If you are like me, you love to get out and explore our beautiful Evergreen State. However, with so many incredible destinations just waiting to be visited, you may not know where to start. Don’t fret. We’ve made it easy for you. As we've traveled, we've discovered that some of our favorite attractions, activities, and hidden gems are found within the small towns in Washington. So, we've put together this list of the most charming small towns in Washington to explore. There is one incredible destination for each month of the year and the best part is, you can start any month you want! There is truly so much to do and see in the Evergreen State!

1. January - Chelan

Chelan is a popular place to visit in the warmer months of the year but we love this area during the winter. Chelan is home to Lake Wenatchee Sno-Park where you can get your fill of powdery fun on the miles of cross-country and snowshoe trails, as well as amazing snow tubing hills. Just keep in mind that Sno-Park permits are required and Discover Passes are not valid. And, make sure you bundle up when you visit this charming small town during the colder months of the year.

2. February - Stanwood

About an hour north of Seattle lies the small town of Stanwood. Steeped in rich Scandinavian history, Stanwood boasts beautiful pastoral farmlands, extraordinary shopping, and diverse dining. Every February, Stanwood is host to the Great Northwest Glass Quest, an annual 10-day treasure hunt for blown glass. Locals and tourists alike look forward to this yearly event.

3. March - Blaine

The small town of Blaine is known as The Peace Arch City and borders British Columbia. Blaine is a friendly fishing community with a vibrant downtown. If you visit Blaine in March, be sure to check out the annual Wings Over Water Northwest Birding Festival.

4. April - La Conner

Located on the Salish Sea between Seattle and British Columbia is the cutest little town of La Conner. Perfect for a weekend getaway any time of the year, but during the spring, La Conner comes alive with vibrant colors during the annual Skagit Valley Tulip Festival. Bring your camera and capture the stunning views of thousands of colorful tulips in bloom.

5. May - Port Orchard

A darling, historic downtown with cafes, bakeries, and shopping brings visitors to this waterfront town in Kitsap County. Visitors are drawn to Port Orchard in the warmer months to take a ride on the foot ferry to Bremerton. When flowers start to bloom, you’ll want to visit Brother's Greenhouses, home of the famous Port Orchard Hobbit House!

6. June - Anacortes

Anacortes is a small town with lots of fun activities to satisfy any nature lover. Boating tops the list of popular outdoor activities and boaters often encounter seals, otters, sea lions, and eagles. Your best chance for viewing Orcas is during the summer months and into early fall. If you want to spend some time on land, numerous hiking trails in the area give you incredible views of the ocean and surrounding area. For a short hike, consider the Rosario Head Trail, an easy 1.3-mile, out-and-back hike.

7. July - Sequim

The charming town of Sequim is known for very little rainfall and glorious lavender fields. Enjoy stunning, purple blooms all summer long on the Lavender Trail during the annual Lavender Festival.

8. August - Coupeville

The tiny seaport town of Coupeville is a great place for hiking, fishing, and strolling the waterfront. Picturesque and full of charm, Coupeville is the perfect weekend getaway destination. And speaking of charm, did you know that Coupeville was the setting for the 1998 film, "Practical Magic," starring Sandra Bullock, Nicole Kidman, and Stockard Channing? Visit Coupeville and see if you can pick out some of the iconic storefronts used in the movie.

9. September - Prosser

Prosser, Washington is nestled in the heart of wine country, along the Yakima River. Known as the birthplace of Washington wine, Prosser has a rich history in agriculture. But it’s the yearly Prosser Balloon Rally that draws visitors to the area each September. Hot air balloons lift off at sunrise for a stunning display of color in the skies over Prosser.

10. October - Kennewick

Part of the "Tri-Cities," along with Pasco and Richland, Kennewick is a great family getaway destination. Columbia Park is popular among locals and tourists for its abundant outdoor activities. For a unique experience like no other, don’t miss the annual, family-friendly Tri-Cities Water Lantern Festival, a yearly celebration of happiness and hope.

11. November - Langley

On a bluff overlooking the Cascade Mountains, sits Langley, Washington. Whidbey Island’s "Village by the Sea" is a quaint small town full of quirky shops, outdoor adventures, and an eclectic art scene. Escape from the daily hustle and bustle and enjoy hiking, biking, kayaking, and clamming in the charming town full of serene landscapes and fresh sea air.

12. December - Leavenworth

The obvious choice for the best small-town destination in December is Leavenworth, but there’s just no beating this magical Bavarian-style town during the holiday season. Brightly lit buildings, strolling carolers, a reindeer farm, and visits from Santa – it doesn’t get more festive than that! If you’ve never seen Leavenworth in December, you need to put this trip on your winter bucket list. This is one enchanting Christmas town you don’t want to miss!

There you have it - the best towns to visit in Washington. Each one will quench your thirst for adventure and travel all year! What small towns would you add to the list? Are there any historic towns in Washington you love? Let me know. I'd love to hear from you.

And, if you are looking for even more things to see and do in the Evergreen State, check out our Ultimate and Definitive Bucket List For Everyone In Washington. This is sure to give you a little travel inspiration!