When you think of the Pacific Northwest, your mind may automatically jump to Portland or Seattle.
While there's plenty to do and see in these lively and thriving cities, the region has a lot more to offer — from quaint shore towns to natural wonders to surprisingly bustling downtowns.
So grab your best travel credit cards and tour these 15 excellent yet lesser-known Pacific Northwest towns.
If you’re over 50, take advantage of massive travel discounts and trip-planning resources
Over 50 and love traveling? Join AARP today — because if you’re not a member, you could be missing out on huge travel perks. When you start your membership today, you can get discounts on hotels and resorts, airfare, cruises, car rentals, and more.
How to become a member today:
- Go here, select your free gift, and click “Join Today”
- Create your account (important!) by answering a few simple questions
- Start enjoying your discounts and perks!
An AARP membership not only unlocks discounts that could save you hundreds on your next trip, but you’ll also have access to deals on vacation packages, guided tours, and exclusive content to help plan your next getaway.
Important: Start your membership by creating an account here and filling in all of the information (do not skip this step!). Doing so will allow you to take up to 25% off your AARP membership, making it just $15 the first year with auto-renewal.
Anacortes, Washington
/images/2024/05/11/anacortes-washington-sunset.jpg)
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 50 miles of hiking trails) and a packed events calendar filled with festivals and live music.
Ashland, Oregon
/images/2024/05/11/emigrant-lake-ashland-oregon.jpg)
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
/images/2021/11/17/astoria-or.jpg)
Astoria is a beautiful city overlooking the Columbia River. It's a fishing village, but proximity to the Pacific Ocean and stunning Victorian architecture gives it a unique charm.
With plenty of museums and great places to eat and drink if you want to dine out more, it's worth a stop on any journey along Oregon's coast.
Earn a $250 travel bonus with this incredible card
There's a credit card that's making waves with its amazing bonus and benefits. The Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card has no annual fee and you can earn 25,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening.
You can earn additional points just by using this card for your everyday purchases — unlimited 3 points per $1 spent on travel purchases booked through the Bank of America Travel Center and 1.5 points per $1 spent on all purchases. The 25,000 bonus points can be redeemed for a $250 statement credit toward travel or dining purchases.
If you want to travel and dine out more, the Travel Rewards card can help you get where you want to go.
The best part? There's no annual fee.
Cottage Grove, Oregon
/images/2024/05/11/two-seniors-enjoying-sunset.jpg)
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
/images/2024/05/11/lighthouse-state-park-scenic-viewpoint.jpg)
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.
Trending Stories
Friday Harbor, Washington
/images/2023/06/18/orca-whales-in-san-juan-islands.jpeg)
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.
Gig Harbor, Washington
/images/2024/05/11/gig-harbor-washington.jpg)
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
/images/2023/04/11/streets_of_leavenworth_in_december.jpg)
Located in the Cascade Mountains in central Washington State, Leavenworth is a Bavarian Village offering a picturesque charm and much 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 (particularly a months-long Christmas festival).
Long Beach, Washington
/images/2024/05/11/long-beach-washington.jpg)
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 rain forests.
Get a protection plan on all your appliances
Did you know if your air conditioner stops working, your homeowner’s insurance won’t cover it? Same with plumbing, electrical issues, appliances, and more.
Whether or not you’re a new homeowner, a home warranty from Choice Home Warranty could pick up the slack where insurance falls short and protect you against surprise expenses. If a covered system in your home breaks, you can call their hotline 24/7 to get it repaired.
For a limited time, you can get your first month free with a Single Payment home warranty plan.
Neskowin, Oregon
/images/2024/05/11/neskowin-ghost-forest-oregon-coast.jpg)
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 Cascade Head trail).
Port Townsend, Washington
/images/2023/12/14/port-townsend-washington-from-puget-sound.jpeg)
A quirky small town with plenty to offer, Port Townsend — located about two hours from Seattle in Washington's Olympic Peninsula — offers a mix of natural wonder (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.
Seaside, Oregon
/images/2024/05/11/seaside-oregon-town-sign.jpg)
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.
Sequim, Washington
/images/2024/05/11/sunset-sequim-washington-beach.jpg)
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
/images/2024/05/11/deception-pass-park-washington.jpg)
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 farmer's 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
/images/2024/05/11/yachats-oregon-pacific-northwest.jpg)
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
/images/2024/05/11/happy-traveler-couple-resting.jpg)
While many of these destinations make for excellent summer getaways, don't sleep on winter in the Pacific Northwest — particularly if you're into cold weather activities.
There's still plenty to do in the region during what may be considered the "off-season" — visiting during these months can also help you save money on travel.
Easy-to-Earn Unlimited Rewards
Benefits
Card Details
- $0 annual fee
- Simple, flat-rate rewards
- Flexible redemption options
- Up to 75% Bank of America Preferred Rewards® bonus potential
- Apply Now
- 25,000 online bonus points after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening - that can be a $250 statement credit toward travel purchases.
- Earn unlimited 1.5 points per $1 spent on all purchases, with no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees and your points don't expire as long as your account remains open.
- Earn 3 points per $1 spent on travel purchases booked through the Bank of America Travel Center.
- Use your card to book your trip how and where you want - you're not limited to specific websites with blackout dates or restrictions.
- Redeem points for a statement credit to pay for travel or dining purchases, such as flights, hotel stays, car and vacation rentals, baggage fees, and also at restaurants including takeout.
- 0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases, and for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days. After the Intro APR offer ends, a Variable APR that’s currently 18.24% - 28.24% will apply. A 3% Intro balance transfer fee will apply for the first 60 days your account is open. After the Intro balance transfer fee offer ends, the fee for future balance transfers is 4%. Balance transfers may not be used to pay any account provided by Bank of America.
- If you're a Bank of America Preferred Rewards® member, you can earn 25%-75% more points on every purchase. That means instead of earning an unlimited 1.5 points for every $1, you could earn 1.87-2.62 points for every $1 you spend on purchases. You could earn 3.75-5.25 points for every $1 you spend on travel purchases made through the Bank of America Travel Center.
- Contactless Cards - The security of a chip card, with the convenience of a tap.
- This online only offer may not be available if you leave this page or if you visit a Bank of America financial center. You can take advantage of this offer when you apply now.
/images/2024/12/16/bofa-travel.png)
on Bank of America’s secure website
Read Card ReviewIntro Offer
Earn 25,000 online bonus points after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening - that can be a $250 statement credit toward travel purchases
Annual Fee
$0
Why we like it
The Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card is great for individuals who enjoy earning rewards and traveling.
Cardholders will enjoy the flexibility to redeem points with no blackout dates and receive a statement credit to pay for travel and dining purchases.
Earn 3 points per $1 spent on travel purchases booked through the Bank of America Travel Center and 1.5 points per $1 spent on all purchases.
- Apply Now
Subscribe Today
Learn how to make an extra $200
Get vetted side hustles and proven ways to earn extra cash sent to your inbox.