13 Small Towns in the Pacific Coast Were Ranked Among US Favorites
The Pacific Coast of the United States is a vast region ranging from Washington to California and Oregon (and of course the coast also extends north into Canada and south into Mexico). Much less populated and developed than the Atlantic Coast of the United States, the Pacific side offers wide swaths of nature from the coastal rainforest to the redwoods to rocky sea bluffs. With countless beaches, historic lighthouses, and artsy seaside communities, it is difficult to pick just a few favorite small towns on the Pacific Coast. However, these top-ranked small towns are a great place to start planning some Pacific adventures!
Bandon, Oregon
Situated in southern Oregon, Bandon – the “Cranberry Capitol of Oregon” – has more to offer than just tasty fruit, although visitors should definitely indulge in the many iconic cranberry treats while there. The Old Town District will supply everything needed for a day of foodie indulgences, from seafood to local wine to locally made sweet treats. Balance your chow-down with some physical activity and cultural appreciation with a walk along the Oregon Coast Public Art Trail, featuring sculptures made of sea trash as part of the Washed Ashore Project, as well as blown glass, contemporary art. Not to mention that this is all set against a background of the wild Pacific Ocean with scenic beaches and famous lighthouses.
Carmel-by-the-Sea, California
Carmel-by-the-Sea is just as romantic a destination as its name suggests. Stunning ocean sunsets, rental cottages fit for a fairy tale, and tours of famous poets’ homes make this tiny town something visitors must experience to believe. A tour of the stone house of poet Robinson Jeffers provides a peek into the mind of this luminary, who took his inspiration from the beauty of this seaside location. And he wasn’t the only creative to recognize the artistic potential of this town. Author Jack London founded an early artist’s colony here in the early 1900s and Ansel Adams resided here in the 1960s. Today, the historical meets the modern on Ocean Avenue, where you can wander old courtyards while sipping a latte from the Carmel Valley Roasting Company and browsing contemporary art.
Friday Harbor, Washington
A quick escape by ferry from the bustling city of Seattle, Friday Harbor is a place where time slows down, and you can really live in the moment. Embrace the slow pace with a bike ride or trolley ride around the island, taking in the colorful historic waterfront buildings, seeing the sights from atop the Lime Kiln Lighthouse, and stopping in at the charming San Juan Island Farmer’s market. Board a boat with one of the many tour companies for the chance to see orcas, humpbacks, and many more magnificent marine animals! If that piques your interest, you should definitely check out the Whale Museum to learn more about these fascinating creatures and how to help preserve them.
Capitola, California
Just 70 miles south of San Francisco, this adorable seaside town provides all the colorful vibrancy of San Fran without the crowds. The beach is a great place to start any trip, its 360-degree views show off not just the beautiful Pacific Ocean but also the rainbow of brightly colored buildings of the Esplanade in the village. With easy access to the village’s shops and restaurants, it's easy to spend a whole day just soaking in the sun and popping into town for refreshments. In the evenings, the beach will also host movie nights or live music, providing even more reasons not to leave your sandy haven!
Solvang, California
An unexpected Danish treat a couple of hours north of Los Angeles, the town of Solvang has everything you need for a mini-European vacation. Climb aboard a wooden horse-drawn trolley to trot around town and admire the old-world European architecture including charming windmills, clock towers, and taverns. Visit the many gift and souvenir shops for unique items like music boxes and porcelain figurines. But most importantly, make sure to taste the variety of delectable Danish pastries from the many bakery options, Olsen’s Danish Village Bakery is a favorite for strudels and waffles. You can wash down your treats with local wine at more than 15 wine-tasting rooms.
Florence, Oregon
Much different than the famous Florence, Italy, but just as rich in beauty and wonders, Florence Oregon is a must-visit destination on the Pacific Coast. The Historic Old Town district is lined with historic buildings, antique shops, and great views of the Siuslaw River. A walk along the water is both peaceful and delightful as you watch the local kayakers paddle through the waters and the sea lions frolic and play. To get even closer to these jolly marine mammals, you can ride down a 200-foot elevator and witness hordes of sea lions in North America’s largest sea cave! Cap off the evening with a night at the historic lighthouse keepers’ bouse B&B, where you’ll experience its old-fashioned charm and maybe even spot the local ghost!
