Ask any Washingtonian how they’re doing and you’re likely to get one answer: “Busy.” Whether you live in a bustling city or a small town, life can get hectic, especially in a state when there’s so much to do. Luckily, we’ve got plenty of places that are perfect for encouraging some good old-fashioned R&R. These are a few of them.

  1. Sequim

cilesfineline / Flickr Sequim is practically covered in lavender for part of the year, which is known for its soothing properties. Even if you go in the “off season,” its laid back coastal location will completely relax you.

  1. Palouse

J. Stephen Conn / Flickr Between its peaceful rolling hills and the charming town itself, Palouse is the perfect place for a nice, quiet getaway.

  1. Cle Elum

Vlad Karpinskiy / Flickr This mountainous paradise has it all: The Cle Elum River, lakes, hiking trails, a luxurious resort (Suncadia), a quaint downtown area with coffee shops and restaurants, and best of all, peace and quiet.

  1. Winthrop

karen / Flickr Not only is Winthrop full of old-fashioned Western charm, it’s surrounded by natural beauty on all sides. A trip here is always equal parts relaxing and adventurous.

  1. Anacortes

J. Stephen Conn / Flickr The gateway to the San Juan Islands is a beautiful destination all on its own. If you time your trip right, you’ll avoid the tourists and enjoy some quiet relaxation by the water.

  1. Washougal

Wikipedia You’ll find this Clark County gem in between Camas and Skamania on the Columbia River. It borders the Steigerwald Lake National Wildlife Refuge, a great place to go to get away from it all.

  1. Blaine

J. Stephen Conn / Flickr This quaint little border city is highly underrated. You can relax at Semiahmoo Park, sip wine at the Dakota Creek Winery or just enjoy a day at the beach.

  1. Waitsburg

Keith Ewing / Flickr Waitsburg is a unique place: It’s the only city which still operates under its territorial charter. Located in Walla Walla County, it’s a true hidden gem.

  1. Port Gamble

emmett anderson / Flickr Other that the abnormally high reports of paranormal activity, there’s not much going on in Port Gamble, and that’s part of why this pristine place is so appealing. You’ll have plenty of parks, restaurants and shops to explore if you get bored. Otherwise, relax and enjoy your stay at the Port Gamble Guest House.

  1. Republic

Jimmy Emerson, DVM / Flickr If you’ve never visited this northeast Washington gem, you really should. They have a few annual festivals, but other than that, it’s the perfect place to go when you need to unwind.

  1. Brinnon

Richard Probst / Flickr Not only is Brinnon located along the beautiful Hood Canal, it’s home to Whitney Gardens, a tranquil place to spend an afternoon.

Washington’s small towns are such treasures. Here’s a list of some of our most charming small towns.

cilesfineline / Flickr

Sequim is practically covered in lavender for part of the year, which is known for its soothing properties. Even if you go in the “off season,” its laid back coastal location will completely relax you.

J. Stephen Conn / Flickr

Between its peaceful rolling hills and the charming town itself, Palouse is the perfect place for a nice, quiet getaway.

Vlad Karpinskiy / Flickr

This mountainous paradise has it all: The Cle Elum River, lakes, hiking trails, a luxurious resort (Suncadia), a quaint downtown area with coffee shops and restaurants, and best of all, peace and quiet.

karen / Flickr

Not only is Winthrop full of old-fashioned Western charm, it’s surrounded by natural beauty on all sides. A trip here is always equal parts relaxing and adventurous.

The gateway to the San Juan Islands is a beautiful destination all on its own. If you time your trip right, you’ll avoid the tourists and enjoy some quiet relaxation by the water.

Wikipedia

You’ll find this Clark County gem in between Camas and Skamania on the Columbia River. It borders the Steigerwald Lake National Wildlife Refuge, a great place to go to get away from it all.

This quaint little border city is highly underrated. You can relax at Semiahmoo Park, sip wine at the Dakota Creek Winery or just enjoy a day at the beach.

Keith Ewing / Flickr

Waitsburg is a unique place: It’s the only city which still operates under its territorial charter. Located in Walla Walla County, it’s a true hidden gem.

emmett anderson / Flickr

Other that the abnormally high reports of paranormal activity, there’s not much going on in Port Gamble, and that’s part of why this pristine place is so appealing. You’ll have plenty of parks, restaurants and shops to explore if you get bored. Otherwise, relax and enjoy your stay at the Port Gamble Guest House.

Jimmy Emerson, DVM / Flickr

If you’ve never visited this northeast Washington gem, you really should. They have a few annual festivals, but other than that, it’s the perfect place to go when you need to unwind.

Richard Probst / Flickr

Not only is Brinnon located along the beautiful Hood Canal, it’s home to Whitney Gardens, a tranquil place to spend an afternoon.

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