19 Best Cities in Washington State (A Local’s Picks)

As a Washington resident, I’m happy to have visited many of the state’s most vibrant communities. In this guide, I’ll introduce you to a few of the best cities in Washington state. Many are small to mid-sized with loads of charm you’ll find only in the Pacific Northwest.

This list overviews some cities you’ve probably already heard of, like Seattle and Spokane. It also includes others that fly under the radar, but shouldn’t. The cities on this list are places with over 15,000 people. But for even smaller spots, check out my guide to the best towns in Washington.

All right, now read on to learn about the best cities for food, outdoor access, shopping, day trips, and more! 

19 Best Cities in Washington State

Seattle

Drink quality coffee, wander city parks, and browse the stalls of a hundred-year-old market in Washington’s most iconic destination.

🏠 Population: 755,078 | 📍 Google Maps | Website | Best Places to Stay in Seattle | 👉 Browse Hotels in Seattle on Booking

Seattle is the largest city in the state, meaning it’s probably at the top of the list for travelers visiting Washington for the first time. I’ll admit that I’m a bit biased as a local, but I think this city deserves the hype.  

Visits to Pike Place Market, the Space Needle, and the waterfront are musts. Check out live music shows and enjoy a prolific coffee scene. Taste your way through farm-to-table restaurants, attend a lively drag brunch, or sip beer with locals at numerous craft breweries.

There are plenty of fun things to do in Seattle, especially for outdoor enthusiasts (yes, even in the rainy season). Staying in Seattle will give you easy access to hikes around the Cascades, on Puget Sound’s many islands, and further west on the Olympic Peninsula.

Bellingham

This city has a youthful atmosphere, great independent shops, and easy access to national, state, and city parks.

🏠 Population: 94,720 | 📍 Google Maps | Website | 👉 Browse Hotels in Bellingham on Booking

Bellingham is Washington’s northernmost big city. It’s a lively college town thanks to Western Washington University, which is just south of downtown. Bellingham’s proximity to Mount Baker, state parks, and North Cascades National Park makes it a playground for adventurous types, too.

Enjoy views on the way to Bellingham along the scenic Chuckanut Drive. Along the way, you can stop to hike popular trails like Oyster Dome or search the tide pools at Larrabee State Park, the state’s first official state park. Whatcom Falls Park is a great option for those seeking a leisurely nature walk.

Prefer to stay closer to civilization? Take your time wandering through historic Fairhaven or pop into quirky independent shops, craft breweries, and museums throughout downtown. There are loads of things to do in Bellingham, so you won’t get bored.

Port Angeles

This port city is the perfect place for exploring the wonders of the Olympic Peninsula.

🏠 Population: 20,101 | 📍 Google Maps | Website |👉 Browse Hotels in Port Angeles on Booking

Port Angeles is the largest city on the Olympic Peninsula, located right on the edge of the Salish Sea. Its proximity to the Olympic National Park means outdoor enthusiasts flock here pretty much year-round.

The city is a good base for exploring the north side of the national park, as well as its beaches and nearby lakes and waterfalls. Drive up to Hurricane Ridge to admire stunning mountain vistas. Head to Lake Crescent to picnic, camp, or swim. Check out the mossy beauty that is Sol Duc Falls.

Downtown Port Angeles is small but still has a lot to offer visitors. Visit during the annual Dungeness Crab Festival in October for a delicious crab dinner, creamy chowders, and buttery scallops. Stroll along the scenic Ediz Hook, walk the Port Angeles mural trail, or take the ferry to Victoria, B.C.

Tacoma

An industrial city with excellent museums, vintage shops, and an unpretentious vibe.

🏠 Population: 221,776 | 📍 Google Maps | Website | Best Places to Stay in Tacoma | 👉 Browse Hotels in Tacoma on Booking

Tacoma, affectionately known as Grit City, has plenty to see and do. Museums, vintage shops, quirky eateries, and an unpretentious vibe characterize the state’s third-largest city.

Tacoma’s biggest attraction, Point Defiance Park, has a zoo and aquarium, a rose garden, a history museum, and miles of trails. Downtown has the bulk of Tacoma’s popular museums, including the renowned Museum of Glass and the Washington State History Museum. It’s also home to Antique Row, which has some of the city’s best vintage shops.

Get a glimpse of the city’s eclectic vibe at The Church Cantina, a horror-themed bar with tasty Cuban food. Or grab a drink at local landmark Bob’s Java Jive, a no-frill dive bar in a giant coffee pot.

Spokane

An Eastern Washington city with phenomenal parks, friendly locals, and nearby outdoor recreation options.

🏠 Population: 230,160 | 📍 Google Maps | Website | Best Places to Stay in Spokane | 👉 Browse Hotels in Spokane on Booking

Spokane is Eastern Washington’s big city. It’s the second-largest city in the state and has a welcoming atmosphere that’s a bit reminiscent of the Midwest.

