Many scenic coastal communities in Washington offer pleasant places to explore and experience the state’s natural beauty. Let’s look at some of Washington’s most attractive coastal settings that showcase the region’s appeal.
Seattle
Washington’s largest city is a thriving metropolis built along the Puget Sound. Framed by a mountainous backdrop, and with surrounding waters constantly filled with boaters and anglers, Seattle retains a nature-driven appeal, yet still holds a distinctly urban environment. As the destination where Microsoft, Amazon, and Starbucks launched, Seattle is known as an important economic hub.
Ocean Shores
Ocean Shores is a small city on the Point Brown peninsula, bordered by the Pacific Ocean and North Bay, and a short drive from the vast Olympic National Forest. Its coastal scenery has made it a tourism hotspot. With expansive stretches of sandy beaches and a laid-back beach town feel, Ocean Shores is the ideal summer destination.
Sequim
Sequim is a pleasant community along Sequim Bay near the Salish Sea and Olympic National Park. Located among the foothills of the Olympic Mountains, this small city’s residents enjoy a one-of-a-kind natural setting. Sequim is known for its stunning wildflowers, particularly lavender, and has a busy harbor that fills up with watercraft of all sizes.
Anacortes
Anacortes is a charming port city on Padilla Bay from which ferries travel throughout the region to destinations such as Orcas Island, San Juan Island, British Columbia, and more. This vibrant community has a seaside appeal that makes it popular among visitors, comprising marinas, beaches, and a quaint downtown. A hub for outdoor adventure, Anacortes boasts excellent hiking destinations, and it is a perfect place for a whale-watching tour.
Friday Harbor
The charming commercial center of the San Juan Islands, Friday Harbor is a coastal city on the stunning San Juan Island. Located more than three hours from Seattle by ferry, Friday Harbor has a remote, small-town atmosphere. Local shops and eateries are enticing, and the waterways surrounding the historic seaport are excellent for fishing.
Bainbridge Island
Bainbridge Island is a city and island just about 30 minutes by ferry from Seattle. Bainbridge Island offers a charming downtown, several wineries, thickly forested hiking areas, and incredible views of the Seattle skyline from across the water.
Port Townsend
On the Olympic Peninsula just across the water from Victoria, British Columbia, Port Townsend is a historic hub with Victorian architecture, a thorough maritime legacy, and a small-town seaside feel. While it may be small, it has an incredible food scene with dozens of delicious local restaurants and offers endless outdoor recreation on its miles of beaches and trails.
