11 Coolest Small Towns on the Pacific Coast for a Summer Vacation
The Pacific Coast region is the strip along the western side of North America that touches the Pacific Ocean. It stretches from California, Oregon, Washington, and Alaska to the Canadian province of British Columbia, with Hawaii also frequently included. Visit any one of these mainland states for the coolest summertime getaway, enveloping yourself in a small-town atmosphere along the coast. These seaside towns house some of North America's most stunning natural scenery, including rugged shores and heartland woodlands, cliff views, and wildlife watching. Immerse yourself in the town of your choice and dive headfirst into the pleasant summertime waters after lounging along the most pristine beaches of your life.
Ashland, Oregon
This cool town for summer vacations is right on the border of California, with vivid wilderness to one side and plain fields on the other, and quick access to the West Coast beaches. Ashland is the shining star of the state's wine culture, culinary scene with local flavors, and renowned annual Oregon Shakespeare Festival from May to July. Try a variety of cuisine in any dining style at over 100 restaurants, and discover your new favorite wine at one of the award-winning wineries from the Rogue Valley AVA, which the "Wine Enthusiast" named one of the top five wine regions in the world, here in Southern Oregon.
Visit Ashland for a summer getaway or a whole vacation with enough to do and easy access 20 miles north of the state border with California that feels hidden in nature's embrace. The cozy hamlet in the foothills offers beautiful views of the surrounding Cascade and Siskiyou mountain ranges, right from downtown, and endless ventures into the great outdoors. Take a day trip to the astounding Crater Lake, about 100 miles away, and to Lithia Park's hiking trails.
Bainbridge Island, Washington
This small island town with easy access via a short ferry ride right from Seattle offers a destination hideaway for couples and anyone seeking a momentous respite from the city. The removed atmosphere makes Bainbridge Island a popular summer vacation spot with cool nature and warm waters for hot-day dips and lounging on the beach. Check out the small island's vast culinary scene, like Bruciato's Neapolitan-style pizzas and Mexican cuisine at Casa Rojas.
Scope out the entire island on a bike ride or explore on foot, with many local hotspot shops and boutiques. The all-encompassing natural scenery is astounding through the forests and the beaches, where the active pursuits range from hikes and strolls to kayaking in tranquility. Seek culture at the Bainbridge Art Museum in town and enjoy incredible views over a stroll along the Waterfront Trail around Eagle Harbor or through the Bloedel Reserve.
Cambria, California
Carpe diem in Cambria, a cool town of open views and artistic flair to enjoy through a myriad of exhilarating experiences. The fresh, coastal vibe and the reinvigorating sea breeze make this town perfect to take a pause, relax, and breathe. Explore the vast outdoors with water sports and hiking, and celebrate the little things in life alongside the "Cambrians," like a cafe terrace under the sun and dipping your toes in the soft sands.
Take the opportunity to dine on local cuisine and drink coastal wines, all amid the jaw-dropping views of the rustic coastal terrain. Stroll through art galleries and antique shops and visit the captivating Hearst Castle, which will steal your breath away. Choose from the countless vacation rentals, like a cozy cottage with a wrap-around porch, and head for an atmospheric stroll along the scenic Moonstone Beach Boardwalk.
Encinitas, California
Encinitas, the star of Laguna Beach reality TV and one of the world's best surf towns named by National Geographic, spreads along six miles of Pacific Ocean coastline with an unspoiled beachscape. This SoCal paradise has been part of the historic Highway 101 and a beach destination since the mid-1900s. Find the most eclectic downtown area with tons of cool engagements that attract hippies and keep the surfers happily occupied out of the water in the evenings.
Immerse yourself in the local vibe and relaxed lifestyle along the streets with a unique blend of San Diego's top surf shops, cafes, and record stores, and always something new popping up to make each visit worthwhile. Enjoy the coveted beaches for strolls and lounging, and see what the righteously named "Flower Capital of the World" is all about around its extensive network of unique nurseries and gardens. The peaceful San Diego Botanic Garden is the world's leader in growing poinsettias (Christmas flowers). Venture downtown for retro attractions like the La Paloma Theatre and two boat-shaped historical houses for cool selfies.
Florence, Oregon
Florence is scenically nestled right off the west coast of Oregon along the Siuslaw River mouth. The lively small town with cool vibes brims with attractions to diversify every group's summer vacation and make it a memorable one. Venture out to the must-see 19th-century Heceta Head Lighthouse amid the meandering trails, which also serves as the coolest B&B where you can spend the night in one of the lightkeeper cottages.
The unique town, with Oregon's traditionally gorgeous coastline and sunsets, is also home to one of the US' largest sea caves, accessible via an elevator to its underground haven. Visit during the summer for all the beachy fun and lounging, and return in the winter for the countless sea lions who lounge away from the cold in the Sea Lion Cave. The friendly town boasts plenty of shops and eateries with great service in the historic district, a real delight on a stroll.
La Conner, Washington
La Conner righteously wears the title of one of the most perfect Washington state weekend getaway destinations, especially in the romantic sense. The scenery and cool attractions are also not too shabby to fill a whole summertime vacation for any group. This beautiful town is home to a warm community of under 1,000 people living on the Salish Sea between Seattle and Vancouver. Enjoy easy access to La Conner's renowned marina with departing boats to the San Juan Islands or in time for the unforgettable scenery during the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival.
