17 Best Cities in Washington State in 2023 (A Local’s Picks)
I’m a Seattle local who travels all throughout the state and in this guide, I share the best cities in Washington. Several are small to mid-sized, and each caters to a variety of visitors and potential residents.
Many destinations made my list of the best places to visit in Washington state! But a couple of lesser-known spots may surprise you. Read on to learn more about Washington’s trendy, nature-loving, and vibrant cities.
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17 Best Cities in Washington State
Seattle
Washington’s biggest city with endless options for playing, dining, and nightlife
🏠 Population: 733,919 | 📍 Google Maps | Website | 👉 Browse Hotels in Seattle on Booking
As the largest city in the state and one of the most popular cities in Washington, Seattle is full of worthwhile things to do. Visits to Pike Place Market, the Museum of Pop Culture, and the Space Needle are among some of the best, but it doesn’t end there.
You can experience live music shows and a prolific coffee scene. Taste your way through unique restaurants, bars, and breweries. Attend festivals, then wander through the many neighborhoods that give the Emerald City its flavor.
If you love big city amenities, you’ll love Seattle. It’s a good place to stay while you go on nearby hikes or take off on day trips to some of the other top cities and towns in Washington state.
📚 Related Reading: Want to book a hotel in the big city, but can’t decide where? Check out my guide on where to stay in Seattle for a round-up of some great options!
Bellingham
A Canada-adjacent city with a solid brewery scene and easy access to an epic national park
🏠 Population: 92,289 | 📍 Google Maps | Website | 👉 Browse Hotels in Bellingham on Booking
Washington’s northernmost big city is a lively college town that has an adventurous outdoor atmosphere.
Bellingham is close to the Canadian border, Mount Baker, and the North Cascades National Park, and is a hub for ferries going to Alaska. Outdoor enthusiast? Go hiking, enjoy the scenic Chuckanut Drive, bike along gorgeous trails, or hit up the mountains for snow sports.
If you prefer to stay closer to civilization, take your time wandering through the super cute Fairhaven neighborhood. Also, check out downtown Bellingham’s museums and craft breweries like Wander Brewing and Aslan Brewing Company.
For more, see my full list of the best things to do in Bellingham.
Port Angeles
The perfect city for exploring the wonders of the Olympic National Park and spending time on the water
🏠 Population: 20,134 | 📍 Google Maps | Website | 👉 Browse Hotels in Port Angeles on Booking
Port Angeles is a small city in western Washington. Because it’s right on the water, there are many ways to enjoy it. Attend the annual Dungeness Crab and Seafood Festival, stroll along the scenic Ediz Hook, or take the ferry to Victoria, B.C.
Another one of the city’s perks is that it’s a mere 7 miles from the Olympic National Park, the prettiest place in Washington state. Experiencing this park’s rainforests, mountains, and coastal beaches is a popular thing to do when visiting. Go up to Hurricane Ridge for jaw-dropping views or to Lake Crescent to picnic, camp, or swim.
Tacoma
A cool, industrial city with good museums, shopping, entertainment, and outdoor activities
🏠 Population: 219,205 | 📍 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 a bold art scene characterize the state’s third-largest city.
Point Defiance Park on the northwesternmost part of Tacoma contains a zoo, aquarium, rose garden, museum, and miles of trails. Mount Rainier National Park is only about an hour and a half away. Both make Tacoma a good destination for outdoor lovers.
Unpretentious and eclectic, Tacoma has some great entertainment options on par with Seattle’s. Its location in the south sound also means it’s easy to get to other cities like Olympia, Lakewood, or Federal Way for further exploring.
Spokane
Eastern Washington city with phenomenal parks, friendly locals, and outdoor recreation
🏠 Population: 229,071 | 📍 Google Maps | Website | 👉 Browse Hotels in Spokane on Booking
Spokane is Eastern Washington’s most exciting city. It’s the second largest in the state and full of pubs, cafes, and breweries, along with a welcoming atmosphere a bit reminiscent of the midwest.
Riverfront Park and Manito Park are the city’s main attractions. Expect pretty scenery, festivals, and community gatherings at either. Day trips to nearby cities and charming Washington towns like Spokane Valley, Moses Lake, Grand Coulee, and Coulee City are also worth taking.
Eastern Washington has a different climate than 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 just a few of locals’ favorite activities.
Vancouver
Southern Washington city with historical sites and some of the most beautiful scenery in the state
🏠 Population: 192,169 | 📍 Google Maps | Website | 👉 Browse Hotels in Vancouver on Booking
Vancouver is one of the largest cities in the state and the gateway to the breathtaking landscapes of the Columbia River Gorge region. It’s sometimes overshadowed by its proximity to Portland, Oregon. But Vancouver is a cool, safe, and historical city brimming with interesting things to do.
