10 Washington Candy Shops Where a Little Bag of Saltwater Taffy Makes the Whole Road Trip
Wax paper twists in every color of the rainbow have a funny way of turning an ordinary Washington road trip into a memory. Saltwater taffy shows up in beach towns, mountain villages, and city neighborhoods all over the state, and each shop puts its own spin on the chewy classic.
A small bag costs little but can brighten a whole afternoon for kids and grandparents alike. Here are ten sweet stops worth planning a weekend around.
1. Buddy & Howies Old Fashioned
Sandy shoes and sticky fingers belong together in Ocean Shores, and this cheerful candy store is where many beach days end. Found on Point Brown Ave NW, the main road into town, it is easy to spot on the way to or from the wide Pacific beaches.
Inside, the mood is pure throwback. The shop leans hard into old-fashioned charm, with an extensive selection of saltwater taffy lined up in bins and a case of fresh fudge tempting anyone who wanders past.
Classic candies fill the remaining shelves, so grandparents can point out treats they remember from their own childhood while kids hunt for wild new flavors.
Taffy is the star here, though. The variety is broad enough that building a mixed bag becomes a little game, swapping a fruity piece for a creamy one until the mix feels just right.
A small bag makes an easy, wallet-friendly souvenir that travels well in a car cup holder.
Practical details make visits simple. The doors open daily from 10 AM to 6 PM, and a stop usually takes only a few minutes.
Saturday afternoons tend to be the busiest, so families hoping for elbow room may enjoy a weekday morning instead.
Pair the visit with a stroll on the beach or a kite-flying session nearby, and the taffy might just taste even better with a little salt air on the side.
2. Granny Hazel’s Candy and Gifts
Grandmothers have always known the secret to happy grandkids, and the name on this Westport shop seems to promise exactly that. Sitting along Westhaven Drive near the marina, it feels like a cozy detour between watching fishing boats and walking the waterfront.
Freshness is what sets the taffy apart. Pieces stay soft and chewy, and the flavor lineup is amazingly varied, ranging from classic fruit picks to sweeter dessert-style options.
Many visitors find themselves going back to the bins for just one more handful.
Handmade fudge shares the spotlight. Slabs in the case make a lovely treat to split at a picnic table outside, and the gift side of the shop adds small keepsakes that capture the coastal feel of Grays Harbor.
Long hours give this spot an edge for road trippers. The shop opens at 9 AM every day and stays open until 7 PM early in the week, 9 PM Thursday through Saturday, and 8 PM on Sunday.
Evening strolls after dinner can easily include a sweet stop.
Sunday afternoons and evenings draw the biggest crowds, along with some weekday afternoons. Mornings tend to be calmer, which works well for anyone wanting a relaxed browse before heading out to the Westport Light or the jetty for a little sightseeing.
3. The Alps Fudge/Candy
Highway 2 delivers some of the prettiest scenery in Washington, winding through Tumwater Canyon toward Leavenworth. Right along that route sits a candy stop that has become a tradition for many mountain-bound families.
Calling the taffy selection big would be an understatement. The assortment here is truly unbelievable, with rows of flavors that invite slow browsing and careful choosing.
Homemade fudge adds another reason to linger, and plenty of other goodies fill in the gaps for anyone wanting variety.
A fun twist? The shop also carries a wide selection of unique sodas.
Kids often treat the cooler like a treasure chest, picking out bottles in odd flavors and bright colors. Pairing a quirky soda with a bag of taffy makes for a memorable car snack on the drive home over Stevens Pass.
Parking is a nice perk compared to busy downtown Leavenworth. The shop offers an on-site lot, with both free and paid options listed, which can take some stress out of a crowded festival weekend.
Hours run from 9 AM to 7 PM Monday through Thursday and stretch to 8 PM Friday through Sunday. Visits are usually quick, so a stop fits easily before or after exploring the Bavarian village, walking the Icicle Creek trails, or enjoying the fall colors along the river.