The festivities take place amid the Skagit Valley and farmland, with tulip and daffodil bulbs throughout the town and its scenic waterfront. Come back anytime for strolls along the boardwalk with waterfront hotels and farm-to-table restaurants overlooking the sea, as well as boutiques and museums for all tastes, like the Pacific Northwest Quilt & Fiber Arts Museum. Take a selfie at the arching Rainbow Bridge and head for a meet and greet with the natural world of Kukutali Preserve.
Morro Bay, California
This seaside fishing village of Morro Bay along coastal Highway 1 in San Luis Obispo County boasts a bustling waterfront and gorgeous nature all around. From sea views to natural wonders and trails, you can immerse yourself in your favorite pursuits in picture-perfect scenery. Feel part of the postcard on a summertime getaway amid an unadulterated slice of SoCal with year-round activities like ocean-side recreation, kayaking, sailing, fishing, and surfing. Enjoy bike rides and hikes along the shoreline with wildlife sightings and birding.
This inviting coastal gem is a dream escape for families and couples from the city for a change of pace and sights in a relaxed and scenic setting. Stroll along the Main for any style of dining, diverse shopping, wine bars, and local breweries, just a hand's reach away from kite flying, and miles of unspoiled beaches for fun and relaxation. Stop by the iconic Morro Rock, a 578-foot volcanic monolith "peaking" from the sea just off shore. Learn more about the fauna and flora around you at the Museum of Natural History, and head for a day trip to wine country and Hearst Castle, only 30 miles away.
Newport, Oregon
This small town of under 11,000 residents is a real seaside gem and significant port from the past, with attractions and pursuits for everyone on a summer vacation today. Newport is one of the chillest places on the west coast, with plenty of maritime culture. Take a stroll or a bike ride to scope out all the cool sights around you, like the Yaquina Head Lighthouse, the state's tallest and a star in many movies with its French Fresnel lens.
Take the scenic Oregon Coast Bike Route from Yaquina Bay Lighthouse to Yaquina Head Lighthouse and visit the Yaquina Bay State Recreation Site, the Hatfield Marine Science Center, or stroll around the tide pools. The chill beaches offer gray whale spotting opportunities and orcas migrating along the coast in the spring and fall. Choose from Beverly, Yaquina, and Agate Beaches and check them all off on a summer vacation, each with a unique vibe and translucent agate stones of various colors and shapes.
Port Townsend, Washington
Port Townsend is a cool summer getaway destination for the state's best natural scenery, offering countless Instagrammable shots and a downtown full of opportunities for a memorable vacation. The cool town on the Quimper Peninsula spreads naturally from the waterside to Fort Worden State Park, offering various views and trails for recreation. The park, a former army base amid the Olympic and Cascade mountain ranges, opens up to numerous beaches for scenic lounging and water pursuits.
The safe harbor location is a haven for families, with calm waters and low winds. Bike out to the notable Wilson Point Lighthouse and set up camp at a gazebo for an afternoon picnic, or save room for the famed strawberry gazpacho. Enjoy strolls through this "City of Dreams," adorned with Victorian-style buildings, monthly art walks, and poetry presses like the Copper Canyon Press. Feel that rumble? Head for dinner at Finistère, started by Deborah Taylor, with beautifully plated dishes from local seasonal ingredients.
Sausalito, California
The small town of Sausalito is a seaside art colony with easy access south of San Rafael and across the Golden Gate Bridge from San Francisco. It tops the "favorite" lists of many for tons of cool pursuits for foodies, sightseers, and water sports enthusiasts. Enjoy the beaches and nature walks through Dunphy Park near the waterfront, perfect for chilling out at sunset. The downtown scene is rich with dining options, from fresh produce stands to seafood and fast food restaurants with ingredients from the surrounding farms. It is also a renowned wine country destination, perfect for romantic visits, tastings, and strolls through the surrounding vineyards.
The rural maritime town is a real charmer with its historic floating home community, active for over a century. These tugboats and ones constructed out of vintage Pullman cars comprise a scenic collection totaling around 425 "houses" in Whittier County, with most of them right here in Sausalito. Stroll along the hilly streets with many art galleries on your way to the beach for lounging, watersports, and boat rides to sight those brightly colored hillside homes lining the sea.
Sequim, Washington
The sunniest town in Washington, pronounced "Skwim," is the king of cool summer destinations, located on the Olympic Peninsula. Spend all your days in the sunny outdoors and only seek shade along the nature trails or by the Sequim Bay waterside on its eastern side. Despite going through some traffic, the best beaches outside of town are well worth this country's longest sand spit, while Sequim State Park houses the coolest public oyster and clam beds.
Take a refreshing stroll through the astounding nature at the Dungeness National Wildlife Refuge, and if you get too hot, head for a dip on the rugged shore. Sequim is the renowned lavender capital of North America, boasting beautiful rugs of seasonal purples for an unreplicable scenery anywhere else in the nation. The dreamy blooming fields are lovely on a stroll, while the delightful Sequim Lavender Festival Weekend, on the third weekend in July, is a fun local celebration destination for even worldwide travelers.
Choose your closest town for this summer's ultimate getaway, or aim further away for a remote vibe. Enjoy easy access from the big cities, like Sausalito, across the famed bridge from San Francisco, and visit Sequim for the purple galore of lavenders, or Ashland, in time to celebrate William Shakespeare. These small, characterful towns promise cool times and countless memories for couples, families, and a group of friends on an across-state road trip along the Pacific Coast. Immerse yourself in the respite of refreshing pursuits and reinvigorating nature to return to feeling the most re-energized in your life.
