10 Of The Quietest Pacific Coast Towns
The United States’ Pacific Coast has some of the nation’s most electrifying and exciting cities, including Seattle, Portland, San Francisco, and Los Angeles. Yet beyond all the bright lights of those and other big cities, the Pacific Coast also has many quiet towns that abound in tranquil natural beauty. From some of North America’s greatest expanses of temperate rainforests to sun-kissed Mediterranean beaches with great waves for surfing, the West Coast might just be the best coast for a quiet yet satisfying weekend trip.
Whether you can use a simple stroll through an Old World-style coastal village or an epic hike in a forest with some of the world’s rarest trees, quiet doesn’t have to be dull out here. With this in mind, here are ten of the quietest Pacific Coast towns.
Forks, Washington
Washington’s Olympic Peninsula is a unique natural wonderland chock full of mighty mountains and lush temperate rainforests, and the town of Forks is the ideal launchpad to explore the best of the peninsula. On both sides of town are lands included in Olympic National Park, such as the verdant Hoh Rain Forest to the east and the 7,980-foot-tall Mount Olympus that marks the highest peak of the Olympic Mountains. Meanwhile, to the west of town, Rialto Beach is a great spot to take in ocean views, coastal forest, and nearby sea stacks (or rock columns). And just to the south of Rialto, the hiking trail to Third Beach is itself a wonderful journey through the forest, and it only gets better once you reach this picturesque beach.
Closer to town, the community maintains a network of trails offering even more opportunities for scenic excursions, including Reade Hill for hiking and biking. And for a lovely country-style bed-and-breakfast, it’s hard to beat the family-run Miller Tree Inn that operates in a 1916 farmhouse.
Long Beach, Washington
Though it may not actually be “The World’s Longest Beach,” as the town’s famed archway proclaims, Long Beach nonetheless has 28 miles of continuous Pacific Ocean shoreline that allow for ample adventures at sea. Near the heart of town, the Long Beach Boardwalk is a great spot to get familiar with the area and enjoy the enchanting views. You can also catch the Discovery Trail to hike or bike to more local beaches, including those at Cape Disappointment State Park to the south. At the state park, you won’t be disappointed by its sandy beaches, prime bird watching and ocean fishing opportunities, and two working lighthouses.
In town, feel free to wander the streets and discover unique gems like Marsh’s Free Museum, which has an astounding collection of antiques and curiosities from near and far, along with the World Kite Museum, which is dedicated to one of the region’s favorite pastimes. To make your time in Long Beach even better, check into the Adrift Hotel, right by the Discovery Trail and the beach.
Cannon Beach, Oregon
Other towns may have large sea stacks, but nothing quite stacks up to the legendary scenery of Cannon Beach, about 80 miles northwest of Portland. Upon arrival, it’s hard to fight the urge to rush to the town’s beach to lay eyes on Haystack Rock, the 235-foot-tall basalt sea stack that towers over this stretch of coast. While at this beach, wander around to notice the vibrant tidepools and native birds like Tufted Puffins and Pelagic Cormorants. For even more natural beauty, go north to Ecola State Park and try some surfing at Indian Beach, or take the hike to Tillamook Head to find some truly head-turning views of the coastline below.
If you can use some more places to do some quiet contemplation and exploration, head down to Tolovana Beach for a long stretch of sand to the south of Haystack Rock, and continue south to Arcadia Beach for a more low-key surfing beach set by golden sandstone bluffs and verdant spruce forests. Back in town, check into the Hallmark Resort & Spa for a beachfront hotel with everything you need to make your quiet getaway a perfectly pleasant one.
Depoe Bay, Oregon
Home to the world’s smallest natural navigable harbor, Depoe Bay also knows how to go big as the “Whale Watching Capital” of the Oregon Coast. The harbor has been operating here since 1939, and it continues to have just enough room (about six acres) for houseboats that offer fishing and whale-watching tours out at sea. In fact, local tour operators like Dockside Charters can take you out to catch lingcod and rockfish or for a chance to see the local pod of gray whales who call this corner of the ocean home year-round.
In addition to the harbor, Depoe Bay has some amazing beach areas offering spectacular scenery. Go north to Boiler Bay for perhaps your best chance to spot gray whales from dry land, or go south to Rocky Creek to spot nesting areas for native birds along with local colonies of sea lions and harbor seals. After exploring, Channel House is a cozy boutique hotel offering oceanfront rooms and suites sporting phenomenal whitewater surf views.
Bandon, Oregon
Bandon prides itself as the “Cranberry Capital of Oregon,” but it’s hard to get in a sour mood while exploring the area’s beautiful beaches. At Bullards Beach State Park, stroll the sandy beach, try riding a horse through this scenic terrain, and spot the Coquille River Lighthouse by the river’s mouth that’s been guiding ships towards safe harbor since 1896. On the other side of the river (and the jetties), Coquille Point is a prime spot to watch seabirds and harbor seals, and Bandon State Natural Area has a long expanse of beaches perfect for hiking, ocean fishing, and wildlife viewing.
So, what makes Bandon the “Cranberry Capital”? This area is well suited for growing cranberries, and Bowman Bogs (to the south of town) provides tours of their cranberry bogs. In town, Cranberry Sweets and More is another local business that uses locally produced cranberry juice to make delectable candies, jellies, tea cookies, and even popcorn. After a long day touring the region’s pretty beaches and tasting its sweet delights, spend the night at the charming Bandon Inn near the harbor.