4. The Taffy Shop
With a name like this, there is no mystery about the main event. Planted on Front Street in the heart of Leavenworth, this candy store puts taffy front and center while the Bavarian village bustles just outside the door.
More than 20 varieties fill the bins, and many of them lean toward the unique side. Adventurous eaters can mix unusual flavors with familiar favorites, while pickier kids can stick to classic strawberry or vanilla style picks.
Candies, sweets, and souvenirs round out the shelves, so the shop works for every age in the group.
Location is a big part of the appeal. Front Street is the main stage of Leavenworth, with its painted buildings, flower boxes, and holiday lights in winter.
Grabbing a small bag here and wandering toward the gazebo or Front Street Park turns a simple purchase into part of the storybook outing.
Hours are shorter than at some other stops on this list, running from 11 AM to 5 PM daily. Plan accordingly, especially on winter days when the village glows after dark and many visitors linger late.
A visit takes only a few minutes, but the taffy can stretch the fun across the whole afternoon. Tucking a few extra pieces into a pocket for the drive home is a habit worth adopting.
5. Sweet Mickey’s Candy Shoppe
Seattle is not exactly a beach town, so finding truly good saltwater taffy in the city can feel like a quest. Ballard holds the answer, thanks to this snug storefront nook on historic Ballard Avenue.
Many locals consider the taffy here the best in Seattle, and it is easy to see why the shop earns that reputation. Pieces are soft, flavorful, and a happy contrast to the mass-made candy found in grocery stores.
Taffy is only one chapter of the story, though. Handmade fudge and other homemade sweets share the counter, while ice cream adds a cool option on warm days.
Retro candy varieties fill the shelves, giving parents and grandparents a chance to rediscover brands from decades past.
Convenience is another plus. Unlike most shops on this list, Sweet Mickey’s offers delivery and in-store pickup, which helps when a birthday party or care package needs a sweet boost.
Hours run from 11 AM to 7 PM Monday through Thursday, until 8 PM on Friday, 10 AM to 8 PM on Saturday, and 10 AM to 7 PM on Sunday. The surrounding brick buildings, the Sunday farmers market, and a short trip to the Ballard Locks to watch boats and salmon make it an easy family outing within city limits.
6. The Candy Shoppe
Ferry riders and Kitsap Peninsula locals share a sweet little secret on Bay Street. Port Orchard’s waterfront downtown hosts this old-fashioned candy shop, a cheerful place where shelves practically burst with color.
Hunting for something you have not seen in years? The store stocks a good variety of hard-to-find candies, making it a fun treasure hunt for anyone chasing a childhood favorite.
Saltwater taffy comes in plenty of flavors, and homemade fudge adds a rich, creamy option.
What makes this stop different from the rest is the toy section. Cool toys and soft stuffed animals mingle with the sweets, so younger kids may leave with a new cuddly friend along with their candy bag.
Grandparents looking for a small gift often find something here without spending much.
Parking is refreshingly easy, with a free lot and free street parking nearby. That alone can make a Saturday visit more relaxed than many busier tourist towns.
Hours run from 11 AM to 6 PM Monday through Thursday, 11 AM to 8 PM on Friday, 10 AM to 8 PM on Saturday, and 11 AM to 5 PM on Sunday. Pair a stop with a walk along the Port Orchard marina boardwalk or a ride on the foot ferry from Bremerton for a classic Puget Sound day.
7. Long Beach Candy Company
Kites overhead, boardwalk underfoot, and a candy bag in hand make up the classic Long Beach Peninsula trio. Sitting right on Pacific Avenue, the main street of Long Beach, this shop slides neatly into any beach town stroll.
Handmade treats give this place its personality. Chocolates, truffles, and fudge are crafted with care, offering a more grown-up treat for adults while kids zero in on the taffy.
Speaking of taffy, the flavor list runs long, so there is room for both bold experiments and safe favorites.
