Small Towns to Visit on the Puget Sound Islands

After living in Seattle for 9 years, there’s a lot more to explore than just mountains, trails and coffee. One of the reasons a lot of Washingtonians live in the city and by the Puget Sound is just because of how convenient hopping a ferry is. Which is why one of the best day trip adventures you can have is driving or walking up to hop an island. So, here are a few Small Towns to Visit on the Puget Sound Islands.

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Friday Harbor, San Juan Island, WA

Located on the closest island to Canada’s islands (and Victoria, BC), Friday Harbor is known for being a friendly, cute, button-nosed seaport in Washington State. There’s not a fast food chain in site. This town strives to be as local and sustainable as possible. Preferred accommodation at this airbnb!

Places to check out:

San Juan Island Brewing Co. for all local, hand crafted beers and flight tasting.
The Whale Museum for a full collection of exhibits, artwork, models, and artifacts.
Bakery San Juan for your morning cup of joe and cinnamon roll to go.

Port Gamble Antique Store // Blue Bicycle // On the Trip Side Adventures

Coupeville, Whidbey Island, WA

On of my favorite little towns on the Washington Islands. Coupeville is where Practical Magic was filmed (see my 48 hours post here) and its as charming as it is in the movie. It’s one of Washington’s oldest towns, settled on in the 1850s by Captains and farmers.

Places to check out:

Coupeville Walking Tour for the best history of the town.
Vail Wine Shop & Tasting Room for a delightful wine bar experience.
Coupeville Arts & Crafts Festival held every August for the past 50 years.

Eastsound, Orcas Island, WA

Orcas Island got its name from all of the Orcas that pop up around the island. The small island is well knowing for it’s wonderful Orcas tours both via boat and kayak. It’s also known for its historic accommodations, like the Outlook Inn that was built in 1888.

Places to check out:

The Barnacle for Lunch/Dinner/Happy Hour.
Orcas Island Pottery for all your pottery needs (opened since 1945!).
Orcas Island Distillery for award wining Pear and Apple Brandies.

Poulsbo, WA Alley // Casa Luna // Small Towns Puget Sound // On the Trip Side Blog

Port Gamble, Port Gamble, WA

This tiny town is primarily known as a wedding destination these days. Though Port Gamble is on the Kitsap Peninsula, the New England style houses, Historic church and views are well worth the 30 minute drive from the Bainbridge Island Port. You will be obsessed with how well preserved this old Sawmill tiny town is and how easy it would be to stay forever.

Places to check out:

The Painted Lady for all your antique shopping needs.
The Port Gamble Ghost Walk if you love all things spooky!
Port Gamble Forest National Parks for 3493 Acres of trails to explore.

Poulsbo, Liberty Bay, WA

If you’re looking for a unique small town in Washington State, you’ve found it. Poulsbo is, again, on in North Kitsap County Peninsula. It’s absolutely worth the drive. It’s lovingly nick named “Little Norway” due to the Norwegian settlers that founded it in 1888. Murals tell stories of viking explorers while the town is styled with wood paneling and charming decor to match.

Places to check out:

Viking Brew Coffee for a bold and strong cup of joe to go.
Crimson Cove Smoked Specialties for everything local from fish to wine!
Sluys’ Bakery for everything delicious and a local favorite.

I hope you guys enjoyed these Small Towns to Visit on the Puget Sound Islands! I will definitely update this list as time goes on because I know there are so many other wonderful places across the pond. It’s so easy to jump on a ferry for the day but I really can’t recommend a weekend trip enough.

Having the opportunity to take your time and explore is the best way to see Washington State in all it’s luscious green glory. 😉

What’s your favorite place to visit via ferry?