Riverfront Park and Manito Park are the city’s main attractions. You’ll find pretty trails, festivals, and year-round community gatherings at both. Check out downtown Spokane’s many cafes, restaurants, and cocktail lounges, or take a day trip to some of the nearby Eastern Washington towns. 

Eastern Washington has a different climate from the west, so Spokane has less rain, more snow, and higher temperatures. Still, in true Pacific Northwest fashion, Spokane is a great place for outdoor recreation. Hiking, mountain biking, and snowboarding are a few of the locals’ favorite activities to partake in, especially in nearby Mount Spokane State Park.

Vancouver

This underrated city in southern Washington has interesting historical sites, beautiful scenery, and dozens of excellent wineries.

🏠 Population: 194,512 | 📍 Google Maps | Website | 👉 Browse Hotels in Vancouver on Booking

Vancouver is one of the largest cities in the state and a gateway to the breathtaking landscapes of the Columbia River Gorge. There are plenty of nearby trails to explore in this beautiful region. Some of my favorites for both the hikes and the views are in Beacon Rock State Park.

Vancouver is charming and historic. It was established around a fur trading post, Fort Vancouver, in 1825, which is now one of its best attractions. History buffs can visit the fort to tour reconstructed buildings and watch live blacksmith, carpenter, and cooking demonstrations that illustrate how these activities were done in the 19th century.

You’ll find numerous wine-tasting rooms throughout the city, but particularly along the gorgeous Vancouver Waterfront. Sip a glass or two while admiring views of the Columbia River and beyond to Portland.

Bellevue

A relaxed suburban city known for its shopping districts, parks, and family-friendly amenities.

🏠 Population: 151,574 | 📍 Google Maps | Website | 👉 Browse Hotels in Bellevue on Booking

Bellevue’s suburban vibe, easy access to Seattle, and abundance of green spaces make it a desirable place for families. The city is sandwiched between Lake Washington and Lake Sammamish, so lakeside picnics, playdates, and long days on the water are commonplace. 

Bellevue is also known for its huge shopping districts, many of which have high-end brands and upscale dining options. These make it a good place to go gift shopping or enjoy some splurge-worthy meals. Not up for spending? Hang out at Downtown Park or go to the always-free Bellevue Botanical Garden. 

Sure, Bellevue is much tamer than its neighboring city to the west, but there are still plenty of things to do in Bellevue for residents and visitors — especially those who prefer to be home by 8 pm.

Olympia

Washington’s capital city has an easy-going atmosphere, a vibrant historic district, and easy access to water recreation.

🏠 Population: 55,669 | 📍 Google Maps | Website | Best Places to Stay in Olympia | 👉 Browse Hotels in Olympia on Booking

Olympia is Washington State’s capital city, located on the southern shores of Puget Sound. One of the most popular things to do in Olympia is visiting the Capitol Campus. There are free tours of the Legislative Building, the Governor’s Mansion, and the campus gardens for those who want to see this state landmark. 

The nearby historical district is also worth visiting. This walkable area has great restaurants, cocktail bars, and excellent venues that host regular live music shows. Olympia places a big emphasis on buying and supporting local artisans. See this in action at the year-round farmers market, which is one of the state’s best.

The city’s easy access to water means that kayaking, paddle-boarding, and boating are popular here. My favorite place to launch a kayak is Boston Harbor, but West Bay and Tolmie State Park are also solid options.

Bainbridge Island

A laid-back and artistic city on a popular Puget Sound island.

🏠 Population: 24,825 | 📍 Google Maps | Website | 👉 Browse Hotels in Bainbridge Island on Booking

Bainbridge Island is an incredibly easy day trip from Seattle and has some seriously cute communities. 

Most of the sights, boutique shops, wine-tasting rooms, and other things to do in Bainbridge Island are in Winslow. Its compact commercial area is just a 10-minute walk from the ferry terminal. But go beyond Winslow to check out the city’s fun green spaces like the large and forested Fort Ward State Park and the recreation-heavy Battle Point Park. 

Bainbridge is a small city, though its size makes it feel more akin to a small town. Places close early on Bainbridge so expect quiet, relaxing evenings instead of wild nights here.

Mount Vernon

A small city in Skagit County known for its Tulip Festival, gorgeous surroundings, and excellent produce.

🏠 Population: 35,344 | 📍 Google Maps | Mount Vernon Website | 👉 Browse Hotels in Mount Vernon on Booking

Every April, thousands descend upon Mount Vernon for the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival. Mount Vernon leans into this, which you’ll notice upon seeing all of the flowers painted on shop windows, in murals, and adorning the inside and outside of stores. But the city is more than its flowers.

