Best Towns Near Leavenworth To Explore (Leavenworth = $$$)

Once upon a time the stunning landscapes and charming towns of the PNW were a well kept secret. Unfortunately, (or maybe fortunately?) that’s no longer the case. In addition to beautiful landscapes around every corner you’re now likely to find a tourist. Or a million…literally.

It seem like everywhere my family and I try to go we have to fight for elbow space, and there’s no better example of this than Leavenworth (where I suppose we’re also tourists…). Especially around Christmas time.

This past year, however, my wife and I were a bit late with our planning our holidays and ended up trying to book something in Leavenworth at the last minute. While we soon figured out is for people with higher credit card limits than ours. So we ended up looking for towns nearby Leavenworth to stay in. Places that were cool in and of themselves but also had something unique to offer.

Long story short, it turns out that there are several towns near Leavenworth that don’t feel that much like a downgrade! Not only are they charming towns in their own right, but they were close enough that we could still enjoy all the Christmas festivities in Leavenworth itself.

Here are the towns nearby we considered staying in (and will probably put on our list to visit):

Cashmere

Distance From Downtown Leavenworth: 12 miles (~15 minutes)

Cashmere is the closest alternative that still feels like a “real” town, not just a highway stop. It sits about 15 minutes east of Leavenworth in the Wenatchee Valley.

If you’re coming from Seattle (like everyone else) you’ll pass through Peshastin first. I doubt you’ll be tempted, but don’t stop here. I’m sure it’s a nice place but it doesn’t have much to offer. If you really want to limit your driving there are a few lodging options there, but I’d keep going. Cashmere has more of a main street, several little shops, and a small-town vibe that’s hard to resist.

Getting There: In a car, you can reach Cashmere via US-2 or I-90. Via plane, the closest airport is Pangborn Memorial in East Wenatchee, about 20 minutes away.

What to Do:
Cashmere is famous for two things: apples and Aplets & Cotlets (those chewy fruit-and-nut candies you’ve probably seen at gift shops). You can tour the Liberty Orchards candy factory, browse antique stores, or spend an afternoon wine tasting. Even in the winter these are great stop and the snow turns the valley into something out of a postcard.

If you’re visiting in warmer months there are hiking trails, horseback tours, and even rafting/tubing excursions on the Wenatchee river. It’s not quite a rowdy as floating the rive in Yakima but it’s a good time all the same.

Where We’d Stay: Cascade Valley Inn. While it’s technically just outside Cashmere, this adults-only B&B sits on 20 acres with killer valley views.

Wenatchee

Distance From Downtown Leavenworth: 23 Miles (~30 mins)

If you’re familiar with the area at all you probably expected Wenatchee to be first on the list. Well, we’re just doing our bit to keep hotel prices low here and direct people elsewhere. Wenatchee is the first (and only) “big” city near Leavenworth. It has large grocery stores, lots of hotel options, theaters, enough restaurants to avoid boredom, etc.

Like most people, we almost always end up here when we’ve procrastinated booking. The 30-minute drive into Leavenworth is easy, and scenic Plus, if you forget something (gloves, like my daughter did for example…) you can just pick them up at Target instead of hunting through a tourist shop.

Also, let’s me honest sometimes after a full day in Leavenworth it’s nice to escape the artifice to somewhere quiet and normal.

Getting There: Wenatchee sits on the Columbia River and is connected to Seattle by US-2. Amtrak stops here twice daily, and Pangborn Airport offers short flights to Seattle.

What to Do:
Wenatchee’s outdoorsy side is extremely underrated. If you’re here when it’s warm, check out the Apple Capital Loop Trail, go wine tasting, or spend a day at Lake Chelan (less than an hour away). During the winter, you can obviously head to Leavenworth but, when that grows tiresome you can go skiing at Mission Ridge or snowshoeing on several local trails.

Downtown Wenatchee is walkable (even with kids) with art murals, antique shops, and something of a food scene.

Where We’d Stay: Residence Inn by Marriott Wenatchee. Spacious suites with full kitchens (helpful for breakfast or late-night snacks), an indoor pool, and a fitness center.

Chelan

Distance From Downtown Leavenworth: 55 miles (~1 Hour)

This one’s a bit of a wildcard. Chelan is an hour from Leavenworth, which makes it a stretch if you’re traveling with a large group or your whole trip revolves around the going ons in Leavenworth.

However, it has a lot to offer year round and, if you want to do both Lake Chelan and Leavenworth then Chelan is a great option.

Getting There: About 55 miles north of Leavenworth. You’ll head to Wenatchee first, then follow Highway 97A along Lake Entiat.

What to Do:
In summer, Chelan is all about the water—swimming, boating, paddle boarding, or just hanging out. It’s quieter than Leavenworth but still has lots of charm with holiday evens of its own.

If you want a splurge day, take the Lady of the Lake ferry up to Stehekin, a remote community with no road access.

Where We’d Stay: Lake Chelan Shores by Vacasa — A lakefront resort with multiple pools, tennis courts, and private beach access.

Should I just stay in Leavenworth?

Yes…probably.

If you can book your stay well in advance and don’t need to prioritize saving money then staying in Leavenworth when visiting Leavenworth is the perfect plan.

However, we usually stay in Wenatchee because we put off planning until the last minute and then don’t want to pay $500/night for a hotel to save 30 minutes of driving.

Alternate Pitch – You Can Always Camp…

Camping is a great option for both fun and money-savings when visiting Leavenworth and we almost always go this route if we’re visiting during warmer months.

The best place (in my opinion) is Lake Wenatchee State Park and that’s where we typically pitch a tent when we want.

You can also check out Icicle River RV Resort, Eightmile Campground, or Tumwater Campground.

Conclusion

In the end, it probably doesn’t really matter if you’re sleeping in the middle of Leavenworth or tucked away in one of the towns nearby. You’ll still get the lights, the mountains, and the bratwurst. And, sometimes, that quiet drive back at night (after the kids are asleep…) is the best part of the trip.