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With the arrival of a new year, there is always the question of how to make the most of it. Where should you go? What new experiences should you try? If whale watching, hot air ballooning, vineyard hopping, or downhill skiing are on your list, you are in luck. Regardless of what you want to achieve this year, these eight incredible Washington towns offer unforgettable ways to spend your 2025.

Snohomish

If you have been wanting to take a trip in a hot air balloon, Snohomish will give you that chance in the coming year. Travelers can reserve a balloon excursion with one of Snohomish鈥檚 partners, such as Balloon Depot, which offers either sunrise or sunset flights when the air is the calmest. During the flight, travelers can take in incredible views of the Puget Sound valleys, accompanied by a post-flight champagne or sparkling cider toast.

Snohomish鈥檚 downtown district is also worthy of a visit, featuring towering brick buildings, riverfront walkways, and antique shops. For a one-of-a-kind antique, make sure to pop into Antique Station in Victoria Village or Star Center Antique Mall. After spending some time shopping, hungry visitors can finish off the day at Rogers River View Bistro, a farm-to-table, riverside restaurant offering entrees like chicken cordon bleu, pork milanese, and homemade pasta.

Sequim

Sequim is located on the picturesque Olympic Peninsula and has earned recognition for its hiking trails and lavender farms. Those who want to appreciate Sequim鈥檚 nearby coastal beauty can hike the Dungeness Spit, the country鈥檚 longest sand spit, stretching 5.5 miles. The spit is also part of the Dungeness National Wildlife Refuge, meaning that there are up to 250 bird species and 41 mammal species to keep your eye out for. After a hike, make sure to stop by one of Sequim鈥檚 lavender farms, such as Purple Haze Lavender or Jardin du Soleil, which both offer U-pick lavender experiences in the summer months. Want to explore the Sequim Bay? Travelers are free to launch their own boat at sites like Cline Split or Port Williams Beach or can opt for a sailing charter with Captain Tracy J Hollister, owner of Olympic Coast Sailing Charters.

Winthrop

Winthrop is often called a "four-season mountain town," offering recreational activities throughout the entire year. In the winter, travelers can enjoy downhill skiing at the Loup Loup Ski Bowl, which offers 23 kilometers of Nordic ski trails. Those who prefer ice skating can do so at the Winthrop Ice Rink, an open-air, NHL-sized facility offering ice skating during winter and roller skating in warmer months.

There are numerous water sports to enjoy once the weather has warmed up as well. Just 4 miles northwest of Winthrop, travelers flock to Pearrygin Lake State Park to boat, fish, kayak, and paddle board. Prefer to stay indoors, sipping on cider? Consider stopping by Methow Valley Ciderhouse, which serves locally crafted beer, ciders, thin-crust pizzas, and bratwursts.

Coupeville

Located on Whidbey Island, just about 60 miles from Seattle, Coupeville offers travelers the perfect chance to disconnect while enjoying a variety of water-based recreational activities. Penn Cove is a beautiful destination to explore, and there's no better way to do so than by taking a trip on the Schooner Suva, a historic 68-foot schooner built in 1925.

Those who prefer to explore the cove by kayak can do so with Whidbey Island Kayaking, which offers tours and rentals to explore the water. After a day on the cove, travelers can grab dinner at one of Coupeville鈥檚 waterfront dining establishments, such as Front Street Grill, which specializes in the preparation of the delicious Penn Cove mussels!

Leavenworth

Situated within the Cascade Mountains, Leavenworth is most famous for its association as a Bavarian village. Travelers can enjoy Leavenworth鈥檚 German traditions during some of its annual festivals. During the Winter Karneval, for example, the town hosts live ice carvings, fire dancers, and a Fasching Pub Crawl.

To celebrate the arrival of spring, visitors should also attend Maifest, which features events like live Alps music, yodeling, a May Flower Run, and chainsaw carving. Open year-round, the Leavenworth Reindeer Farm offers another magical experience, giving visitors the chance to interact with and hand-feed reindeer. Those who are in the mood for some German food can grab a bite at Leavenworth Sausage Garten, which serves a variety of German sausages, Bavarian pretzels, and beer.

Poulsbo

Poulsbo, known as 鈥淟ittle Norway,鈥� is another town to add to your itinerary if you want an international experience. Each May, the town puts on the annual Viking Fest, a three-day event that features a Viking parade, street fair, road race, and a strongman competition. For some classic European cuisine, Tizleys offers plates like Swedish Meatballs and Kase Spatzle.

Make sure to take advantage of the natural beauty while in Poulsbo. Island Lake Park, for example, is a great place to go swimming, kayaking, fishing, or hiking. Campers, on the other hand, will enjoy Kitsap Memorial Park, a 58-acre camping park with nearly 1,800 feet of saltwater shoreline.

Prosser

Coined the 鈥淏irthplace of Washinton Wine,鈥� wine lovers must add Prosser to their bucket list in 2025. The surrounding area boasts over 25 wineries, with the region鈥檚 300 days of sunshine, long warm days, and cool nights creating ideal conditions for wine grapes. Those wanting to visit some of the nearby wineries can plan a visit to Airfield Estates Winery, Martinez & Martinez Winery, or Desert Wind Winery. With good wine comes good food. After a day of winery hopping, travelers can dine at one of the local restaurants nearby, such as Whitstran Steaks and Spirits, an elegant steakhouse with both indoor and outdoor seating. Before leaving town, visitors can check out the Princess Theatre鈥檚 schedule, a local historic theater that offers live music performances, plays, and movie screenings.

Friday Harbor

Have you always wanted to go whale watching? 2025 is the year to do so at Friday Harbor. Located on the San Juan Islands, travelers can spot several whale species, including orcas, humpback whales, minke whales, and gray whales, with the best months to spot them being April through October.

To get ready for your whale-watching experience, stop by The Whale Museum, located just three blocks from the ferry landing, where you can appreciate videos and exhibits about these majestic marine mammals. For those eager to explore the Salish Sea, kayaking, paddleboarding, or sailing are fantastic options. Travelers can also book a charter with a tour company like Friday Harbor Cruises, which offers yacht tours that showcase marine wildlife and sea views.

Must-Visit Washington Towns for an Unforgettable 2025

Because there are so many amazing places to explore in the state of Washington, it can be difficult to narrow your trip down to just a few sites. However, whether you want to explore the Salish Sea, attend a traditional Winter Karneval, or walk along the country鈥檚 longest sand spit, you have a good list of activities to choose from this year. It may seem early, but do not let vacation season sneak up on you. These eight Washington towns await!