Mount Vernon is a quaint city in a rural farming community. It has an artistic vibe, excellent antique shops, a bustling co-op, and great brunch restaurants. Seriously, I’ve never had a bad meal at Martini Brunch.

The scenery around Mount Vernon is absolutely gorgeous. Because most of the area around the city is flat farmland, you can see straight to the beautiful Cascades. You’re only about an hour away from the North Cascades National Park, after all. 
On a drive around the valley, you’ll find plenty of farm stands with the freshest produce, so stock up for a nice picnic. Mount Vernon is also a great city for birding, as the Skagit Valley is a hot spot for migratory birds.

Yakima

This city in the fertile Yakima Valley is known for its fresh produce and Mexican food, plus hiking, camping, and rafting opportunities.

🏠 Population: 96,750 | 📍 Google Maps | Website | Where to Stay in Yakima | 👉 Browse Hotels in Yakima on Booking

Yakima is a city in central Washington. It’s nicknamed the “Palm Springs of Washington” because it gets around 300 days of sunshine a year. The city is surrounded by some of the most fertile land in the region. 

Come to Yakima to enjoy fresh beer, wine, and produce. Foodies will enjoy the fresh farm-to-table offerings at the delicious restaurants in Yakima. Love beer? The city throws an annual Fresh Hop Ale Fest every October. About 75% of hops in the USA are grown in Yakima, meaning there are tons of offerings for beer lovers.

The Yakima Valley is also ripe with possibilities for outdoor excursions. Go river rafting through the Yakima Canyon Valley, camp at the nearby Yakima Sportsman State Park, or hike along the Cowiche Canyon Trail. Get planning with our local guide on what to do in Yakima.

Redmond

A tech-focused city on the Eastside with a popular concert venue park and excellent bike trails.

🏠 Population: 76,732 | 📍 Google Maps | Website | 👉 Browse Hotels in Redmond on Booking

Microsoft and Nintendo of America are the two tech giants responsible for putting Redmond on the map. Both give the city its distinctive techy culture.

Outside of these two companies, Marymoor Park is Redmond’s biggest draw. The park is a popular concert venue. It also has walking trails, a rock climbing wall, a dog park, and areas for soccer, baseball, and other sports. 

Redmond is a bike-friendly city, with many options for cyclists to get around town. The Lake Sammamish River Trail and Eastrail are two standouts. Stick close to the city center by visiting the walkable downtown Redmond. Here, you’ll find shops of the big box variety, both chain and local dining options, and several little parks.

Bremerton

A working-class city on the Kitsap Peninsula with a small-town feel and a steadily evolving downtown.

🏠 Population: 45,291 | 📍 Google Maps | Bremerton Website | 👉 Browse Hotels in Bremerton on Booking

Bremerton is the largest city on the Kitsap Peninsula. It’s easily reached from Seattle via a ferry from Colman Dock or the Bremerton Fast Ferry. 

This is a waterfront city, so there’s a good chance you’ll be riding the ferry a lot if you live here. It’s also very close to Bangor Base, so military presence is high in this town. Those who love military history can tour the USS Turner Joy, a naval destroyer turned museum right on the water.

Bremerton has a friendly, small-town vibe. It’s a good option for those who crave a slow-paced life (and way more affordable housing options). Outdoor enthusiasts can go on hikes around the nearby Green Mountain or try their hand at oyster harvesting at the Hood Canal.

Downtown Bremerton has great restaurants, bars, and a surprising number of theaters. My favorite is Roxy’s Theatre, a historic theater that plays a mix of unusual movies and fun live shows. Barely a block away, you’ll find Ashleys Pub, a welcoming spot to get to know the locals over a selection of board games, beer, and mead.

Walla Walla

A foodie-friendly city in southeast Washington with fantastic wine and ample options for trail runners.

🏠 Population: 33,339 | 📍 Google Maps | Website | 👉 Browse Hotels in Walla Walla on Booking

If you love food and wine, you’ll love Walla Walla. Known as Washington’s wine country, good wine is easy to come by here. 

Its location in the agriculture-rich part of the state means the food scene is exceptional. Try breakfast at Bacon and Eggs or go to Saffron Mediterranean for dinner if you want to sample some of Walla Walla’s best. Wander through the cute downtown, visit tasting rooms, and take some time to relax with a book at Pioneer Park. 

Walla Walla also has a large running community. Test out the trails around Bennington Lake or go a little further to the Blue Mountains to see why the area is considered a runner’s paradise.

Everett

A blue collar city in Snohomish County with great breweries, an underrated downtown, and the biggest building in the world by volume.

🏠 Population: 111,337 | 📍 Google Maps | Website | 👉 Browse Hotels in Everett on Booking

The city of Everett is about 25 miles north of Seattle and is the home of the Boeing Everett Factory, the largest building in the world by volume! Curious visitors and aviation enthusiasts can get a glimpse of what goes on here at the Boeing Future of Flight, which features tours of the assembly plant.

