There’s something magnetic about Washington’s coastal towns — the kind of charm that lingers long after your trip ends. If you’re planning a getaway and want more than just a pretty view, you’re in the right place.
As someone who visits these towns about once a year, I’ve personally explored dozens of small communities across Washington. And these three — Gig Harbor, Port Ludlow, and Port Townsend — stand out every time. They’re not just scenic; they’re full of soul, story, and the kind of personality that makes you want to come back again and again.
In this post, I’ll walk you through exactly what makes each of these towns worth your time: the best things to do, where to eat, how to unwind, and what makes each one unique. Whether you’re looking for a quiet kayak ride, fresh Pacific Northwest seafood, or a coastal spa weekend, this guide will help you plan a trip that feels just right.
Let’s dive into the most charming small towns in Washington — the ones I keep going back to, and the ones I think you’ll fall in love with too.
Small Towns in Washington Worth Visiting
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Gig Harbor
Gig Harbor always feels like that first deep breath after a stressful week. I still remember my first visit — stepping out of the car just as the sun was dipping behind the Olympic Mountains, the air smelling faintly of salt and cedar. Since then, I’ve made it a tradition to return each year, if only to walk Harborview Drive at sunset and let the calm of the harbor reset me.
It’s one of the few places that manages to feel both vibrant and peaceful — a town that invites you to slow down without ever feeling sleepy. Whether I’m kayaking along the shoreline or indulging in a bowl of chowder at Tides Tavern, Gig Harbor always reminds me why I love Washington.
Things to do in Gig Harbor
Take a walk along Harborview Drive. For 2 ½ miles, you can take a leisurely stroll as you meander along the harbor to Crescent Creek Park. This is where many local boat owners offer a private tour for visitors to sail Puget Sound. Landmarks such as the Fisherman Memorial, Eddon Boatyard and the Harbor History Museum await you. I really love Harborview Drive because it’s perfect for a sunset stroll.
Kayak around the harbor. Rent a kayak or opt for a lesson from the experts. For about $60 you will get a lesson on how to kayak and skirt the harbor perimeter. Canoes, paddleboats, and powerboats are also available. During whale-watching season, this is a great way to catch a sighting of whales in Puget Sound.
Where to Eat in Gig Harbor
Tides Tavern. This is my favorite down-home bar & grill and where their legendary house-made clam chowder fits the bill. Located right on the harbor, my favorite things is to dine on fish, chips and craft beer as I watch the boats drift in and out.
Port Ludlow
There’s a quiet magic to Port Ludlow that always catches me off guard. On my second visit, I discovered Ludlow Falls Trail completely by accident — I followed a handwritten sign while stretching my legs after a long drive. That hidden waterfall, surrounded by ferns and mist, felt like my own private corner of the Pacific Northwest.
Ever since, I make it a point to hike a new trail every visit. The Resort at Port Ludlow has become my go-to for a restful night and a spa treatment I secretly look forward to all year. This town doesn’t try to impress — and that’s exactly why it does.
Things to do in Port Ludlow
From Gig Harbor, take Highway 16, then Highway 3 to Port Ludlow, crossing the Hood Canal. Officially known as “the Gateway to the Olympic Peninsula.” Kayak and other boat-type rentals are also available at the Port Ludlow Marina. Just be mindful of the tides in Puget Sound and plan accordingly.
But what I really enjoyed here were the walking trails, of which there are several! In fact, there are 260 miles of hiking trails, so grab a trail map! Choose from beach walks to forested trails with waterfalls. Check out Ludlow Falls Scenic Interpretive Trail, my favorite by far.
If you choose to stay the night in town, book the Resort at Port Ludlow, which has a fine beach trail and is the perfect place to get a spa treatment right in the comfort of your room.
This is part of the Olympic Peninsula Cider Route. Washington state is prime apple country, and what better way to use some of those delicious red balls than to turn them into cider! Port Ludlow is part of the Olympic Peninsula Cider Route.
Where to Eat in Port Ludlow
The Fireside is open for all three meals and is the perfect farm-to-table place to get a real taste of the Pacific Northwest. Farm-to-table means only the freshest ingredients are used and grown within the area, and the restaurant is recognized by the Washington State Wine Commission. A must for foodies.
Port Townsend
Port Townsend is where I go when I want to feel creatively recharged. I once spent an entire afternoon sketching the Victorian buildings downtown with a coffee in hand and the occasional sea breeze pulling at my sketchpad. No other town in Washington offers that blend of historic charm, coastal grit, and artsy energy quite like this one.
Each time I return, I find a new bookstore, an unexpected shop tucked underground, or a historic site I somehow missed before. It’s the kind of place where stories linger — and if you stay long enough, you’ll feel like you’re part of one.
Spending the night in Port townsend? My go to is the Old Consulate Inn. A cozy, all-suite boutique nestled downtown, The Bishop is just a block from the water and vibrant shops and cafes on Water Street.
I have stayed at the Maritime Inn and loved it. Gig Harbor’s only downtown boutique lodging, right on Harborview Drive and steps from the waterfront. Guests enjoy harbor views, complimentary continental breakfast, a glass of Washington wine on arrival, and free parking and Wi-Fi. It’s a peaceful escape with real coastal charm.
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What to do in Port Townsend
Another 1/2 hour up the road is Port Townsend; it is full of history as well as a scenic port town. The big draw here is the historical downtown, with lots of interesting shops, places to grab a bite, and even a handful of underground shops (literally underground.)
Fort Worden State Park. Once a military base, now it is an outdoor museum unto itself, with colonial-style houses, an artillery museum and other relics from a by-gone era. And it’s right next to the beach
Fort Townsend Historical State Park. Here you will find Torpedo Tower, another military installation that has since been decommissioned. Today it is primarily a camping spot, with several trails all over the park in a nicely forested area.
How to Get to Small Towns in Puget Sound
From Seattle: There are two main ways – if you take the ferry from Seattle to Bainbridge Island, it is an easy drive from the island to hop on Highway 305 and then get to the “mainland” and either go north to Port Ludlow/Port Townsend or south to Gig Harbor. OR. Head south on I-5 from Seattle down through Tacoma and hop on Highway 16 to Gig Harbor (no ferries!) As you are crossing the bridge over the Inlet from West Tacoma to Gig Harbor, on a clear day the snow-peaked Olympic Mountain Range can be seen – it’s pretty cool! From there you can head north to Port Ludlow and Port Townsend.
From Portland: Go north on I-5 to Tacoma, then hop on Highway 16 to Gig Harbor.
Visiting these towns makes for a great day trip from Seattle or Portland. So get planning and experience the charm of small town Washington living.