History lovers can learn about how the city was a stopping point for Lewis and Clark. Fort Vancouver and the Clark County Historical Museum are good places for diving deeper into the city’s past.
Check out local events and entertainment at Esther Short Park. Wander over to Waterfront Park for dining and recreation options. If you’re feeling adventurous, visit the Columbia River Gorge and Mount St Helens. Both are excellent places for enchanting wildflower hikes.
Bellevue
A relaxed suburban city with tons of shopping, parks, and family-friendly amenities
🏠 Population: 149,440 | 📍 Google Maps | Website | 👉 Browse Hotels in Bellevue on Booking
Access to Seattle and the outdoors, plus a manicured, suburban feel makes Bellevue a desirable place for families. There are plenty of beach parks along Lake Washington, perfect for picnics, playdates, and long days on the water.
Bellevue is also known for its huge shopping districts with 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 botanical gardens. Though Bellevue is much tamer than its neighboring city to the west, there are still plenty of things to do in Bellevue for residents and visitors.
Olympia
Home of the state’s Capitol Building with great local shops and an easygoing atmosphere
🏠 Population: 55,919 | 📍 Google Maps | Website | 👉 Browse Hotels in Olympia on Booking
Olympia is Washington state’s capitol, located at the south end of the Puget Sound. One of the best things to do in Olympia is to visit the Capitol Campus and the Legislative Building, which is open for daily tours.
The nearby historical district is also worth a visit. This walkable area has excellent dining options, bars, and unique shops. Stop at Percival Landing Park, too! This well-maintained waterfront park has walking paths, sculptures, and pretty views.
Olympia places a big emphasis on buying and supporting local artisans. One place to see this in action is at the farmers market (one of the best in the state!), where you can get to know the kind-hearted locals of this inviting city.
Bainbridge Island
A laid-back and artsy city on a popular island in the Puget Sound
🏠 Population: 24,546 | 📍 Google Maps | Website | 👉 Browse Hotels in Bainbridge Island on Booking
If you want a glimpse into island life, Bainbridge is one of the best places to go. It’s only a 30-minute ferry ride from Seattle, and the community that lives there is laid back and arts-focused.
Most of the sights, shopping boutiques, events, and other things to do in Bainbridge Island are in Winslow. This downtown area is only a 10-minute walk from the ferry terminal. The island is also full of fun parks like the large and foresty Fort Ward State Park, and the recreation-focused Battle Point Park.
Since Bainbridge is tiny for a city, it feels more like a small town. Places close early on Bainbridge, so expect quiet, relaxing evenings instead of wild nights here.
📚 Related Reading: If you love islands, you’ll want to check out my article on the best towns in Washington. You’re sure to find a town you love, like Vashon or Friday Harbor, on some of the other exciting islands in Washington.
Yakima
City in fertile Yakima Valley with fresh produce, beer, wine, and plenty of outdoor opportunities
🏠 Population: 96,578 | 📍 Google Maps | Website | 👉 Browse Hotels in Yakima on Booking
Yakima is a city in central Washington nicknamed the “Palm Springs of Washington.” It gets around 300 days of sunshine a year and is surrounded by some of the most fertile land in the region.
Come to Yakima to enjoy fresh beer, wine, and produce. You’ll definitely want to plan a visit during the Fresh Hop Ale Fest. About ¾ of hops in the USA are grown in Yakima, meaning there are tons of offerings for the biggest beer-lovers during the fest.
The Yakima Valley is also ripe with possibilities for outdoor excursions. There are opportunities for rafting, fishing, hiking, and biking. This makes it the perfect place for adventure-seekers.
Redmond
A techy city on the Eastside with a popular concert-venue park and bike-friendly trails
🏠 Population: 76,354 | 📍 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 the 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 many areas for recreational activities. Redmond is a bike-friendly city, with many options for cyclists to get around town or into Seattle easily.
The walkable Redmond Town Center has shops of the big box variety, both chain and local dining options, and several little parks. It’s also where the annual PNW Chalk Fest takes place.
Walla Walla
A foodie-friendly city in southeast Washington with fantastic wine and ample options for trail runners
🏠 Population: 33,927 | 📍 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 also 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.
Ellensburg
A windy college town known for its top-ranked rodeo and charming, historic downtown
🏠 Population: 19,596 | 📍 Google Maps | Website | 👉 Browse Hotels in Ellensburg on Booking
Ellensburg is one of the most fun cities in central Washington. The college gives it a younger feel, and there are shops, bars, and cafes catering to all ages in the downtown area.
