Sometimes the hustle and bustle of city life can get to you. If you need a relaxing weekend getaway, there are several charming small towns near Seattle that can be reached with a short drive (or in some cases, a ferry ride). Read on for our recommendations!
Here are our 10 favorite small towns near Seattle:
1. Woodinville
If you’d like to spend your weekend sipping wine and relaxing in nature, head to Woodinville. This small city in King County is only a half hour’s drive from Seattle and has a reputation as the place to go for wine in Washington state. Be sure to enjoy wine tastings and live music at Chateau Ste. Michelle, bike the Sammamish River Trail, go swimming at Saint Edward State Park, and check out the annual summer concerts at Marymoor Park.
2. North Bend
Fans of the TV show Twin Peaks only have to drive a half hour outside of Seattle to find themselves in the town where it was filmed. If you’re a fan of the show you can visit the Double R Diner in North Bend for some damn fine coffee and cherry pie. In real life it’s called Twede’s Cafe but it looks just like its fictional counterpart.
If you’re more into the outdoors than pop culture there’s plenty of stunning natural settings to explore, from Mount Si and Little Si to Twin Falls and Rattlesnake Lake.
3. Snoqualmie
Snoqualmie is another bucket list destination in Washington state for Twin Peaks fans. You’ll likely recognize the iconic Snoqualmie Falls from the opening credits of the show. This small city is only a half hour’s drive from Seattle. We highly recommend booking a stay (and a spa visit) at the cozy Salish Lodge right above the falls so you can relax after a day of exploring the scenic outdoors.
4. Vashon
Vashon is a charming island that can only be reached via a short ferry ride from Seattle. All in all it takes a little over an hour to get there (and faster if your starting point is in West Seattle). Once there you’ll find plenty of outdoor recreation, as well as delicious food, wine tasting, and shopping available in the small downtown area. See our guide to visiting Vashon.
5. Bainbridge
Bainbridge is another popular island town near Seattle. Getting there takes about an hour, about half of which is spent on the ferry. The island is full of wineries and vineyards, museums, charming boutiques, and peaceful gardens and parks.
6. Coupeville
Coupeville, WA is a small waterfront town located on Whidbey Island. It’s about two hours from Seattle, with a ferry ride included. It’s actually the second-oldest community in Washington State. Even cooler, it was where the movie Practical Magic was filmed. Read more about visiting Coupeville.
7. La Conner
La Conner, WA is a great place to visit in the spring thanks to the annual Skagit Valley Tulip Festival that takes place there very April. It’s about a two-hour drive from Seattle so when you’re done taking photos in the famous tulip fields, be sure to take your time and also check out the historic museums, charming wineries, and U-pick farms.
8. Sequim
Sequim, WA is about two and a half hours from Seattle and known for its lavender. If you go during the third weekend of July you can partake in the Sequim Lavender Festival. In addition to picking tons of lavender, be sure to explore the Dungeness National Wildlife Refuge.
9. Leavenworth
You may be surprised to find a Bavarian-style mountain town just two and a half hours from Seattle. Leavenworth has been the setting for movies due to its unbelievable charm. Leavenworth is at its most festive during the fall and winter months, so be sure to visit for Oktoberfest or Christmastown if you can.
10. Port Townsend
Located about two hours from Seattle on the northeast tip of the Olympic Peninsula, Port Townsend is a charming small town with historic Victorian buildings and miles of beaches. You can enjoy wineries, museums, and stunning parks while you’re there. There’s even a 19th-century castle!