Outside of its main attraction, Everett has an underrated charm and underrated restaurants and bars. Check out top-rated restaurants like Cafe Wylde, get excellent espresso at Narrative Coffee, and sip beer at Crucible Brewing.

Don’t neglect the city’s arts and culture scene, either. Schack Art Center has a variety of multimedia classes and Village Theatre puts on a fun mix of shows. Or snag tickets to an Aquasox Baseball game — it’s a much more affordable and less crowded alternative to the Mariners.

Anacortes

A quaint waterfront city with water recreation opportunities and year-round hiking.

🏠 Population: 17,832 | 📍 Google Maps | Website | 👉 Browse Hotels in Anacortes on Booking

Anacortes is on the northern tip of Fidalgo Island, one of the best islands to visit in Washington. While it’s known as the place to catch the ferry to the San Juan Islands, Anacortes is much more than a pass-through point. Its downtown is quaint. It has independent bookshops, coffee houses, antique stores, and seafood restaurants along the main strip.

Anacortes is the perfect city for water recreation. Kayaking and boating are popular, as is whale watching. There are whale-watching tours that depart directly from Flounders Bay or you can book a half-day fishing charter.

Most of the hiking trails and parks on the island can be enjoyed year-round. The hike to Sugarloaf Mountain is a fairly easy one with excellent views at the top. You can also watch an incredible sunset from Washington Park or head south to the Fidalgo Island side of Deception Pass State Park.

Tri-Cities

Sunny, southeastern Washington cities with excellent Mexican food, top-rated wineries, and outdoor recreation.

🏠 Population: 244,036 | 📍 Google Maps | Website | 👉 Browse Hotels in Tri-Cities on Booking

The Tri-Cities area includes Pasco, Kennewick, Richland, and West Richland (yes, there are four cities here, not three). The cities are all clustered next to one another in southeast Washington, and the area converges at the meeting point of the Columbia, Snake, and Yakima Rivers.

Within the Tri-Cities, you’ll find great wine, fresh produce, and tons of options for delicious Mexican food and taco trucks. Try Picante Mexican Taqueria in Kennewick or Guadalajara Style in Pasco to see what all the fuss is about.

This area has a sunnier climate than western Washington. This, along with its location on the water, means paddleboarding and fishing are popular here. The Tri-Cities are also some of the closest cities to Palouse Falls, Washington’s state waterfall.

Edmonds

A quaint and sleepy city that’s perfect for birding.

🏠 Population: 42,593 | 📍 Google Maps | Website | 👉 Browse Hotels in Edmonds on Booking

Edmonds may be a relatively sleepy city, but that doesn’t mean it’s boring. Most of the action happens around its quaint downtown, where you’ll find cafes, art galleries, and various specialty shops lining both sides of Main Street. Follow this street down to the waterfront, where the Edmonds Ferry connects the city to the tiny town of Kingston. 

Edmonds’ culinary scene is also a highlight. Grab a crab or lobster roll from MARKET Edmonds or try out Maize & Barley for delicious tacos and craft beer. 

Walk along the water at Olympic Beach and Brackett’s Landing to admire the Olympic Mountains and Puget Sound views. Don’t forget to bring your binoculars to spot waterfowl, too!  Edmonds hosts the annual Puget Sound Bird Fest, which features several days of guided walks, exhibits, and presentations by bird-lovers. 

Issaquah

A charming Eastside city with access to popular hiking trails, local businesses, and family-friendly vibes.

🏠 Population: 39,664 | 📍 Google Maps | Issaquah Website | 👉 Browse Hotels in Issaquah on Booking

Issaquah is on the Eastside, located on the shores of Lake Sammamish. Similar to Eastside cities like Bellevue and Redmond, living in Issaquah comes with a hefty price tag. But Issaquah feels a little less corporate because it has tons of local charm.

The historic Gilman Village is one of my favorite places in Issaquah. Here, you’ll find great shopping at a cluster of locally-owned small businesses housed in preserved buildings from Issaquah’s days as a farming and mining town. Visit the massive Lucky You gift shop or CITRINE Design Shop for great finds. 

The community comes together for fun activities and great food during the Issaquah Salmon Days festival in October. In summer, people gather on the shores of Lake Sammamish State Park for barbecues and easy kayak rides.

Hiking is also super easy here, as Issaquah is minutes from several popular trails. Poo Poo Point, the Margaret’s Way Trail, and Rattlesnake Ledge are all minutes away (and made my list of great hikes near Seattle). Join the Issaquah Alps Trail Club to help preserve these special spots.

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That’s it for some of the best cities to visit in Washington! I hope you enjoy your trip to the Evergreen State. Want to explore further? Check out my guide on the best places to visit in Washington state next.