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Washington is a gem in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States, defined by elegant mountains and the magnificent shores of the Pacific Ocean. This scenic geography makes it a popular stop for vacations, especially for those seeking relaxation and natural scenery. Thankfully, many small towns are perfectly situated amidst the state鈥檚 iconic natural features and modestly populated. From Long Beach to Chelan, these towns are ideal destinations for peaceful vacations away from large cities' chaotic hustle and bustle. With most located beside waterbodies like the Pacific and the Columbia River and surrounded by forests and lighthouses, tourists will have numerous ways to unwind. Step away from it all and head to these towns in Washington today for a relaxing and adventurous experience.

Ocean Shores

Beach towns are some of the most relaxing places one can visit, and Ocean Shores is one of the best in Washington. This town is located on Grays Harbor and invites visitors to its North Jetty Beach to walk along the rocky shoreline, fly kites, sunbathe, and watch sunsets. Visiting families can head to the Playtime Family Fun recreation center to unwind by riding go-karts. Meanwhile, the North End Grand Canal Park and Chinook City Park are great places to enjoy picnics away from the ocean. Plus, the town has the Coastal Interpretive Center, where history buffs can immerse in the area鈥檚 cultural and natural history.

Winthrop

Winthrop is a picturesque four-season destination with something to delight everyone, especially those seeking relaxation. Located at the Methow and Chewuch Rivers confluence, this town is remarkable for its Old West theme prevalent in its downtown area. Strolling through this part of town is like stepping back in time as it is lined up with Old-West-style buildings housing establishments like the Rocking Horse Bakery and the Emporium, which are both great places to eat or shop. Besides that, Winthrop invites laid-back tourists to Pearrygin Lake State Park to swim, picnic, boat, or kayak with great views. Furthermore, visitors can relax with wine at Lost River Winery or with stories and exhibits reflecting the area鈥檚 rich history at Shafer Historical Museum.

Friday Harbor

On the east end of the San Juan Islands, Friday Harbor is an oasis of peace, tranquility, and relaxation, with the blue waters of the San Juan Channel serving as a recreational hub. One of the best ways to relax on the waterbody here is by taking wildlife-watching tours to spot whales, sea orcas, sea eagles, and sea lions. Activities like kayaking, boating, and canoeing on the waters can also be great ways to unwind. Afterward, visitors can learn more about whales at the town鈥檚 Whale Museum, with educative and fun exhibits. Elsewhere, the San Juan Historical Museum is a fascinating destination featuring an 1894 farmhouse, an original county jail, a log cabin, and artifacts reflecting the area鈥檚 history. Visit this museum and then relax with thrilling shows and performances at the San Juan Community Theatre.

Coupeville

Coupeville is an idyllic, chilled-out town on Whidbey Island, where vacations are relaxing, scenic, and memorable. Here, retreat seekers can take a scenic sail on the water or enjoy a stroll to the wharf. Coupeville also has plenty of trails, and hiking on one of the trails, like the 3.5-mile Bluff Loop Trail on Ebey鈥檚 Landing National Reserve, is a good way to relax and admire nature's beauty. Meanwhile, history buffs can visit the Fort Casey State Park to see a fort that functioned during WWI. Afterward, proceed to the nearby Admiralty Head Lighthouse and climb to its top to savor scenic views of Puget Sound and the distant waters.

Chelan

Chelan is one of the most relaxing towns in Washington, with a low population and pristine natural beauty inspired by Lake Chelan, a 50-mile-long lake. Naturally, this lake is the town鈥檚 centerpiece, and visitors can head to the Lake Chelan State Park to enjoy the waters by sailing with the Lady of the Lake vessel to nearby Stehekin and upper Lake Chelan. Alternatively, you can embark on boating or paddling expeditions from boat ramps on the lake. If activities around the water are not enough, get indoors and enjoy bowling at Chelan Lanes. Better yet, see a movie at the 1914 Ruby Theatre, one of Washington's oldest operating movie theaters. Elsewhere, the Chelan Museum is a free-admission historic establishment in a 1907 bank building offering a look into Lake Chelan Valley鈥檚 past.

Port Townsend

Port Townsend is a charming and historic town on Quimper Peninsula, with several Victorian-era buildings adorning its waterfront downtown. Visit this town and head to the Fort Worden State Park to explore decommissioned military forts and artillery batteries with waterfront views. Next, head to the waterfront street to admire the town鈥檚 Victorian architecture and stop at the Jefferson Museum of Art & History to learn about the region鈥檚 native Americans, early settlers, and maritime history. For a more relaxing experience, go to the Chetzmoka Park and Gardens to picnic and explore beautiful flower gardens with views of the Admiralty Inlet. Before leaving, visit the less-crowded Fort Townsend State Park to camp and hike in nature.