Port Townsend, Washington
Historically a well-known seaport that was destined to be a booming town before the Great Depression hit, Port Townsend has remained frozen in time, with gorgeous Victorian architecture still standing from the late 1800s. Today, you can walk the streets and admire the historic buildings while enjoying the modern pleasures of gourmet groceries at spots like Aldrich’s Market, and a variety of food genres like Thai food, wood-fired pizza, and cold brews. Pack your food of choice, and walk just a short jaunt from downtown to enjoy a waterfront picnic in Chetzemoka Park. Or head over to Fort Worden Park to explore the abandoned military buildings, and take in the stunning views of the Strait of Juan de Fuca.
Astoria, Oregon
A town chock full of history, natural beauty, and old-time charm, Astoria is an idyllic spot to spend a few days. The Astoria Riverwalk is a great place to start your exploration of the town, where you’ll have excellent views of the epic Astoria-Megler Bridge, the ships docked in the port, and a plethora of eateries and breweries along the way. The Buoy Beer Company is a particularly unique place to grab a beer. Located on the water, the glass floor allows you to peer into the ocean and marine life below! For a more historical perspective, check out the Heritage Museum, constructed in 1904, where you can see recreations of the lives of the first indigenous peoples, pioneers, and even prohibition-era wild west saloons.
Mendocino, California
The village of Mendocino is perched on a seaside bluff overlooking the ocean, and surrounded on all sides by natural beauty. The Victorian-style buildings are a treat to look at, and the unique shops will pique your interest with everything from old-fashioned wooden toys to homemade jams and preserves. But the real magic of Mendocino is in the nature surrounding the town. Mendocino Headlands State Park offers breathtaking views of the cliff bluffs, sea caves, and the turquoise waters washing up onto a wide sandy beach. A great place for beachcombing and tide pooling, the Headlands are the perfect spot to set up your picnic blanket for the day and explore.
Cambria, California
A hidden gem in the gap between San Fransico and Los Angeles, Cambria, California offers a quiet escape from the hectic pace of these metropolitan areas. A walk on Moonstone Beach is sure to calm your nervous system and the sea air will rejuvenate your spirit. This beach and the surrounding coastal trail are teeming with wildlife from seabirds to whales, and the boardwalk trail allows visitors of varying abilities to enjoy this natural paradise. And if you do miss the cacophony of noise of city life, you might try stopping by Piedras Blancas Elephant Seal Rookery just north of Cambria, where thousands of elephant seals gather and produce sounds and smells to rival any big city.
La Push, Washington
Perhaps most well-known as the home of werewolf Jacob Black of the Twilight series, La Push is even more magical in real life than this popular fiction could portray. The crescent-shaped First Beach is a lovely place to take a long walk, and you can even camp out or rent a cabin on the beachfront at the Quileute Nation's Oceanside Resort. For a longer hike and some different scenery, Second and Third Beach will take you through the lush rainforest and remote beaches. Don’t worry about having to make a tough choice about which restaurant to eat at, because there’s only one in town! The River’s Edge Restaurant has everything you need for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, or you can head up to Forks (home of the fictional Bella Swan) for more dining options.
Port Orford, Oregon
For those who cannot decide between a trip to the mountains, the ocean, or coastal forests, head to Port Orford, Oregon where folks can have it all! Battle Rock Park offers great hiking walking along a narrow spine of rock rising from the ocean, with views of Humbug Mountain. Or explore the hidden coves and Sitka Spruce forest at Port Orford Heads State Park. And the beauty doesn’t just start outside the town borders, the town itself is full of artistry and creative locals. The Port Orford Art Trail, which connects to the Bandon Art Trail, will wow you with steel sculptures, tile mosaic art, and outdoor murals.
Pismo Beach, California
One of the great spectacles on the Pacific Coast is the ~5,000-kilometer mass migration of the iconic monarch butterflies, and Pismo Beach is one of the best places to experience the magic of this natural phenomenon. In the freezing winters, after migrating south from Canada, 10,000 monarch butterflies gather in a stopover site at the Pismo State Becah Monarch Butterfly Grove, hanging in large groups on the Eucalyptus trees, a sight which truly has to be seen to be believed. And butterflies aren’t the only creatures that appreciate this little beach haven. The beach is rife with seabirds, shorebirds, and sea otters and even dolphins can be spotted from shore!
Takeaway
Whether travelers are wanting to whale watch, eat cranberries and Danish pastries, or engage with an eclectic artists' community, the Pacific Coast has the ideal small town. From well-known attractions like Friday Harbor in the San Juan Islands to hidden gems like Moonstone Beach in Cambria, California, the beauty and diversity of the Pacific Coast meets our wildest expectations, and wildly surprises us at the same time!
