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15 Most Underrated Towns To Visit in the Pacific Northwest

From small, coastal towns to artistic havens, there are many underrated towns worth visiting.

By Calista Headrick , Edited by Sara Albertelli

Updated Sept. 28, 2026

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The Pacific Northwest is so much more than Portland and Seattle. Look beyond those two iconic cities, and you'll find a region packed with hidden gems: sleepy coastal towns with stunning shorelines, awe-inspiring natural wonders, and small downtowns with big-city energy.

So grab your best travel credit cards and tour these 15 excellent yet lesser-known Pacific Northwest towns.

Anacortes, Washington

Located about midway between Seattle and Vancouver, Anacortes allows for a quaint island getaway in the middle of the Pacific Northwest.

Guests can enjoy plenty of natural beauty (including a lively waterfront and over 50 miles of hiking trails) and a packed events calendar filled with festivals and live music.

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Ashland, Oregon

Ashland, in southern Oregon, is near plenty of natural wonders, like the Siskiyou and Cascade mountain ranges, but it also offers small-town vibes and is an artistic haven.

It's home to the Oregon Shakespeare Festival and is close enough to the Mt. Ashland Ski Area that visitors will find plenty to do in Ashland, no matter what time of year they visit.

Astoria, Oregon

Astoria is a beautiful city overlooking the Columbia River. It's a fishing village, but proximity to the Pacific Ocean and stunning Victorian architecture give it a unique charm.

With plenty of museums and great places to eat and drink if you want to go out to eat more, it's worth a stop on any journey along Oregon's coast.

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Cottage Grove, Oregon

Cottage Grove is one of several small and charming towns south of Eugene, and while there's plenty to do around the area, Cottage Grove's beautiful covered bridges are a must-see for anyone visiting.

The bridge tour makes for a fun excursion, and you can do it on foot or by bike.

Florence, Oregon

About an hour west of Eugene, Florence is an excellent option if you're looking for rest, relaxation, and fun along Oregon's beautiful coast.

It's small but packed with plenty to do, with miles of beaches, Historic Old Town Florence, an array of accommodations from riverfront hotels to cabins in the forest, and top-notch dining.

Friday Harbor, Washington

Located in San Juan County, Friday Harbor is a delightful seaport town. It's slow-paced, extremely walkable, and full of charming shops, restaurants, and attractions.

It also happens to be a great place to join a kayaking or whale tour.

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Gig Harbor, Washington

Gig Harbor is a maritime village that makes for an ideal, tranquil getaway while offering a lively waterfront filled with shops, restaurants, wine bars, and more.

There's also no shortage of natural beauty, as visitors can enjoy stunning views of Puget Sound and Mount Rainier.

Leavenworth, Washington

Located in the Cascade Mountains in central Washington State, Leavenworth is a Bavarian Village offering picturesque charm and strong German influence.

The stunning natural beauty and adorable buildings are enough to warrant a visit, but Leavenworth also has events that draw visitors year-round (including Oktoberfest on October weekends and the Village of Lights, which stays lit from Thanksgiving through the end of February).

Long Beach, Washington

Long Beach is an excellent area to kick back and relax, particularly along the beach and boardwalk on the Long Beach Peninsula.

Washington's coast may not be as well-known as California's or even Oregon's, but visitors can enjoy miles of beach, delicious seafood, excellent hotels and accommodations, and proximity to the beautiful Northwest rainforests.

Neskowin, Oregon

It may be small, but the village of Neskowin offers the very best of the Oregon coast. Neskowin is an excellent option for a tranquil getaway with more than three miles of beautiful beach, a friendly atmosphere, and proximity to plenty of natural beauty (like the Cascade Head trail).

Seaside, Oregon

Another small yet mighty Pacific Northwest beach town is Oregon's Seaside. There's plenty to do in the charming little town, from lounging in the sand to flying kites, strolling the grand promenade, and getting in some kayaking or biking.

With nearby trails and stunning wildlife, it's an excellent choice for vacationers looking to experience the beauty of Oregon's coast up close and personal.

Port Townsend, Washington

A quirky small town with plenty to offer, Port Townsend, located about two hours from Seattle on Washington's Olympic Peninsula, offers a mix of natural wonders (with beautiful beaches and Olympic National Park) and a lively village.

It's also got several renowned restaurants and a thriving arts and culture scene.

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Sequim, Washington

A small town on the Olympic Peninsula surrounded by natural beauty, Sequim is an ideal destination for hikers, bikers, fishers, and all sorts of outdoor enthusiasts.

The lavender farms are a must-see, and though small, Sequim has a lively downtown with an array of dining options as well.

Whidbey Island, Washington

Whether you're driving or arriving by ferry, there is plenty to do and see on beautiful Whidbey Island, from hiking and fishing to strolling through shops and farmers' markets and perhaps even sampling some local wines.

Just north of Seattle, visiting Whidbey is an excellent way to escape the hustle and bustle of the city for a day or two.

Yachats, Oregon

Another small city along the Oregon Coast, Yachats offers a mix of natural beauty and a lively village with plenty to do.

Whether you're looking to shop and enjoy some excellent restaurants or would prefer to hike gorgeous trails and take in the Pacific from stunning viewpoints (or both), Yachats is an excellent choice.

Bottom line

Fall is a great time to plan a Pacific Northwest getaway. The summer crowds are behind you, and you can still catch seasonal events like Leavenworth's Oktoberfest, which runs on weekends from Oct. 2 to 17 this year. As the weather cools, the region shifts into cozy mode, from ski runs at Mt. Ashland to the Village of Lights in Leavenworth.

Traveling during what may be considered the "off-season" can also help you save money on travel, so it's worth booking a trip before the summer rush returns.

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Calista Headrick

Calista Headrick leads our jobs and lifestyle content, writing and editing nearly 600 articles for FinanceBuzz. You can find her sharing thoughts on real estate, travel hacks, smart shopping, and the seemingly always unpredictable job market. She brings firsthand financial experience to her work and is proud that her personal budgeting system has helped her save a six-month emergency fund. In other words, Calista brings real-world know-how into guidance readers can actually use.