6 Breathtaking Towns to Visit on the Pacific Coast
Stretching from Washington through Oregon and into California, the western seaboard attracts dreamers, adventurers, water babies, and sun worshippers to get away from the impersonal city into a small town embrace of breathtaking waterfront charm. From the craggy coastline with sea caves to the sandy headlands like Pismo Beach, the Pacific Coast bursts with treasures.
Flaunting the sea, the mountains, and state parks, find it all in Cayucos, often overlooked, and no wonder in all the breathtaking scenery. The slow lifestyle and unique character in each seaside town seamlessly blend into the breathtaking nature all around. It is simple to the core yet stunning in its raw simplicity, inspiring a perfectly peaceful escape amid the crashing of waves, the cries of seagulls, and the ocean breeze.
Cayucos, California
This coastal town in the Pacific, with the slogan "a slice of paradise," flaunts popularity among the local crowds but is largely unheard of in the sea of more touristy beach towns in the Golden State. Cayucos retains an untouched feel and air of the undiscovered that lets nature take center stage, while the Pacific is a top-rated stay to drop off your bag and get exploring. The mountainous background ensconces Cayucos in a cradle while adding a touch of drama with surrounding bluffs and headlands, like the fascinating Harmony Headlands State Park.
For an easy hike, the 1.5-mile trail lets the whole family indulge in the visual pleasures of the Pacific Ocean. Amplifying its tiny appeal further, the remarkable Cayucos State Park captivates visitors with gorgeous miles of sandy beaches and out-of-this-world sunset views. The town with a seductive aura is also a surfer's paradise, home to the Cayucos Pier, one of the nation's best for strolls and photoshoots against the aquamarine waters that change tint with the tide. From The Hidden Kitchen and Duckies Chowder House, to the Brown Butter Cookie Company, there are plenty of treat options by the pier.
Florence, Oregon
Florence, a postcard-like town reminiscent of the elegance of the namesake Italian city, flaunts the largest coastal sand dunes in North America, also known as the Oregon Dunes National Recreational Area to tourists. Stretching for an incredible 40 miles to the banks of the Coos River in North Bend, it is a breathtaking experience to take up on buggy or even horseback. Abounding in the scenery, where the ambiance alone feels photogenic, Florence's stunning beaches fire up spectacular sunsets, while the Oregon Coast Military Museum adds a heritage dimension to this all-around magnificent place.
Nestled at the mouth of the Siuslaw River on the Pacific Ocean, visitors can soak in the views over a picnic behind the historic river bridge, while the Heceta Head Lighthouse is a clifftop beauty gracing "Devil's Elbow." The small rocky outcrops in the aqua-blue ocean form the base below to scramble for nature lovers and capture memorable shots, and the Pacific waters feel lavish after a hot day hike. From golf to the mega-popular Three Rivers Casino Resort, the Fresh Harvest Cafe is unmissable for dinner, every bit behind its name.
Friday Harbor, Washington
Friday Harbor, a beautiful town on the largest of the San Juan Islands by the same name, takes the breath away of all who embark on an easy ferry trip to these shores for the slower-paced island lifestyle. Renowned for its enchanting natural appeal and a charming, historic, walkable seaport, steps from the landing, visitors can enjoy a smattering of small, family, and pet-friendly businesses like local shops and restaurants in lieu of chain stores and common fast food, as well as accommodations like The Orca Inn. There is no need for a car to get around—a bike rental will do.
As an artistic enclave in the sea, Friday Harbor is aesthetically photogenic on a stroll, from flowers to decorated streets and a choice of art galleries, including the spectacular San Juan Islands Museum of Art. San Juan's whale and kayaking tour headquarters and The Whale Museum delight maritime lovers, while the San Juan Community Theatre features plays and musical events for something different each evening. There is more culture at the San Juan Historical Museum and the cute trolleys, while shuttles take visitors around the island, including Lime Kiln Point State Park, where you will also find an eponymous lighthouse and the historic rocky landmark with a wooden staircase.