Check out the historic buildings and the history museum to learn about how the town was almost the state’s Capitol. Or visit during the city’s biggest event, the Ellensburg Rodeo, which is one of the best rodeos in the country.
Ellensburg is also known for its incredibly windy weather. Get up close to wind turbines and learn about how this renewable energy source is harnessed at the Wild Horse Renewable Energy Center.
Everett
Slower-paced, underrated city with one of Washington state’s top attractions
🏠 Population: 110,812 | 📍 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 Future of Flight, one of the best things to do in Washington State.
Outside of its main attraction, the community has an underrated charm. The blue-collar city has great dining options, like Wylde Vegan Cafe and the quaint and popular Vintage Cafe. You’ll also find a wonderful art scene, with multiple venues, galleries, and event centers in Everett.
People who like fishing, kayaking, and sailing will appreciate Everett’s waterside location. Its proximity to various farms up in Skagit County means farm fresh produce and other goods are easy to come by.
Anacortes
Waterfront city with a fun downtown, whale-watching, 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. While it’s where you’ll go to catch the ferry to the San Juan Islands, the city is much more than just a pass-through point.
Downtown Anacortes is quaint yet lovely, with lots of restaurants and cafes, along with a growing music scene to keep things lively. Nestled against the Puget Sound, the city is a great place to go kayaking and whale watching in the summer. You can even rent a fishing charter to take you out to catch fresh fish for dinner.
Most of the hiking trails and parks on the island can be enjoyed year-round. Other Whidbey Island cities and towns like Oak Harbor and Coupeville are easy to visit on a day trip.
Tri-Cities
Sunny, southeastern Washington cities with water recreation and great Mexican food
🏠 Population: 225,648 | 📍 Google Maps | Website | 👉 Browse Hotels in Tri-Cities on Booking
The Tri-Cities area has more than three cities, but Pasco, Kennewick, and Richland are the main cities under the Tri-Cities umbrella. The Tri-Cities area is in southeast Washington and 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. With a sunnier climate and its location on the water, there are also ample ways to get outside. Try paddleboarding, fishing, or take a jaunt over to Palouse Falls, one of the most epic waterfalls in Washington state.
Edmonds
A quaint and sleepy city perfect for birding and relaxing
🏠 Population: 42,758 | 📍 Google Maps | Website | 👉 Browse Hotels in Edmonds on Booking
Edmonds may be a relatively sleepy city with an older population, but that doesn’t mean this quaint town is boring. Located about 15 miles outside of Seattle, Edmonds is perfect for a relaxing getaway.
It’s got a bustling little downtown area that’s close to the waterfront where a ferry connects Edmonds to the tiny town of Kingston. Grab a crab or lobster roll from MARKET Edmonds or try out Maize & Barley for some Caribbean-inspired sandwiches.
Walk along the water at Olympic Beach and Brackett’s Landing to admire the Olympic Mountains and Puget Sound views. And don’t forget to bring your binoculars to watch some waterfowl in this birding-friendly town that hosts the Puget Sound Bird Fest.
FAQs About Cities in Washington State
How many major cities does Washington have?
What is the largest city in Washington state?
Seattle is the largest city in Washington state. According to the United States Census Bureau, the Seattle-Tacoma metro area is one of the fastest growing in the United States.
Which cities are in Washington state?
How many cities does Washington State have?
Washington state has 631 cities. This includes first class cities, second class cities, unclassified cities, and code cities.
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Now, you’ve got a whole list of the best cities to visit on your trip to the Evergreen State! Leave a comment to let us know which cities in Washington you’re most excited to see.
Nice article and very helpful but what about Kirkland?
Right? Kirkland was voted one of the best cities in the country. Moving up from California we short listed Kirkland, Sammamish, woodinville, Redmond, Bellevue and Mercer Island.
Would love to know why Sammamish didn’t make the list. I’m new to the area and looking at houses there because of the schools, crime rate, friendliness, and all that lovely nature. Plus it’s close to lakes, parks, skiing and Bellevue for shopping and dining. It’s rated the in the top four safest cities in America (in its size)
Is there something I’m missing? I love the houses there and always see so many families.
Lynden?
Leavenworth?
Great story!
Yeah, Tacoma over Kirkland or Sammamish is rather questionable, though I did appreciate the nod to my area of Edmonds. It is not as sleepy as one might imagine, though there are many older people.
There are a lot of great cities in Washington. Depends on what you like and want to experience. What is special about Bellevue, Redmond, Kirkland, Sammamish or any other city? Is it all the large buildings, no parking or lots of restaurants? Get out there and explore, but the cities don’t want you driving so take a bus.