Interesting candy fills out the shelves, too. Unusual picks you might not find back home make browsing feel like discovery rather than a quick errand.
Timing matters for this stop. The shop opens 10 AM to 5 PM on Monday and Thursday through Sunday, but it closes on Tuesday and Wednesday.
Midweek travelers should plan around those days so nobody ends up pressing their nose against a locked door.
Long Beach makes the rest of the day easy to fill. The Discovery Trail, the elevated boardwalk over the dunes, and the famous giant frying pan downtown are all close by.
A small box of truffles or a bag of taffy can make a sweet thank-you gift for whoever planned the trip.
8. Das Sweet Shoppe
Sixty feet. That is roughly how long the candy walls stretch on both sides of this Leavenworth favorite, and they are packed from end to end with vintage candies and by-the-pound saltwater taffy in dozens of flavors.
Walking in feels a bit like stepping into a storybook candy kingdom. The atmosphere is casual and cozy, with a family-friendly and welcoming vibe for every visitor.
Kids especially love the scale of it all, racing from one bin to the next.
Ice cream gives this shop its own lane among the Leavenworth stops. Cones and scoops make a great reward after exploring the village, and caramel popcorn adds a crunchy option for anyone wanting something different.
Takeout is available, though there is no table service, so treats are meant for wandering Front Street.
One practical note: there is no restroom, so plan ahead before stopping in. Hours vary through the week, with the shop closed on Wednesdays and open until 9 PM on Saturdays, which suits evening light displays during the holiday season.
Buying taffy by the pound lets families control spending, grabbing just a handful or loading up for a long drive. Either way, the giant walls of color tend to stick in memory much longer than the candy lasts.
9. Sea Bird Gift & Candy
Budget-minded beachgoers, take note. Westport’s Sea Bird Gift & Candy is known for a big taffy selection at fair prices, a combination that can make a coastal day trip feel even sweeter.
The taffy display is the headline, with a wide spread of flavors that encourages mix-and-match bags. Chocolates come in a nice big selection as well, and handmade fudge rounds out the sweet side of the store.
It is the kind of place where a small allowance can go a long way.
Beach-themed souvenirs add another layer. Shell-inspired trinkets and seaside decor make simple keepsakes for anyone wanting a reminder of the Washington coast.
Pairing a souvenir with a candy bag creates an easy gift for friends back home.
Located on Westhaven Drive, the shop sits close to the marina and the observation tower, so it fits right into a waterfront walk. Free street parking and on-site parking make stopping in simple.
Doors open daily from 10 AM to 5 PM, so arrive earlier in the day if you plan to linger. Visits tend to be quick, leaving plenty of time to watch the charter boats come in, spot sea lions near the docks, or follow the paved Dune Trail toward Westhaven State Park.
10. Bruttles Gourmet Candies
Far from any ocean, Spokane Valley still claims a serious taffy stop. Bruttles Gourmet Candies on East Sprague Avenue proves that saltwater taffy has fans on the dry side of the Cascades, too.
Fun fact: the shop’s name comes from its signature treat, the Bruttle, a take on classic peanut brittle that has become a beloved Inland Northwest specialty. Buttery and crunchy, it pairs surprisingly well with a chewy bag of taffy.
Speaking of taffy, the store carries more than two dozen varieties, giving Eastern Washington families plenty to sample without a long drive to the coast. Several caramels, fudge, and truffles add even more choices, and variety gift boxes make holiday shopping or thank-you gifts easy.
Friendly service gives the place a neighborly feel. It is a good spot for retirees picking up a treat for the grandkids or for anyone wanting a locally made gift for out-of-town relatives.
Plan carefully, because hours are limited. The shop opens Tuesday through Friday from 10 AM to 4:30 PM and closes Saturday, Sunday, and Monday.
In-store pickup is available, which helps when ordering gift boxes ahead of the holidays.
A stop here could round out a day exploring the Spokane River Centennial Trail or Mirabeau Point Park nearby.