Looking for a little escape from the mundane? Washington is filled with quaint towns you can head to with minimal preparation.
1. La Conner: tulips, canals and arts
La Conner is located in the Skagit Valley and is the kind of place where time slows down.
Start your day at the local art at the Museum of Northwest Art, stroll the boardwalk along the Swinomish Channel and enjoy fresh seafood with waterfront views. Bonus if you visit in spring – this is tulip country.
Why it works for last-minute travel: La Conner is small and walkable, with charming inns and cosy cafés for spontaneous visitors.
Commute: About 1.5 hours north of Seattle or 1.5 hours south of Vancouver
Eat: Try Nell Thorn for farm-to-table fare with water views or grab a bite at La Conner Pub & Eatery.
Stay: Channel cosy vibes at La Conner Country Inn or book a boutique hotel at The Heron Inn & Day Spa.
Enjoy a sunset beach walk in Port Townsend, WA.
2. Port Townsend: Victorian architecture by the sea
This historic seaport town on the Olympic Peninsula has maritime heritage a lively creative scene. Explore beautifully preserved 19th-century architecture, catch live music or theatre at Fort Worden and relax with a beach walk at sunset.
Why it works for last-minute travel: Ferries and highways make it easy to reach, and there’s always something happening, such as boat festivals or art walks.
Commute: Around two hours from Seattle (including ferry ride from Edmonds or Bainbridge).
Eat: Finistère for Pacific Northwest cuisine or head to Sirens Pub for more casual food and a view on the water.
Stay: Book a room at the historic Palace Hotel or enjoy the romantic ambiance at The Bishop Hotel.
Four hours from Seattle via scenic Highway 20, Winthrop has boardwalks, saloons and scenic views.
3. Winthrop: Northern Cascades
Winthrop has boardwalks, saloons and scenic views on the Methow Valley. Come for the trails, stay for fresh mountain air.
Why it works for last-minute travel: With a laid-back vibe, lodges and charming B&Bs, it’s easy to book and go.
Commute: Just over four hours from Seattle via scenic Highway 20 (North Cascades Highway, seasonally open).
Eat: Check out Old Schoolhouse Brewery for craft beer and live music or fancier dining at Arrowleaf Bistro.
Stay: The Chewuch Inn & Cabins for a more rustic lodge or Hotel Rio Vista with river views right downtown.
4. Langley: Whales and walks on Whidbey Island
Just a short ferry ride from Mukilteo, Langley feels like a hidden coastal retreat. Watch for orcas, sip wine in indie bookstores and walk on trails just minutes from town.
Why it works for last-minute travel: Quick access from Seattle, with plenty of vacation rentals and inns.
Commute: About 1.5 hours from Seattle (includes a 20-minute ferry ride from Mukilteo).
Eat: Prima Bistro for French-inspired cuisine and stop at The Braeburn for a brunch.
Stay: Stay at the Inn at Langley for ocean views or try the Saratoga Inn for B&B charm.
Bavarian adventures await in Leavenworth, WA.
5. Leavenworth: Bavarian fun in the cascades
Take an alpine escape with Leavenworth’s Bavarian architecture, bratwurst joints and summit peaks. Go hiking in the fall, skiing in the winter or just soak up the quaint town any time.
Why it works for last-minute travel: Accommodations range from lodges to spa resorts, and the town is always ready for visitors.
Commute: About 2.5 hours from Seattle via Highway 2.
Eat: Dine on schnitzel and pretzels at Andreas Keller Restaurant or have craft beer and pizza at Blewett Brewing Company.
Stay: Bavarian Lodge is a favourite for comfort and location, while Posthotel has a spa (adults only).
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