Morro Bay, California
Morro Bay, a seaside town right off scenic Highway 1, is literally a stud, with its volcanic monolith poking out of the ocean like a huge, sore, but extremely photogenic thumb. A perfect backdrop for coastal adventures, its characterful stance guided generations of fish captains home with the freshest California catch, which you too can indulge in restaurants and Giovanni's Fish Market, an absolute must-hit. A chatter of seals and seabirds gravitates towards this salt-rimmed beacon, guarding a habitat of fresh oyster beds.
While defining Morro Bay, the visible centerpiece, even from downtown, is not the only notable feature of the small town on the Central Coast of California. From the nearby Morro Bay T Pier to the mega-popular beach, don't miss David J Rogers Fine Art Gallery and Nifty Thrifty Thrift Shop before the cooked seafood smells tickling the nose beckon for any style of dining. Peeling off the rock, perfect waves make the tide a delight for surfers, paddleboarders, and young whitewash adventurers enjoying the roaring splash around.
Pismo Beach, California
Nestled off the iconic Highway 101, Pismo is the town with a grand opening that returning visitors anticipate, and new faces are stricken with emotion at the unforgettable moment when the coastal hills open up to the shimmering turquoise waters. Hugging the shore along the long stretch of the San Luis Obispo County coastline, Pismo Beach, a classic beach town with a sandy headline, keeps it real simple with beach cottages, surf shops, and clam chowder joints. The legendary 1928 Pismo Beach Pier is a historic landmark, reaching out into the sea for 1,200 feet as an off-beat "town square" to mingle in views. This is where tourists take snapshots or watch surfers at play while the local anglers reel in catch like red snapper, ling cod, and the occasional thresher shark.
The oceanfront boardwalk over the hard-packed sands gives access to the expansive beach, which is not only one of the state's most walkable but also among the most breathtaking in all of California. Whether you are another surfer or a fisher—no license required—there are plenty of ways to connect with nature, like a horseback trot through the dunes just south. The thrill seekers can rent a dune buggy or an ATV for the sandy terrain at Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area or explore the dramatic sea caves along the craggy coastline to the north with the Central Coast Kayaks. Pismo's unique environment with treasures on all sides offers unforgettable experiences while having starred on the big screen, including The Ten Commandments, The Great Race, Beyoncé’s Black Is King, The Bachelor, and Jay Leno’s Garage.
Port Orchard, Washington
Tucked into the Sinclair Inlet of the Puget Sound, Port Orchard, a scenic corner of the state, is unlike any other waterfront town in the Pacific region. The downtown corridor, filled with an air of anticipation of the next hotspot, offers shopping, museums, galleries, and dining, as well as nightlife, while the majestic view of the Olympic Mountains is literally an unmissable beacon from the water for the adventurous. Flaunting several marinas for locals and visiting mariners, the town stands as an easy daytime excursion via ferry access from both Bremerton and Seattle.
Offering a variety of accommodations for a weekend or a week-long getaway, Port Orchard attracts the active, the acculturated, and simple families looking to breathe the sea breeze away from the city. Breathtaking views are part of enjoying a round at McCormick Woods Golf Club or taking a stroll through Elandan Gardens. Home to some 17,480 residents, Port Orchard, originally called Sidney, is the seat of Kitsap County, bustling with diverse industries and hosting tourists with waterfront attractions, like military heritage pride at the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard with displays from the early incorporation days in 1890.
The Pacific Coast boasts many breathtaking destinations. Morro Rock features hit spots like Giovanni's Fish Market and a chatter of wildlife around its salt-rimmed centerpiece boulder, while Florence nestles along the Siuslaw River on the Pacific Ocean, with its historic river bridge and the clifftop Heceta Head Lighthouse gracing "Devil's Elbow."
Friday Harbor is a cultural gem in the embrace of the largely natural San Juan Island, with access to the famous Lime Kiln Point State Park, which features a lighthouse. Imitable of old-time charm, these towns offer to get back to the basics with beach cottages, surf shops, and clam chowder joints.