Stevenson

Stevenson is an outdoor paradise along the Columbia River, offering so many ways to unwind. Once here, go windsurfing on the river with views of the Cascade Mountains or fish for steelhead, salmon, and trout bass in the water. Proceed to Stevenson Landing Park to see cruise ships berthing and promenade the Columbia River waterfront for sightseeing. In the meantime, the Waterleaf Spa at Skamania Lodge invites visitors to relax with various massage and skin treatments. For history enthusiasts, the Columbia Gorge Museum in town details the history of the people who once called the region home.

Westport

Nestled on a peninsula on Washington鈥檚 Coast, Westport is a charming beach town that brims with adventure and laid-back endeavors. Visit this town and head to its large marina to enjoy fishing and boating endeavors. For the views, head to the Westport Viewing Tower to see 360-degree views of the marina and the ocean. Later, tour Grays Harbor Lighthouse, the tallest in Washington at 107 feet, and proceed to Westport Light State Park to explore its beach, relax on its soft white sands, surf, sunbathe, or watch the waves and sunset. Wrap up with a detailed look at the area鈥檚 maritime heritage at the Westport Maritime Museum.

Leavenworth

Leavenworth is one of the most unique towns in Washington, themed after a Bavarian village. Just walking through this town鈥檚 main street and gazing at the stunning architecture is a great way to unwind. While doing this, however, don鈥檛 miss out on a visit to the Leavenworth Nutcracker Museum to see over 7,000 nutcrackers. Proceed to spend some quality time in nature at the Waterfront Park, along the Wenatchee River, offering hiking, wildlife watching, picnicking, and fishing opportunities. For similar experiences, head to the nearby Lake Wenatchee State Park to enjoy skiing and snowshoeing in winter or kayaking, fishing, and swimming in the summer. In the meantime, Leavenworth is home to some of the region鈥檚 best distilleries and wineries, so be sure to visit and enjoy some tasty sips at some of these top establishments, like the Blewitt Brewing Company or Eagle Creek Winery.

La Conner

La Conner is purely a resort town, and no destination could be more perfect to ease off. Located on the Swinomish Channel in the Skagit Valley, this beautiful town has so many activities to please laid-back tourists, one of which is a stroll to the Rainbow Bridge to admire the water, downtown La Conner, and the steel structure鈥檚 orange color that locals fought hard to keep. The small La Conner Waterfront Park sits majestically below this bridge and is a worthy next stop for picnicking with scenic water views. Visitors can also head to the town鈥檚 boat ramps to paddle in the Channel or just stroll on the town鈥檚 boardwalk to enjoy more water views without getting on it. History buffs can visit the Pacific Northwest Quilt & Fiber Art Museum to see traditional and modern quilt exhibits and fiber arts like needlework and basketry.

Long Beach

Long Beach is a cozy town of just above 1,500 residents on its namesake peninsula, perfect for a relaxing retreat. This town's natural beauty is enough to pacify a troubled soul, and a good way to soak in this scenic allure is by strolling on the iconic Long Beach Boardwalk, which has picnic tables from where tourists can relax and just take in the views. The boardwalk also leads to laid-back sections of the beach for sunbathing, flying kites, and watching the sunset.

After exploring the boardwalk, stop by the Pickled Fish restaurant to savor scintillating cocktails and seafood with stunning beach views. Next, visit the 海角社区 Kite Museum & Hall of Fame in town to see South Asian and rare WWII kites, among other exhibits reflecting the history of kites. Afterward, bike or hike the 8.5-mile scenic Lewis & Clark Discovery Trail to Ilwaco and enjoy views of the Pacific Ocean, forested hills, and dunes.

The Takeaway

There's everything special about the Evergreen State. From its volcanoes and rainforests to its 157 miles of Pacific coastline and abundant apples, the state is a paradise for tourism year-round. Thankfully, the state has spectacular small towns, void of the crowds, pristine in natural splendor, and full of peaceful natural spots for relaxation. These destinations boast gorgeous lakes, dazzling waterfalls, flowing rivers, soft white sand beaches, coves, and forests to explore or just relax. Visit these relaxing towns in Washington today for the vacation of a lifetime.