The Gateway to the Olympic Peninsula is a charming port town surrounded by national forest. It’s widely known as the birthplace of American grunge band Nirvana.
Aberdeen is a small town in Washington state’s Grays Harbour County. It’s known as the “Gateway to the Olympic Peninsula” because of its location on the south end of a peninsula. From Aberdeen, you can easily reach the breathtaking Olympic National Forest and surrounding wilderness.
In popular culture, the town made a name for itself as the “Birthplace of Grunge” because it was the hometown of Nirvana members Kurt Cobain and Krist Novoselic. Nirvana was a famous band in the early ’90s that is said to have brought the grunge movement to the mainstream. Several of Nirvana’s songs directly reference locations within town. Visitors are welcomed to Aberdeen by a sign saying “Come As You Are,” a tribute to one of the band’s most famous songs.
Join Nirvana fans that make a pilgrimage to the Aberdeen Museum of History to view a statue of Cobain, seated with his guitar. See recreations of old shops, such as a historical blacksmith and general store.
Stroll along Broadway Hill and admire stately homes and gardens built by the early lumber barons of Aberdeen. Stop by the large compass rose embedded in the ground. Enjoy scenic views of the Chehalis River from Morrison Riverfront Park.
Visit Grays Harbour Historical Seaport to see the stately ship Lady Washington. Named the Official Ship of the State of Washington, this wooden vessel has been in numerous films such as Pirates of the Caribbean. Guided tours allow visitors to walk onboard the ship and explore below deck for a fee.
Go downtown and browse through the antique shops and boutiques that line the streets. Stop for refreshments in restaurants, bars and cafés. At night, view the best local talent onstage at Driftwood Theatre or Bishop Centre.
In just over 2 hours, you can drive from Aberdeen to the Olympic National Forest and further north to Olympic National Park. This stunning region is known as one of the most beautiful mountainous areas of North America. Aberdeen is a short drive west of Seattle. Make the 2.5-hour drive south to Portland through rugged countryside.