Ferndale, California
Ferndale may be in Northern California, but it’s far from the sound and fury of NorCal big city life. Rather, this tiny town anchors the north end of the rural Lost Coast of Humboldt and Mendocino Counties. About five miles west of town, Centerville Beach provides a glorious display of golden sandstone cliffs perched above the deep blue ocean. It’s a great place to look for gray whales and harbor seals swimming by, and you can catch the Lost Coast Headlands trail for some incredibly scenic hikes. And just north of Centerville Beach, Sounding Seas Dunes Reserve is another pretty beach for hiking and wildlife watching.
Beyond the beaches, Ferndale offers more to do in town. At the Ferndale Museum, walk through much of the town’s Victorian-era heritage and deep history, from the recreation of an old-school barber shop to a fully operational blacksmith shop. One can also visit the Ferndale Repertory Theatre, a historic 1920 theater that’s one of the oldest in the region and still stages shows. And at the Gingerbread Mansion, you can stay in one of the area’s most famous Victorian-era manors, which is now Humboldt County’s premier boutique hotel.
Carmel-by-the-Sea, California
About 122 miles south of San Francisco, Carmel-by-the-Sea might just embody the ideal West Coast seaside village. In the village, admire the fairytale-like architecture and dive into the local art scene at galleries like Jennifer Perlmutter Gallery, Carmel Fine Art, and Zantman Art. Also, take your time to try local wine at the Blair Vineyards and Wrath Wines tasting rooms. On the west end of the village, step down to walk the picturesque white sand beach at Carmel Beach and listen to the soothing sound of the waves hitting the shore.
If you seek an even quieter beach to find some tranquility, head south to Carmel River State Beach for a recognized bird sanctuary and one of the Central Coast’s best beaches for scuba diving. Once you’re ready to call it a day, check into a truly magical stay at L’Auberge Carmel, a historic hotel (built in 1929) that continues to set the standard for luxury with its posh guest rooms and the Michelin-starred Aubergine restaurant.
Cambria, California
Located about halfway between San Francisco and Los Angeles, Cambria makes a great launchpad for exploring this quiet yet beautiful corner of California’s Central Coast. The area may be best known for the landmark Hearst Castle, which media magnate William Randolph Hearst directed the architect Julia Morgan to design and build from 1919 to 1947. This grand estate is now a state park that welcomes visitors. But while you’re here, don’t miss out on natural treasures like Hearst San Simeon State Park, a gorgeous park with pristine beaches, riparian habitat, and perhaps your best chance to see elephant seals in the wild. In town, the Fiscalini Ranch Preserve has an extensive network of trails leading you through coastal forests, natural wetlands, and oceanfront bluff, with prime opportunities for bird and whale watching.
Even as you stay in town, it’s an easy walk to Moonstone Beach, a scenic haven for surfing, exploring tidepools, and simple strolls on the soft sand. And for the easiest access to Moonstone Beach and other local landmarks, consider a stay at the cozy Cambria Shores Inn by the beach.
Dana Point, California
Perched at the southern terminus of California’s famed Pacific Coast Highway, about halfway between Los Angeles and San Diego, Dana Point lets you enjoy some of Southern California’s best beaches in a relaxed and laid-back environment. Near the southern tip of Laguna Beach, Salt Creek Beach has some of Orange County’s best waves for surfing, along with a wide stretch of sand for strolling and sunbathing. Just to the south of Salt Creek, Dana Strand really is a long strand of sand that leads to beautiful tidepools and the towering Dana Point Headlands. Across the headland and harbor, Doheny State Beach has calm waves ideal for swimmers and beginner surfers.
While Dana Point has an abundance of top-notch surfing beaches, it’s also prime territory for whale watching because of its rich concentration of year-round whale activity offshore. If you fancy your own whale-watching excursion, book a boat tour with Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching and look out for blue whales, gray whales, and plenty of dolphins. Speaking of fancy, Dana Point also has one of SoCal’s finest oceanfront resorts, The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel, that provides a tranquil oasis right by Salt Creek.
Del Mar, California
Just 23 miles north of Downtown San Diego, Del Mar might just offer Southern California’s best version of quiet luxury and seaside splendor. At North Beach, walk the bluff-top trails, affording great views of the ocean and the San Dieguito River. At Powerhouse Park, discover a great green space by the main village and the town’s best beach for surfing. On the south end of Del Mar, Torrey Pines State Beach and Natural Reserve have one of California’s last forests of native Torrey pine trees, the vast Los Peñasquitos Lagoon, and over four miles of beaches for swimming, surfing, and ocean fishing.
Back in the village, Del Mar boasts an esteemed collection of boutiques and restaurants, with quite a few of them concentrated in the airy Del Mar Plaza. Right across the street from Del Mar Plaza and mere steps away from Powerhouse Park, L’Auberge Del Mar offers the cozy vibes of a boutique hotel alongside the refined luxury one would expect from Del Mar’s most storied resort.
Find Peace, Quiet, Rest, and Relaxation at These Beautiful Beach Towns
These may be ten of the quietest Pacific Coast towns, but that doesn’t make any of these towns boring. At Forks in Washington, wander into North America’s most extensive expanses of temperate rainforest. Down in Oregon, Cannon Beach has one of the continent’s most iconic natural landmarks alongside many miles of spectacular beaches and coastal wilderness. And in California, indulge in the world-famous coastal luxury and exquisite beaches of Carmel-by-the-Sea and Del Mar. Whenever you can use some peace and quiet, these Pacific Coast towns invite you to find your new favorite nirvana.
